2019-2020 Ravens Roster Breakdown: Quarterbacks

Since we still have a short amount of time until training camp begins, we at MSB have decided to breakdown each positional group for the Ravens leading to the upcoming 2019-2020 season.

First, let’s begin with the quarterbacks, where sophomore signal-caller Lamar Jackson leads the charge.

Quarterbacks:

Lamar Jackson – Last season, then-rookie quarterback, Lamar Jackson, took over for now-Broncos quarterback, Joe Flacco, and finished with a record of 6-1, leading the Ravens to an AFC North Title and a playoff appearance, where they faced off against the Los Angeles Chargers.

In the AFC Wild Card Game between the Ravens and Chargers, Baltimore would fall in a disappointment of a performance by Jackson, as he fumbled the ball on the final drive, before the eventual kneel-down by a score of 23-17. Despite losing, Jackson did lead a late comeback attempt in the fourth quarter, when Baltimore trailed by three possessions, but it was simply not enough to put away Los Angeles.

Statistically, Jackson attempted 170 passes, while completing 99 of them (58.2%), and at the same time, he managed to throw six touchdowns, compared to one interception and an astounding 12 fumbles (not all were lost). The 22-year-old threw for 1,201 passing yards, while tallying a Y/A of 7.1, which would have tied Kirk Cousins for 24th in the entire league if Jackson had been qualified.

Overall, Jackson’s passing numbers were not spectacular, but it was certainly enough to propel Baltimore over well-rounded, and up-and-coming teams such as the Cleveland Browns and Chargers (regular season meeting).

Robert Griffin III – Although he has not been a full-time starter since his stint with the Browns, Robert Griffin III has served as a serviceable backup quarterback for the Ravens, as he appeared in three games in the 2018-2019 season, totaling six pass attempts, while completing just two of them (33.3%) for 21 passing yards.

Griffin notably appeared in a contest between the Ravens and Falcons, where he had to replace the aforementioned Lamar Jackson, who left the game temporarily due to him having to enter concussion protocol (was eventually cleared and returned to the game). In that contest, Griffin completed two passes for 21 yards, and Baltimore would still claim victory in the 26-16 regular season matchup. For now, Jackson will likely be the starting quarterback heading into week one.

The 29-year-old veteran began his career with the Washington Redskins, where he would win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award, by leading the then-3-6 Redskins to a 10-win season and a playoff berth against the Seattle Seahawks. However, in the NFC Wild Card Game, Griffin’s career would completely change, as he suffered a leg injury that would revitalize his stint with Washington.

After 2012, Griffin would never be the same, as the Redskins would miss the playoffs the next two seasons, and he would then sign with the Browns, appearing in five games and throwing for 886 passing yards, while having a TD-INT ratio of 2:3.

Afterward, Griffin would not play in the 2017 season and would then sign with the Ravens, filling in as a backup. Now after one season with Griffin, the Ravens hope that he can continue to turn his career around with the team and be used in trick plays or in similar formations where reverses may be utilized.

Trace McSorley – Meet the newest Ravens signal-caller, Trace McSorley, who played at Penn State for four seasons and may be entering this season as one of the most versatile NFL players in recent memory.

McSorley, 23, was the Ravens’ sixth round, 197th overall selection from this year’s NFL Draft. McSorley was taken by Baltimore to serve as a backup and multi-position player, which is comparable to Saints quarterback, Taysom Hill.

In four seasons at Penn State, McSorley played in 46 games, throwing for 9,899 passing yards, 77 touchdowns, and 25 interceptions. The former Penn State student-athlete held a career average Y/A of 8.1, while his AY/A stood at 8.5.

McSorley holds several school records, such as most passing yards (9,899), rushing yards by a quarterback (1,697), and most consecutive games with a touchdown pass (34), according to Penn State’s athletics website.

McSorley could also be implemented in the special teams area on kickoffs and punts.

Notes: Statistics were courtesy of Pro Football Reference, and the featured image is from “The Undefeated.”