Ravens Offensive 'Operation' Getting Better
The Baltimore Ravens offense is slowly finding its groove. After a Week 1 performance, coordinator Todd Monken said there was a lot of "drag," but against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 2, things went smoother.
In the 27-24 win, Monken highlights that the offensive operation between himself and quarterback Lamar Jackson was a lot better.
“Well, it was a helluva lot better,” Monken said. “Just in terms of operation, communication [with] myself, Lamar [Jackson], huddle, breaking the huddle. [It's] Not perfect, still left some things out there just in terms of operation, but to me, that’s the start of it. I was pleased with that part of it. Obviously, the guys did a great job of executing, but it started with the operation.”
With the offense putting up 415 yards of total offense and converting nine out of 14 third downs, it is easy to see why Monken was far happier with how everything came together. But part of that was also the efforts of rookie Zay Flowers.
After his nine-catch, 78-yard debut against the Houston Texans, the former Boston College star continued his form vs. the Bengals with four catches for 62 yards, as he is already making a name for himself. For Monken, the vibrant rookie is simply just fun to be around.
“Being around him, you can feel his contagious spirit,” Monken said. “His youthfulness, his smile, his approach every day. He’s got a smile on his face, he loves playing football, which all of our guys do, but it's fun to be around, he’s got a little bit of absence of fear. I think he’s expected to have success, and that’s half the battle when you’re a young player.”
The Ravens are getting things clicking on offense, and their prized rookie is off to a hot start as the embarrassment of riches at Jackson's disposal is starting to get accustomed to Monken's system.
Up next for Baltimore is an Indianapolis Colts team fresh off their first win of the season, with Monken hoping the offensive operation again goes up a notch.
