Ravens Coaching Carousel Continues
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 29, 2011 10:35 AM EST
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PrintThe Baltimore Ravens coaching carousel continues to turn, churning out new names to replace the recently departed as the team attempts to bring together the right chemistry of leaders to take the Ravens past the level of success they enjoyed under head coach John Harbaugh's tenure. The team has made the playoffs all three years under Harbaugh and to many that is the baseline of success, but most fans, players and coaches here would say the expectations have been raised but not met.
The most recent addition is Teryl Austin, formerly the Defensive Backs coach at the University of Florida, where his units were consistently among the nation's elite in terms of interceptions under his leadership. The carousel started off just after the Ravens 31-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, when offensive line coach, John Matsko, was relieved of his duties and replaced by assistant Andy Moeller. Then Defensive Coordinator Greg Mattison resigned to take the same position at the University of Michigan, to be replaced by Linebackers Coach Chuck Pagano. Recently, QB Coach Jim Zorn was let go and his duties will now be assumed by Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron. One would think that Cameron has enough on his plate to improve upon than to add the responsibility of improving QB Joe Flacco's performance in pressure situations. Offensive Assistant Craig Ver Steeg will also have a hand in furthering Flacco's development.
Let's hope that these changes install the type of instincts and cohesiveness that the ownership has looked for as the team has been poised and ready to return to the Super Bowl stage as their fans have expected and craved for the past three years.
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Flacco is pissed!!!!
About the firing of zorn.
by Raven_all_day on Jan 29, 2011 3:03 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Joe flacco on jin zorn firing I’m not happy about it and they know I’m not happy about I don’t think it was a good decision
If Aaron Wilson says it, I’m going to believe it.
Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.
Here’s a few more Flacco quotes.
Flacco I had a pretty good year and you fire the qb coach its kind of an attack on me I feel like it is what it is
Flacco I’m not happy about it that’s not news to them I’m not going to be happy0 about it for a long time
Perhaps Zorn also taught Flacco about insubordination.
Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.
I saw that to it makes me really question why did they really fired Jim Zorn
becuase it not like Flacco had a bad year stat wise. Cam Cameron does have a good resume with developing quarterbacks maybe better then Jim Zorn but if Joe Flacco cant get along with Cam Cameron(not saying they dont like each other) then Joe Flacco wont get better.
I’m sure that this decision to fired Jim Zorn was for the best interest for Joe Flacco but sometimes players will experience losing coaches that they really like but later on realize the transaction made was for the benefit of them and the team
I wonder how is this going to effect flacco’s relationship with the organization long term. He publicly voiced his dismay, usually actions like this has somekind or repercussion.
by Raven_all_day on Jan 29, 2011 6:24 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I dont think it will hurt flacco relationship with the organization
Im sure there has been plenty of players in the NFL feeling the same way before. Ed Reed went public on how he was upset that the organization wouldnt let him use certain game tapes to study when he was on pup but they got things work out and they are fine now.Players are going to question/not like certain moves by their organization they play for but later on they will get over it and sometimes they dont but also sometimes they realize the transaction made by the organization was a good one to the point they accept
Everyone doesnt react the same
Brandon Marshall showed up to his training camp in Denver and performed horribly because he didn’t get what he wanted. I know how other players have acted in their situations but I want to see how Flacco reacts.
by Raven_all_day on Jan 29, 2011 6:59 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
his reaction may be throwing for 4,5000 yards 30 td and 5 int for upcoming
season also a pro bowl selection
I’ll wait and see what happens but Cam Cameron has a faux-resume, taking credit where it is not due. His QBs always seem to get better when he or they leave. If you look at Bree’s first couple seasons with Cam, his rating was ATROCIOUS. Rivers didn’t become sensational until 2008.
