The Baltimore Ravens’ Offensive Coordinator (OC), Todd Monken, emphasized the importance of quarterback Lamar Jackson’s running ability for the team’s success.
Jackson is the first and only QB in the league’s history to surpass the 1,000-yard rushing milestone in back-to-back two seasons (2019 and 2020), albeit he has been unable to complete the past two seasons due to injury and missed 10 games over that span, potentially leading the Ravens to miss the playoffs in 2021.
Ravens OC Todd Monken reveals the team’s plan for Lamar Jackson following his injury
The Ravens OC Todd Monken opened up to the reporters on Wednesday acknowledging their veteran QB Lamar Jackson will likely be asked to run less in Baltimore’s new offense, although it was already projected by many fans and pundits given his recent injuries.
“I think the more talented you are around your quarterback, the less he has to take on that burden and shoulder the load because you’re excited about getting others the football where they can utilize their skill set,” he said.
However, Monken assured his statement doesn’t imply that one of the best running quarterbacks in national football history will stop running entirely, rather they might be leaning on Lamar‘s arm more moving forward.
Todd Monken was asked if Lamar Jackson will run less:
“Uuuuh …”
He said with more weapons around Lamar, the less he’ll need to shoulder that burden.
“But, he has a unique trait. You can’t take that completely out of his toolbox bc it’s a huge weapon for him and for us.” pic.twitter.com/f4bbbMCCAT
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) May 10, 2023
“As you get further into your career … you want to take some of that off the player as best as you can. But he also has a unique trait, a unique skill set. You can’t take that completely out of his toolbox because that’s a huge weapon for him and for us, is using his feet”, the OC added.
After kicking off a whopping deal, the 2019 NFL MVP has not been attending Baltimore’s voluntary offseason program and Todd mentioned keeping constant communication with the players absent in the team building.
“Well first off, we’re excited about the guys who are here. I know Lamar’s working hard. I know the guys who aren’t here are working hard. They’re pros. When they’re here, they’re here. We look forward to getting them here and getting them up to speed to what we’re doing offensively”, Monken said, via Jamison Hensley of ESPN.
Baltimore fans will probably hope their star QB bounces back to his previous form and continues to use his unique skills to lead them to victory. With the 26-year-old running prowess as a key component of their offense, the team looks poised to make another strong showing in the highly competitive AFC North division.
