Year 1 of Todd Monken’s tenure as the Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator was a resounding success. His unit finished sixth in total yards, first in rushing yards, and fourth in points, while quarterback Lamar Jackson went on to win his second MVP award. With a full season under his belt now, Monken will look to build upon the sturdy foundation set last year.
After evaluating last year, Monken was asked what kind of identity he wanted his offense to have.
“Certainly you want to have an offense that’s a nightmare to defend,” Monken said. “I think that’s what we’re all trying to accomplish – [have] an offense that you’re capable of winning in a variety of ways. If you need to run it to win, you can run it to win. If you need to throw it to win, you can throw it to win. That’s all we’re fighting for – to be elite in all those areas. And then the last part of it is, are you leading situational football? Short yardage, red zone, are you not turning it over, you’re explosive [and] formatted. All those things that really dictate a game.”
The Ravens’ offense underwent some change this offseason, particularly on the offensive line. Both starting guards Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson departed in free agency and right tackle Morgan Moses was traded to the New York Jets. Veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (second on the team in receiving yards) also left in free agency.
Baltimore signed running back Derrick Henry to a two-year, $16 million contract, giving Monken a true workhorse in the backfield next to Jackson. Henry and Jackson could take the league’s best-rushing attack to an even higher level, further opening up the passing game.
The passing attack should once again heavily feature tight ends, such as Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, as well as wide receiver Zay Flowers in his second season. Fourth-year wide receiver Rashod Bateman will be relied upon more this season after back-to-back disappointing and injury-riddled seasons for the 2021 first-round pick.
