The Ravens were historically good on offense in 2024, becoming the first NFL team to score at least 40 passing touchdowns and 20 rushing touchdowns in the same season.
However, Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken sees room for growth as he prepares for Year 3 in Baltimore. Speaking on "The Lounge" podcast, Monken said the quest for improvement never stops.
"There's a lot of things that we can certainly get better at," Monken said. "Systematically, how we do it. How we practice. How we continue to put Lamar [Jackson] in charge. Getting to a premium play.
"Not everything still was exactly the way you want it. Maybe the numbers said that. But you're always trying to stay one step ahead, as best you can."
In Year 2 with Monken, Jackson embraced increased freedom to change plays, protections, and routes at the line of scrimmage and Baltimore had the NFL's top-ranked offense. Jackson had his best season while Derrick Henry rushed for almost 2,000 yards.
As the Ravens think about how they will evolve offensively during the Jackson era, giving him even more pre-snap control is part of the equation.
"He's earned that right, [because] not only is he a great player, but he's really smart," Monken said. "There's nothing that Lamar can't handle. It's just a matter of doing it over and over, us doing it to where it's second nature to him. Getting to what he likes, what we like, what we think is the best way to attack.
"The quarterback has to take onus of that and want that. The moment that they change a play, they're now on the hook. Some guys like that and some guys don't. Lamar's gotten more and more comfortable with that. He's really good at it. We've just got to continue down that road."
Monken also wants the Ravens to continue improving the mechanics of their offense, to avoid self-inflicted mistakes.
"How do we get to solutions better, on the field and off the field," Monken said. "Some of it's in calling a game. Time at the line of scrimmage for Lamar. Eleven guys on the field. Don't waste a timeout. Make sure the personnel's how you want it. Make sure guys are in the right spots."
The entire coaching staff is part of the game-planning process, and the relationship between quarterback and play caller is crucial. The connection between Jackson and Monken continues to grow, he wants Jackson's voice to be a huge part of the process.
"It doesn't really matter how I see it or what I like. He has to like it and has to see it. If a player likes a play, they make it work. That's the same with him … coming to some kind of common ground with that and him feeling comfortable with it. I think that's just built over time.
"I think our staff does a great job. They make this thing go, and the players do. I just get to call it and get a bunch of credit that I don't deserve. I've got one of the best jobs in the NFL. Because if [the goal is] ultimately to win, be part of a great organization with an elite quarterback that gives you a chance to win the Super Bowl every year, [it's] pretty sweet."
