Jesse Minter’s early approach has made a favorable impression on Lamar Jackson.
The Baltimore Ravens quarterback praised his new head coach’s personality, ability to relate to players and emphasis on accountability during an appearance on “The Lounge” podcast. Minter is overseeing his first training camp after replacing John Harbaugh.
“He’s got a way about himself,” Jackson said. “It’s just like, man, that guy, I like that guy right there. He’s smooth.”
Jackson said he recently witnessed Minter sharply correct a player for the first time. Minter then explained that coaches sometimes must respond forcefully when the circumstances demand it. That balance has helped him connect with a roster featuring established veterans and numerous young players.
Jackson also pointed to competitive periods Minter has added at the end of practices. Those situations are designed to build camaraderie while requiring players to execute when called upon without warning.
“In this league, at any given moment, any given play, it might be next man up,” Jackson said. “Guys have confidence in themselves. I can play with these guys, or my teammates are looking at me to hold myself accountable, and he’s holding me accountable.”
Minter and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle traveled to Florida during the offseason to meet Jackson. The initial visit focused more on forming a relationship than discussing specific plays. Jackson said the coaches told him that the opportunity to work with him was one of the reasons they accepted their positions in Baltimore.
“It definitely meant a lot to me,” Jackson said.
“I feel like the sky’s the limit,” Jackson said. “There’s no limit for us to have success with a coach like that.”
The Ravens will ultimately judge Minter’s first season by wins, postseason success and whether Baltimore rebounds from an 8-9 finish. Jackson believes the foundation being established through competition, communication and accountability can take the team where it wants to go.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Lamar Jackson sees ‘no limit’ for Ravens under Jesse Minter
