We need a new offensive coordinator

[flynismo]

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.

I get the feeling that Cam guy is coaching where he belongs....in college

[Alexir]

I get the feeling that Cam guy is coaching where he belongs....in college

Definitely

[Ravensfanspls]

We lost 2 of our biggest weapons in Q and Pitta. Not to mention the heart and brain of our o-line in Birk. And you think this offense is just going to take off the same way it was last year? You guys are so unrealistic.

 

Caldwell helped get us to the super bowl last year and you guys are ready to kick him out after 6 weeks? Why not give this man and this offense some damn time. I would rather be better in the last 8 weeks then in the first 8 weeks. We just have some growing pains.. Chill the BLEEP out.

 

Here is one for you is Tom Brady putting up 40 points every week? NO,They are only averaging 19 PPG...

[Ravensfan23]

The only issue with Caldwell is he falls victim to the establish Ray Rice early theory and I honestly feeel he's handcuffed in that area as I mentioned before. Each week I'm seeing great signs from Caldwell of what this offense could look like if and when wwe start executing. There are only two things I'd like to see Caldwell do more of, WR screens/smoke plays and fades to Brown in the endzone.

Other then that he has been very creative and doing a good job of getting guys favorable matchups. For anyone saying he is no better then Cam you clearly don't know football and have been comsummed by the fantasy game imo. Caldwell actually had Deonte Thompson lined up in the backfield and got him matched up on a LB. Unfortunately Flacco got flushed out the pocket and had to run outta bounds.

The formation where the RB,FB and TE line up in the back is huge. It forces defenses to keep heavy DL and LBs in the game. That formation will be deadly when Pitta and Juice replace Bajema/Clark and Leach.

The out and up down the seam by Doss before the half was something we rarely if ever seen with cam. Even the wheel route by Doss in the endzone was a thing of beauty. TD has to do a better job of getting his feet down, but the route was prefect.

Some people were mad at the deep jumpball attempt to Brown, but that was a prefect, play,pass, decision and when the rookie learns how to control that 6'5" at full speed that play will be near unstoppable.

Much like Flacco, Caldwell is doing the best he can with what he is given.

[JohnJohnson]

I really like some of what Caldwell does. But there is absolutely no excuse for running on first down as often as we did in the first half of the Packers game. In last year's AFCCG against the Patriots, we did the same thing in the first half (with a better running game) and found ourselves down 13-7. There is sideline footage of Harbaugh complaining about it, saying that we had to open it up. Flacco was thinking the same thing. Harbaugh actually said "maybe run it more on first down." This team cannot wait for the 2nd half to start being unpredictable. The goal with this offense needs to be unpredictability. We can't run block in predictable running situations, and we can't pass protect in predictable passing situations.

 

With our defense, we don't need to get aggressive on 3rd and 22 with a 7 point lead, or with 12 seconds left in the half. We can't pass protect well enough to justify being in the most predictable of passing situations. We shouldn't be risking the turnovers. The coaches need to lean on the defense by avoiding these poor decisions, rather than running on 80% of 1st downs in a misguided effort to establish the run.

[flipper14]

I get the feeling that Cam guy is coaching where he belongs....in college

That Cam guy was pretty darn good in San Diego and was pretty instrumental turning this franchise's offensive fortunes around. I'm happy for his success at LSU.

[GrimCoconut]

I think we need to be more creative on offense and scheming guys open but that's about it. Some blame is of course on Caldwell, though he's not entirely to blame.

I read today that Doss led the team in snaps followed by Brown then Jones? Is this true and are they including Torrey Smith? If Smith is included I'd like an explanation on that one. Perhaps I misread the article. I am on the treadmill.

[Guest RBates]

I agree 100% awful playcalling the entire game. No creativity and worse yet no commitment to play action. And he revives that damn endaround!!!! I was furious.

With Marlon Brown of all people.  I never wanna see him or Doss doing endarounds. 

[Static]

I didn't have a problem with Marlon Brown endaround. He is very fast, obviously. Besides, I doubt that was the first time they've ever run that.