Perhaps Zorn was advocating a play style Flacco thought he was better at instead of the offense Cam forced him in. Flacco seems better suited for an Aaron Rodgers quick, scrambling style of play (and our offense was built a lot like green bays). Zorn advocates a west-coast offensive approach. Cameron likes to develop big plays down field, which doesn’t work with a poor o-line and slow receivers. I think you can see why Flacco is pretty pissed. There were times after he ran a play when he would shoot dagger eyes towards Cameron this season.
by erniesto on Jan 29, 2011 6:46 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I don't know why all the fans see this, Flacco sees this, the WRs see this, most of the team sees this
but the organization doesn’t. Cameron’s style is horrible. It fits nobody, especially not our players. Peyton Manning throwing to Jerry Rice, TO, and Randy Moss would struggle in Cam’s offense. I don’t know how any offense can succeed when entire portions of the field are eliminated from plays. No outside runs and no inside passes. It’s a joke. Also, why were most of the screens to Le’Ron, the slowest possible player to screen to and no open field moves at all.
I am highly disappointed in Ozzie, Bisciotti, and Harbaugh for this. The entire NFL world including fans, analysts, other teams, etc can see Cameron brought this offense down but they reward him with more control? 2011 will unfortunately once again end in disappointment.
Actually Peyton Manning would likely do well, especially with those wide-outs. The Ravens however won’t without a deep threat, which are difficult to find. Cam’s problem is that he is completely unwilling or unable to adapt to a given situation. He was trying to develop a deep-threat passing attack through play action all season, despite the fact that we had no deep-threat receivers available or on the field, and our run attack was laughable at times. Why was our run attack laughable? Cam’s insistence on running it down the middle with an inept interior line.
Cam needs to take a clue from Bellicheck, McCarthy or even Brian Schottenheimer on how to use what he has to be successful. Of course now its obvious he never will.
wait didnt leron mclain and Ray Rice both go to the pro bowl from Cam Cameron
play calling a year agao hmmmmm
Yeah, with a great o-line anchored by two good tackles, two all-pro guards and a not so old center.
Strategy didn’t change this year, o-line did. Cam doesn’t adapt. Didn’t I say that already?
It’s not like the Ravens were successful in 2009 anyways. 9-7, one and done. After three years, the good teams know our ins and outs. Cam hasn’t changed in that time.
we was 9-7 in 2009 now we 12-4 we beat the saints we beat the
steelers even tho ben was not there the offense still face their defense.The good teams that you keep talkling about like the steelers didnt we have the same record I beleive I think they was 9-7 in 2009 but they didnt get to the playoffs. If the good teams really new our ends and outs really all the way why are we still having close games with them.
I never was at the stadium watching the games the ravens played but how you know that Cam Cameron doesnt adjust why cant it be that its the players that not adjusting to excute the play?,why cant it be the players not excuting like they should at times? I am well aware that Cam Cameron play calls some plays that dont make since at times but what offensive coordinator doesn’t at times.
The Ravens had decided to keep Cam Cameron so except it they know whats best for the team more then any ravens fans will ever know. I mean this organization has been to the super bowl they know how to buld a team what right coach to bulid their team around so my views and your views really dont matter becuase overall Ravens fans sometimes just dont know what they talking about
Not sure if I should take you seriously anymore
The only people in the current Ravens organization who took part in the 2000 superbowl season and are still working in the same position they are in now were Ray Lewis and Pat Moriarty.
Everyone else, from Bisciotti to Harbaugh were doing a different job, or were not on the team in 2001.
I was not even talking about Bisciotti or Harbaugh just forget
I dont feel like explaining it to you
The only people in the current Ravens organization who took part in the 2000 superbowl season and are still working in the same position they are in now were Ray Lewis and Pat Moriarty.
Kelly Gregg got a ring, too. He was on the practice squad, but likely as a defensive lineman.
Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.
… how you know that Cam Cameron doesnt adjust why cant it be that its the players that not adjusting to excute the play?
Are you saying that the players were refusing to run slants until the playoffs? I’d probably be pissed if I were an offensive coordinator coming up with brilliant plan changes at half time, and the players just kept running the same shit I was calling in the first half. I mean, Cameron can’t go out on the field and force Boldin to run a route over the middle of the field.
Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.
no Im not saying that they players were refusing to run slant or anything
im just saying that it could be that the routes they was suppose to run wasnt executed like they should or it could be Joe Flacco not staying aware of the field like he should.
Mason is considered possibly the best route runner in the NFL
and Boldin and Housh are also known for their route running skills. They are 3 of the top over the middle receivers in the league and Cam refuses to play to our players’ strengths, he is stubborn and tries to force players into his scheme, even if it doesn’t fit them at all.
These events
are all just stops on the Marc Bulger reclamation tour.
"Cam Cameron…even his parents where obvious and repetitive." - raven
Extreme Optimism:
Flacco comes out and points the finger at Cam after the draft and his job is secure. I guarantee you Cam would be fired.
Alternatively Harbaugh ends up being an offensive mastermind and Cam is relegated to waterboy ala Eagles.
Either way unless something happens to shutdown Cameron’s ability to call plays (IE: Flacco is allowed to audible and is good at it), I see us going 9-7 maybe squeeking out a 10-6. New England and Houston layed out the blueprint on how to beat Cameron but Pittsburgh perfected it. Unless something changes, and I doubt it will since Cameron is a proud and blind, and Harbs is still pretty new at this. Teams with great QBs will pick us apart. We face the Chargers, Pittsburg twice, Indy and Houston (who will have a much improved defense). As of now, I expect at a record something like 1-4 against those teams. Then between the Bengals, Jets, Rams (only need a WR to be very dangerous) and 49ers I expect we’ll be either outplayed or out coached several times.
Winning formula against Ravens:
1. Differ Kickoff. Baltimore will score some points because we’re only playing solid not overly strenuous defense. By doing this you tire Baltimore’s older offensive core out. Baltimore’s only young players are Rice, Flacco, Oher, Grubbs, McClain and Yanda and two of those players are playing out of position. Baltimore may have a 10-14 point lead, but is tired.
2. Explode out of halftime and exploit an aging linebacker core by controlling possession. Don’t force the issue before 4th quarter and risk turnovers.
3. Exploit Baltimore’s conservative play calling by rushing an outmatched Oher or Yanda (all tackles are overmatched by elite pass rushers anyways). Grubbs is too busy picking up the slack over the middle for a tired Birk and Chester is too busy itching his skin rash. McClain and Heap can only pick up so much, and Rice is 5’ 8" he’ll get steam rolled anyways. McGahee? He’s just riding the wave before the Ravens trade or release him, not an issue and not going to risk himself. The Ravens have no interior blocking, so running the ball isn’t an issue. Cameron is too worried about interceptions to throw over the middle. Baltimore’s receivers are too old and slow to run a deep route, so the pass rush doesn’t need to worry about the big play. Easy 3 and outs all day.
4. Pick up the pace in the 4th quarter, the Ravens defense is tired from playing the entire 3rd quarter. Our QB is solid, reliable and accurate, the Ravens offense is stressed out, not accurate and cold. Stressful but easy pickings.
Baltimore’s receivers are too old and slow to run a deep route
Well we got Boldin and Stallworth for that but Cam never quite figured out how to use them to their best abilities. I do agree somewhat that we need a speed guy step up though.
by purpleonblack86 on Jan 30, 2011 12:18 AM EST up reply actions
Boldin doesn’t run deep routes. Stallworth turned out to be made of glass, and by the time he got back Mason and Housh were already bitching for more passes. There’s also no evidence that Stallworth could catch.
Ravens have one of the easiest 2011 schedules in the NFL
with the AFC and NFC West divisions on our rotation this year nd not having to play the Pats or Colts (Steelers play both), we should go 12-4 at worst, perhaps even better and won the AFC North overPittsburgh, due to their “1st place” schedule being tougher than ours (we do play Jets and Chargers though).
Where will we go in the playoffs is another story though.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 31, 2011 11:21 AM EST up reply actions
Only one name should have been on the "Firing List"
Cam Cameron.
