Baltimore Offensive Coordinator Todd Moken has high praise for Lamar Jackson, says he’s “still just scratching the surface”
By Gabriel Esparza | May 12, 2025
Ravens fans saw a familiar end to their past season. A frustrating playoff loss saw Baltimore fall short against Kansas City. There are plenty of aspects that encouraged onlookers throughout the year; however, bowing out through self-inflicted wounds only increased the angst surrounding the organization.
This is a good team. They have great pieces on both sides of the ball. Whether it’s coaching, or mental errors at the wrong times, coach John Harbaugh seems to push the wrong buttons at the wrong times in the most critical areas.
It’s unknown if they’ll be able to overcome the final postseason push. The play of Lamar Jackson is encouraging, however. He’s coming off his best statistical year. By throwing for 4,172 yards with 41 touchdowns and only four interceptions, he’s proven once again that he is one of the top QBs in the league.
Offensive coordinator, Todd Monken, shared interesting comments on the franchise player. In his evaluation, he said on the team’s ‘The Lounge’ podcast: “The year that he had, I think he’s still just scratching the surface of where he’s headed.”
The OC acknowledged how bizarre the statement sounded. Considering Jackson is coming off a strong regular season, and putting up career-high numbers, it seems unlikely at first. What the coach is likely saying is that there are plenty of yards and plays out there to be made still.
His mechanics have improved, and his comfort within the offense is clear. Jackson knows there’s plenty of work to do and will continue to strive to improve. As a competitor, he understands small tweaks will give bigger results.
During games with close margins, a single play at a crucial moment has huge effects. Gaining a key first down and ensuring an extra set of downs or even possession can yield great results.
Consequently, the latest coach Monken’s comment isn’t slanderous to Jackson. This approach and breakdown would apply to all quarterbacks throughout NFL history. Even the best ever had missed plays. Tom Brady continued to enhance his technique through the entirety of his career.
While he may have reached his stats apex, there is plenty of room for Jackson to have a bigger impact in games. Especially against the better teams in the league, he could find a couple of tweaks that proved to be the difference.
Maybe the total season yards and TDs will never be eclipsed by Jackson moving forward. His putting the team in a position to not need last-minute winning plays is what’s ultimately needed. The goal is to win when it matters most.
If the QB can position the offense to take control of games earlier on, the stats may not necessarily reflect improvement. It would illustrate the point of coach Monken.
Jackson On The Verge Of Baltimore Greatness
Winning in the playoffs is all that matters at this point for Baltimore. Jackson would happily exchange a spot in the Super Bowl for less individual credit or accolades. Too often in sports consumption, only the raw stats and box scores are considered.
This approach doesn’t do the dynamic game flow of sports justice. Some critics may say that Jackson has peaked due to his best single-season stats. In truth, the team has its best chance to compete. As a contender with their franchise quarterback, they need to figure it out now.
They are closer than what some are saying. Fortunately for the Baltimore fanbase, their best player is eager to keep pushing. Complacency can sometimes hit after hitting personal career marks.
Jackson is someone this concern doesn’t apply to, far from it. He knows what the ultimate goal is. As long as he keeps committed to pushing the team forward, they’ll at the very least stay as legitimate annual contenders.
In the same podcast segment, coach Monken went further:
Lamar is an unbelievably humble superstar. That doesn’t mean he’s not competitive or doesn’t want to be great. Lamar just wants to win.
In sports, the metaphor of being ‘the hunter versus the hunted’ is often used. Until the Ravens win it all, Jackson and company are the hunters. Experiencing bitter playoff exits will continue to push everyone in the building.
More importantly, the renewed offseason efforts will be led by their best and most important player. Jackson has had his limitations. He’s improving and continues to show an ability to get better. This will continue. Only the numbers may not illustrate it. Instead, a playoff win would be the result that he and his teammates are pushing for. That’s the only aspect that matters for the Ravens organization at this point.
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