[PerpetuallyBored74]

I didn't have a problem with Marlon Brown endaround. He is very fast, obviously. Besides, I doubt that was the first time they've ever run that.

 

Marlon Brown has been timed running the 40 at only 4.63.

Maybe the knee injury was still affecting him when he was timed, but based on what I've seen, he has average speed for a WR, and at 6' 5" he probably isn't the best at cornering sharply which is what you do on an end around.

 

Using Torrey or Deonte who are much faster and shorter would have made far more sense.

[Seseau]

Our offense is too predictable.

 

1st Down - Run

2nd Down - Long throw or throw it away

3rd Down - Short pass. 5-10 yards away from the first down marker.

 

They can't get anything going unless the game is about to end then they play with urgency. The no huddle works well but they drifted away from it for some reason.

 

This is all my opinion from every single game I've seen. Our bright spot this season was the loss at denver. We actually looked good there till the 3rd quarter then it just went away until the game was ending

[arnie_uk]

I get the feeling that Cam guy is coaching where he belongs....in college

i get the feeling he's got away from harbs...

[Brandon22]

Take a look at the plays Oregon is running more runs,passes,play action if we could some how get their OC Scott Frost to come in during the bye week we could get him to be our OC we could design a whole knew Playbook that Fits Our Offense and Would Give Not only them but the staff would get some more creativity to enrich our players with more knowledge

[arnie_uk]

Take a look at the plays Oregon is running more runs,passes,play action if we could some how get their OC Scott Frost to come in during the bye week we could get him to be our OC we could design a whole knew Playbook that Fits Our Offense and Would Give Not only them but the staff would get some more creativity to enrich our players with more knowledge

god lord, you cannot implement a whole new play book in 2 weeks.mcost teams with an new oc struggle to implement over the whole offseason and normally only click half way through the season.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

Something I've been thinking about:

 

I know Caldwell is the Offensive coordinator and Castillo the run game coordinator (what does that even mean), and Moeller the O-line coach.

 

But what are the real roles here. What are their duties/responsibilities?

 

Every quote or discussion about an offensive lineman mentions "Coach Castillo" and nothing about Moeller. Does Moeller design the pass protections and Castillo just run blocking? Or has Castillo just assumed the responsibility of O-line coach and Moeller has been brushed to the side?

 

Also, since we have a "Run Game Coordinator" does that make Caldwell just the "Pass Game Coordinator?" Who is calling our plays? Is it the same person every game and every play, or do they take turns?

 

The fact that these questions need to be asked is a problem.

 

I personally do think Castillo is trying to take on too much. I don't think its that hes a bad coach, but hes the run game coordinator. He should do that. He shouldn't be in the middle of oline drills teaching pass blocking techniques, and calling plays on the sideline, or running position drills.

 

If I were Andy Moeller I'd be pretty ticked.

 

And I think the overall problem right now is that there are too many undefined roles on the offensive side. The year that Flacco should be allowed to step up and take more control of the offense we add another strong-minded coach who is taking a piece of the control away. I think Flacco's piece of the pie has actually shrunk bc of it, and there are just too many cooks in the kitchen.

 

Moeller should coach the Oline. Castillo should design the run game, and if it isn't working he shouldn't be given MORE duties. Caldwell should design the offense and call packages/formations, and Joe should call the plays depending on what the defense shows him.

[GrimCoconut]

Moeller has no right to complain because the Ravens gave him another chance after his bouts with alcoholism. If not for them, he would be unemployed and almost assuredly worse off.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

Moeller has no right to complain because the Ravens gave him another chance after his bouts with alcoholism. If not for them, he would be unemployed and almost assuredly worse off.

 

Ok so he got a second chance. and im sure he would be worse off.

 

But why have an Oline coach and run game coordinator if the run game coordinator is the Oline coach. I don't care about Moeller personally, just wondering what the point is, and speculating that its part of the problem.

