AFC North: 5 things to look for in 2018

By Cody Rivera | Aug 15, 2018

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 14: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Heinz Field on January 14, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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CANTON, OH – AUGUST 02: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) on the field for pregame warmups prior to the National Football League preseason game between the Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens on August 2, 2018, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, OH. Baltimore defeated Chicago 17-16. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Opportunities for Lamar Jackson

Joe Flacco will once again be the starting quarterback for the Ravens in 2018, but like his head coach, he too is on the hot seat. He was sensational during Baltimore’s Super Bowl run in 2012, winning the Super Bowl MVP award, and prior to that had compiled an impressive record of 54-26.

But since that Super Bowl season, Flacco’s Ravens teams have only been a shade above .500 at 38-36. He’s not exactly old yet at 33, but his career is most likely on the decline. The Ravens certainly had their eyes on the future at the 2018 NFL Draft, selecting Lamar Jackson from Louisville with the last pick in the first round.

The Ravens have made it clear that Flacco is their guy going forward, and they believe they can get back to the postseason with him running the offense. But that doesn’t mean Jackson won’t be getting any opportunities in 2018. Flacco will obviously be taking most of the snaps, but the Ravens might occasionally use Jackson in some special offensive schemes when they want to get creative. Jackson, after all, is a much different style of quarterback than Flacco and could cause some problems to a defense that has prepared to deal with Flacco’s style of play.

Jackson could also be used as a receiver in a few instances, although it will probably be rare to avoid the risk of injury. And of course, if Flacco doesn’t live up to the expectations this season, the Ravens probably won’t hesitate too long to go to Jackson for a spark.

But regardless, the rookie will get some chances in 2018, and it probably won’t be long before he’s Baltimore’s starting quarterback.