Todd Monken's Run Game Focus Needed for the Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens’ offense has long thrived on a physical, run-first identity—one that leverages dual-threat quarterbacks, powerful running backs, and a mauling offensive line to control the clock and wear down defenses. But in 2025, under offensive coordinator Todd Monken, the unit has drifted toward a more pass-heavy approach, with mixed results. As the Ravens look to rebuild for 2026, a renewed focus on the run game isn’t just a preference—it’s a necessity. Todd Monken's Run Game Focus Needed for the Baltimore Ravens explores why doubling down on rushing attack will unlock the offense’s potential, fix key inefficiencies, and align with the team’s core strengths.

Todd Monken's Run Game Focus Needed for the Baltimore Ravens begins with the most obvious reason: the Ravens’ wealth of talent in the backfield, headlined by J.K. Dobbins. Despite dealing with minor injuries in 2025, Dobbins averaged 4.8 yards per carry—his highest mark since 2021—and showed he still has the burst to turn short gains into touchdowns. Film from his Week 17 performance against the Pittsburgh Steelers highlights his value: he recorded 112 rushing yards on 22 carries, including a 25-yard touchdown where he broke two tackles and outran the Steelers’ secondary. Yet Monken’s playcalling often sidelined Dobbins in critical moments; in the Ravens’ Week 16 loss to the Bengals, Dobbins touched the ball just 15 times (12 carries, 3 receptions) despite averaging 5.2 yards per rush. “J.K. is one of the best running backs in the NFL when he’s given consistent touches,” said former Ravens running back Ray Rice, who analyzed the offense for local radio. “Monken has a weapon here—he just needs to use him more. The run game shouldn’t be an afterthought; it should be the foundation.”

Todd Monken's Run Game Focus Needed for the Baltimore Ravens delves into how a stronger run focus would 减轻 (ease) the pressure on Lamar Jackson and improve the passing game by extension. Jackson excels when the run game forces defenses to commit extra players to the box, opening up deep routes and quick passes to tight ends and wide receivers. In 2025, however, Monken’s pass-heavy scheme often left Jackson facing eight-man boxes, with defenders free to blitz or drop into coverage. Film from the Ravens’ Week 15 loss to the Jaguars shows this issue: Jackson threw three interceptions, in part because the Jaguars didn’t need to respect the run, allowing them to double-team Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers. When the run game is working, though, Jackson’s passing numbers improve dramatically: in games where the Ravens rushed for 150+ yards in 2025, Jackson completed 68% of his passes and threw 12 touchdowns to just 2 interceptions. “Lamar is a better quarterback when the run game sets up the pass,” said Ravens quarterbacks coach James Urban. “It takes the pressure off him to make every play with his arm and lets him use his legs strategically, not out of necessity.”

Todd Monken's Run Game Focus Needed for the Baltimore Ravens examines how the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive line—when utilized properly—thrives in run-blocking schemes, making a run-first approach a logical fit. The unit, anchored by left tackle Ronnie Stanley and right guard Kevin Zeitler, was built for power running: Stanley excels at sealing the edge, while Zeitler is one of the league’s best at driving defensive linemen back in the A-gap. Film from the Ravens’ Week 14 win over the Browns shows the line’s dominance: they opened up holes for Dobbins that averaged 3.2 yards before contact, allowing him to rack up 97 rushing yards. Yet Monken’s pass-heavy calls often left the line in pass-blocking sets for 60%+ of snaps, wasting their run-blocking talent and increasing the risk of sacks (Jackson was sacked 32 times in 2025, his highest total since 2020). “This offensive line was drafted and signed to run block,” said former Ravens offensive lineman Marshal Yanda, who now works as a consultant for the team. “Monken needs to play to their strengths. When this line is moving people, the entire offense clicks.” For the Baltimore Ravens, maximizing the line’s run-blocking ability isn’t just about stats—it’s about playing to the team’s identity and keeping Jackson healthy by reducing his exposure to blitzes.

Todd Monken's Run Game Focus Needed for the Baltimore Ravens explores how a run-first approach would align the offense with the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive identity, creating a complementary “toughness” that wins games. The Ravens’ defense, which surged late in 2025, excels when it can rest and stay fresh—something a clock-controlling run game enables. In 2025, games where the Ravens rushed for 150+ yards saw the defense allow 18.2 points per game, compared to 27.5 points in games where they rushed for fewer than 100 yards. The correlation is clear: a strong run game keeps the defense off the field, limiting their fatigue and reducing the number of opportunities opponents have to score. Film from the Ravens’ Week 17 win over the Steelers illustrates this: the run game helped the offense hold the ball for 35:12, giving the defense enough rest to force three turnovers and hold the Steelers to 17 points. “Offense and defense need to work together,” said Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. “Our defense plays with intensity, but they can’t do it if they’re on the field for 40 minutes a game. The run game is the bridge between the two units—it keeps the defense fresh and the offense in control.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this synergy is key to winning tough AFC North games and competing for playoffs in 2026.

Todd Monken's Run Game Focus Needed for the Baltimore Ravens wraps up with actionable adjustments Monken can make to prioritize the run game, from playcalling to personnel packages. First, he should increase the use of “12 personnel” (1 running back, 2 tight ends)—a package that creates extra blocking and forces defenses to choose between covering tight ends or stopping the run. Second, he should incorporate more “zone read” plays, which let Jackson and Dobbins work in tandem to exploit defensive gaps. Third, he should commit to the run even when it doesn’t produce immediate results, as consistent touches wear down defenses over time. “It’s not just about calling more run plays—it’s about building a scheme that revolves around the run,” said Rice. “Monken has the pieces; he just needs to put them together.” For the Baltimore Ravens, a run-focused offense under Monken wouldn’t mean abandoning the pass—it would mean creating a balanced attack that plays to the team’s strengths. With Dobbins, Jackson, and a talented offensive line, the Ravens have the tools to be one of the NFL’s top rushing teams in 2026. Monken’s job now is to focus on that foundation—and watch the rest of the offense fall into place.