 

-Not sure if your comment was intended as a response to my comment, apologies if it wasn't.

[GrimCoconut]

Ok so he got a second chance. and im sure he would be worse off.

But why have an Oline coach and run game coordinator if the run game coordinator is the Oline coach. I don't care about Moeller personally, just wondering what the point is, and speculating that its part of the problem.

-Not sure if your comment was intended as a response to my comment, apologies if it wasn't.

I was responding to you. Just the part about Moeller.

I honestly have no clue why we have two guys doing work on the OL. Doesn't make a ton of sense to me. I don't know who's doing what, though. I've heard everything from Moeller and Castillo worKing on the OL, Moeller working the pass pro with Castillo doing run game stuff, and I've heard Castillo runs the OL with Moeller holding papers.

[ellicottraven]

I honestly believe we need a young and successful NFL play called like a Sean Payton! That would let Flacco blossom into the great passer he can be. He is being totally stifled by this inept and conservative play calling which is as predictable as telling a girl from a boy naked!

[ellicottraven]

I honestly believe we need a young and successful NFL play caller like a Sean Payton! That would let Flacco blossom into the great passer he can be. He is being totally stifled by this inept and conservative play calling which is as predictable as telling a girl from a boy naked!

[arnie_uk]

I honestly believe we need a young and successful NFL play called like a Sean Payton! That would let Flacco blossom into the great passer he can be. He is being totally stifled by this inept and conservative play calling which is as predictable as telling a girl from a boy naked!

need a young innovative mind from college, but unless biscotti steps in and does it I'd be shocked if harbs does that.

[jimjim5]

Last year we witnessed how Caldwell could call a good game. He mixed up the run with the pass. He knew when to press the run and when to exploit a mismatch with the pass - even with the Raven's archaic offensive scheme.

 

So I ask, Why has Caldwell called easy to read plays? - Not just run, run, pass - but no guesswork to the design of the play. It's like watching Pop Warner.

 

Second question - I watch several games a week. One thing I note is the rate of success that other teams have executing plays against our competition. It seems like we never "borrow" plays or adjustments from other teams. You know - the successful plays that exploit our future opponents

tendencies of:

 

the defenders to over-pursue the run, or

the DB's habit of being too aggressive in man coverage, or

the DE and OLB coming high around the tackles to get to Flacco (in all fairness I do see Flacco and the pocket adjusting better to the DE/OLB pursuit angles this year - but for the most part we don't adjust well)

 

Why do we not exploit other teams defensive habits and weaknesses?

 

It seems as if the Ravens only occasionally adjust to the defense set up of man-on-man (cover 1) or cover 2, but they don't exploit a habit of that team to lean to in their respective coverages, such as:

 

-a slow to react or cheating safety in cover 2 formation, or

-a weaker, or slower, or smaller defender on one of our WR's/TE's (why I think Dickson not being used correctly).

 

--- If you look at Green Bay, that is how we got beat - look at no other play than that connection to Finley with Elam on him (straight up mismatch). Same with our loss a couple of years ago to the Falcons with Roddy White on Josh Wilson.

 

I just don't get it, and feel that these coaches and our QB should be planning smarter not working harder!

[ellicottraven]

need a young innovative mind from college, but unless biscotti steps in and does it I'd be shocked if harbs does that.

Nah, I don't think Harbs would do that either. He is too uncomfortable with change. He likes status quo as much as possible. The only way it happens, is if Steve insists on it. Should we lose 1 of the next 2 games, which we can't afford to, but if we do, then Steve will have Harbs try something new.

At least that is the only thing we can hope for at the present time. These next 2 games are crucial to a playoff berth in my opinion. Otherwise I suppose we will be playing catch up the rest of the season and hope and pray Cincy loses some games as well...

[Poes Crows]

Caldwell called great playoff games. Granted he turned the game over to Flacco in New England in the second half. What a great game the Raven's played there.

 

It's not Caldwell. Come on guys.....its changes in personnel. We can't establish a run, that's not play calling.

