Merril Hoge Doubts Lamar Jackson's Effectiveness in New Ravens Offense

There is a sense of optimism and excitement over the Baltimore Ravens' new offensive system under Todd Monken, but former Pittsburgh Steelers RB Merril Hoge has his doubts.

You will be hard-pressed to find someone who isn't excited by the new-look offense under Todd Monken for the Baltimore Ravens.

After being largely a run-first offense under Greg Roman, Monken is now implementing a more vertical-style approach. With Lamar Jackson's embarrassment of riches at receiver, many are giddy with excitement regarding what the offense could look like.

But not former Pittsburgh Steeler Merril Hoge, who was a guest on The Zach Gelb Show.

"The way they're talking about it, they're going to ask Lamar to do something he's not good at, he's never shown he's good at, and that's playing a pro-style, traditional NFL offense," Hoge said. "Now that's not me saying it. The Ravens have showed you that for his entire career. 

"A majority of their formations are two tight ends, two backs, power formation. They don't run traditional, pro-style. When they have done that or been forced to do that, he has been exposed as a passer. That is not his strength. Not in college, not in the NFL. So he has no evidence of that, but they're gonna play into that."

With some doubt over Jackson's ability to be a pocket passer, it is worth remembering that Lamar did toss 36 touchdowns in his MVP season in 2019.

Now, with what is perhaps the best collection of receiver talent ever at his disposal in the NFL, Jackson has a chance to make Hoge eat his words. 

The likes of Odell Beckham Jr., Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, Devin Duvernay, Rashod Bateman, and Nelson Agholor all have talent to burn. Not to mention the running back room as well that will have J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, and Justice Hill, and suddenly, the Ravens can score from numerous avenues.

While there will be some things to iron out in the early days, overall, everything coming out of the organization about Monken's offense has been positive.

The proof will be in the pudding as the Ravens get their season started against the Houston Texans, as we will get our first look at Jackson in Monken's system with real NFL bullets flying.

---

Follow Adam Schultz on Twitter

Follow the Baltimore Ravens Daily Blitz Podcast

Follow Raven Country on Twitter

Ravens Alert! Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Baltimore Ravens?