Todd Monken Gets Creative in Short-Yardage Situations
As noted earlier, the Ravens offense had issues in the red zone and also in short-yardage situations, including having to settle for a field goal after having first-and-goal at the 4-yard line.
However, thanks to creativity from Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken, the Ravens did find some success in short yardage.
“After the Ravens recovered a Vikings’ fumble, they faced third-and-1 from the Vikings’ 14,” Smolka wrote. “They lined up in their ‘tush push’ formation with Mark Andrews under center. Surely the Vikings have seen the play on tape. But instead of surging forward, Andrews took the snap and tossed a pitch to Lamar Jackson, who ran around right end for 3 yards and [a] first down. Three plays later, Justice Hill scored a touchdown for a 19-10 lead.
“Later, the Ravens faced third-and-2 from the 9-yard line. Rather than give to Derrick Henry, Jackson kept the ball and ran left, with Henry, Patrick Ricard, Ronnie Stanley and pulling center Tyler Linderbaum all forming a rolling wall in front of him. Jackson gained 7 yards and a first down. On the next play, Jackson threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Andrews and a 27-13 lead.”
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