 

We can't convert on 3rd down because our receivers are unreliable and Flacco is under pressure, that's not play calling.

 

We give up big plays on defense, that's not play calling.

 

We give up too many yards rushing, that's not play calling.

 

We are struggling due to changes. Can the Raven's overcome them?  We'll see, Pittsburgh is a big test in that regard.

[jimjim5]

Agree and disagree. I don't think we exploit other teams weaknesses and defense scheme.

Only beastly WRs beat there man with high consistency in Cover 1 and deep routes. We have a different type od receiving crew.

Let me ask, could the Patriots WRs line up and consistently beat there man in man to man coverage without scheme and formation changes?

Caldwell called great playoff games. Granted he turned the game over to Flacco in New England in the second half. What a great game the Raven's played there.

It's not Caldwell. Come on guys.....its changes in personnel. We can't establish a run, that's not play calling.

We can't convert on 3rd down because our receivers are unreliable and Flacco is under pressure, that's not play calling.

We give up big plays on defense, that's not play calling.

We give up too many yards rushing, that's not play calling.

We are struggling due to changes. Can the Raven's overcome them? We'll see, Pittsburgh is a big test in that regard.

[Tatelli]

Caldwell called great playoff games. Granted he turned the game over to Flacco in New England in the second half. What a great game the Raven's played there.

 

It's not Caldwell. Come on guys.....its changes in personnel. We can't establish a run, that's not play calling.

 

We can't convert on 3rd down because our receivers are unreliable and Flacco is under pressure, that's not play calling.

 

We give up big plays on defense, that's not play calling.

 

We give up too many yards rushing, that's not play calling.

 

We are struggling due to changes. Can the Raven's overcome them?  We'll see, Pittsburgh is a big test in that regard.

I can't fully agree with this and this is why I'm reluctant to.

I understand Gino has some problems identifying some defenses being a rookie, but right behind him is our qb that should also point certian thing's out. Maybe were not giving ourselves enough time at the los to see those blitzers, what happen to hurry up offense to get to the los with more time to read the D. I also understand Joe is running for his life which leads to my next question.

Once again our routes are not matching up to the time Joe has in the pocket. Where are those slants to Torrey, where is Rice going into motion out of the backfield...If Joe is getting constantly hit, why does Joe not audible out and take control of the routs the receivers are running. I like many saw Joe's expression when he rec. the play call on that goaline last week, yes it was priceless, but why did he not change it. This is his 6th year it's his O to run...which leads me to the Defenses issues..

The D is on the field way too much, when we're play O's like the Browns and other avg. offs we can get away with that, when you're playing teams like GB, NE and other Vet. teams that know how to score our D can only hold them so long they are going to get burned sooner or later.

Yanda, KO, Oher and for that matter Bmac...I can't even imagine they all forgot how to block. Which leads me to question that it's the players on the field, That seems like a scheme thing to me. If Gino is calling the wrong plays why does Joe not see it and point it out.

Bottom line is this for me....We saw what Caldwell is able to do with this O. We have some very solid rec's, question is are we really using them right. Our O line is a good line and the pieces are there to make them better, are we using them right. Who is calling our Off's plays...Caldwell or Castillo? Harbs it's time you stood up and change thing's now not your normal later.

 

By the way I'm a Flacco supporter, I'm not trying to bash him (might seems so) I just think sometimes he just goes with the flow to much. If he don't like what he see's change it, your the man now take charge.

[PurpleDoc]

Last year we witnessed how Caldwell could call a good game. He mixed up the run with the pass. He knew when to press the run and when to exploit a mismatch with the pass - even with the Raven's archaic offensive scheme.

 

So I ask, Why has Caldwell called easy to read plays? - Not just run, run, pass - but no guesswork to the design of the play. It's like watching Pop Warner.

