Ronnie Stanley Explains Lamar Jackson’s Importance to Ravens
Ronnie Stanley has been around for a long time with the Baltimore Ravens.
The Pro Bowl and All-Pro tackle has protected Lamar Jackson’s blindside since 2018 and has been around long enough to remember the days when Joe Flacco was a member of the Ravens.
The 31-year-old tackle is again the lynchpin of the Ravens’ offensive line, which sees itself blocking for one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL. Baltimore ranks sixth in rushing and fifth in yards per attempt, spearheaded by the best running quarterback in the league in Jackson and arguably the best rusher over the past decade in Derrick Henry.
The Ravens enter their Week 13 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals on Thanksgiving with a 6-5 record, atop the AFC North after starting out the year 1-5. Baltimore has won five straight games, including four straight since Jackson’s return in late October.
It’s clear that the Ravens are a completely different team when Jackson is in the lineup, which is a big reason why the 28-year-old has won two MVPs early on in his career.
“He’s definitely the Most Valuable Player, I think the majority in the NFL would agree,” says Stanley in a one-on-one interview with R.org.
In Jackson’s seven full starts, not including the game against the Kansas City Chiefs when he was injured, the Ravens have averaged 30.3 points per game. Meanwhile, in the Ravens’ three full games without Jackson, with Cooper Rush and Tyler Huntley at quarterback, Baltimore averaged 14.3 points per game.
Baltimore’s lack of offense without Jackson was on full display during his absence and it’s clear the impact the dual-threat quarterback has on the unit and his teammates.
“I can’t really put it into words,” says Stanley of Jackson’s impact. “But it’s been an impact, not only on the team, but the whole organization. It’s been an organizational impact that he’s had, it’s been a city-wide impact. I think he’s been doing this on a consistent level and just been improving. It’s kind of immeasurable.”
“Electric” Lamar
Stanley describes Jackson as “electric” on the field and that he saves himself and the offensive line “a lot” with his athleticism. He says he’s the most “athletic” quarterback in history.
“It’s electric,” says Stanley of Jackson. “Anything can happen at any time, it’s electric. “He definitely saves us a lot. Definitely the most athletic quarterback in history.”
The veteran tackle says Jackson is “sarcastic” and cracks a lot of jokes off the field, but says he’s “serious” when it’s game time.
“We’re always joking, always laughing,” says Stanley of Jackson’s personality off of the field. “He’s one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. Very witty, sarcastic.”
While Stanley clearly believes that Jackson is legitimately the Most Valuable Player in the league, he says that Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns is the toughest edge rusher to block in the league. Garrett is a former Defensive Player of the Year, a six-time All-Pro selection, and has the most sacks in the NFL since entering in 2017 with 120.5.
“Probably #95 of the Browns,” says Stanley of Garrett being the toughest edge rusher. “I’ve played him twice a year for a while. He’s definitely the most dynamic when it comes to athleticism, speed to power. There’s not really a weakness in the different moves he can make or what he can do.”