The Baltimore Ravens’ offense has always been a dynamic force, built around the unparalleled athleticism of Lamar Jackson and a scheme that emphasizes versatility, creativity, and explosive plays. But as the team prepares for the 2025 season, one name stands out as a potential centerpiece of their aerial attack: Zay Flowers. After a strong rookie campaign followed by an injury-shortened 2024 season, Flowers is now fully healthy—and offensive coordinator Todd Monken has made it clear that he plans to feature the young wide receiver prominently in the game plan.
Flowers’ arrival in Baltimore was met with excitement from fans and analysts alike. A first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the former Boston College star brought elite route-running ability, quickness, and a knack for making defenders miss in the open field. His rookie season showcased flashes of brilliance, as he quickly developed chemistry with Jackson, proving to be a reliable target in critical situations. However, his sophomore year was derailed by injuries, limiting his availability and preventing him from building on his early success. Now, with a clean bill of health and a full offseason to refine his craft, Flowers is poised for a breakout year—and Monken intends to make sure he gets every opportunity to shine.
Monken, who took over as offensive coordinator in 2023, has always been an advocate for spreading the ball around and maximizing the talents of his playmakers. His system thrives on unpredictability, using motion, shifts, and varied personnel groupings to keep defenses guessing. But while the Ravens have traditionally leaned on their rushing attack—spearheaded by Jackson and a deep stable of running backs—Monken has also shown a willingness to air it out when the matchup calls for it. With Flowers healthy, alongside established veterans like Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman, Baltimore’s passing game has the potential to reach new heights in 2025.
One of the most intriguing aspects of Flowers’ game is his versatility. Though undersized by traditional NFL wide receiver standards, his quickness and agility allow him to excel both outside and in the slot. Monken has a history of utilizing players with similar skill sets in creative ways, often manufacturing touches through screens, jet sweeps, and designed pick plays to get them into space. Flowers’ ability to turn short passes into big gains makes him an ideal fit for this approach, and Monken has already hinted at expanding his role beyond that of a traditional receiver. Expect to see Flowers lined up all over the formation, with designed touches aimed at maximizing his yards-after-catch ability.
Another factor working in Flowers’ favor is the continued evolution of Jackson as a passer. The former MVP has made significant strides in his ability to dissect defenses from the pocket, and his chemistry with Flowers was evident even during the receiver’s injury-plagued 2024 season. Jackson has always had a knack for improvisation, extending plays and finding open receivers when the initial break down. Flowers’ ability to separate late in routes and adjust to off-script throws makes him a perfect complement to Jackson’s unique skill set. If the two can stay healthy and build on their existing rapport, the Ravens’ offense could become even more dangerous than it has been in years past.
Of course, Monken’s plan to feature Flowers more heavily doesn’t mean the Ravens will abandon their identity as a run-first team. The offensive line, anchored by stalwarts like Ronnie Stanley and Tyler Linderbaum, remains one of the best in football at creating lanes for Jackson and the running backs. The threat of the run will only open up more opportunities for Flowers in the play-action game, where his speed can be utilized on deep shots and crossing routes. Monken’s challenge will be finding the right balance—ensuring that Flowers gets his touches without forcing the ball to him at the expense of offensive efficiency.
Beyond the X’s and O’s, Flowers’ resurgence could have major implications for the Ravens’ playoff aspirations. In recent years, Baltimore’s postseason runs have been hampered by a lack of consistent playmaking in the passing game outside of Andrews. Defenses have often keyed in on stopping the run, daring Jackson to beat them through the air. With Flowers operating at full capacity, the Ravens now have another weapon who can tilt the field in their favor, forcing opponents to respect every level of the offense. In tight games, having a receiver who can win one-on-one matchups and move the chains could be the difference between an early playoff exit and a deep postseason run.
The 2025 season represents a critical juncture for both Flowers and the Ravens as a whole. For Flowers, it’s an opportunity to cement himself as one of the league’s rising stars at the receiver position. For the Ravens, it’s a chance to prove that their offense can be just as dangerous through the air as it is on the ground. Monken’s willingness to adapt and feature his most explosive playmakers suggests that Flowers will be at the forefront of that effort.
As training camp approaches, all eyes will be on Flowers’ health and how Monken integrates him into the offense. If all goes according to plan, the Ravens could have one of the most balanced and explosive attacks in the NFL—with Zay Flowers playing a starring role. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, that’s exactly the kind of boost they’ll need to get over the hump.