 

Second question - I watch several games a week. One thing I note is the rate of success that other teams have executing plays against our competition. It seems like we never "borrow" plays or adjustments from other teams. You know - the successful plays that exploit our future opponents

tendencies of:

 

the defenders to over-pursue the run, or

the DB's habit of being too aggressive in man coverage, or

the DE and OLB coming high around the tackles to get to Flacco (in all fairness I do see Flacco and the pocket adjusting better to the DE/OLB pursuit angles this year - but for the most part we don't adjust well)

 

Why do we not exploit other teams defensive habits and weaknesses?

 

It seems as if the Ravens only occasionally adjust to the defense set up of man-on-man (cover 1) or cover 2, but they don't exploit a habit of that team to lean to in their respective coverages, such as:

 

-a slow to react or cheating safety in cover 2 formation, or

-a weaker, or slower, or smaller defender on one of our WR's/TE's (why I think Dickson not being used correctly).

 

--- If you look at Green Bay, that is how we got beat - look at no other play than that connection to Finley with Elam on him (straight up mismatch). Same with our loss a couple of years ago to the Falcons with Roddy White on Josh Wilson.

 

I just don't get it, and feel that these coaches and our QB should be planning smarter not working harder!

 

Agree.  As I watched the Bills game, I wondered if the Ravens even bothered to watch films the week before.   The look like they're not at all prepared against our opponent.  

[The Raven]

http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Mixing-Up-First-Down-Play-Calls/112a338c-fa35-47e8-8500-64f11069d2b3

 

 

The numbers provided may be skewed because of our second half passing to play catch up, but still an interesting read on our first down offense. More balanced than I thought.

[Guest Im An Ozzie Newsome Guy]

You guys want to know who really is the best possible offensive coordinator, at the moment, for the Ravens? Well, the answer is: Joe Flacco

 

Now, granted, this may sound like a ridiculous response; but, time-in-and-time-out, again, this year (and last season, too), the offense has been at its apex when Flacco has taken control of the offense. While the sample size is small (as to when the Ravens have used the no-huddle, this season) and this may be the result of being behind (as the defense might be "relaxed" with having the lead, late in the game), I have yet to see any reason why Baltimore shouldn't let Flacco run the offense.

 

In fact, even the offense line has appeared to be more in-sync once the no-huddle has been used; probably because the opposing team can't establish a rhythm. And, to back-up this case, even more, the passing game has been way more efficient than the run, so far. With the flexibility and talent at the wide receiver position, the Ravens have to realize the best offense is Flacco's offense and his arm. I'm pretty sure Flacco has been frustrated with the predictable play selection, too.

 

I'm not saying to abandoned the run, at all; rather, right now, this team needs to utilize the strength of the offense and pick-up the pace to throw the defense off. Then, once the passing game has been established, the Ravens (or Flacco, if the no-huddle is being used) can give MEANINGFUL carries to either Rice or Pierce; ones that actually pick-up more than a yard. No defense is intimidated by the Ravens calling the same, exact dive play, every first down, with a collapsing o-line and a small running-back like Ray Rice or Bernard Pierce.

 

When the Ravens have allowed Joe to take command with the play-calling and open-up the passing attack, he looks like the guy that was paid that $120 million contract in the off-season.

[Ravensfan23]

http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article-1/Mixing-Up-First-Down-Play-Calls/112a338c-fa35-47e8-8500-64f11069d2b3
 
 
The numbers provided may be skewed because of our second half passing to play catch up, but still an interesting read on our first down offense. More balanced than I thought.

I don't think balance is nor has ever been the issue. It's the way we go about being balanced imo. If your running game isn't working on first downs, why would you run the ball on the next 1st down attempt for the sake of balance? Also let's be honest the Broncos and Bills games account for most of Flacco's first down attempts, for the most part this offense tries to establish the run on early downs.

The point is to be productively balanced imo. We ran the ball on 6 of 9 1st downs to start the drive in the first half. What did it produce 5 3 and outs. That's not product and it's the reason we start slow. The Packers attacked the LOS on first downs because they were reading run all the way. Caldwell talks about not having tendencies, but defenses aren't buying it. The Ravens have a tendency to try and establish the run early and defenses know it.