Ravens’ Play Calling Raises Questions
Todd Monken, the Ravens’ Offensive Coordinator, has been making headlines this week. Not only did he interview for the Jaguars’ Head Coaching job on Thursday, but he also threw his hat into the ring for the Bears’ top spot on Friday. It’s no secret that Monken has his sights set on becoming a Head Coach, and who can blame him? The current system is flawed, allowing teams to interview candidates before the season has even wrapped up.
A Familiar Frustration
However, Monken’s play calling during the Ravens’ recent game has sparked controversy. For the second year in a row, the team is left wondering why they didn’t rely more heavily on their running game. While the balance between runs and passes was improved, with 30 runs to 25 passes, there’s one particular drive that has fans scratching their heads.
A Drive to Forget
Down 21-13 with just over five minutes left in the third quarter, the Ravens received the ball on their own 29-yard line. What followed was a dominating display of power football, with Derrick Henry and Justice Hill bulldozing the Bills’ undersized defense. The drive saw Henry rack up 41 yards on five carries, with Hill adding 22 yards of his own. But when it came time to punch the ball into the end zone from two yards out, Monken opted to get cute.
A Questionable Call
Instead of handing the ball to Henry, who had been unstoppable all drive, Monken called a sprint out pass to Mark Andrews. The result? An incomplete pass and a failed two-point conversion attempt. It’s a decision that has many asking why Monken didn’t stick with what was working. Henry, after all, had just run roughshod over the Bills’ defense, earning every inch of his 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns on the season.
A Familiar Feeling
This isn’t the first time Monken’s play calling has come under fire. Last year’s AFC Championship game against the Chiefs saw the Ravens abandon their run-heavy approach, leading to criticism of Monken’s strategy. While the balance was better this time around, the decision to stray from the run in crunch time is a puzzling one.
A Missed Opportunity
In the end, the Ravens’ inability to capitalize on their dominant drive proved costly. As they head into the offseason, fans are left wondering what could have been if Monken had simply stuck with what was working. It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially when considering the similarities between this game and the infamous goal-line debacle involving Marshawn Lynch and the Seahawks.
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