How will Jackson’s more assertive leadership translate into success?
It’s hard to measure team chemistry and how much it plays into success. However, quarterback is the most important position in team sports, a natural position of leadership.
Jackson sounds committed to being more vocal this year, knowing his dealings with teammates can improve their comfort level.
“I feel like just bonding with my guys will help us out a lot more on the field,” Jackson said. “Picking each other’s brains, being around each other a lot more – we’ll probably know what one of us is thinking ahead.”
As a college quarterback, Martin led Tennessee to the national championship in 1998 during an undefeated season. He has spoken to Jackson about that experience and sees Baltimore’s franchise quarterback using a stronger voice with teammates to set a championship tone.
“When I first got here in 2021, [Lamar] was the leader by play, by action,” Martin said. “There was a lot on his plate, and he was relatively quiet. You kind of saw it a little bit during gameday when his competitive spirit starts to show, but being with him every day and being around him more closely, his communication – nonverbal and verbal – you really hear him in the back having side conversations. That wasn’t the case a couple years ago.”