Todd Monken has spent the past two seasons turning the Baltimore Ravens into one of the most explosive offenses in football. He took over after Greg Roman’s tenure ran its course, implementing a more balanced and creative system that elevated Lamar Jackson’s passing game while still maintaining Baltimore’s elite rushing attack. The results? A historically dominant offense that shredded defenses all season long.
So when Dan Pizzuta of The 33rd Team ranked Monken as just the 12th-best play-caller in the NFL, it raised more than a few eyebrows. How does a coordinator who helped guide an offense to 7,224 total yards—the third-most in NFL history—rank outside the top 10? It’s a head-scratcher, to say the least.
Of course, the NFL is loaded with brilliant offensive minds, and rankings are always subjective. But Monken's ability to maximize talent, adjust to personnel, and create one of the most well-rounded offenses in the league should put him near the top of any play-caller list—not barely cracking the top 12.
Todd Monken has transformed the Ravens’ offense
The 33rd Team analysis credited Monken for his role in Lamar Jackson’s best passing season yet, stating:
"The 2024 Baltimore Ravens' running game was a big focus, with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry in the same backfield, but Baltimore's biggest jump in quality was in the passing game. Jackson was a significantly improved pocket passer, and some of that improvement stemmed from the most open passing concepts he’s worked with in the NFL."
That’s exactly what makes Monken’s ranking so puzzling. If the offense made its biggest jump under his leadership, and he helped Lamar Jackson become a better passer than ever before, why isn’t he higher on this list?
Monken also showed incredible versatility, mixing and matching personnel like a chess master. The Ravens ran fewer plays from traditional 11 personnel than almost any team in the league, instead rotating through 12, 21, and 22 personnel to keep defenses guessing. Whether it was spreading defenses out, stacking heavy formations, or shifting into unique run-pass balance, Monken displayed the kind of adaptability that only elite play-callers possess.
At this point, Monken probably isn’t too worried about his ranking—his focus is on bringing a Lombardi Trophy to Baltimore. But make no mistake, this slight will not go unnoticed. If the Ravens put together another offensive masterclass in 2025, Monken’s name will inevitably rise up these rankings.
As if being snubbed for head coaching gigs this offseason wasn't enough, this latest ranking should have Monken fired up to put up 30-plus on Sundays. After another offseason, we'll see what other play designs the offensive mastermind has in store for the 2025-26 season.