Six Degrees Of Cam Cameron

by Bruce Raffel on Jul 5, 2011 3:00 PM EDT

Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron has a long history in the coaching ranks, but his ties to other coaches, both in football and otherwise, go way back to his childhood days. According to an interesting article in Football News Now, Cameron used to go to work with his stepfather, who was head football coach at Indiana State University. Cameron became friends with an assistant coach who is now the running backs coach of the Washington Redskins.

Cam, while visiting and learning football at Indiana State, also came in contact with a little known basketball star at that time named Larry Bird. He absorbed Bird's competitiveness and that drove him to succeed the rest of his career. He played football at the University of Indiana under the great coach, Lee Corso and then Sam Wyche for his senior season.

Cameron then joined the coaching staff at the University of Michigan under the legendary Bo Schembechler before jumping to the NFL in San Diego as the offensive coordinator for Marty Schottenheimer. He mad the unsuccessful move to head coaching with the Miami Dolphins, but after a 1-15 initial season he was let go and has been here with the Baltimore Ravens ever since.

One would think that with all those relationships over the years that Cameron would be way more successful than he has been here in Baltimore. However, with a proven veteran QB in Joe Flacco now and more control of his development, as well as a bevy of receivers to work with, let's see how the 2011 season plays out before the fans and the team make any other decisions or label him a bust as our offensive coordinator.

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Who the hell is Larry Bird?

by JoshuaStein on Jul 5, 2011 3:05 PM EDT reply actions

yeah dude

That guy sucks at golf.

"Airborne, do not look at the ground. I promise you, it will be there. Unless the tectonic plates shift, and a chasm opens up on the drop zone, in which case we will surely let you know."

by jackmca on Jul 5, 2011 3:22 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Let's see how 2011 goes before we label him a bust

by Evan Skev on Jul 5, 2011 3:26 PM EDT reply actions

Cam runs a modified form of the air coryel offense and has been since he got here. We never had the players to execute, but now we do with the young WR and TE.

This will be a break out year for Cam and Joe. I fully expect 4,000+ from Joe and Cam running about a 60-40 pass run offense.

Flacco's first 3 years vs. Brady's, Manning's and Brees' first 3 years

Flacco threw for just 21 fewer passing yards than Brady and tossed four fewer interceptions. Flacco threw for 1,655 more yards than Brees, two more touchdowns and four fewer picks. Manning, who averaged 88 more passes per season, threw for way more yards and touchdowns than Flacco, but also tossed 24 more interceptions.

by Mr MaLoR on Jul 5, 2011 3:48 PM EDT via mobile reply actions

from your keyboard to G-d's ears

by Evan Skev on Jul 5, 2011 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions

I have blamed Cam for most of the offensive troubles over the years

He has proven that he can take it to any team in the NFL with the Ravens offense. Unfortunately, he also seems to back off their throats instead of closing the game out like he should.

I don’t think Cam is a bust per-se, but more of a choke artist to a certain degree. If he can find that killer instinct this year, the offense will definitely have better numbers and the win column will improve as well, hopefully leading to a SB ring.

by Mstevens_Design on Jul 5, 2011 5:55 PM EDT reply actions

The Ravens players take it any team in the NFL

Remember the Saints game?

No one implements a vert scheme with possession personnel… except cam cameron. It’s like he plays for the other team.

Chess strategy? Adjustments? Nahh…how about an end around. It’s frustrating

by Evan Skev on Jul 5, 2011 6:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Cam just last year blew out teams for 1-2 quarters. I mean BLEW THEM THE F OUT! only to choke later in the game and call draw plays one after another, then punt.

The man needs his balls back. Once he has those back, I expect us to be a top 5 offense.

by Mstevens_Design on Jul 5, 2011 7:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Redskins blog

http://www.theredzone.org/BlogDescription/tabid/61/EntryId/17970/Redskins-believe-lockout-will-end-July-10/Default.aspx

I say the lockout has to be over this week if owners want to reserve the right to pretend they didn’t damage the 2011 season…

by Evan Skev on Jul 5, 2011 7:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Don't forget, Cam has only been here a few years but

the Ravens offense has been relatively boring for many, many years. Matt Cavanaugh, anyone?

