The Baltimore Ravens will likely have little to worry about in the regular season if MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson is healthy. The backup quarterback situation, however, stands out as one of the more uneven and questionable arrangements across the AFC.
Josh Johnson is a well-traveled veteran, but he is 38 years old. Sixth-round rookie Devin Leary is capable of more than a few highlight-reel plays when he’s cooking, but he will likely be relegated to a role as a third-string quarterback while the Ravens work out the issues in his game.
As Jackson tries to get back in a groove after missing some workouts while the others try to get more familiar with Todd Monken’s offense, both Johnson and Leary seem to have gotten off to a fairly iffy start. In a time when it’s tough to show defensive might due to the lack of full-speed padded practices, the quarterbacks were uneven.
According to Brian Wacker of the Baltimore Sun, both Johnson and Leary struggled during OTAs, even in seven-on-seven play. Leary’s issues were highlighted by Wacker, noting both an errant deep pass in which he missed Devontez Walker and an off-target throw easily intercepted by breakout star Tre Swilling.
Baltimore Ravens QBs Josh Johnson, Devin Leary struggle at OTAs
Jackson’s issues are of the least concern. He’ll be accurate in time for the Kansas City game. The other two, however, need to start getting in gear as soon as possible. Johnson will be tasked with replicating Jackson in the event No. 8 is unable to play, but he needs the arm talent to go along with the playmaking.
Leary’s accuracy issues were a problem during his lone season at Kentucky, and they seem to have trickled over to the pros. Trying to fix those issues on the fly while also picking up the speed of the professional level has been challenging.
The Ravens picked him knowing the appeal lies in his overall arm talent. While he will be 25 years old in September, making him less appealing as a developmental prospect than some of the late-round quarterbacks, Baltimore seems willing to work through these early struggles to take full advantage of his arm.
It is still June, and a Monken offense remains one of the most quarterback-friendly systems, but the team likely wanted to see some better results from Johnson and Leary. Luckily, this is the best time for both of them to shake off the rust and get in sync with their receivers.