OWINGS MILLS, Md. — There’s a harsh reality in the National Football League. It's one Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh understands all too well.
"Until you win the whole thing you are really a failure in the playoffs. That’s the way it works. It’s always been that way," he said during Wednesday's end-of-season virtual press conference. "We just got to keep building, keep improving and try to break through."
One of the areas that needs improvement?
"We owe it to our offensive side of the ball to continue to build what we’re doing on that side of the ball."
That includes improving the passing game, which ranked last in the NFL and was a main reason why their season ended in the divisional round of the playoffs for a second straight year.
"Let's build up our efficiency, whether it’s play-action passes or drop back passes or screen game and all the different things that we can add to our repertoire there. So, we’ll be working on that very diligently," he said.
He'll be working on it with Greg Roman. Harbaugh said he expects his offensive coordinator to return. He'll also be working on it with Lamar Jackson - looking for him to improve as a passer and build off his talents as a runner.
"You just build a foundation with that in terms of footwork on the drops, the consistency of throwing the ball and putting it into spots you want to put it - in all the depths of the field and all the spots of the field - all the timing routes, all the drop backs, the different three, five, seven-step drops, play-action drop backs, the movement drop backs, in the pistol, under center, in the gun, all the different routes that he throws. He’s going to work hard at that stuff and he’s going to improve and get better," said Harbaugh.
Harbaugh added that he talked with his quarterback on Tuesday and said Lamar is doing well. He is working through the concussion he suffered in Sunday’s game and feels a lot better.
What about a potential contract extension for Jackson? Harbaugh said he is certain a long-term deal will be reached. When that happens is to be determined. That’s a question for General Manager Eric DeCosta. He is scheduled to speak to reporters on Monday.
As for this past season, affected so much by the ongoing pandemic, Harbaugh called it "life changing and priority changing". He also said he is proud to be part of what the NFL managed to pull off this season.
Harbaugh also said he expects defensive coordinator Don 'Wink' Martindale to return next season.
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