BALTIMORE, Md. – Last offseason, the Ravens chose to make a change at the offensive coordinator position in the hopes of modernizing their offense and helping quarterback Lamar Jackson excel as a passer. The transition to Todd Monken’s offensive scheme took some time for Jackson to adjust to, but from Week 9 to 17, the Ravens showed improvement in their passing game. In the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs, it became clear that Baltimore should have leaned more heavily on their running game.
Statistics revealed that the Chiefs struggled more against the run than the pass, making it evident that the Ravens should run the ball extensively. However, the team utilized predominantly 11 personnel formations, neglecting the opportunity to run more effectively against the Chiefs. The lack of rushing attempts and the underuse of tight end formations played into the Chiefs’ defensive strengths.
While the Ravens’ offense struggled to adapt their strategy against the Chiefs, the team’s defense managed to contain Kansas City’s offensive firepower for the second half of the game. Although adjustments are expected in the offseason, the loss serves as a valuable learning experience for Monken and Jackson, as they strive to lead the Ravens to success in future encounters with the Chiefs.
The decision to replace the team’s offensive coordinator was not necessarily a mistake, as Monken facilitated Jackson’s progression as a passer. Despite this progress, the team missed an opportunity to secure a spot in the Super Bowl by not adapting effectively against Kansas City’s defense. As the Ravens aim for continued improvement, they must prepare to face the Chiefs in future battles on the path to the Super Bowl.
Ultimately, the game against the Chiefs underscored the need for the Ravens to evolve and create a more adaptable offensive strategy in order to achieve success against tough opponents. With the looming threat of the Chiefs in the AFC, the Ravens must continue to refine their offensive gameplay for future encounters.