After years of stale and uninspired playcalling, the latest NFL rumors suggest that Lamar Jackson is finally going to have a more creative offense in 2023. In other news, Los Angeles Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson appears to be getting healthy, while New England Patriots cornerback Jack Jones had his hearing pushed back.
NFL Rumors: Lamar Jackson, J.C. Jackson, Jack Jones
Todd Monken Taking Input From Lamar Jackson
After Greg Roman wore out his welcome in Baltimore, the Ravens added offensive coordinator Todd Monken with the hope that the team could expand their passing game with some more creative route concepts. Well, if the latest rumors are to be believed, Monken and the coaching staff are taking input from Lamar Jackson himself on how to expand the playbook.
“I was just on social media, and I saw a couple of routes, and I sent it to coach Tee [Martin] and he was like, ‘I’m going to relay that message to Coach Monken.’ Coach Monken liked the play, so he put it in practice,” Jackson said to reporters. “We didn’t show it today, but I feel like it will be good for us.”
Obviously, we have yet to see how Monken’s new offense will work against real NFL competition, but the early signs are encouraging. After players and fans alike criticized Roman’s offense for its predictability, Moken will hopefully bring some much-needed creativity to Baltimore’s passing attack.
J.C. Jackson Plans to Participate in Joint Practices
Los Angeles Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson is still working his way back from a season-ending knee injury, but the former New England Patriot is taking a big step in his recovery. The Chargers and Saints are having joint practices in the buildup to their preseason matchup, and Jackson plans on taking the field against New Orleans.
“I can’t wait to see where I’m at,” Jackson said to reporters. “I get to compete against another team. It’s going to be fun…I can’t wait till they get here.”
Said Jackson: “I can’t wait to see where I’m at. I get to compete against another team. It’s going to be fun…I can’t wait till they get here.” https://t.co/DNEXUIebGC
— Jeff Miller (@JeffMillerLAT) August 15, 2023
While returning to the practice field is obviously a big deal, it doesn’t mean he’ll be ready for Week 1. “I’m working each and every day to be ready. If it’s Week 1 or Week 3, whatever week it is, I’m going to be ready.”
J.C. Jackson is one of the biggest X-factors in the league, as the cornerback is coming off a terrible season. After four years of high-level play with the New England Patriots, Jackson was arguably the worst cornerback in the league last year before suffering his season-ending injury. If Jackson can come back and play like he did with the Patriots, then he might be the difference between winning the division and settling for a Wild Card spot. If he continues to struggle, then this will probably be his last year with the Chargers.
Jack Jones’ Court Date Moved Back
According to Phil Perry of NBC Boston, Jack Jones’ Municipal Court date has moved back a month. Originally, the second-year cornerback’s probable cause hearing was supposed to be on Friday, August 18th, but it has since been moved to September 15th.
For those living under a rock, Jones’ legal issues stem from a June 16th incident where he was ticketed for attempting to bring two loaded guns onto a flight. Jones is currently facing two counts of possession of a concealed weapon in a secure area, possession of ammunition without a firearm identification card, unlawful possession of a firearm, carrying a loaded firearm, and possesion of a large-capacity feeding device. The cornerback has pled not guilty to all charges.
