In Week 4, the Ravens ran over the Bills with a double dose of Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson.
Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken has no problem doubling down on that approach heading into Sunday's Divisional Playoff game in Buffalo – especially considering the way Henry and Jackson are running right now.
Henry has averaged 158.3 yards per game over the past four contests. He ran 199 yards, including an 87-yard touchdown on the Ravens' first offensive play in Baltimore's 35-10 win earlier this season.
Both teams have changed since. Buffalo's defense is healthier, as starting linebackers Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard, as well starting nick cornerback Taron Johnson, did not play in Week 4.
The Ravens have also evolved, and they could be without leading wide receiver Zay Flowers again after he missed a fifth straight practice Thursday.
"We're a different team now than we were then in terms of how we attack people, our personnel, who we have [and] who we'll have Sunday night," Monken said.
"So, ultimately, for both teams, it's going to come down to what they do well. Irrespective of what that game was 13 [or] 14 weeks ago, what we do well, what they do well, because when you're really good, you have tendencies. You just do. You have to do what you do well and do it better than they do it."
Without Flowers in the lineup against the Steelers, the Ravens offense utilized two tight end sets on a season-high 69.4% of plays. Reserve offensive lineman Josh Jones also played 15 snaps (20%) as an extra blocker.
But the question remains: can the Bills stop Henry and Jackson on the ground?
"It's going to be a heavyweight fight," Henry said.
Monken Is Working on the Bills, Not Head Coaching Interviews
As the Ravens continue preparations for the Bills, Monken will reportedly interview for head coaching jobs with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday and Chicago Bears on Friday, per NFL Network’s Peter Schrager and others.
After a rule change in 2023, coaches cannot do in-person head coaching interviews with candidates still in the playoffs until after the Divisional Round.
Just like last week when he got the same questions, Monken said any teams' interest in him is a compliment to the Ravens organization. Then he made it clear what he's been working on this week.
"Any of the work that I needed to do for any interviews that were going to come up during the season, I did in the offseason," Moken said. "So, all of my focus last week was on the Steelers, and all of my focus this week is on the Bills.
"I love the job I have – I really do, and I have a great job here. The way the [interviewing] system is set up is unfortunate, but it is what it is. But I'm excited to play the Bills – that's where my mind's at."
Jackson Delivers Myles Garrett's Jersey to Roger Rosengarten
Ravens rookie right tackle Roger Rosengarten got a special delivery Thursday, as Jackson dropped off a jersey from Browns defensive end Myles Garrett.
NFL Films video of Rosengarten asking Garrett for his jersey in the regular-season finale went viral.
Rosengarten certainly proved he's a somebody in his first NFL playoff game, holding Steelers star pass rusher T.J. Watt out of the box score. Now several days later, Rosengarten got the keepsake he desired for his basement.
"I know my guy Lamar probably helped me out a little bit," Rosengarten said with a smile.
Rosengarten is hoping for another jersey now. He wants a jersey from former University of Washington teammate and friend Troy Fautanu, a first-round rookie offensive tackle for the Steelers whose season was cut short by a dislocated knee cap.
"I can't even get my own teammate from UW's jersey," Rosengarten said with a laugh.
Haloti Ngata Set for College Football Hall of Fame
Former Ravens defensive lineman Haloti Ngata will go down as one of the best college football players ever.
Ngata is one of 18 players in the College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025 announced Wednesday evening. Other notable players in his class include Michael Strahan (Texas Southern) and Michael Vick (Virginia Tech).
Ngata starred at Oregon in 2004 and 2005, totaling 107 tackles, 17.5 tackles for a loss, and 6.5 sacks. Following his junior season in 2005, he was recognized as the Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year and a consensus first-team All-American.
The Ravens picked Ngata at No. 12 overall in 2006 and he immediately became a cornerstone part of their defense from until 2014, earning five Pro Bowl trips and helping the team win Super Bowl XLVII.
Ngata went into the Ravens Ring of Honor in 2021 and is a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but didn't make this year's list of 25 semifinalists.
