We need a new offensive coordinator

[Ravenseconbeast]

Everyone was hailing JIm Caldwell as the next savior last year after celebrating Cam Cameron getting fired.   Now Caldwell ....you want another OC out again?   Lets be honest here.  The OC isnt the problem.  Its the players and the personnel that doesn't know how to take advantage of the opponent that is the problem.  Whether its b/c they lack confidence or just simply do not have the talent to beat the defense.  Firing Calwell and bringing in another OC isnt going to fix the problem EVER.

 

By the way, Cam is doing pretty well in LSU offensively.  And like last several years, passing game still stinks.  Even worse, the run game isnt around anymore.  He might have been made a scapegoat b/c of Flacco and the offense mediocrity, but we all know Cam wasn't the problem.  

 

No scheme was changed.   It was the PLAYERS.  Players woke up and started producing w/ the same playcalls that Cam left behind last year @ playoffs.   Caldwell certaintly didnt build anything new.

[Chris K]

Caldwell just needs to be more creative and logical making decisions based on what the defense is doing, and as complex as that is, and as many factors go into that, that I know nothing about, it is really what needs to happen. I mean really, if they are putting 8 in the box, are we really going to try to slam it down their throats? With a shifty Ray Rice especially? All that does is put frustration into the RB's and O-Line early in the game, as well as putting us in those unfavorable 2nd-and-long situations. Next thing we know, before the defense has even been able to sit down, it's 4th and 6 and we're punting into almost field goal range. 

 

Not only does this make our play calls predictable, it also limits what we can do down the field. How can we throw the ball effectively and move the chains if the defense knows we're playing from behind and trying to pass? There is an entire field to use, and I feel like Caldwell, or whoever is designing these plays, is ignoring the middle of it. We saw when we put receivers into traffic in the middle they can confuse defenses and force the defense to spread out, which will lead to the run being a viable option. It just doesn't make sense right now, with what we're doing on the ground. I really hope we change some schemes.

[PurpleCorsair]

First down: run up the middle for no gain

 

Second down: deep shot, incomplete

 

Third down: crossing route for 5 yards. 

 

That is why we lost this game.

[GrimCoconut]

Everyone was hailing JIm Caldwell as the next savior last year after celebrating Cam Cameron getting fired. Now Caldwell ....you want another OC out again? Lets be honest here. The OC isnt the problem. Its the players and the personnel that doesn't know how to take advantage of the opponent that is the problem. Whether its b/c they lack confidence or just simply do not have the talent to beat the defense. Firing Calwell and bringing in another OC isnt going to fix the problem EVER.

By the way, Cam is doing pretty well in LSU offensively. And like last several years, passing game still stinks. Even worse, the run game isnt around anymore. He might have been made a scapegoat b/c of Flacco and the offense mediocrity, but we all know Cam wasn't the problem.

No scheme was changed. It was the PLAYERS. Players woke up and started producing w/ the same playcalls that Cam left behind last year @ playoffs. Caldwell certaintly didnt build anything new.

I still think Cam was apart of the problem. I think the college game is perfect for him. Said that since he joined.

[rafahash]

Everyone was hailing JIm Caldwell as the next savior last year after celebrating Cam Cameron getting fired.   Now Caldwell ....you want another OC out again?   

 

You know, it's possible that they're both bad

[sflegend89]

The end around to Marlon was Cam cameron level bad. If your even going to run it (I hate that play) make sure it's to Torrey, Jacoby, or Deonte. But no, let's run a play based on lateral quickness and open field running ability to our 6'5 posession wr, great idea.

[bayonetxwork]

I just don't see why it's so difficult for us to do short passing routes. You know, the routes quality teams in the league can successfully do 80% of the time. Not a single slant to Torrey Smith? You'd think with a poor offensive line we'd want to get rid of the ball quickly, but it doesn't seem like we can do that.

[Stephenjr]

The offense has taken on Caldwell's dull and Nonshalant personality. Kind Flacco's personality as well.

[PerpetuallyBored74]

Caldwell just needs to be more creative and logical making decisions based on what the defense is doing, and as complex as that is, and as many factors go into that, that I know nothing about, it is really what needs to happen. I mean really, if they are putting 8 in the box, are we really going to try to slam it down their throats? With a shifty Ray Rice especially? All that does is put frustration into the RB's and O-Line early in the game, as well as putting us in those unfavorable 2nd-and-long situations. Next thing we know, before the defense has even been able to sit down, it's 4th and 6 and we're punting into almost field goal range. 

