Members of the football community were surprised, if not shocked, to learn that Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson had fallen 67 spots to No. 69 on this year’s “NFL Top 100″ list.
It appears first-year Ravens head coach Jesse Minter wants to use that perceived snub as a way to motivate Jackson heading into the upcoming season.
Jesse Minter texted Lamar Jackson about Top 100 rating
Per Ryan Mink of the Ravens’ website, Minter revealed on a recent edition of “The Lounge” podcast that he texted Jackson about the latest list.
“Look, there may not even be one other player in the league better than Lamar, let alone 68 players in the league better than Lamar,” Minter explained. “When you have one year where he dealt with a little bit of injury and the team [missed the playoffs], certain players they hold onto that and certain players they give them the benefit of the doubt. This guy is a multi-MVP winner, has transcended the quarterback position. He knows how I feel about him. I guess I don’t put too much stock into what the list looks like.”
The Ravens fell short of qualifying for the playoffs this past January after kicker Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard field goal in the closing seconds of Baltimore’s Week 18 game at the rival Pittsburgh Steelers. Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti later stunned outsiders when he relieved head coach John Harbaugh of his duties.
According to Minter, he and Jackson had an “interesting back and forth about” the Top 100 list.
“I know Lamar, I don’t think he worries about that,” Minter said. “I think he wants to win, I think he wants to win big. I think he wants to get back.”
Jesse Minter shares big challenge for Lamar Jackson amid uncertainty
Questions about the working relationships between Jackson, Minter and first-year offensive coordinator Declan Doyle are bound to hover over the Ravens throughout the fall. There reportedly is “no indication” Jackson and the Ravens are close to signing a contract extension, and the Ravens can’t retain his rights for 2028 via the franchise tag or trade him without his permission per the terms of his existing deal.
Minter insisted that Jackson and Doyle have a “great partnership where they’re learning from each other.” Minter also shared somewhat of a challenge for his QB1.
“For Lamar, just be the best version of yourself,” Minter added. “You’ve proven over time that the best version is the best player in the league.”
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