Lamar Jackson was stellar in 2024, but Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken believes the pinnacle for Jackson is yet to come.
"The year that he had, I think he's still just scratching the surface of where he's headed," Monken said on "The Lounge Podcast." "It may not statistically show up that way, but I know he's only the scratching the surface."
That's a strong statement, considering the two-time MVP set career highs in touchdown passes (41), passing yards (4,172), and quarterback rating (119.6) while throwing just four interceptions. But having worked with Jackson for two seasons, Monken knows how quickly Jackson processes information, how hard he works, and how badly he wants to win.
Monken expects Jackson's growth to continue as an elite player at age 28 who remains driven to win not just one Super Bowl, but multiple championships.
"Lamar is an unbelievably humble superstar," Monken said. "That doesn't mean he's not competitive, doesn't want to be great. Lamar just wants to win. But he also knows that him playing well … your chances of winning go up exponentially if you have a great quarterback."
Jackson could have won his third MVP award after the season he had, but he was beaten out by Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills. Monken said he didn't get caught up in the debate about who should've won the MVP, and the talents of all the game's top players should be appreciated.
"Comparison is the thief of joy," Monken said. "Why can't people just be great? Lamar was very deserving. Josh Allen was very deserving. Joe Burrow had a great year. Saquon Barkley had a great year. Derrick Henry had a great year. There's offensive linemen that have great years that aren't ever talked about."
Monken signed a contract extension with the Ravens in February after reportedly interviewing with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Chicago Bears to become their next head coach. He looks forward to the continuity that will come with entering Year 3 in Baltimore.
The opportunity to work with Jackson is one of the factors that swayed Monken to join the Ravens in 2023, after winning two straight national championship as Georgia's offensive coordinator. Regardless of what transpires this offseason, Monken believes the Ravens will continue being one of the league's top teams for the foreseeable future.
"In order to win in the NFL – structure in your organization and a great quarterback," Monken said. "That will allow you to be consistent over time. When you have both of those, you're like, 'Man I want to be a part of that.' That was worth leaving a place like Georgia to come to."
Monken said his relationship with Jackson continues to grow, as they enter another offseason trying to take Baltimore's explosive offense to an even higher level. Coaching Jackson gives Monken the chance to work with a special player, and Monken is relishing it.
"He has unbelievable vision," Monken said. "The way he sees the field and plays the game is one of one. His ability to escape. He's so calm. He jumps right, he just left, he jumps back, jumps forward, puts his hand on someone's facemask. There is no panic. (It) feels like he's in control. It's unique. It's fun to work with."
