The Baltimore Ravens hired offensive coordinator Todd Monken without receiving much input from star quarterback Lamar Jackson. However, Monken already seems to be making a strong impression on the Ravens’ franchise quarterback.
Baltimore fired play-caller Greg Roman this offseason after a poor showing from its offense. The organization wanted to go in a new direction, moving away from Roman’s run-heavy approach with a transition to a more modern, pass-oriented scheme.
- Baltimore Ravens offense stats (2022): 20.4 PPG (20th), 5.5 yards per play (12th), 190.4 gross passing yards per game (29th), 44.4% red-zone touchdown rate (30th)
Related: NFL defense rankings
Monken beat out a field of candidates that included offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Ultimately, Baltimore settled on the former Georgia Bulldogs offensive coordinator who also had success as a play-caller in the NFL.
Meeting with reporters at Baltimore’s organized team activities, Jackson shared some of the reasons why he’s excited about the new-look offense.
“You can change things when you want to. You see the defense, and it’s not looking right to you. You see some guy blitzing, you might want your WR to do something different. Coach is giving you the free will to do whatever you want to.”
Lamar Jackson on Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken (H/T Sarah Ellison)
Jackson has every reason to be excited. While Roman’s offense highlighted the 2019 NFL MVP’s strengths as a runner, it didn’t often allow him to showcase his strengths as a passer.
It’s also why Baltimore took an aggressive approach this offseason. Beyond signing Jackson to a deal that made him one of the highest-paid NFL players, the Ravens also landed Odell Beckham Jr. and drafted Zay Flowers in the first round.
Related: Lamar Jackson sets lofty statistical goal for 2023 season
As Ted Nguyen of The Athletic wrote for an in-depth piece looking at the Ravens’ offense, the 2023 season can truly unlock Jackson. Jackson is surrounded by the best receiving corps he’s had in his NFL career and Monken specializes in making explosive passing attacks.
If Jackson stays healthy, the Ravens will likely have one of the NFL’s best offenses in 2023. Assuming that’s paired with more defensive consistency, Baltimore could be a Super Bowl contender this fall.
