The man who personified the running quarterback for a generation has some
advice for the hotshot rookie who looks like the next great scampering signal-caller.
Mike Vick, who has long supported
Lamar Jackson, warned the rookie to "proceed with caution" on taking so many hits.
"With quarterbacks, we're not used to getting hit all the time," Vick told ESPN.com's Jamison Hensley on Tuesday. "When we do it, it can either get you into the game or it can shake you up a little bit. It's not like a guy sitting in the pocket, you run the risk of getting
injured. I'm not saying that should deter Lamar or scare him; I'm just saying proceed with caution."
Jackson has rushed the ball 37 times for 190 yards and a touchdown in the first two starts of his career.
On the season the quarterback has 65 rushing attempts for 329 yards and two scores -- already 34 more carries than Vick did his rookie season in Atlanta.
The Ravens rode Jackson hard in his first start, calling his number 26 times on the ground. In his second game, that number went down to 11 attempts as Baltimore consciously tried to develop the passing attack.
The key for Jackson and the Ravens will be mitigating the big hits. As
Cam Newton has repeatedly said when defending his running ability, some of the biggest hits a QB takes come in the pocket, not on the run. However, Jackson doesn't have the framework
Newton possesses, and the hits could take a bigger toll.
Some signal-callers own an uncanny ability to avoid taking huge shots.
Russell Wilson is the preeminent player in this regard, always seeming to get down or out of trouble before the defender can land a big blow.
Robert Griffin III, Jackson's backup the past two
weeks, was perhaps the inverse. RGIII couldn't avoid hits and slid worse than a 7-year-old little leaguer.
Vick played under Jackson's offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and quarterbacks coach James Urban in Philadelphia in 2010 -- Vick's last Pro Bowl season.
"I know he's in good hands," said Vick. "He's very lucky to get that at a young age as a rookie."
With Jackson slated to make his third start of the season, it will be immensely intriguing to see how the Ravens staff evolves the offense for a still-growing passer with a game-changing dynamic ability to run the ball.
Also worth noting. ... Rookie first-round pick, tight end
Hayden Hurst, has battled some injuries this season, which has hampered his development.
However, he is making the most of his recent opportunities.
Hurst had three catches for 25 yards in the previous game against the Raiders. On the season, he has seven receptions for 82 yards with a touchdown.
"He's done a good job," head coach John Harbaugh said. "He hasn't played a ton of football, so the more practice he gets, the more reps he gets, I think he really clicks in on stuff."
In other words, it's a process people. A process that's ongoing on a crowded depth chart. Set your expectations accordingly.