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Jul 6, 2011 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions

I think its mostly up to Joe Flacco to take over the offense because having you notice most

very good offensives have quarterbacks that audible and are leaders. I believe Cam Cameron will get better with his play calling but Joe flacco is the one that should be the one to really improve because it will be times where Cam Cameron wont have the answer for the right play calling and Joe Flacco has to be able to be aware of the field and audible when his sees certain things from the opposing defense that require a change of play.

What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?-langton Hughes

by jazz20 on Jul 5, 2011 10:08 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't think the issue is with audibles

But more with Cam calling off the dogs later in games.

In addition to everyone saying that Flacco can audible out of a play. You have to keep in mind that you don’t get a chance to audible into any play in the playbook, but like 1 or 2 other plays from that formation (if you’re lucky). When Cam is off his game, there is no audible Joe can call that can get him out the mess he’s in… all he can do is try to make the best of a crappy call.

The way I look at it is like this: Its like working in a kitchen where you have a list of ingredients that you HAVE to use for every recipe (the list of ingredients = the play call from Cam and the formation they’re in). If your asked to cook a steak medium rare and all you’ve been given is water and ground beef, its pretty hard to pull that one off and have it be even mediocre. When Flacco is given a steak and a potato, he knocks it out of the park on most occasions and delivers a 3-4 star performance.

Lets try and give Flacco more steaks when we need to and ground beef when it calls for burgers.

by Mstevens_Design on Jul 5, 2011 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions

Is it lunch time yet?

Whatever Cam has Joe doing at the line of scrimmage, before the play, isn’t enough. Joe needs to be able to change formations to run / pass play in a matter of seconds. We’ve never seen Joe change to a shotgun pass play after he’s under center in run play. He has to start calling out the blitzers as well. The unblocked Polomalu strip-sack-fumble-TD play has to make Cam and Joe realize that.

Cam needs to make Joe comftorable will doing all of that. It should have happened by now already. It has to happen during this training camp.

The writer formerly known as This White Man Can Jump; Powah Stached; Bear Killer; Da Dude; The Other Bambino; TJ Dropped The Season; Harbaugh Is My Co-Pilot; Billick's Alter Ego; Mr. Poopy Pants.

by El.Dude on Jul 6, 2011 8:08 AM EDT up reply actions

This

"Airborne, do not look at the ground. I promise you, it will be there. Unless the tectonic plates shift, and a chasm opens up on the drop zone, in which case we will surely let you know."

by jackmca on Jul 6, 2011 10:30 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

love your signature

jazz, that was a great play. good choice!

Bulger/Smith 2011 :)

by burds358 on Jul 6, 2011 8:35 AM EDT up reply actions

It's all on Cam's shoulders now

We went out and drafted two young receivers that are essential to Cameron’s style of offense. Torrey Smith is the burner he needs. As long as we can get more out of our O-line, then there’s no reason we can’t be a Top 10 offense. But if for some reason our offense does fall short again, then you can expect a mob of angry Ravens’ fans gathering with torches and pitchforks, calling for his head. Let’s see what he does with his last chance in the Charm City.

"I hate your sig…" -Mr MaLoR

by StuckInUtah on Jul 5, 2011 8:58 PM EDT reply actions

No one, repeat no one

will have an excuse in 2011. That includes, Joe, Cam and Harbs too. Regardless of the state of the offensive line, if this offense doesn’t go vertical and put up a ton of points, the problem’s source flows from the top down.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Jul 6, 2011 9:17 AM EDT reply actions

Cam would be gone if it weren't for the lockout..

and if it weren’t for the sacrifice of Zorn and Harbs’ pleading… again, Cam would already be gone

now Harbaugh has hitched his wagon to Cameron… let’s see how that works out

by Evan Skev on Jul 6, 2011 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Im kinda glad the ravens did keep Cam Cameron because who is out there that is better right now?

Some may say any other offensive coodinator but whats the purpose of allowing one bad year offensively over shadow the good things Cam Cameron has done in the past.

by jazz20 on Jul 6, 2011 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions

This is his 8th year as an NFL OC

What are the good things he’s done in the past?

Please list

by Evan Skev on Jul 6, 2011 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions

for one thing if it wasnt for him it wouldnt be a ray rice making the pro bowl, leron mcCalin making it to the pro bowl in 2008 and 2009 and etc.

