Lamar Jackson has interesting reaction to question about his ex-OC

Sep 13, 2021; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) reacts against the Las Vegas Raiders during Monday Night Football at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson raised some eyebrows on Thursday with his response to a question about former Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman.

Jackson and Roman will be reunited in Week 12 as the Ravens face the Los Angeles Chargers, who now employ Roman as offensive coordinator. Roman spent four years as Jackson’s offensive coordinator in Baltimore and was credited with helping build an offense around the quarterback. However, he also received criticism for his run-heavy scheme and a perception that he failed to take full advantage of Jackson’s ability as a passer.

Jackson was asked Thursday how he looks back at his time working with Roman, and the quarterback went silent for almost five seconds before giving a response.

“It was good. We had a lot of success. Won my first MVP with G-Ro’s system, had a lot of great seasons,” Jackson said.

Lamar Jackson with a long hesitation when asked how he’d characterize his time with his former offensive coordinator Greg Roman pic.twitter.com/1WpnS5OaWC

— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) November 21, 2024

It is a diplomatic answer, but the hesitation garnered a lot of attention. Jackson had plenty of nice things to say about Roman at the peak of their partnership, but by the time Roman resigned in 2022, there was a perception that his run-heavy scheme had become too restrictive for Jackson. Though Jackson was hurt for a good part of 2022, Roman was among those who took the fall for an offense that had clearly regressed at that point.

Jackson is posting the best numbers of his career right now, while Roman has helped the Chargers with their turnaround. Both of them are doing well, even if their partnership seemed to run its course.