 

Not only does this make our play calls predictable, it also limits what we can do down the field. How can we throw the ball effectively and move the chains if the defense knows we're playing from behind and trying to pass? There is an entire field to use, and I feel like Caldwell, or whoever is designing these plays, is ignoring the middle of it. We saw when we put receivers into traffic in the middle they can confuse defenses and force the defense to spread out, which will lead to the run being a viable option. It just doesn't make sense right now, with what we're doing on the ground. I really hope we change some schemes.

 

We were using the middle of the field with our passing game throughout the playoffs and into this season.

Then Joe throws 5 INTs against Buffalo, and since then we're not using the middle like before.

 

Didn't the same thing happen last year after the Texans game?

Anyone else think this is at least as much Harbaugh's call as it is Caldwell's?

[Ravenseconbeast]

You know, it's possible that they're both bad

true i agree w/ you there.

 

doesn't help anyone to put blame on cadlwell now.   we dont have a 'qb' coach waiting in line to replace cadlwell like last season.

[gabefergy]

Caldwell has done some good things, but I have been unhappy with the predictable playcalling since week 2. More balance in early downs would go a long way.

[SecretAgentMan]

Caldwell isn't the problem.

Running on first down is bad, but I'm not convinced he's the problem.

Fix the oline. Joe has weapons, give the guy time

[gabefergy]

Caldwell isn't the problem.

Running on first down is bad, but I'm not convinced he's the problem.

Fix the oline. Joe has weapons, give the guy time

Sure it stems from poor OL play, but when running on every first down isn't working it shouldn't take 3 quarters to make the necessary adjustments.

[SecretAgentMan]

Sure it stems from poor OL play, but when running on every first down isn't working it shouldn't take 3 quarters to make the necessary adjustments.

At least he made adjustments eventually.

He's not the problem. Could he do better? Sure. But with Cam we'd still be completely screwed

[The Raven]

At least he made adjustments eventually.

He's not the problem. Could he do better? Sure. But with Cam we'd still be completely screwed

 

Ain't that the truth

[gabefergy]

At least he made adjustments eventually.

He's not the problem. Could he do better? Sure. But with Cam we'd still be completely screwed

How is he not at least part of the problem? Play-calling is his job and it has been poor. It's not just the insistence of running on 1st down, but there seems to be a constant disconnect between selecting the proper play for the given down, distance, and personnel. 

[SecretAgentMan]

How is he not at least part of the problem? Play-calling is his job and it has been poor. It's not just the insistence of running on 1st down, but there seems to be a constant disconnect between selecting the proper play for the given down, distance, and personnel.

Forgive me..

He's not entirely the problem.. Of course of we have an offense that's anemic it's also partially on the OC.

But people are acting like he's cam Cameron 2.0

He's not.... He's a major upgrade over cam.

[gabefergy]

Forgive me..

He's not entirely the problem.. Of course of we have an offense that's anemic it's also partially on the OC.

But people are acting like he's cam Cameron 2.0

He's not.... He's a major upgrade over cam.

I wouldn't say major, but I do think he does a better job of using our players to their strengths. I just wish we emphasized the short to intermediate passing game more with the inability to run the ball.

[SecretAgentMan]

I wouldn't say major, but I do think he does a better job of using our players to their strengths. I just wish we emphasized the short to intermediate passing game more with the inability to run the ball.

That could be something we see in the future.

Talk to me after the year. Then I'll have an opinion

[T3hRaven]

I wouldn't say major, but I do think he does a better job of using our players to their strengths. I just wish we emphasized the short to intermediate passing game more with the inability to run the ball.

 

I think this over-emphasis of the run game is something that comes from the top more than him.  He came up through Indy, I'm baffled at the inconsistent use of the short to intermediate pass game.  I know John preached his 'Ravens offense' nonsense heading into the season, but I really expected our offense to be more like Indy's was with Manning.  I know we've implemented some of that, crossing routes being a notable example, but I don't think we're all the way there and this whole running emphasis is part of the reason.  I think we use a lot of I formation and other things like that, things would generally key the defense to defend the run (I would think).  Part of the problem is the Pitta injury, since that's when Leach was brought back and a lot changed, but I'd still like to see us run some 11 personnel and try to open the running lanes that way.

[Ravensfan23]

Jim Caldwell is a part of the problem because he is a part of the offense. But saying he is the majority of the problem or saying he needs to be replaced is about as far from the truth as saying Tyrod gives us a better chance of winning then Flacco. Imo

There are two major issues with the offense right. They are struggling with a organizational philosphy and they lack confidence. Both leads to poor execution imo.

The organizational philosiphy struggle comes from the idea that we are still the same run first play great defense team we were for the 2000 Super Bowl. We Are Not and every time someone says it, it just keeps this team living a lie and holds us back.

