The Baltimore Ravens signed offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva to a two-year deal in the 2021 offseason to help protect quarterback Lamar Jackson. While the plan was for Villanueva to shift from his longtime home of left tackle over to right tackle, a setback with fellow tackle Ronnie Stanley meant that the former Pittsburgh Steeler would resume his duties on the left side.
When Villanueva was asked what it’s like having to adjust to protect a quarterback like Jackson, the veteran went into a bit of detail about how it’s a bit of a challenge, noting that he has to be aware of where the quarterback is in the pocket.
“Yes, it’s a challenge. Where is he in the pocket? There are just a lot of things that are different. But again, when you’re in the huddle with Lamar Jackson, he does inspire greatness in all of us, regardless of who we are or our abilities and whatnot, and that definitely compensates for the other minutia that comes with the game. My job is to try to do my job to the best of my abilities, and that’s just my focus.”
It has been a bit of an adjustment for Villanueva with his new team, especially coming over from a Steelers offense that is different than what the Ravens run. Jackson is a much different quarterback than Pittsburgh signal caller Ben Roethlisberger, and Villanueva has now gotten to experience blocking for both players, which requires some different things depending on who is behind center.