What a ridiculous downward spiral that this whole situation has gone down. It sickens me that the blame game is fully stoked and the protected, chosen few will escape unharmed and unaffected. Sad, really sad.
by Smiley4660 on Jan 29, 2011 9:26 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Man just let it go about everything is Cam Cameron fault we should had fired him
I never seen so many sour people over a team that went 12-4 in my life. I know we didnt make the super bowl well its over now its the Steelers and Packers in the super bowl. you guys act like all hope is gone and the door to the playoffs/superbowl is gone for next year; it was times where we lose so badly that we couldnt even make it to the playoffs now we been to it for the last 3 years.
I mean it was times where we didnt have a good quarterback, it was times where only the running game and defense won us games , it was times where we had lean on the kicker to only make points when offense couldnt, it was time where we didnt get the luxury to see what we call now the three headed monsters by very good running backs, it was times where we didnt get the luxury to see a wildcat that was effective everytime we used it,
Things aren’t so rosy in this offseason. The three-headed monster disappeared after 2008, get over it. Our QB doesn’t appear to be to friendly with OC and just lost his mentor who helped him throw only 10 interceptions in the regular season. We beat four teams with above .500 records including one with a third-string QB. We lost to the 4 and 12 Bengals. Went to OT with the Bills. Blew a great lead in the playoffs and many times in the season. Our schedule next season will be much tougher and our defense is still winning our tough games, but can’t beat great QBs alone. Oh, and our new o-line coach is an irresponsible drunk.
What’s your point?
we lost to the 4-12 Bengels once of the season and that was all Joe Flacco fault he
was throwing interceptions like crazy in that game and he look lost. The Steelers I believe went over time with the bills to and they in the superbowl,I have nothing to do with the oline coach that irresponsible drunk hopefully he get his self together but obviously he most be a hard working/good offensive line coach if the ravens are keeping him.
I dont really care how tough the schedule going to be and if the defense has to win our tough games then let it be atleast we win. you act like a Raven fans thats giving up on a team I mean they only been to the playoffs since the last three years getting better each year so if you want to be negative or go in to that we having a tough schedule this season coming up I dont think we can make it out good against the tough team type of mentality then thats cool see ya =) nice having converstion with you
we lost to the 4-12 Bengels once of the season and that was all Joe Flacco fault he
was throwing interceptions like crazy in that game and he look lost.
I emphatically disagree. And I’m so incredibly tired of hearing how Flacco looks lost, or looks like a deer in the headlights, or whatever; you don’t see any more in the games than I do, and don’t have any way to see how he looks. If anything (and I’m going WAY out on a limb making this characterization), he looks uncomfortable trying to force an Air Coryell offense with a unit that lacks all the crucial personnel to run it.
… obviously he most be a hard working/good offensive line coach if the ravens are keeping him.
Kind of like how Flacco increased his stats this year under Zorn, right? Is that why the Ravens are keeping Zorn? I’m increasingly under the impression that the best way to get ahead as a coach for the Ravens nowadays is to have an in with the Harbaugh family.
… they only been to the playoffs since the last three years getting better each year …
The entire reason this conversation is happening is because the offense is NOT getting better; it got worse from 2009 to 2010, despite a near-total revamping of the receiver corps (which was supposedly the only thing holding back our offense the prior season). We had the perfect personnel this year to run a West Coast offense, but we hardly ever used the middle of the field all season; take a loot at what happened when we DID move to that style of offense. Instead, Cameron tried to force an Air Coryell offense, and we struggled mightily without a strong offensive line and fast receivers.
Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.
I believe this is my first time saying Joe Flacco look lost and when I
said that I mean only for the Bengels game or maybe I should say he look uncomfortable as you would say.I dont know why the Ravens fired Jim Zorn and I dont think you really know either unless you work for the Ravens or seen recent article explaining the real reason behind Jim Zorn being fired. I know Joe Flacco liked him very much and his stats was much better this year under Jim Zorn but it still doesnt mean he was the right fit.