I honestly don't think the mentality of trying to establish the run comes from Caldwell. I believe it's one of those things that comes from the "Ravens Way" of playing football and it ties his hands because that's not what he's comfortable with. We try so hard to establish the run and pass off it they we leave our offense is terrible down and distances, thus making us stagnant. Like it or not this is a pass first offense that produces a solid running game off the pass. The sooner that is realized the sooner we can start fast in games.

Despite his 5 int performance, the ball has to be placed in Flacco's hands early and often. Get the offense moving with the pass, balance it out with the run and then strike huge with the playaction. These were Flacco's stats on 1st down pass plays: 7-11 170yds 1Td and a 6yd scramble. I'd say that's pretty successful and a real formula we can follow. Also of those 4 incomplete passes on first down, 1 was on a poor route by Clark and the other was when Doss failed to get his second foot down in the endzone. All 4 of the Ravens scoring opportunities started with a Flacco pass on 1st down.

The lack of confidence steams from the offense unsuccessfully trying to establish the run early. Right now this offense isn't firing on all cylinders, so when they get behind in down and distance they just aren't comfortable enough to attack. When you go back and watch the games again you notice small things that show up as reasons this offense is clicking. Things like Oher blocking well, but getting pushed back just enough that his leg prevented Flacco from following through on a ball that sailed to Doss. If Flacco is able to drive the ball it's a 20 yard pass out to the 50 and puts the Ravens in position to gets points before the half of a 3-0 game. Or Flacco throsing a pefect back shoulder/jumpball type pass to Brown early on, but the rookie not making the adjustment. Those arre things that probably doesn't happen if you're playing with confidence.

This team starts slow and then looks near unstoppable in the 2nd half of games. I feel it's because they finally put the ball in Flacco's hands and things open up. We need to start doing it earlier. It worked in the AFCCG and Super Bowl. It's time to do it now.

[PurpleCityLights]

No we need a new head coach cause everything he does offensively for this team makes us suck.


Cam>>>>sucks
New O-line coach >>>>sucks big time

[PurpleDoc]

Jim Caldwell is a part of the problem because he is a part of the offense. But saying he is the majority of the problem or saying he needs to be replaced is about as far from the truth as saying Tyrod gives us a better chance of winning then Flacco. Imo

There are two major issues with the offense right. They are struggling with a organizational philosphy and they lack confidence. Both leads to poor execution imo.

The organizational philosiphy struggle comes from the idea that we are still the same run first play great defense team we were for the 2000 Super Bowl. We Are Not and every time someone says it, it just keeps this team living a lie and holds us back.

I honestly don't think the mentality of trying to establish the run comes from Caldwell. I believe it's one of those things that comes from the "Ravens Way" of playing football and it ties his hands because that's not what he's comfortable with. We try so hard to establish the run and pass off it they we leave our offense is terrible down and distances, thus making us stagnant. Like it or not this is a pass first offense that produces a solid running game off the pass. The sooner that is realized the sooner we can start fast in games.

Despite his 5 int performance, the ball has to be placed in Flacco's hands early and often. Get the offense moving with the pass, balance it out with the run and then strike huge with the playaction. These were Flacco's stats on 1st down pass plays: 7-11 170yds 1Td and a 6yd scramble. I'd say that's pretty successful and a real formula we can follow. Also of those 4 incomplete passes on first down, 1 was on a poor route by Clark and the other was when Doss failed to get his second foot down in the endzone. All 4 of the Ravens scoring opportunities started with a Flacco pass on 1st down.

The lack of confidence steams from the offense unsuccessfully trying to establish the run early. Right now this offense isn't firing on all cylinders, so when they get behind in down and distance they just aren't comfortable enough to attack. When you go back and watch the games again you notice small things that show up as reasons this offense is clicking. Things like Oher blocking well, but getting pushed back just enough that his leg prevented Flacco from following through on a ball that sailed to Doss. If Flacco is able to drive the ball it's a 20 yard pass out to the 50 and puts the Ravens in position to gets points before the half of a 3-0 game. Or Flacco throsing a pefect back shoulder/jumpball type pass to Brown early on, but the rookie not making the adjustment. Those arre things that probably doesn't happen if you're playing with confidence.

This team starts slow and then looks near unstoppable in the 2nd half of games. I feel it's because they finally put the ball in Flacco's hands and things open up. We need to start doing it earlier. It worked in the AFCCG and Super Bowl. It's time to do it now.

Well said

[flynismo]

You lost me at "Cam was not the problem". He clearly was a huge part of our problem. But this isn't about him, this is about Caldwell.
For the most part, I agree that he is not the problem. In fact, I wholeheartedly agree that he is not the problem. The fact that anyone thinks otherwise is in my opinion, a display of ignorance, or at the very least, lazy and poor deduction.

