#161 - Playing Like Assholes w/ Cole Jackson - Ravens Preseason Week 1, O-Line Deep Dive, Ja'Kobi Lane & Declan Doyle

<p>The UKRavens Podcast is back for Episode 161, with special guest Cole Jackson joining Ashley, James and Gordon to break down the Ravens’ first preseason action and what we’re learning about the 2026 team.</p><p>With Cole on the show, there’s only one place to start: the offensive line.</p><p>The guys take a deep dive into first-round pick Vega Ioane’s Ravens debut, the developing battle at centre and why Jovon Gwynn could be forcing his way into the conversation. With Danny Pinter suffering an injury during joint practices, what does Baltimore’s starting interior offensive line now look like, and has Dwayne Ledford already started to make his mark?</p><p>There’s also plenty of discussion around Carson Vinson’s continued development, Emery Jones’ difficult start and which offensive linemen could find themselves fighting for a place on the final 53.</p><p>Away from the trenches, the Ja&#39;Kobi Lane hype train shows no signs of slowing down. After impressing throughout training camp, Lane delivered when the pads came on and is beginning to look like a genuine part of Baltimore’s plans for 2026. Elijah Surratt also catches the eye, while Cole explains why Declan Doyle’s formations and use of stacked receivers could help Baltimore’s young pass catchers make an immediate impact.</p><p>Matthew Hibner provides another preseason highlight at tight end, while the early signs from Doyle’s new offense have the guys increasingly excited about what could be coming when Lamar Jackson takes over. Under-centre play action, bootlegs and a more sophisticated passing game could create some fascinating possibilities for the two-time MVP.</p><p>On defense, the early signs from Jesse Minter are equally encouraging. The secondary depth impresses, Robert Longerbeam and Keondre Jackson make their cases for roster spots, and the guys look at the pressure packages and coverage rotations already beginning to appear in Minter’s scheme.</p><p>There’s also discussion around Tyler Loop and the kicking situation, the biggest winners and losers from the opening preseason game, and some remarkably quick injury recoveries in Baltimore.</p><p>Finally, the show reflects on the sad passing of former Raven O.J. Brigance and the enormous impact he had on the Ravens organisation, its players and the wider Baltimore community.</p><p>Plus, the UKRavens 2026 meetups are here, with ten events planned across the UK as the new season approaches.</p>