The Baltimore Ravens’ new offensive coordinator Todd Monken has campaigned to convince quarterback Lamar Jackson to stay on the team.
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The 2019 NFL MVP could become a free agent in the coming weeks, putting the Ravens in a difficult position.
In an interview with ESPN, Monken praised Jackson’s passing skills.
“He has the skills of a top player,” said the new offensive manager. I think we underestimate his passing skills and his ability to make plays by throwing the ball. I am not different from others. I’ve made the same observations as everyone else and it’s pretty incredible.
Last week, the NFL Network learned that candidates for the Ravens offensive coordinator position were warned that Jackson may not be the center of the club in 2023.
However, it appears the organization intends to use Jackson’s franchise player tag. However, there is no certainty that the 26-year-old athlete will accept it, he could simply choose to skip next season or stay away from the team for as long as possible to put pressure on the frontrunners.
If the latter scenario ever plays out, Monken may need to accelerate his offensive system to his quarterback. The coach doesn’t think it would be the end of the world.
“Of course he would be late, but that’s football,” he said. Sometimes we make it too big a deal. We will adapt to what he knows and we will play.
Monken was hired in February after spending two seasons with the University of Georgia Bulldogs. He also worked for the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Cleveland Browns.
Coming back to Jackson, he was limited to 12 games last year due to injury. The center passed 62.3% of his passes for 2,242 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also mustered 764 yards and three majors with his legs.