I honestly dont know whats the problem with the offense anymore some people say we need a fast wideout, more of a west coast offense,fired Cam Cameron,Joe Flacco better at reading defenses, and etc. I have post my thoughts on the situation about what I think the problem really is but I guess we just have to see what will happen once the season starts back up and I have read about the Coryell Offense & West Coast offense when I google the meaning of it and it was saying that the coryell and west coast offense are different but related at the sametime well maybe Cam Cameron will work on making the offense more like we will want to see if not then he will be fired anyway
I believe this is my first time saying Joe Flacco look lost …
I probably should have been more specific in that I meant that it’s something I hear frequently from the community as a whole, not from you specifically.
I dont know why the Ravens fired Jim Zorn and I dont think you really know either …
Yes, but you were the one to originally make an assumption about why a coach was hired. What I said was just a response to that assumption.
… the coryell and west coast offense are different but related at the sametime …
My understanding is that the Bill Walsh West Coast uses a horizontal passing attack with intermediate timing patterns to open up the deep passing game and the rushing attack, while the Air Coryell offense uses a vertical passing attack and a power rushing scheme. I don’t know that they are diametrically opposed philosophies, but they aren’t super easy to integrate, either.
Water covers 2/3 of the Earth's surface. Ed Reed covers the rest.
And I’m so incredibly tired of hearing how Flacco looks lost, or looks like a deer in the headlights, or whatever; you don’t see any more in the games than I do, and don’t have any way to see how he looks. If anything (and I’m going WAY out on a limb making this characterization), he looks uncomfortable trying to force an Air Coryell offense with a unit that lacks all the crucial personnel to run it.
Exactly. He only looks lost when Chestor and Oher get thrown around and James Harrison is about to rip Joe’s head off.
"My youngest brothers think I'm a dorky older brother, I can't tell jokes because, 'I'm not funny.' They're much more street smart than I am. They can say whatever they want, cause 'they're funny.' I do pick on them. I try to be funny, but they don't laugh. Even if I am funny, nothing I say is funny to them because I'm just the older brother who's not that cool." - Joe Flacco
Joe's problem IMO
is that he has a long, slow delivery and not quick feet. Despite being better and evading the rush, he plods more than runs. He sees the open receiver but takes too long towind up that rocket arm and the ball arrives late. That problem is tough to fix in the NFL.
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 31, 2011 11:23 AM EST up reply actions
Actually we play the AFC and NFC west next year. Compared to this year where we got the AFC east and NFC south, so our schedule should be much easier. Flacco has never thrown more than 12 interceptions in a year, so he has been fairly good in that stat. We only played 7 games where the team finished above .500 (2 of those games are the steelers) and we went 4-3 which isn’t too bad considering one of those losers was to a team in the super bowl and the other 2 losses were to teams with the #1 seeds in their conferences. Also the blow lead in the playoffs was due to 3 straight turnovers and a bunch more terrible plays. Have to agree with Jazz that Cameron definitely makes questionable calls and I wouldn’t be upset if he were let go, but the players have to make plays.
NFC west will be largely improved next year, assuming the QB situation gets fixed in at least one, if not all of those teams, all of which have solid physical Ds except the Seahawks. I do not doubt the Rams will be contenders. You also have to factor in the travel aspect, west coast trips are brutal (see Saints in the playoffs).
Also, we play the AFC south, not the west (I wish!), which had two playoff contenders, Indy and Jacksonville, both of which will likely come back stronger. Houston will be a contender if the D gets fixed, which it looks like it will. Titans probably will be a joke. My guess is that if Rex Ryan has the Pats and Colts figured out, he’ll have our number next year.
You are correct however I don’t think the AFC south will be very strong. Colts are still good and have owned us in the past, but they are definitely not the same colts. Texans have the talent, but disappoint every year. The Jags are much improved, but Jones-Drew is coming off a knee injury, Garrard is very inconsistent and regardless we match up extremely well with them and don’t see them causing a problem for us. Titans have no coach or QB which speaks for itself right there. I agree with you that Cam has called some terrible games, but by your comments you act as if we don’t stand a chance next year. We are still a super bowl contender and just need to tweak a few things. If we can get a deep threat WR, get our OL healthy and have a decent draft we will improve even more when we are already coming off of a 12-4 season.
