Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken is a genius. Still, his obsessive need to devise the most dynamic pass play almost cost his team big in NFL Week 16 against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
.@minkfitz_21 INT ‼️ #ProBowlVote
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) December 21, 2024
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With a 24-17 lead, the Ravens had just yielded a 44-yard run with running back Derrick Henry, with the team looking at 1st & 10 from the Steelers’ 11-yard line. Still, Monken had to revert to a passing play, even in the most apparent running scenario.
A shortened field made it relatively easy for the Steelers’ defense to sink into zone coverage. Monken’s shallow crosser concept led to an interception by safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, who undercut wide receiver Rashod Bateman.
Sure, quarterback Lamar Jackson threw the interception, but he operated in a sequence provided to him from upstairs. Jackson’s rhythmic play style and humility won’t ever lead him to combat the play-calling, but I’m sure he didn’t like having a bloody hand after having to tackle Fitzpatrick on the interception return.
“I rejoice in the fact that we made the playoffs.” pic.twitter.com/Gd93XHPRlz
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 22, 2024
Monken’s eagerness should remind us that this is only his second season as an offensive coordinator in the NFL. Hopefully, head coach John Harbaugh will seize from the clouded charismatic speeches and finally directly address Monken before decisions become too costly. If not for defensive back Marlon Humphrey’s epic interception, the Ravens might have dropped this critical game.
