The Baltimore Ravens came into Week 5 with several starters inactive due to injuries. The defense was largely expected to continue struggling, but many hoped the offense could maintain a steady pace even without quarterback Lamar Jackson. However, one half in, that has not been the case.
Inactives vs. Texans pic.twitter.com/5FkOHZNFUT
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 5, 2025
It is unfair to throw much blame on coaches in a game where seven key starters are out, but Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken was given the perfect chance to get the rushing attack back into a rhythm, but has failed to do so.
Running backs Derrick Henry and Keaton Mitchell combined for 15 yards on the ground through two quarters of play. Henry has run the ball six times for eight yards, while Mitchell has had two carries for seven yards. It was clear that getting the run game going was a priority on the Ravens’ first drive, and it worked, setting up the passing game and eventually leading to three points. However, in typical Monken fashion, as soon as Baltimore fell behind, the focus on the run game disappeared.
Todd Monken continues to be stubborn with the run game
Henry was handed the ball five times on the first drive, and Mitchell got his first carry of the 2025 campaign. While there was not an overwhelming amount of success, the offensive game plan worked out. Yet, each of the two running backs has only gotten one carry since. With backup quarterback Cooper Rush starting in place of Jackson, the offense must get Rush comfortable, and part of that is finding success on the ground, but Monken has quickly abandoned that philosophy.
The most concerning aspect of the game for the offense is the lack of usage for Henry. It is well-documented throughout his career that Henry gets better the more carries he gets. As he gets more opportunities to impose his physicality and wear the defense down, his yards per carry and overall success running the ball go up.
Yes, it is 24-3, and this game is likely already out of reach with a defense that cannot stop a nosebleed, but Monken must lean on the run. This team is not going to get anywhere throwing the ball 40 to 50 times, and finding a successful rushing attack in the second half could benefit the Ravens moving into the rest of the season.