When the story broke across Baltimore Monday that Cam Cameron had been fired as offensive coordinator of the Ravens, there was indifference spread across the city in regards to this shocking decision.
Going into the season, there was still rumblings around the team that Cameron’s job wasn’t so safe. In March, Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti didn’t exactly give Cameron a bode of confidence.
While the Ravens are downplaying the story, some choice words had to have been fired behind closed doors for such a move to be made at this stage of the season. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh and Cam Cameron got along just fine, but as the game against the Redskins last Sunday showed, there were times when he and his players grew frustrated with some of his decisions. Harbaugh was visibly upset with Cameron during one of his play selections and was in his face shouting “choice” words. Losing to the Redskins dug Cameron’s hole deeper as the players, coaches and even the owner lost faith in him.
That being said, John Harbaugh was not responsible for this move. He is all about stability and continuity. Shaking things up in the organization this late is not his persona or style.
Bisciotti was upset with the direction of the offense and stepped in.
Simple as that.
Most Ravens fans got their wish with the termination of Cameron and the promotion of quarterbacks coach Jim Caldwell to offensive coordinator. For those of you out there applauding this move, here’s Jim Caldwell’s resume in calling plays.
(Crickets)
Yes, Caldwell was a successful coach in Indianapolis… when he had Peyton Manning. I’m not doubting his abilities as a play-caller just yet; his inexperience is somewhat concerning if you’re a Ravens fan going into the final three weeks of the season against three solid opponents.
The Ravens know the situation.
Win and you’re in and the AFC North is yours.
However, this Denver Broncos team is no pushover and has the hottest quarterback in the league under center in Peyton Manning. He has elevated this Broncos team to new heights and they look like a serious contender as they have already clinched the AFC West.
While the Broncos on the surface look like a serious contender, they have only defeated two teams with a winning record this season — the 7-6 Steelers and the 7-6 Bengals. They are a quality football team because good football teams jut don’t get lucky and win 10 games by mistake. They will be a test this weekend, especially for the newly appointed Caldwell.
Champ Bailey is still a stud at the cornerback position. Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil are serious pass-rushing threats that will give Michael Oher and the rest of the offensive line headaches.
What will Caldwell do to attack the Broncos?
How much of a difference will there be in terms of how the offense is ran and the selection of plays in certain situations?
Whenever a move like this is made, generally not a whole lot changes. A man that has never called a play will resort back to what was enstilled in him and the rest of the offense early on in training camp. So for all of the fans that expect an immense improvement immediately, you will be disappointed.
This move was made for three reasons:
1. To identify who was responsible for the offensive woes — Cam Cameron or Joe Flacco.
2. To determine if Joe Flacco deserves a long-term contract with the Ravens as he is looking to get paid.
3. To take a risk and either shoot the Ravens through the roof — building momentum into the playoffs — or flat-line the team’s progress on the offensive side of the ball.
We’ll see what comes of it in this up-and-down season that is the 2012 Baltimore Ravens.
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