Todd Monken is a master chef who keeps adding spice to his play calling.
The Ravens were without 1,000-yard receiver Zay Flowers (knee) yet had no trouble finding ways to move the football.
Baltimore was the first team in NFL history with more than 4,000 passing yards and 3,000 yards rushing, and Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken isn’t taking his foot off the gas. If anything, he’s doubling down in the postseason on showing different looks.
Henry’s stiff arm against Fitzpatrick came off a direct Wildcat snap, on which he faked a toss to Jackson then rumbled through the line. It was a new play the Ravens installed late during the week.
This is the most diverse and creative offense the Ravens have ever taken into the postseason, and you get the feeling Monken has plenty more tools left in his box. The Ravens ran the ball on 24 of their first 32 plays, and the offensive line won the battle up front against Pittsburgh’s stout defensive line while Jackson was sacked just once. Those are positive signs for Baltimore.
“I feel like Todd did a great job, he called the game really well,” Harbaugh said. “He was patient. We had some things we didn’t get to because we were running the ball so well. Whatever it takes. We don’t have to do it one certain way.”