He shouldn’t be fired
Baltimore’s AFC Championship loss to the Chiefs left a bitter taste in Ravens fans’ mouths.
While the defense held Mahomes and company to a modest 17 points, the offensive sputter left many questioning play-calling and, specifically, Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken’s role in the defeat.
So, should Monken shoulder some blame? Let’s dissect the game and see if the calls for his dismissal hold water.
The Run Game Conundrum:
The biggest critique centers around the abandoned rushing attack. The Ravens, boasting the NFL’s best rushing offense (156.5 yards per game), only ran the ball 16 times! This conservative approach puzzled many, especially considering the Chiefs’ vulnerability to the run (remember the Bills’ 182 rushing yards earlier that season?).
“This is the stupidest game plan I’ve ever seen,” said former Ravens coach Rex Ryan, echoing the sentiment of many fans and analysts. “The whole world knew they should run the ball, and they didn’t do it.” (Source: The Messenger)
More Than Just Play-Calling:
While play-calling certainly plays a part, attributing the entire loss to Monken wouldn’t be fair. Lamar Jackson’s accuracy wasn’t his best, and the offensive line struggled with the Chiefs’ pressure. However, Monken’s decisions regarding run-pass ratio and play selection remain under scrutiny.
For instance, abandoning the run early despite manageable deficits and not utilizing Lamar’s rushing prowess more effectively are valid points of critique.
Balancing Act & Looking Forward:
Firing Monken after one underwhelming playoff game might be an overreaction. He did, after all, lead the Ravens to a dominant regular season with the league’s top rushing attack. However, the AFC Championship exposed strategic shortcomings that demand critical evaluation.
Perhaps a more balanced offensive approach that leverages both Lamar’s running and passing threats while adapting to in-game situations is needed. Open communication and adjustments based on defensive looks are crucial.
The Verdict:
Monken deserves some criticism for the offensive performance in the AFC Championship game, but a knee-jerk reaction like demanding his dismissal isn’t the answer.
A thorough evaluation of the offensive scheme, play-calling philosophy, and adjustments based on personnel and in-game situations is what’s truly needed. The Ravens have a talented offense, and with the right tweaks and a more adaptable approach, they can be back in the championship hunt next season.
Remember, this is just one perspective, and the debate around Monken’s future in Baltimore is sure to continue. What are your thoughts? Did Monken let the Ravens down? Share your opinion in the comments below!