Here’s where we disagree.
The Ravens are losing all their player coaches this offseason. That’s going to effect the locker room – and already is.
Right now our returning offense looks to be Rice, Heap, Boldin, Oher, Grubbs, Yanda and Flacco. That’s a ton of holes to fill. In all respect, you have to expect the same from Cameron, he hasn’t changed in 3 years. This scenario will leave us with peanuts unless we find an outstanding downfield receiver, a tackle, a fullback and a center (assuming Birk calls it quits) who are ready to play in September without OTAs and possibly a shortened training camp. Don’t forget about refreshing the LB and safety core. Maybe Ozzie will work some magic, but I fully expect next season to be a rebuild/transition season, especially with the coaching changes.
BTW I like that we call a 9-7 season awful. We could be the Bills.
For a lot of teams that would effect the locker room, however we have a ton of outspoken veterans including a guy by the name of Ray Lewis who will not let the locker room get out of control. I don’t recall us ever having serious issues inside the locker room. As far as holes go, we don’t really know who will be resigned and let go so all of that is purely speculation right now. Defensively we will be getting foxworth back and while we do need some depth at LB and S our starters are still solid. Not to mention we have one of the best talent evaluators in the league that will help with getting some depth. We don’t have any Major weaknesses on our team assuming we get healthy and re-sign our starters so I would disagree that there are a ton of holes on this team. We are in far better shape than most teams considering Our offense except for our WR’s and birk are very young and like I said we need depth on D, but our starters can still hang with the best of them. I don’t understand how veteran lead defense + young offense coming off of a 12-4 season= rebuilding?
Safety and DE are my glaring weaknesses. We need someone to compliment both Ed Reed and Sizzle.
Landry to me should be moved down to linebacker, too damn slow to be a safety. We need someone that can cover. I believe that will sure up out pass defense. Foxworth will be coming back. Wilson will be resigned, if we don’t we better be signing nnamdi or drafting the best corner in the draft. Webb will be able to work on his technique and not worry about rehab. Webb did pretty decent this year, expecting a lot more. Reed is a HOF, snug said. A top flight SS, imo will take up leaps and bounds in pass defense.
Redding came through with some heads up plays but he is not much of a pass rusher. He doesn’t win too many one on one battles. We need someone that will bring a shit storm every play just like suggs.
I don’t think we draft a tackle first round.
Anquan boldin is our #1. TJ may be back. James Hardy I think will be reborn. David reed will be more confident this year. Maybe draft a reciever in the 2nd round. Titus Young or Leonard Hankerson.
by Raven_all_day on Jan 30, 2011 10:31 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Johnny Unitas threw 253 picks
in 211 games, averaging more than one interception per game, or what would be 16 a year now. Still one of if not the greatest, it was when they are thrown, which are much more important than how many. I’d like to see Joe’s Red Zone stats to show his “scoring performance” more than anything. Anyone wiling to research? Let me know, drop me an email and I’ll coordinate a front page post. Thaks!
(BaltimoreBeatdown@gmail.com)
aka 'Rexx'
by Bruce Raffel on Jan 31, 2011 11:28 AM EST up reply actions
12-4 or 13-3 or 14-2
Doesn’t matter for the Ravens because yet again, this team is sitting at home watching the big game. If you look at the big picture then I think it’s clear that this team was wildly over-rated in terms of what the end-product ultimately looked like. All pre-season people said this was a Superbowl-destined team. Yeah, right. Seriously…. Yes, we won 12 games, yes we made to the playoffs but big shit because yet again the Ravens are out of it and again we’re drafting low and having to deal now with a lot of free agency. I put the Ravens realistically at about an 9-7 next year if some drastic coaching philosophies DON’T change. I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again, a good leader knows what his weaknesses are and uses his strengths to overcome them. Belichick, as much as I despise the guy, works wonders with a star or two and a mediocre supporting cast… The Ravens on the other hand, in my opinion, player for player can match up with any team in the league and yet we out-coached ourselves and got out-coached all season.
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