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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
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glenn erby

5 stats that prove Todd Monken is excelling in role of Ravens offensive coordinator

The Baltimore Ravens are 7-2 and atop the AFC North ahead of a Sunday afternoon slugfest with the visiting Cleveland Browns.

A huge reason for the success in the first half of 2023 starts with a stout defense among the league leaders in points per game, rushing yards per game, and takeaways.

The biggest reason for Baltimore’s explosive start lies with first-year offensive coordinator Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense operating at a level not seen at M&T Bank Stadium since Jackson’s MVP season.

With preparation for the Browns underway, we’re looking at five stats that prove Todd Monken is excelling as the Ravens’ offensive coordinator.

Ravens are among the league leaders in explosive plays

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Keaton Mitchell #34 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball during the second half in the game against the Seattle Seahawks at M&T Bank Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Baltimore entered Week 9 in the top two and added 10 more explosive plays in the blowout win over the Seahawks.

Patrick Ricard has many roles

Oct 22, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens fullback Patrick Ricard (42) reacts after running for a first down against the Detroit Lions during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

According to PFF Ricard has logged 277 snaps for the Ravens this season, at 7 different positions.

When Monken was hired, the assumption was that Ricard could be traded or see his role completely reduced, but he’s now become one of the most valuable players on the roster, and a guy that gives GM Eric DeCosta and the Ravens offensive staff a myriad of options with personnel groupings.

Monken is an offensive scientist

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws a pass in the game against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Monken has presented a dynamic offensive scheme that features three wide receiver sets and constantly has wide receivers running open or clearing out space for their cohorts.

The Ravens’ offense has yet to reach its full potential, and Monken has guys consistently open and able to operate in space.

Last season, Baltimore had three or more open receivers on 23.9% of their passing plays and four or more open on 7.9% per PFF. 

Those numbers have jumped to 32.0% and 11.7% this season, respectively.

At one point this season, Jackson was tied for fourth in the NFL when it came to having three or more open receivers, and his 27 dropbacks with four-plus open receivers were more than any other team in football.

Monken has provided Jackson with more efficient opportunities in the passing game,

 

Ravens spreading teams out to run

Nov 5, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justice Hill (43) rushes as Seattle Seahawks linebacker Jon Rhattigan (59) attempt to tackle during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Entering Week 9, no offense had a higher drop-back rate on first and second down (80.1%) than the Ravens according to the Baltimore Banner.

With the Ravens embracing the pass, opposing defenses utilized six or fewer defenders in the box, and Monken is now using his three wide receiver formations to run teams out of the building.
On Sunday, however, Monken seemed to embrace the potential of his spread rushing attack.

In last Sunday’s win over Seattle, Baltimore rushed for 298 yards, the fourth most in franchise history, and they flourished out of 11 personnel with 16 designed runs, 163 yards, and one touchdown.

General stats

Nov 5, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws from the pocket during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore’s 239 points are fourth best in the NFL, while the offense is the 7th highest graded unit in the NFL per PFF.

Lamar Jackson is efficiently on track for 3,550 passing yards with only 14 touchdowns to eight interceptions per PFF. The 3,550 yards would be a career high, along with the 86.2 PFF passing grade Jackson’s currently on pace to record.

Jackson is on track for a career-high 5.5% big-time throw rate, while also averaging 2.98 seconds to throw — the lowest of his career — while recording what would be another career high in adjusted completion percentage (78.9%) per PFF.

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