Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken did not prioritize running back Derrick Henry in week one, and his approach should change against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Henry totaled just 13 carries, and Monken’s usage of 22 personnel quickly disappeared in their loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Instead, quarterback Jackson hoisted up 41 pass attempts despite the evident offensive line struggles and completed just 26 passes.
Monken has yet to learn his lesson. Easily disgruntled by the Chiefs’ pass rush, Monken assumed he could challenge the mastermind of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and was wrong.
In week 2, Monken needs to get Henry the ball early and often to keep the Raiders’ defense honest. The Ravens are reasonable favorites to defeat the Raiders, but that shouldn’t entice Monken to deploy a heavy pass attack like he did in week 1.
Derrick Henry is on the board with his first touchdown as a Raven. 😤 #RavensFlock
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— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) September 6, 2024
The Ravens should prioritize getting Henry a minimum of 20 carries in week two and utilize the play-action pass to get tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely touch.
