Monken Takes Responsibility for Jackson's Struggles with Ravens

Reflection on a Testing Season

Todd Monken, the Baltimore Ravens' offensive coordinator, has recently opened up about his role in the struggles faced by quarterback Lamar Jackson during the 2025 NFL season. Monken's admission came during an interview on the Ryan Ripken Show, where he stated, "I didn't coach Lamar well enough... I didn't have as good of a relationship as I could have with him." This moment of introspection highlights the complexities surrounding both the coach and quarterback during a turbulent season.

A Season of Disappointment

The Ravens finished the 2025 season with a disappointing 16th ranking in the NFL in offense — a stark contrast to their first-ever No. 1 ranking under Monken the previous season. Monken, who admitted to not building sufficient rapport with Jackson, took the blame for what went wrong.

"I believe that. I didn't do the things we needed to do this year to win enough games to give ourselves a chance."

Jackson's performance was hindered by injuries, which partially contributed to the regression. He missed four games and didn't finish two others, which prevented him from realizing his full potential this season. Despite these challenges, Monken expressed a desire to have seen what deeper progress could have been made if Jackson had been healthy.

Building Bridges

Monken also clarified that he never perceived a strained connection with Jackson, emphasizing the quarterback's tremendous success in previous seasons. In fact, under Monken's coaching, Jackson secured his second NFL Most Valuable Player award in 2023 and boasted remarkable statistics in 2024, including throwing 41 touchdowns against just four interceptions. Monken remarked:

"Lamar and I, to me, had a good relationship. Could it have been better? Of course. Lamar and I never had an issue."

This acknowledgment is significant, especially as the Ravens navigate a new coaching chapter following the recent firing of head coach John Harbaugh. The franchise is now searching for leaders who can rejuvenate its culture and optimize the talents of its star QB.

What Lies Ahead for the Ravens?

With Harbaugh's departure and potential changes in coaching styles, the future trajectory for Jackson and the Ravens is uncertain. Monken projected that Jackson's relationship with the coaching staff could improve under new leadership, allowing for fresh strategies tailored to the quarterback's strengths.

Monken reflected on a critical moment during the AFC Championship Game against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he regretted not trusting the run game enough, noting, "I will always remember the Chiefs game... I don't let it haunt [me]. I just won't ever forget it." This statement underscores the weight of decision-making in high-stakes games and the pivotal role that trust plays in a coach-player relationship.

Conclusion: Lessons Learned

In the end, Monken's revelations shed light on the trials faced by both him and Jackson throughout the season. The process of growth includes acknowledging shortcomings and charting a path forward, which is precisely what the Ravens aim to do as they overhaul their approach next season. I'm eager to see how this transformation will unfold, especially for a player as talented and promising as Jackson, who still carries a heavy weight of expectations and potential.

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