Coordinator Todd Monken has the kind of offensive presence the Ravens haven’t had since Gary Kubiak led the unit in 2014.
Back then, Ravens coach John Harbaugh spent most of his time with the protection whereas Kubiak ran the offense. It seems, based mostly on the portion of Wednesday’s voluntary apply that was open to the media, that 2023 will provide the same state of affairs.
The present belonged to Monken, who was employed by the Ravens in February to switch Greg Roman, who the crew parted with in January. Monken received back-to-back nationwide championships at Georgia earlier than the Ravens handed him the keys to their offense, and whereas the Bulldogs believed in a powerful operating sport, their passing assault was various.
Monken spent the apply directing the offense like a downtown New York City visitors cop at rush hour. His language was a bit salty and a few would possibly think about it barely offensive, however that is the NFL, not the Boy Scouts.
Under Kubiak in 2014, the Ravens had their most profitable season in 19 years with each quarterback Joe Flacco and operating again Justin Forsett having career-highs in yards and touchdowns.
Monken is hoping to have related success with quarterback Lamar Jackson and three new large receivers added throughout free company and the draft in Odell Beckham Jr., Nelson Agholor and rookie Zay Flowers.
Jackson, oh Jackson, the place artwork thou?
Speaking of Jackson, he was a no-show on the apply for the second straight week, and the Ravens can’t be pleased along with his continued absence.
In Jackson’s protection, quite a lot of the so-called “superstars” don’t attend these voluntary practices, and operating backs J.Ok. Dobbins and Gus Edwards didn’t take part, both.
But it might be good for Jackson to look so he can start working with Monken, particularly since he ended his standoff with the crew and signed a five-year contract reportedly price $260 million with $185 million assured.
The Ravens, although, have been conscious of Jackson’s questionable work ethic earlier than he signed the contract extension, so they’re at the moment getting what they deserve.
May Flowers
There isn’t any comparability between Flowers and 2019 first-round decide Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, apart from the small physique builds.
Flowers clearly has extra muscle and nice confidence in his route operating. He’s studying the job on the run, however Flowers doesn’t look like afraid to run throughout the center and sit in zones, an space Brown struggled in his first two seasons.
It’s early and there’s no tackling, however Flowers seems comfy within the offense.
A throwback
The Ravens aren’t carrying uniforms or helmets, which makes it tough to establish gamers. The apply Wednesday was much like those when the Ravens moved from Cleveland to Baltimore for his or her inaugural 1996 season.
The Ravens didn’t have a reputation, colour scheme or uniforms again then. They solely wore black jerseys, white pants and helmets and have been nicknamed “The Mean Machine” by gamers akin to middle Wally Williams and late offensive sort out Tony Jones, referencing the Seventies film “The Longest Yard” that starred Burt Reynolds.
Pierce wanting match
Nose sort out Michael Pierce tore his biceps in Week 3 and was positioned on season-ending injured reserve in September, however he seems to be in higher form than when he reported for coaching camp final summer time.
Pierce seemed explosive, confirmed good hand pace in a number of drills and wasn’t respiration closely when he completed. He can be a giant assist for the center of the protection, particularly after veteran sort out Calais Campbell signed with Atlanta Falcons within the offseason.
The Ravens signed Pierce to a three-year, $16.5 million contract in March 2022 however he reportedly agreed to a pay reduce as a part of a restructured contract this offseason.
Cleveland’s time to step up
It’s good to see third-year offensive lineman Ben Cleveland on the market getting some work in at guard. It’s nonetheless a query if he’s versatile sufficient to carry out in Monken’s offense, particularly as a go blocker, however that is the season he has to begin making critical progress.
Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, the rookie guard and sixth-round pick of Oregon, is kind of a specimen, and he doesn’t look like top-heavy entering into his go units. He appears fast.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com