If you really want to go deep in his pass then here :

Som of his nfl Career

From 2002-2006, he served as the offensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers. In 2004, San Diego scored 446 points, third-highest in the NFL that year and the third-most in team history. Following the 2004 campaign, Sports Illustrated named Cameron its Offensive Assistant of the Year. In 2005, the Chargers averaged 26.1 points per game – good for fifth in the NFL in that category. In 2006, the Chargers offense amassed a team-record 494 points while paving the way for league MVP LaDainian Tomlinson to break the single-season touchdown record. In addition to Tomlinson, Cameron had the opportunity to work with Pro Bowl quarterbacks Drew Brees and Philip Rivers, as well as All-Pro tight end Antonio Gates in San Diego.

Cameron was the quarterbacks coach for the Washington Redskins between 1994 and 1996. He is credited with guiding quarterback Gus Frerotte to his only Pro Bowl appearance in 1997, and also played a key role in the development of Pro Bowl quarterback Trent Green.

aome of his college career

Cameron spent the first ten years of his career at the University of Michigan, where he learned from long-time Wolverine coach Bo Schembechler. After two years as a graduate assistant, he became Michigan’s youngest assistant and was responsible for tutoring quarterbacks and receivers (WRs 1986-1989, WRs/QBs 1990-1993). He coached many future NFL players, including Jim Harbaugh, Elvis Grbac, Todd Collins, Amani Toomer, Derrick Alexander and Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard.1 Cameron served as an assistant at Michigan alongside future head coaches Lloyd Carr, Gary Moeller, Les Miles, and Mike DeBord. His fellow graduate assistant was Mike Trgovac, who is currently the defensive line coach of the Green Bay Packers, after serving six years as the defensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers.

Cam Cameron, among the most respected and highly-regarded coordinators in the NFL, is in his fourth season leading the Ravens’ offense. He has guided a unit that has made significant improvements during the John Harbaugh Era (2008-10). Over that span, the Ravens have rushed for 133.5 yards per game and scored 53 rushing TDs, both fifth most in the NFL. In addition, Baltimore, which set a team record with only 22 turnovers in 2010, has committed only 63 turnovers, tied for the NFL’s third-fewest,

Baltimore produced the top three offensive total yards games in team history. In his first season in Baltimore (2008), Cameron built a creative offense that ranked fourth in the NFL in rushing (148.5 ypg), first in time of possession (33:10) and 11th in points per game (24.1 ppg). Cameron brought his unique offensive mind to Baltimore after one year as the Miami Dolphins’ head coach. His successful stints with the NFL’s Chargers and Redskins and the NCAA’s Indiana Hoosiers and Michigan Wolverines have been celebrated. While in San Diego, Cam was instrumental in the development of Pro Bowl QBs Drew Brees and Philip Rivers, RB LaDainian Tomlinson and TE Antonio Gates. During Cam’s tenure (1984-93) as an assistant under Michigan’s legendary head coach Bo Schembechler, the Wolverines won six Big Ten titles and played in 10 bowl games.

by jazz20 on Jul 6, 2011 4:36 PM EDT up reply actions

those last two quotes under the "some of his college career" are some of his

nfl career success as well, so excuse me for the mix up :)

by jazz20 on Jul 6, 2011 4:38 PM EDT up reply actions

no worries... I noticed the error

I don’t see how you can credit Cameron for Rice’s performance… he’s an All-Pro RB/WR on any team NOT a system tailback.

The Chargers stats are nice!

As for other coaches, there are dozens… B Schottenheimer, Musgrave, Mularkey, McDaniels and about 30 other coaches. We don’t know who the next great coach will be but we need to find out and sign him.

8 seasons as an NFL OC with little success. 2010 as OC on a stacked Ravens team and he let a lot of teams off the hook. Do you know whose brother Cameron coached in college? The same man who is putting his job on the line…

I understand that you like the coaches and I respect that.

My opinion is our HC is a little too emotional about things..including his doghouse, the OC who coached his brother, and “giving” games to rivals.

I don’t have faith in them but I respect that you do… we’ll revisit this, I’m sure

by Evan Skev on Jul 6, 2011 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, three playoff appearances in a row…I can see why you have no faith. Shadow…

by JoshuaStein on Jul 6, 2011 4:46 PM EDT up reply actions

I dont see how you can't credit Ray Rice performance from the help of Cam Cameron

We wouldnt know that Ray Rice could be a wideout unless Cam Cameron call the play for him to be used as a wideout. We wouldnt know Ray Rice could be such a good running back unless Cam Cameron called plays that suit Ray Rice strength some people think players are great just because there physical attributes alone but if they are not in the right system you may not see a high productive player like you say last year or etc.

