Last season, the Baltimore Ravens not only squandered a chance to reach the Super Bowl but abandoned the offensive approach that earned them the No. 1 seed in the AFC.
Earlier this week, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh commented on running back Derrick Henry and his usage in week one. Harbaugh stated the following:
We didn’t bring him (Henry) here to ‘be the guy that gets the ball 30 times a game.’
Last season, the Ravens were riddled by injuries to J.K. Dobbins and running back Keaton Mitchell. Still, they led the entire NFL in rush yards per game and were No. 4 in the NFL in points per game. Furthermore, Harbaugh’s disposition was likely an attempt to defend his offensive coordinator, Todd Monken.
Chris Jones doing Chris Jones things already 😤 pic.twitter.com/yGPZhMtq60
— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) September 6, 2024
Monken led a pass-heavy attack in week one, asking quarterback Lamar Jackson to drop back 41 times in their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
While Harbaugh may have commented with an intent to maintain team camaraderie, he is simultaneously conveying an unwillingness to reprove Monken.
OC Todd Monken on Lamar’s pre-snap adjustments: pic.twitter.com/Eln9sQz514
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 12, 2024
Harbaugh has been criticized for his passivity but has proven himself a quality leader and Super Bowl champion. However, the Ravens are ten years removed from that championship, and fans are beginning to become wearied by the team’s playoff shortcomings. Harbaugh should rethink his comment regarding Henry and get him at least 20 carries a game.
