Ravens Odell Beckham 'Nothing But Love' For Todd Monken
The Baltimore Ravens have paired new offensive coordinator Todd Monken back up with star wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. after signing the former free agent to a one-year deal.
Monken and Beckham last worked together with the Cleveland Browns back in 2019, the last time that the former LSU product put together a 1,000-yard receiving season as the Browns finished 6-10 that year.
Despite things not working out in Cleveland for either side, as Monken would be let go along with the rest of the coaching following the disappointing season, and Beckham was released during the next season, there are no hard feelings, OBJ revealed.
"We had a great relationship in Cleveland. To be honest, there just wasn't ... You know when certain situations just aren't for people; it's not anyone's fault or anything that happens, it's just life goes that way, and things don't work out the way that you would want to," Beckham said via the Ravens team website.
"We had great rapport there, great communication. I remember him and I trying to really figure out what's going on and bring everyone together. So, I have nothing but love for him."
Monken confirmed as much himself when speaking about the now 30-year-old during his introductory press conference back in February.
"I really like Odell [Beckham Jr.]," Monken told reporters. "Odell is super athletic, twitchy. [He] really likes football. I really did [like him]. It didn't work out the year I was there [with him in Cleveland], but ultimately … He's like every skill player; he's no different – I don't know why everybody gets pissed off – like, he wants the ball."
Beckham has often been labeled as a locker room "diva" but can also be described as a fiery competitor who wants to win. This is what the Ravens need, as he is coming into the franchise after years of a passing game that hasn't been up to par.
The Ravens ranked 28th in passing yards per game last season, averaging 180.5 yards, which obviously isn't enough to win a Super Bowl in the era of "pass-happy" offenses. But that is why Baltimore brought in Monken and gave him weapons like Beckham and Nelson Agholor.
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