Jets coach Robert Saleh knows the challenge his team faces Sunday against the Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson. Saleh faced him as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator in 2019.
“Dynamic, fast, violent as a runner, he’s got a really good arm, can throw the football, he’s got good targets to throw to,” Saleh said. “He is special, it’s basically wildcat offense with him. His ability to tuck the ball and run, they’ve always had an extra gap, and then his speed to capture edges.
“He’s one of the most dynamic football players in the league and he’s an absolute bear to prepare for, so this is the ultimate challenge and it’s in Week 1, so thankfully we’ve had all offseason to prepare, we’ll see how it works out.”
Duplicating Jackson can be difficult in practice. Practice squad quarterback Chris Streveler is playing the part of Jackson in Jets practice this week.
“I don’t know if there’s anyone in the league that can duplicate him, but he’ll try.”
Lamar Jackson and Robert Saleh AP; Bill KostrounOT Duane Brown did not practice Wednesday and was listed with a shoulder injury. The injury report was released after Saleh met with the media so it is unclear how significant this injury is.
Fellow tackle George Fant (knee) was limited in practice as was CB D.J. Reed (knee), OL Conor McDermott (ankle) and CB Justin Hardee (calf).
Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Jackson’s contract negotiations has not been a distraction. Jackson has set a deadline of Friday for getting a contract extension done.
“It hasn’t been difficult,” Harbaugh said. “Everybody’s kind of on the same page. The relationships are good. Lamar is really focused on football and we’re focused on football. That’s what you focus on. The other part of it, certainly there are things to be done with that.
“For me, I don’t have to worry about it too much. It’s more on the side of [general manager] Eric [DeCosta]. Lamar has dealt with it. I’ve watched Lamar do it. It’s not like he gets bogged down in it too much at all. He has a meeting here and there with Eric and they talk and it’s straightforward and what’s going to happen is what’s going to happen. Lamar keeps his focus on getting ready to play the game.”