I’m not saying that Cam Cameron is the ultimate reason why Ray Rice is so successful but he should take some credit for his success

by jazz20 on Jul 6, 2011 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions

typo saw. I didnt mean to say " say" lol

by jazz20 on Jul 6, 2011 4:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Good points, Jazz

but every playbook has draws and screens… Cam didn’t invent the plays and he is one of 32 OCs who uses them

Rice is an excellent athlete with great field vision and an elusive running style. Ever notice how Rice rarely takes a big hit?

Ray Rice is not good because of Cameron… Ray Rice makes Cameron look good.

by Evan Skev on Jul 6, 2011 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions

yeah you right but it's up to the coordinator to know how to use the offensive weapons

Im sure Ray Rice does make Cam look good but if it wasn’t for Cam other teams wouldn’t know Ray Rice was not only a good running back but good receiver as well.

I dont think you can say that its all Ray Rice that made him the star he is today. It took good coaching and also a coordinator that uses him the way that Nfl knows he is so dangerous for. If Ray Rice was drafted by another another team instead of the Ravens he probably wouldn’t be utilize like he is today as a ravens.

but every playbook has draws and screens

I am very sure they do but not very coodinator in the league commits to such effective plays like Cam Cameron does that seems to work every time when Ray Rice is used in such fashion. Ray Rice is like a extra wide out on field and has been used as a wideout plenty of time but overall what I’m getting at with this is If it wasn’t for the play calling by Cam Cameron you wouldn’t see/know about Ray Rice athletic abilites to be used not only as a running back but wideout.

I can use former raven outside linebacker adarius thomas as a example. When Rex Ryan was our defensive coordinater Adarius Thomas was used in versatile role like the safety position and etc; if it wasn’t for Rex Ryan noticing Thomas ability to play in such a versatility role Thomas wouldnt have been notice as a effective versatile outside linebacker but be notice as a good pass rushing linebacker and thats it.

by jazz20 on Jul 6, 2011 7:20 PM EDT up reply actions

can't argue with that

I’ll still take Ray Rice over Cam Cameron or any other OC… any day of the week and about 17,000 times on Sunday. He’s faster than LBs and stronger than CBs. He eats up Cover 2s and punishes opposing defenses with strength, speed, and elusiveness. It’s not a secret that he will make any LB look bad when he gets isolation.

Also, I wouldn’t compare Rex Ryan and Cam Cameron. Cameron has had one head coaching job and it didn’t go well even though he was signed to a long contract. Ryan has made it far with his underachieving QB and a stellar defense. I’ve never heard any player talking about how much they’d love to play for Cam Cameron…

Adarius was good in Ryan’s system… not so good in NE and he’s now out of the league. I think it’s a major stretch to give Cameron credit for noticing that Rice can catch the ball

by Evan Skev on Jul 7, 2011 12:28 AM EDT up reply actions

"Airborne, do not look at the ground. I promise you, it will be there. Unless the tectonic plates shift, and a chasm opens up on the drop zone, in which case we will surely let you know."

by jackmca on Jul 7, 2011 6:35 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I like Harbaugh but one thing about him that bothers me is that he is very sentimental about “his guys” when I think this league is better for cold hearted guys likke Bellicheck.

I think when you say Cam “let teams off the hook” in 2010 that’s what other people mean when they say they gave games away. I know you hate when that is said but I think you’re both referring to the same tendency in our 2010 Ravens.

I’m not a Cameron fan personally but I guess I’m along for the ride in 2011. They better use Torrey Smith better than they used Donte Stallworth because this vertical Derrick Mason shit has got to stop.

"Airborne, do not look at the ground. I promise you, it will be there. Unless the tectonic plates shift, and a chasm opens up on the drop zone, in which case we will surely let you know."

by jackmca on Jul 7, 2011 6:33 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Agreed. He better find a way to use Torrey or he is gone. Ozzie already came out and said Torrey will compete for a starting job, so if he’s not out there or the offense doesn’t improve then I can’t see Cam back again. Flacco also has said in interviews recently that he felt we weren’t attacking as much at the end of games and a loss would be easier to swallow if we were being aggressive and lose instead of conservative and lose. Flacco sees there is a problem as well and now hopefully they all can come together and find a solution.

