'Embracing A New Philosophy!' Ravens' Biggest Training Camp Concern

While many have touted the Baltimore Ravens 2023 offense as a potentially “scary” unit, adopting coach Todd Monken’s new philosophy may also be a concern heading into training camp.

The Baltimore Ravens are expected to field one of the NFL’s more high-powered offenses in the upcoming season.

In addition to re-signing franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson, the Ravens also secured the services of two-time second-team All-Pro wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. — who joins fellow wideouts Rashod Bateman, Devin Duvernay, Nelson Agholor, James Proche in a crowded, yet talented depth chart at wide receiver. Baltimore also drafted highly-touted rookie Zay Flowers to bolster their passing game. 

In short, the Ravens will be establishing a greater balance between the run game and their pass attack under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken. 

While some are expecting it to be one of the most exciting aspects of the upcoming season, the Baltimore Sun’s Mike Preston believes that the change from former coordinator Greg Roman’s “run first” philosophy may also be their top concern heading into 2023. 

“It’s offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s show, and he seems to have the same authority Harbaugh gave to Gary Kubiak when he was in the role in 2014,” Preston wrote.

 “Monken had a strong presence during the offseason program, but training camp is a different animal as coaches evaluate players and install the scheme,” he continued. “Those two factors will determine how the unit operates, as well as the pace at which it will play. Monken has to get the players to embrace a new philosophy, one that is more balanced between the run and the pass. That was not former coordinator Greg Roman’s M.O.”

As offensive coordinator for the University of Georgia, Monken was a key contributor toward the Bulldogs' back-to-back national championships. During his three seasons with the Bulldogs, he lifted an offense which averaged 30.7 points per game into one which set a school-record 41 points. Under his tenure, Georgia rushed for 205.8 yards and passed for 295.8 yards per game.

In addition to his success at the college level, Monken boasts prior NFL coordinating experience. He previously spent time on the offensive staffs of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and, most recently, with the Cleveland Browns. As such, he possesses the ability to translate innovative concepts at the professional level — a trait that Ravens fans are hoping carries the team to new heights in 2023. 

Still, Preston’s point remains valid. While new ideas and fresh philosophies may be exciting during off-season workouts, the implementation of such schemes will begin immediately upon the team’s arrival at training camp. While his experience should serve him well when putting his stamp on Baltimore’s offense, he will also need to pull upon the leadership of coach John Harbaugh, as well as the voices of several veterans to help turn a concern into an undisputed strength. 

Monken and his offense will take to the practice fields for their first training camp practice on July 26th. 

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