As the Baltimore Ravens sit at 1-4 and face another challenging game Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams, a lot of criticism has fallen on two coaches: head coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Zach Orr. However, a coach who will also have to be better for Baltimore to turn their season around is offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
Monken has failed to sustain early-season success on offense, and with the team sitting at 1-4 entering Week 6, they desperately need the offensive coordinator to get the unit back into a rhythm.
Todd Monken is falling short of expectations
Why Ravens need more from Monken
While Baltimore's defense has struggled since the beginning of the season, ranking the worst in the NFL in points allowed, the offense has struggled as well. Baltimore has scored points, especially with Lamar Jackson at quarterback, but Jackson is currently battling a hamstring injury that has prevented him from playing these last two weeks.
Baltimore's offense played a role in the team's loss against the Buffalo Bills. Although they scored 40 points, the fumble by Derrick Henry and incompetence in not controlling the clock with the lead led to their downfall. Against the Cleveland Browns, the offense struggled for most of the first half. The following week, against the Detroit Lions, the offensive line allowed seven sacks on Lamar Jackson. They scored on the opening drive in Kansas City in Week 4 but struggled after that. Against the Houston Texans, Baltimore's offense had no answer for Houston's defense.
Yes, they didn't have Jackson, and he's the most significant part of this offense, as well as Isaiah Likely, missing the first three games, and left tackle Ronnie Stanley battling injuries. However, you still expect better from an offense with a lot of talent around it. A lot of that falls on the playcaller. In Week 5, Monken seemed to have trouble scheming his receivers open for backup quarterback Cooper Rush and was outcoached by Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke.
Monken Needs To Get The Running Game Going
Then there's the running game. Baltimore has made a name for itself on offense by running the football. However, 2025 has seen a different story on offense. Baltimore is 17th in rushing offense this season, entering Week 6, and with Jackson, Henry, Justice Hill, and now Keaton Mitchell, that is not good enough.
With Jackson out against Los Angeles, Monken needs to lean on the running game to help out backup quarterback Cooper Rush, and the best way to do that is to get Henry going, but also get Mitchell more carries. Then, when Jackson gets back after the bye, make running the football a top priority and get back to Baltimore's identity.
Monken has been a great offensive coordinator for Baltimore since 2023. They've been one of the best offenses in the NFL, with Jackson winning his second MVP in 2023 and being so close to capturing his third in 2024. Right now, though, they have been inconsistent. Monken will have to find the team's identity on offense in the middle of a stretch where the team is losing. While the defense tries to figure itself out, Monken and the offense need to carry the load.