ALLEN PARK — There is no easy or tried-and-true method of preparing for Lamar Jackson.
But the Detroit Lions are doing their best in the situation, using a former NFL teammate of Jackson’s to prepare for the Baltimore Ravens.
MLive asked Lions cornerback Amik Robertson if the Lions needed to be ready to be in coverage longer than usual against someone like Jackson.
“Definitely, man,” Robertson said. “He is a dynamic (player). He extends plays, so you just got to have great eyes and be able to plaster and stay on our guy.”
When it comes to practicing for that type of action? Robertson pointed to new practice squad addition, Malik Cunningham, and what he’s been able to provide in practice for the defense.
Cunningham was Jackson’s successor at quarterback for Louisville. He was a four-year starter there who posted 70 passing touchdowns and 29 interceptions, with 3,179 rushing yards and 50 scores on the ground. And Cunningham also spent time with Jackson in Baltimore, transitioning from quarterback to wide receiver in the process.
“Cunningham came in, we got a good look at that,” Robertson said. “He’s preparing us, so we can be able to prepare for Lamar. At least give us a good look. I mean, Lamar is a once-in-a-generation talent. But Cunningham has come in and done a great job.”
The Lions signed Cunningham to their practice squad earlier this week. He’s listed as a receiver in Detroit, and coach Dan Campbell said they like the athleticism he brings to that position. But they wanted to use him to give the defense some different looks in the lead-up to Monday night.
At the very least, it’s a dual-threat upgrade for practice. Ahead of last week’s game against the Chicago Bears, the Lions had backup quarterback Kyle Allen operating as their Caleb Williams. Campbell was asked if Allen brought those needed dynamic looks, saying, “Well, I’m not saying that.”
Cunningham, in a video provided by CBS Detroit, said he spoke to Jackson earlier this week after landing with the Lions. He said Jackson was talking smack and that he was just happy that he was on a team getting another chance to play football.
“It’s been like a tornado spinning, you just never know what’s going to happen,” Cunningham said of his first week in Allen Park. “Just giving them little bits, showing them guys in practice some of the stuff that he (Jackson) does. You can’t simulate him. He’s one of a kind. Tried to do the best I could.”
To everyone’s point, there is no simulating what Jackson can do with the ball in his hands. Whether he’s dropping back to pass, running run-pass-option looks or breaking free from the pocket to scramble, there is perhaps no greater challenge than Jackson.
The two-time MVP has six passing touchdowns and no interceptions through the first two games. He’s added 83 yards and one score on the ground, too.
Through the last two seasons, Jackson has thrown 47 touchdowns to only four interceptions. His passer rating stands as the NFL all-time high entering Week 3. And Jackson’s stats on Monday Night Football speak for themselves. Jackson has 22 touchdowns and no interceptions on Monday night, leading the Ravens to a 7-2 record in those games.
“ … What does Lamar do well? Everything. What does he not do well? Nothing,” Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard said. “I mean, he could beat you all different ways. Run game, pass game, pass game, he could do it in the pocket, out of the pocket. So I mean, it’s why he is who he is, a multi-year MVP in this league, and I have the utmost respect for this player. He’s a dynamic player in this league, and he’s hard to prepare for.
“I’ve gotten a lack of sleep this week due to him, so I’ll make sure I let him know that after this game.”
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