TheWaitIsOver: Ravens Backup QB Scenarios to Watch When Lamar Jackson is Out

The Baltimore Ravens are a team on the rise, with a star-studded roster that has them projected to contend for a playoff spot in the highly competitive AFC North. At the heart of this team's success is quarterback Lamar Jackson, a dynamic and athletic signal-caller who has been making waves in the NFL with his lightning-fast speed and pinpoint accuracy. But like all teams, the Ravens face the risk of injury to their key players, and when that happens, the question on everyone's mind is: who will step up as the backup quarterback?

In this article, we'll explore the Ravens' backup quarterback situation, highlighting the players who are in the mix to take over when Lamar Jackson is out, the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate, and what the team's coaching staff might be thinking. We'll also examine the implications of a Jackson injury on the team's overall performance and playoff prospects.

The Ravens have a strong foundation to build upon, with a veteran coaching staff led by head coach John Harbaugh and a front office that has made shrewd moves to bolster the roster. However, as with any team, the key to success lies in the quarterback position, and the Ravens are no exception. With Jackson's incredible athleticism and arm talent, he's been able to inspire his teammates and defenses alike with his electric playmaking ability. But when he's out, who will the Ravens turn to in order to keep the team's momentum going?

Backup Quarterback Scenarios

The Ravens have a few candidates in the mix to take over as the starting quarterback when Lamar Jackson is out. Let's take a closer look at each of them.

Tyler Huntley: The Rookie Candidate

Tyler Huntley, a 2021 fourth-round draft pick, has been getting more and more playing time in the preseason. With his strong arm and quick release, Huntley has been showing flashes of brilliance in his limited opportunities, and it's clear that the coaching staff is impressed with his progress.

Some of Huntley's strengths as a backup quarterback include:

• Strong arm talent: Huntley has a cannon for an arm, which allows him to make all the throws, from short slants to deep bombs.
• Mobile quarterback: Huntley has shown the ability to extend plays with his feet, which is essential in the Ravens' aggressive, run-heavy offense.
• Quick learning curve: Huntley has impressed the coaching staff with his rapid adaptability to the playbook and systems.

Tyler Huntley's weaknesses, on the other hand, include:

• Limited experience: As a rookie, Huntley is still learning the ropes and needs to develop his game experience to become a more confident and effective quarterback.

Devlin Hodges: The Veteran Option

Devlin Hodges, a 2019 undrafted free agent, has been a backup quarterback in the NFL for a few years now. With his strong arm and good mechanics, Hodges has been a reliable option for the Ravens in preseason games, and it's clear that he's been a favorite among the coaching staff.

Some of Hodges' strengths as a backup quarterback include:

• Experience: Hodges has been in the league for a few years now, which gives him a level of maturity and poise that younger quarterbacks can only dream of.
• Strong arm talent: Hodges has a solid arm, which allows him to make all the throws, from short passes to deep completions.
• Proven pocket presence: Hodges has shown the ability to stay calm and focused in the pocket, even when under pressure.

Hodges' weaknesses, on the other hand, include:

• Limited mobility: Hodges is not as athletic as Lamar Jackson, and his ability to extend plays with his feet is limited.
• Less dynamic: While Hodges is a solid quarterback, he's not as explosive or dynamic as Jackson, which can make it harder to move the ball against defenses.

Coaching Staff's Perspective

The Ravens' coaching staff has been carefully evaluating the backup quarterback situation, and it's clear that they're taking a wait-and-see approach. Head coach John Harbaugh and his staff will likely consider several factors before making a decision, including:

• In-game performance: The team's performance in critical situations will be a major factor in determining the backup quarterback's chances.
• Injury severity: If Lamar Jackson is injured to the extent that he'll miss multiple games, the Ravens may need to lean on the backup quarterback even more heavily.
• Game scripts: The Ravens' coaching staff will also consider the specific game script and the opponents they're facing, which can affect the strategy and execution of the backup quarterback.

Implications of a Lamar Jackson Injury

A Lamar Jackson injury would be a significant blow to the Ravens' playoff hopes, and the team would need to rely on the backup quarterback to keep the team's momentum going. If the backup quarterback can't step up and lead the team to wins, the Ravens' season could be in jeopardy.

Some of the implications of a Lamar Jackson injury include:

• Loss of momentum: A loss to a backup quarterback would be a significant setback for the Ravens, which could affect their playoff chances and seeding.
• Coaching staff's confidence: The coaching staff's confidence in the backup quarterback would also be shaken, which could affect their overall team performance.
• Changing game plan: The Ravens' coaching staff would need to adjust the game plan to suit the backup quarterback's strengths and weaknesses, which could affect the team's overall performance.

Conclusion

The Ravens' backup quarterback situation is a crucial one, and the team needs to have a solid plan in place in case Lamar Jackson goes down. With Tyler Huntley and Devlin Hodges in the mix, the Ravens have a few options to consider, but ultimately, the decision will depend on the team's in