The Baltimore Ravens are coming off a heartbreaking end to the season against the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round. However, the offense had another efficient season and the Ravens were able to agree to a contract extension with offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
Baltimore Ravens Extend Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken
Todd Monken and the Ravens have agreed to a contract extension to keep Monken in Baltimore as the Ravens offensive coordinator. Monken and the Ravens’ offensive attack saw great success this season. Baltimore led the league in total yards per game and rushing yards per game. The team ranked third in points per game with an average of 30.5. Two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson and star running back Derrick Henry both had the best seasons of their careers in 2024 under Monken’s offense.
Impact on Lamar Jackson
Lamar Jackson has greatly benefited from Todd Monken being his offensive coordinator. In 2023, Monken’s first season as the Ravens’ offensive coordinator, Jackson had a career-high in passing yards and completion percentage. He threw for 3,678 yards and had a completion percentage of 67.2% while still adding 821 yards rushing. Jackson took home the MVP award for the 2023 season. This year, coming off of an MVP season, Jackson reached another level. The passing offense exploded this season. Jackson threw for 4,172 yards, 41 touchdowns, and just 4 interceptions while adding 915 rushing yards. He operated at a level we have not seen him reach before, at least through the air. Monken’s presence and coaching have clearly helped Jackson reach new heights. The addition of Derrick Henry helped unleash the Ravens offense as well.
The offense with Derrick Henry
One reason for the Ravens’ offensive explosion in 2024 was the free agent signing of Derrick Henry. Henry is a workhorse at running back, something the Ravens have lacked in the Lamar Jackson era. Henry rushed for a career-high 1,921 yards with 16 touchdowns and averaged nearly six yards per carry. The dual-threat ability of Jackson paired with the power of Henry proved to be a very tough force to deal with. Monken did a great job balancing the pass and run, evidenced by both of these players having the best years of their respective careers.
Looking ahead to 2025
Although 2024 had a bitter ending, Baltimore has a lot to look forward to in 2025. The Ravens bring back most of their core and this now includes Monken. With Jackson, Henry, and Monken all back in Baltimore, the offense should see another top-five season next year.
However, this doesn’t mean the offense can’t still improve. Although Zay Flowers broke out for 1,059 receiving yards, he only had 74 catches on those yards. This is still a very good NFL season, but this was the best Ravens receiving season since Hollywood Brown’s 2021 season, which is a problem. Baltimore has lacked a true wide receiver one in Jackson’s career. Tight end Mark Andrews has frequently been the team’s leading receiver over this span. With Monken now calling the plays, Jackson’s development as a passer, and workhorse Derrick Henry at running back, an elite receiver would go a long way for the Ravens’ offense. It is entirely up to the front office whether they want to pursue this or not. However, if a player like Cooper Kupp, Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, or Garrett Wilson becomes available, Baltimore should absolutely inquire about a trade.
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