I think the most interesting thing about the trade isn’t that Lamar Jackson knew that Hollywood Brown wanted out, but the reason why he wanted out.
Brown speaking to “I AM ATHLETE,” says the Ravens system made him want to go play somewhere else. That system that is more focused on power running than passing isn’t great for Wide Receivers.
Even though fans and media alike have pushed for the Ravens to open up the offense as it is easier to scheme against in playoffs, they have chosen to stick to their guns.
They feel that Hollywood can be replaced. We will see if they are right or not.
Here is what he had to say to I AM ATHLETE.
“Nah, he wasn’t surprised,” Brown said. “I talked to Lamar about it after my second year. Then, after my third year leading up to the end of the season, you know, he wasn’t playing. I let him know again like, ‘Yeah bro, I can’t do it.'”
Brown insists his request to leave Baltimore had nothing to do with Jackson, but more about the Ravens’ offense in general.
“I love Lamar,” Brown said, “The system wasn’t for me, personally. I love all my teammates. I love the guys, but it was something I had to think about for myself.”
The relationship between Brown and the Ravens ended on good terms, according to the receiver … who said, “We both handled it the right way.”
“I didn’t go out and make anything public. I just kept it in house, kept working and it all worked out.”
You have to wonder if wide receivers will want to come to Ravens under the current circumstances. They will have to do something more in the passing game because they can’t rely on Jackson to run for 1200 yards and pass for 3000 yards every season.
Flip the page for Brown’s full interview and Lamar’s reaction.