Tag: Todd Monken

Mark Andrews has the muscle & Ravens’ OC Todd Monken has the mastermind

Whether Baltimore Ravens OC Todd Monken opts for the run or pass, he can count on TE Mark Andrews to give his all every play.

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews is always ready to make the most of every snap count, whether he touches the ball or not.

With the Ravens trailing the Cincinnati Bengals for most of their week five matchup, Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken knew that he would need to increase the volume of passes made by quarterback Lamar Jackson. This would create an opportunity for Andrews to make his impact.

Finally, after two consecutive weeks with no catches, Andrews finished week 5 with four receptions, 55 yards, and a yield of 13.8 yards per catch.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DA0nhUXKvVY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

As the season progresses, Andrews will see more targets, especially as opponents become susceptible to the play-action pass. Andrews’ huge play as a run-blocker has been essential to the success of running back Derrick Henry, though fans presume his lack of targets means he might be obsolete.

Ultimately, Monken has enough manpower to ensure that the Ravens’ offense stays on schedule. Whether he opts for the run or pass, he’ll be able to count on Andrews to give his all every play. 

Ravens vs. Bills: It’s not rocket-science, feed the ball to Derrick Henry

The Baltimore Ravens would be wise to get Derrick Henry 25 carries versus the Buffalo Bills on Sunday Night Football.

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry barely broke a sweat carving up the Dallas Cowboys defense in week 3. The Ravens would be wise to get Henry 25 carries versus the Buffalo Bills.



Unlike the Ravens, the Bills have started the 2024 season undefeated. Bills quarterback Josh Allen has excelled by being very decisive with his throws> Allen has also benefited from a steady ground attack led by teammate James Cook,

Allen and company will try to keep the ball away from the Ravens’ offense by having extended drives. The Ravens must, therefore, counter this strategy by establishing the run and keeping Allen off the field.

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by SNF on NBC (@snfonnbc)




Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken cannot get distracted by the hype of this game. Keeping quarterback Lamar Jackson to around 23-28 pass attempts will be more than enough to sequence in Henry.

If Monken gets away from feeding Henry and the offense stalls out too frequently, the Ravens’ defense will be at the mercy of Allen’s legs and arm.

Feeding Henry should be the target on offense, that is until a defense proves an ability to stop him consistently.

Patrick Queen might get the last laugh after joining the Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers already have a two-game lead in the AFC North over the Baltimore Ravens and LB Patrick Queen has feel ecstatic.

The Pittsburgh Steelers already have a two-game lead in the AFC North over the Baltimore Ravens and linebacker Patrick Queen has to be feeling good.

The Steelers are undefeated in 2024 with a defense ranking No. 2 in the NFL in points allowed per game. Queen might not like Baltimore’s seafood that much, but him, linebacker Roquan Smith, and defensive coordinator Zach Orr had a very close bond before he left.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz18pjuvnXK/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Queen was there inside the Ravens’ locker room in 2023 as he watched what seemed to be a perfect season and potential Super Bowl get hindered by the stubbornness of the teams’ offensive coordinator.

Angered and frustrated with a lack of team accountability, Queen joined the Steelers this off-season for an opportunity to play under head coach Mike Tomlin and next to all-pro linebacker T.J Watt.

Queen’s decision to leave was initially questionable, but incentives, including a pay raise and an a opportunity to covertly get revenge by playing against the team that ruined his dreams in 2024, are extremely valid.

The Ravens defense hasn’t been terrible this season, but they do rank last in the NFL in opponent pass yards allowed per game. Queen definitely play as a factor versus those underneath passes as Raven last season, hurrying running backs on flat routes, and disturbing tight-ends inside the hash marks.

Sure, it’s only week three in the NFL, but after a 0-2 Ravens’ start, Queen has to feel good about his decision to leave Baltimore.

Ravens’ QB Lamar Jackson has more pass attempts than Patrick Mahomes this season

Shockingly, Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes has thrown 22 less passes than Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson through week 2

Statistical evidence shows that the Baltimore Ravens are calling far too many pass plays this season. Shockingly, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has thrown 22 fewer passes than quarterback Lamar Jackson through week 2.

If Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid is realistic enough to avoid obsessive usage of Mahomes, why can’t Monken relinquish and do what’s best for the Ravens by running the ball at higher volumes?

Punts, low conversion rates on third down, and Jackson turnovers are points of reference for Monken to opt for more run plays. Nevertheless, fans are forced to watch a team full of potential struggle behind the stubbornness of a rigid-minded coordinator.

Mahomes needed just 18 completions to escape the mastermind of Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo in week 2. On the other hand, Jackson was subject to the punishment of Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby.

https://instagram.com/reel/DABpM91Nyqy/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

Things could be different, but Ravens’ OC Todd Monken refuses to change

Baltimore Ravens OC Todd Monken has an obsessive need to pass the ball and it’s costing his team big time.

Even with the Baltimore Ravens rushing at a rate of 5.59 yards per carry in week 2, offensive coordinator Todd Monken could not resist his obsessive urge to pass the ball.



Thirteen incompletions resulted from 34 total passing plays called in the Ravens’ loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Sure, the Ravens did experience success through the air, but those 13 non-productive pass plays allowed the Raiders enough possessions and opportunity to pull out the upset.



It’s now inaccurate to call the Raiders the lesser opponent after they forced the Ravens into four punts and allowed just three conversions on 11 third-down attempts. 

Fueled by unclear initiatives, Ravens’ offensive coordinator Todd Monken is determined to make Jackson a 5-step drop pocket passer. It’s almost as if Monken, head coach John Harbaugh, and Jackson fanatics have a vendetta against the media and an objective to prove Jackson’s critics wrong. If so, they are falling right into a snare, biting the bait that has yielded five straight losses (since the AFC Championship) for the Ravens.