On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu

by AV23 on Jul 7, 2011 7:16 AM EDT up reply actions

I think the steeler coach is simlar to the our coach I could be wrong

but I dont see nothing wrong with having a passionate coach rex ryan is the same way sometimes its a good thing for players to know there coach are passionate for the team and what they do with a show of emotion here and there

by jazz20 on Jul 7, 2011 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions

passion for the game is different

But you never mix friendship with business. You can be friends with someone because you work with them, but don’t work with someone because you’re friends with them

"Airborne, do not look at the ground. I promise you, it will be there. Unless the tectonic plates shift, and a chasm opens up on the drop zone, in which case we will surely let you know."

by jackmca on Jul 7, 2011 10:34 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions

Jazz, Harbaugh and Cameron are not the answer for our organization

While they are excellent friends and great at watching each other’s back, they are not so good at devising a winning game plan even when they have a roster that any coach or GM would envy.

We need coaches who are focused on winning… not coaches who are focused on keeping their jobs. The two guys that we have are like politicians…they know how to stay in office but they aren’t actually doing anything.

Mike Tomlin is similar to John Harbaugh? I will pretend you didn’t say that…

have a good day man

by Evan Skev on Jul 7, 2011 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions

man you dont know what you talking about but thats you opinion

I be waiting to here when ever you become the head coach or offensive coordinator

by jazz20 on Jul 7, 2011 12:12 PM EDT up reply actions

You say Rex Ryan is like Cam Cameron...

and you say Mike Tomlin is like John Harbaugh…and you credit Cameron for Ray Rice’s success because he recognized that Rice had talent…

and you say that I don’t know what I’m talking about…

OK!

by Evan Skev on Jul 7, 2011 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions

I never said Rex Ryan was like Cam Cameron where you get that from lol

Cameron for Ray Rice’s success because he recognized that Rice had talent…

I m not even going to there with you on this topic I prove enough information and if you cant understand what I was saying thats on you buddy believe what ever you want to believe

by jazz20 on Jul 7, 2011 1:32 PM EDT up reply actions

You are correct, sir

by Evan Skev on Jul 7, 2011 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions

We need coaches who are focused on winning… not coaches who are focused on keeping their jobs

this doesn’t make sense right here because the only way a coach is able to keep his job is by wining games and having a successful record.

Mike Tomlin is similar to John Harbaugh? I will pretend you didn’t say that

get the super bowl out your mind because when I said that I was saying that have simlar coaching styles which I have seen a steeler fan mention before.

The two guys that we have are like politicians…they know how to stay in office but they aren’t actually doing anything.

no disrespect but overall this so stupid(not calling you stupid) how is going to the playoffs 3 time out of past three years not doing anything if that not doing anything then I dont know what is. I know the super bowl is the ultimate goal but success is success give John Harbaugh that much respect because I remember it was a time where going to play offs was way out of the question before the season even started.

they are not so good at devising a winning game plan even when they have a roster that any coach or GM would envy.

I understand where you going with this but if they wasnt able to devise a good wining plan then they should has been 0-16 last year then instead of 12-4. I know the John Harbuagh has alot to work on and so does Cam Cameron but I know for sure they have bought things that we never saw doing the Brian Billck era(not talking about the super bowl)

Ravens fans so focus on we want a super bowl right now state of mind instead of noticing the obvious that it’s kind sickening at times because in the last three years this team has had good success but since we dont have super bowl ring/apperance does those success mean nothing? is that what you telling me.

I am well aware that Cam Cameron/John Harbaugh is not a perfect and he sucks at times( which coach doesnt) but lets be real here if you look at the last play off game we played that was all the players fault not the coaches and I could see they had a good game plan( meaning the coaches) involved but what happens to mess up that plan ? Joe Flacco stupid interception, Matt Birk fumbles the ball, Ray Rice fumble, Anquan Boldin & T.J Housmanzadeh drops a perfect pass from Joe Flacco, and etc.

so good at devising a winning game plan even when they have a roster that any coach or GM would envy.

I wasn’t aware we had the super man roster lol I really used to think they same way you did but I learned that any team can get beat no matter who is on your roster. I dont know if you watch basket ball but the miami heats have three of the best basket ball players in the league and some thought they would be unstoppable but the lost the champion ship game; It makes you think how did the Miami heats lose with such a stack roster but it happened. there no such thing of a unstoppable team or perfect roster if that was the case then teams wouldn’t be drafting players like they do today.

by jazz20 on Jul 7, 2011 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions