Ravens OL coach emphasizes protecting Lamar Jackson
Ravens offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford says protecting the quarterback must be a source of pride for his players.
Running the football may get most of the attention in Baltimore, but Dwayne Ledford says protecting the quarterback is just as important to the identity of the offensive line. During his interview on The Lounge Podcast with Ryan Mink and Garrett Downing, Ledford explained the mentality he wants his players to carry whenever a pass play is called. Ledford said offensive linemen have to take personal ownership in keeping the pocket clean and protecting the offense.
“Every offensive lineman loves running the football… but that job is doing both. We got to be protectors of our team, protectors of our quarterback. And we got to have a lot of pride in that.
When a pass play’s called, there’s got to be pride. It starts with the intent… pride that we’re going to keep our quarterback clean. ” Ledford also explained how Baltimore teaches pocket structure, with tackles responsible for maintaining width while interior linemen maintain depth.
The Ravens ' offensive line enters the season with several important questions still being worked through, particularly at center, but Ledford's message about accountability and pride appears to already be setting the tone inside the room. For Baltimore, protecting the quarterback isn't just about technique. Ledford made it clear that it’s part of the identity the offensive line wants to establish every single week.