Will the Ravens use a double-team to block Raiders’ DE Maxx Crosby?

If the Baltimore Ravens want to avoid a Week 2 upset, they will need to limit the disruption of Raiders DE Maxx Crosby.

Indeed, the Baltimore Ravens have the personnel needed to have offensive success versus the Las Vegas Raiders in week 2. However, with apparent offensive line struggles, the Ravens cannot allow defensive end Maxx Crosby to be disruptive this afternoon.

The Los Angeles Chargers used a heavy ground attack to defeat the Raiders last week, and it makes sense for offensive coordinator Todd Monken to follow suit. Nevertheless, knowing Monken, the Ravens will attempt to sequence intermediate and deep passing plays at a higher frequency than the Chargers. 

Monken better have a plan to keep the pocket from collapsing on quarterback Lamar Jackson, and that might require him to use a double-team to block Maxx Crosby. The Ravens were near the top of the league in sacks allowed last season, and Jackson’s frustration with his revamped offensive line was very evident in week 1.

Ultimately,  the Ravens want to avoid a Week 2 upset. In that case, they’d be wise to double-team Crosby and give running back Derrick Henry as many rushing attempts as possible to weary the Raiders’ defense.

Ravens HC John Harbaugh should rethink his comment about Derrick Henry

Ravens HC John Harbaugh should definitely rethink his comment regarding Henry and consider geting him at least 20 carries a game.

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.

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.

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.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C_yi1w8PVPZ/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Ravens vs. Raiders: Todd Monken must get Derrick Henry more carries in Week 2

Baltimore Ravens OC Todd Monken did not prioritize HB Derrick Henry in week 1and his approach should change vs. the Las Vegas Raiders.

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.

https://www.instagram.com/p/C_jj_uaNRIA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

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.

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.

Ravens OL Patrick Mekari must perform at a high-level this NFL season

In Week 1, Ravens OL Patrick Mekari needs to be the answer for Kansas City Chiefs DL Chris Jones and/or George Karlaftis.

Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman Patrick Mekari will be an important catalyst this season, helping his team keep quarterback Lamar Jackson upright and setting the edge for running back Derrick Henry.

With Tyler Linderbaum operating in the center position, Mekari must quickly engage the opposing edge rushes at the snap. This will be vital on stretch (outside) running plays, especially if the Ravens plan to get Henry to the second level of defense.

Last season, Mekari operated at the guard position, but neighboring inadequacies have forced him to transition to the tackle position.

Mekari has the attributes needed to fit in with offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s scheme. His quick feet make him the ideal asset. Mekari will be needed to help the Ravens in pass blocking and to sow up the countless issues they saw in that final preseason matchup versus the Green Bay Packers.

In Week 1, Mekari and Ronnie Stanley need to be the answer for Kansas City Chiefs defensive ends Chris Jones and George Karlaftis. Karlaftis has been the beneficiary of 1-on-1 opportunities, with Jones often double-teamed. If the Ravens are going to get revenge versus the Chiefs in Week 1, it definitely will help if Mekari has a solid game.

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by NFL (@nfl)

3 big questions for the Ravens coming out of preseason finale

We’re looking at 3 biggest questions or concerns for the Baltimore Ravens coming out of the preseason finale

The Ravens completed their preseason with a 30-7 loss to the Packers on Saturday afternoon. While the coaching staff works to trim the roster down to 53 players, we’re looking at the three biggest questions for a club searching for a Super Bowl berth.

Baltimore had the NFL’s best record in 2023 but could not defeat the Chiefs at home, suffering a 17-10 loss to Kansas City in the AFC Championship game at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens added Derrick Henry to the running back position and have Isaiah likely ascending as one of the top young tight ends in the league.  Even with a stacked roster, there are still questions, and we’re looking at the three most significant concerns coming out of the preseason finale.

1. Ravens’ offensive line depth

Baltimore will will likely roll with a group that includes Ronnie Stanley, Andrew Vorhees, Tyler Linderbaum, Daniel Faalele, Roger Rosengarten, Patrick Mekari, Ben Cleveland, Josh Jones, Sala Aumavae-Laulu. The Ravens led the NFL in rushing last season and then added Derrick Henry during the free-agency frenzy. The team saw Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson depart via free agency, while Morgan Moses was traded to the Jets. Baltimore has the offensive talent to be explosive and dominant, but can the offensive line be physical at the point of attack while giving Lamar Jackson time to be efficient in the passing game?

2. Can Trenton Simpson develop into an All-Pro?

Simpson will replace Patrick Queen at one linebacker spot, and Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr prepared the former Clemson star linebacker.

Simpson played into the third quarter of the preseason finale to get more game reps for the second-year linebacker, and he even came away with a big interception. Simpson doesn’t have to be dominant from Day 1, but he has the athleticism and physicality of a future All-Pro.

3. Can Lamar Jackson achieve postseason success

Lamar Jackson will enter year 7 in the NFL, having never passed for over 4,000 yards in a regular season. Thanks to Derrick Henry’s arrival and Isaiah Likely’s emergence, Jackson will shatter his career-high 3,678 passing yards from 2023. That won’t matter if the Ravens flame out in the postseason. Jackson’s career playoff record is 2-4, and he has a passer rating of 75.7, 1,324 yards, six touchdowns, and six interceptions in six playoff games. Baltimore hired Todd Monken last off-season to take his talents to the next level while adding more weapons like Derrick Henry to mesh with Zay Flowers, Isaiah Likely, Mark Andrews, Rashod Bateman, Keaton Mitchell, Nelson Agholor, and more.