Todd Monken's Playcalling Questioned by the Baltimore Ravens Fans

As the offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens, Todd Monken was brought in to elevate the team’s passing attack and complement its dominant running game—a vision that initially excited Ravens fans. But as the 2024 season unfolded, a growing number of fans began voicing frustration with his playcalling, questioning everything from in-game decision-making to overall offensive consistency. Todd Monken's Playcalling Questioned by the Baltimore Ravens Fans isn’t just about isolated complaints; it’s about a broader debate within Ravens Country over whether his  approach aligns with the team’s strengths and puts key players in positions to succeed. What started as quiet murmurs on social media has grown into a full-fledged conversation, with fans dissecting plays, sharing stats, and demanding more from the offense.

Todd Monken's Playcalling Questioned by the Baltimore Ravens Fans first gained traction after a string of close losses in mid-2024, where the Ravens’ offense sputtered in critical moments. The most notable frustration came during a Week 8 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals: with the Ravens trailing by 3 points and 2 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Monken called three consecutive passing plays—all incomplete—instead of leaning on star running back Lamar Jackson’s rushing ability, which had already amassed 120 yards that game. Fans took to X and Facebook to vent, with one viral post reading, “We have the best rushing quarterback in the league, and we’re throwing on 3rd-and-short? This playcalling makes no sense.” Former Ravens players also weighed in, with ex-offensive lineman Jonathan Ogden tweeting, “You have to play to your strengths. Lamar’s legs win games—why aren’t we using them when it matters most?” This loss became a turning point, as fans began to connect similar disappointing endings in previous games to Monken’s decision-making. Todd Monken's Playcalling Questioned by the Baltimore Ravens Fans because these critical moments highlighted a disconnect between the playcalling and the team’s most proven weapons.

Todd Monken's Playcalling Questioned by the Baltimore Ravens Fans further intensified as fans analyzed the offense’s overall inconsistency, particularly in the passing game. Monken was hired to open up the air attack, but the Ravens ranked 18th in passing yards per game through the first 10 weeks of 2024—despite having a talented receiving corps including Odell Beckham Jr. and Rashod Bateman. Fans pointed to repetitive play designs: too many deep passes on first down (which often resulted in sacks or incompletions) and a lack of short, quick routes that could keep the chains moving. On TikTok, a fan-created video compiled 10 instances of Monken calling deep passes on first down against blitzing defenses, with the caption, “Why keep doing the same thing when it’s not working?” Another fan shared a stat on Instagram: the Ravens had the highest rate of “three-and-outs” in the AFC when Monken called more than 30 passing plays in a game. Todd Monken's Playcalling Questioned by the Baltimore Ravens Fans because the inconsistency didn’t just hurt wins—it wasted the talent of the team’s offensive stars, leaving fans frustrated by unfulfilled potential.

Todd Monken's Playcalling Questioned by the Baltimore Ravens Fans also spilled over into in-person events, with fans voicing their concerns at press conferences and game-day gatherings. During a post-game press conference in Week 11, a fan shouted, “Todd, why aren’t we using Lamar in the red zone?” while Monken was answering questions about a loss to the Cleveland Browns. The moment was captured on video and shared widely, with many fans agreeing that the red zone offense—where the Ravens ranked 22nd in touchdown efficiency—was a major weak spot. Monken’s response, which focused on “adjusting to defensive schemes,” did little to calm the frustration. The Baltimore Ravens’ front office took note of the fan outcry, with general manager Eric DeCosta later acknowledging that “we need to do better on offense” in a radio interview, though he stopped short of criticizing Monken directly. Todd Monken's Playcalling Questioned by the Baltimore Ravens Fans because the concerns weren’t just online—they were a visible, vocal part of the team’s game-day atmosphere, putting pressure on the coaching staff to adapt.

Todd Monken's Playcalling Questioned by the Baltimore Ravens Fans saw a divide emerge within Ravens Country, with some fans defending Monken and arguing that external factors (like injuries to the offensive line) were to blame. These supporters pointed out that the Ravens still had a winning record (7-4 through Week 11) and that Monken had helped Jackson set a career high in passing touchdowns the previous season. “People forget how bad our offense was before Monken got here,” one fan wrote on the Ravens’ official fan forum. “Injuries to the O-line mean we can’t always run the ball—we have to throw, even if it’s not perfect.” This defense of Monken often clashed with critical fans, leading to heated debates about what “success” looked like for the Ravens’ offense. The Baltimore Ravens’ official social media accounts tried to bridge the gap by sharing behind-the-scenes videos of Monken preparing for games, but the content did little to quiet the criticism. Todd Monken's Playcalling Questioned by the Baltimore Ravens Fans because the divide highlighted how much fans care about the team’s success—even if they disagreed on the path to get there.

Todd Monken's Playcalling Questioned by the Baltimore Ravens Fans reached a peak when the Ravens lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Round, a game where the offense managed just 17 points despite Jackson throwing for 300 yards. Fans zeroed in on a key third-quarter drive: with the Ravens trailing by 7 points and facing 3rd-and-5, Monken called a trick play that resulted in an interception—a decision many fans saw as unnecessary and risky. “We had momentum, and we threw it away with a silly play,” one fan tweeted after the game. “Monken cost us a shot at the Super Bowl.” In the days following the loss, local sports radio shows were dominated by calls about Monken’s future, with some fans demanding his firing and others urging patience. The Baltimore Ravens’ head coach John Harbaugh later stated that Monken would remain as offensive coordinator for 2025, but the announcement did little to silence the criticism. Todd Monken's Playcalling Questioned by the Baltimore Ravens Fans because the playoff loss reinforced the fans’ biggest fears: that inconsistent playcalling could be the difference between a good season and a championship run.

Todd Monken's Playcalling Questioned by the Baltimore Ravens Fans isn’t just about a single coach or a single season—it’s about the high expectations of Ravens Country, a fan base that has grown accustomed to winning and expects the team to maximize its talent. While some fans remain hopeful that Monken can adjust his approach and fix the offense’s issues, others are skeptical, watching closely as the 2025 offseason unfolds. For now, the debate continues: on social media, at fan events, and in living rooms across Baltimore. Todd Monken's Playcalling Questioned by the Baltimore Ravens Fans because it’s a reflection of what makes sports fandom so passionate—fans don’t just watch the games; they invest in the team’s success, and they’re not afraid to voice their opinions when they think the team can do better. As the Ravens prepare for next season, all eyes will be on Monken—and whether he can win back the trust of the fans who once hoped he’d be the key to a Super Bowl title.