Expect a much louder Lamar Jackson this season thanks to new OC Todd Monken
Lamar Jackson, now the highest paid player in the NFL, could pick up at least one new trait from offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
The new OC is upbeat, personable, energetic, chatty and loud. He’s also got plenty of sayings, including “cool is out, execution is in.” Monken took a break from the NFL in 2020 and worked as Kirby Smart’s offensive coordinator with the Georgia Bulldogs. He’s now back in the NFL, coordinating the Ravens offense. Folks are starting to notice that Jackson has a louder presence on the practice fields at Ravens headquarters. Jackson credits it to Monken.
“It should have nothing to do with me,” Monken said this week at Ravens minicamp. “It has a lot to do with the quarterback and the communication in the epicenter of what we do – starting with the center, then the quarterback. So, if that helps, then great. It means I must have to keep doing it then. The hell with it; that’s the start of what we do – quarterback being loud.”
Monken is allowing Jackson to adjust the calls at the line. And he’s expanding his responsibilities. It’s what Jackson wanted under former offensive coordinator Greg Roman. He’s getting all that from Monken. Who knows, maybe more responsibilities makes you more animated on the field.
“He’s embraced trying to be louder, trying to be in control,” Monken said of Lamar Jackson. “He’s embraced learning the system, and we’ve still got a ways to go. It’s always a work in progress. We’re always under construction, in terms of making sure that we execute at a high level, because execution trumps everything.
“I’m a firm believer that … I’ve said it for years: cool is out; execution is in,” Monken said. “The cooler we are, the less we execute. When we get out there on the field, it’s not about being cool – it’s not about that; it’s about your preparation that leads up to practice. You fight like heck during the week, so that come gameday, it comes to life.”
Lamar Jackson said he’s quickly adjusted to this new offense. Plus, he has the luxury of throwing to some talented receivers. Five of his targets, including newly-signed Odell Beckham Jr, are former first rounders. It’s difficult to even remember that Jackson and Ravens management ever were bickering.
“The sky [is] the limit with this offense,” Jackson told reporters.
As for Monken and his big personality, the quarterback said: “I didn’t really think he was that explosive when he was speaking. Even in the meeting rooms, he’s going to have you laughing, but he’s dead serious about what he’s saying. It means a lot just for him to have that going on in our offense. Everybody has to be dialed in, know what coach is thinking.”