If anybody wants to throw a coach under the bus, look no further than Castillo. But honestly, it is simply horrible play from very average players playing critical positions. Oher is mediocre at best....and RT is the most important player on the field when you are trying to gain chunk yards on the ground. Center goes without explanation. The captain of our OL is a wet behind the ears kid. McKinnie is a fat, lazy sloth....so, when both ends of the line as well as the center of your line stinks, it should be no surprise that KO and Yanda cannot compensate for all those holes.

[Ravensfan23]

You lost me at "Cam was not the problem". He clearly was a huge part of our problem. But this isn't about him, this is about Caldwell.
For the most part, I agree that he is not the problem. In fact, I wholeheartedly agree that he is not the problem. The fact that anyone thinks otherwise is in my opinion, a display of ignorance, or at the very least, lazy and poor deduction.
If anybody wants to throw a coach under the bus, look no further than Castillo. But honestly, it is simply horrible play from very average players playing critical positions. Oher is mediocre at best....and RT is the most important player on the field when you are trying to gain chunk yards on the ground. Center goes without explanation. The captain of our OL is a wet behind the ears kid. McKinnie is a fat, lazy sloth....so, when both ends of the line as well as the center of your line stinks, it should be no surprise that KO and Yanda cannot compensate for all those holes.

I agree, the oline as a whole is average. But I still think KO and Yanda are pro bowl caliber OGs. Gino is improving each week, but he is still nothing more then average right now. Oher is a try hard work hard guy, but we are kidding ourselves iff we don't see a upgrade is needed. Monroe seems like a solid LT and should form a nice left side with KO, but he's no stud imo.

With all that said the approach has to change. This oline isn't good enough to fire off the ball, punch people in the mouth and move bodies when the defense knows it's coming. They need the pass game to set up the run. Literally every successful run on Sunday came after a Flacco pass losened the defense. The threat of Flacco passing made the LBs take that extraa half second to read and react instead of just run blitzing.

I think this offense line becomes much better if we spread out defenses and use the short pass game to hold the LBs.

[flynismo]

I agree, the oline as a whole is average. But I still think KO and Yanda are pro bowl caliber OGs. Gino is improving each week, but he is still nothing more then average right now. Oher is a try hard work hard guy, but we are kidding ourselves iff we don't see a upgrade is needed. Monroe seems like a solid LT and should form a nice left side with KO, but he's no stud imo.

With all that said the approach has to change. This oline isn't good enough to fire off the ball, punch people in the mouth and move bodies when the defense knows it's coming. They need the pass game to set up the run. Literally every successful run on Sunday came after a Flacco pass losened the defense. The threat of Flacco passing made the LBs take that extraa half second to read and react instead of just run blitzing.

I think this offense line becomes much better if we spread out defenses and use the short pass game to hold the LBs.

Preaching to the converted...we are pass first team now. Have been for a while, and it is time to start approaching things that way as we gameplan each week. No more of this outdated run to set up the pass stuff. Pass to set up the run, since our OL isn't going to do their jobs.

[Dfence4champs2052]

@Ravefan52 you said it in the first sentence.

[easternshore97]

If Cam Cameron gets 4.75 yrs and Matt Cavanaugh gets a full year (and who knows how much longer) and Jim Fassell gets a year as a consultant (and then who even remembers how long he got as OC), why on Earth should Jim Caldwell only get 6 games after leading the offense through a Super Bowl run in the fire drill transition he went through?

 

Somebody help me out here. Nevermind the fact that it was the first time since week 1 that we had a healthy offensive unit

[Militant X 1]

You lost me at "Cam was not the problem". He clearly was a huge part of our problem. But this isn't about him, this is about Caldwell.
For the most part, I agree that he is not the problem. In fact, I wholeheartedly agree that he is not the problem. The fact that anyone thinks otherwise is in my opinion, a display of ignorance, or at the very least, lazy and poor deduction.

If anybody wants to throw a coach under the bus, look no further than Castillo. But honestly, it is simply horrible play from very average players playing critical positions. Oher is mediocre at best....and RT is the most important player on the field when you are trying to gain chunk yards on the ground. Center goes without explanation. The captain of our OL is a wet behind the ears kid. McKinnie is a fat, lazy sloth....so, when both ends of the line as well as the center of your line stinks, it should be no surprise that KO and Yanda cannot compensate for all those holes.

[url=http://s305.photobucket.com/user/MilitantX1/media/clapping.gif.html][/URL]

 

#Mili

[Alexir]

There is a college offensive coach that is doing wonders for LSU. We should bring him in, his name is like Cam or something...

Seriously though it's not the play calling. It's the line. It's been the line. It's terrible.