Lamar Jackson Motivated by Doubters, Wants to 'Make Them Eat Their Words'

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson said Friday he's out to prove people wrong after the offseason trade of Joe Flacco to the Denver Broncos left him as Baltimore's unquestioned starter.

"It motivates me a lot," Jackson told reporters about the doubters. "Make them eat their words, that's all."

Jackson found most of his success with his ability to keep defenses off balance.

The 22-year-old University of Louisville product piled up 695 rushing yards and five scores, but he completed just 58.2 percent of his passes for 1,201 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions. His 84.5 passer rating would have ranked 28th, one spot ahead of Flacco, if he had enough attempts to qualify.

Jackson admitted Friday he needs to showcase improvement as a passer in 2019.

"You guys saw me last year. I was horrible. A lot of ducks," he said. "It's been better. A lot of tight spirals."

Jackson also noted he added between seven and 10 pounds of muscle during the offseason in an effort to stay healthy.

"Trying to compete at a high level, put some more meat on my bones. I was hurt. I was skinny," he said. "Those guys are big out there. The league is totally different. Grown men trying to feed their families, 300-pounders coming at you, running 4.5."

The Ravens front office also did its part. The team signed running back Mark Ingram and drafted wide receivers Marquise Brown and Miles Boykin inside the first three rounds.

Jackson's first chance to showcase his improved performance from the pocket in a competitive environment will come Aug. 8 in Baltimore's preseason opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.