After four seasons under the tutelage of offensive coordinator Greg Roman, quarterback Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens felt that it was time for a change. Now, new offensive coordinator Todd Monken has come in with his own philosophy to make Jackson and the Ravens offense look different than we’re accustomed to.
Roman, often known for his creative and run-heavy approach, used his scheme to get the most out of Jackson as a mobile dual-threat quarterback. Conversely, Monken has become known for his aggressive pass-first downfield scheme that helped propel the Georgia Bulldogs to a National Championship before he decided to take the Ravens job.
After a lot of uncertainty and speculation, Monken’s offensive identity is starting to take shape with the Ravens. In the Ravens Week 2 victory over their divisional rival Cincinnati Bengals, Jackson completed 24-of-33 pass attempts for 237 yards and two touchdowns, adding 54 yards through the ground on 12 carries.
Under Roman, Jackson and the Ravens ranked near the bottom of the league in pass attempts. For example, Jackson attempted a minimum of 33 passes in only two of the 12 games he played last season.
Instead of using Jackson’s dynamic speed and playmaking ability primarily as a rusher, Monken is finding ways to exploit Jackson’s athleticism in the passing game. Ravens wide receiver Nelson Agholor has taken notice: “I’ve always watched him extend plays and move around, but I’ve also watched him survey the field.”
Agholor made a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch to haul in one of Jackson’s two touchdown passes and was one of seven different pass catchers on the receiving end of a Jackson completion.
Jackson and the Ravens are hoping their different approach to the offensive side of the ball will yield different results this season after they’ve come up short in the playoffs in recent seasons.
