The Baltimore Ravens ranked No. 4 in the NFL in points per game last season, their highest ranking since 2019. The dynamics in offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s scheme mesh well with the team. Is Monken the best offensive coordinator quarterback Lamar Jackson has had?
Exactly what the people want to see 🔥@Lj_era8 to @ZayFlowers for 6 ❗ pic.twitter.com/bTE1libRHa
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 29, 2024
Jackson finished the 2023-24 NFL season with a completion percentage of 67.2, the highest in his career. Monken has intentionally gotten Jackson quick read out of the backfield, frequently working him in three-step drop pass concepts that allow him to play rhythmically.
Monken has also found ways to get the ball to team-leading wide receiver Zay Flowers on quick hitches, crossing, and screen routes. Flowers produced 858 receiving yards on just 77 receptions in his rookie season, or 11.1 yards per catch.
#WeAreTexans v #RavensFlock! The Ravens own the best rushing attack in the league this season, with Lamar Jackson being a big part of it. @gregcosell highlights how Baltimore’s success on the ground is a combination of elite scheming and personnel@DariusJButler | @PlaybooKFoley pic.twitter.com/cZ38FOlIqT
— NFL Matchup on ESPN (@NFLMatchup) January 19, 2024
Unlike in Jackson’s 2019 MVP season, Monken has found ways to lessen Jackson’s tendency to run as a last resort. Instead, Monken has designed runs specifically for Jackson in short-yardage situations and inside the red zone. The designed runs for Jackson have helped him decrease his fumble totals, a problem fans saw frequently early in his career.
Lastly, Jackson has a powerhouse to hand the ball off to Derrick Henry, running back. Henry’s expected high volume will preserve Jackson’s run-threat ability, making him even more explosive down the stretch in games when defensive attrition begins to set in. Hiring Monken has ultimately paid dividends for the Ravens.
