Todd Monken
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Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken launched a fiery defense of an oft-criticized starter.
Todd Monken isn’t about to let one poor play define a key starter along his offensive line, and the offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens singed the online critics.
Monken had a lot to say to those who took to social media to savage Daniel Faalele after the starting right guard was beaten by defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore during Week 1 of the preseason. Being sent to the ground by Adebawore and giving up a sack didn’t prevent the Ravens from beating the Indianapolis Colts 24-16, but Faalele (77) was the brunt of some intense criticism.
The backlash put Monken on the defensive when the play-caller spoke with reporters on Tuesday, August 12, per Ravens.com Staff Writer Clifton Brown. As Monken put it, “One shot on the internet doesn’t make a man, or a great play doesn’t make a man. If the internet posts someone walking into church, it doesn’t make him a great Christian. It just means they walked into church. They picked out one clip of it. That’s not Daniel. Daniel’s been outstanding throughout all of camp and has played his rear end off.”
It’s a strong take, but Monken’s defiance can’t make people forget about the need for Faalele to improve. He made the right guard spot his own last season, but the fourth-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft still displays flaws in key areas.
The Ravens need those flaws to disappear because they already have enough to worry about along the interior of their front five.
Ravens Need More from Daniel Faalele
Although Monken is right to point out Faalele, nor any other player, should be defined by one clip, the Ravens are entitled to expect improvement. Especially after Faalele was warned about his status by head coach John Harbaugh earlier this offseason.
Faalele being put on notice made sense, despite some solid performances last season. He gave up just one sack, but the 25-year-old did allow 32 pressures and was flagged for six penalties, according to Pro Football Focus.
Agility and footwork have been problems for Faalele, particularly against stunts and speed inside. Like when Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby beat the 6-foot-8, 370-pounder to get to Lamar Jackson at a critical moment during a shock loss for the Ravens in Week 2 last season, per Kevin Oestreicher of Locked on Ravens.
Daniel Faalele can’t get to Maxx Crosby in time on a stunt as he shuffles his feet, causing a sack in one of the biggest moments of the game pic.twitter.com/jSEMNcFxQz
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) September 15, 2024
When Faalele has faltered he’s struggled mightily, but when he’s been good the fourth-year pro has been downright dominant. It’s what he was when Faalele earned a shoutout from Jackson after the interior behemoth mauled the Dallas Cowboys in both phases of the offense in Week 3.
Harbaugh and Monken need more week-to-week consistency from Faalele to lock down the right side. Particularly when they’re still waiting on solutions at left guard and for a key rookie this year to get healthy.
Ravens Still Waiting for Solutions Along Interior of O-Line
The left guard spot has been an open competition, but a winner is emerging in the form of Andrew Vorhees. He’s “been considered the front-runner throughout” this offseason, according to PressBox reporter Bo Smolka, who included a highlight of Vorhees (72) pulling to lead the way for running back Keaton Mitchell to score and prove a point against the Colts.
Key block on the Mitchell TD run by pulling LG Andrew Vorhees. Vorhees began the summer in competition for the LG job but has been considered the front-runner throughout https://t.co/MsWgxaSBkv
— Bo Smolka (@bsmolka) August 7, 2025
Vorhees is beating Ben Cleveland to a starting job, but the Ravens don’t need another competition brewing on Faalele’s side of the line. It likely won’t happen as long as 2025 NFL draft third-round pick Emery Jones Jr. remains inactive due to a shoulder labrum problem.
Harbaugh confirmed on Sunday, August 3 how Jones is still awaiting clearance from the doctors, despite the Ravens hoping he would be ready by “mid-camp.” It’s a blow for player and team because ex-LSU standout Jones is a gifted tackle with the potential to switch to guard in the pros, where he’d surely challenge Faalele.
Until Jones is ready, Faalele will get every chance to keep his grip on a vital position and justify Monken’s blistering refrain for the critics.