After the Baltimore Ravens replaced their offensive coordinator with Todd Monken, many speculated that they were trying to limit quarterback Lamar Jackson’s running ability.
Although Monken did not confirm that Jackson would take fewer carries in 2023, he did suggest that the 26-year-old quarterback’s role in the offense could shift to be more focused on passing.
Monken acknowledged that running was one of Jackson’s unique skills, and that it was difficult to completely eliminate from his game. However, he also recognized that as Jackson progresses in his career, the pressure to run should be minimized to reduce the risk of injury.
During his time as a starter, Jackson has missed 12 games over the last four years, and has been sacked 116 times, and hit 69 times.
To alleviate this burden, Baltimore has provided Jackson with a better supporting cast of weapons, including the likes of Nelson Agholor, Odell Beckham Jr., Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Isaiah Likely, and Mark Andrews.
Monken believes that the addition of these talented players will provide Jackson with more options to throw to, thereby reducing his need to run. As he said, “the more talented you are around your quarterback, the less he has to take on that burden (to run) and shoulder the load because you’re excited about getting others the football where they can utilize their skill set.”
It remains to be seen how Jackson’s role in the offense will evolve under Monken’s leadership, but the Ravens’ quarterback will certainly have a talented supporting cast to rely on.
