Life as an Offensive Coordinator

[JimZipCode]

one year he picked a TE with the Colt's No. 1 pick (can't remember the guy's name) who couldn't catch a cold but was a good blocker and then said this dude was the best TE in the draft. The Browns later on used their No. 1 on another Tight End by the name of Ozzie Newsome (Yeah, that's right, the Colts could have had Ozzie Newsome).

Cleveland picked Ozzie Newsome in the 1978 draft, two picks before Baltimore picked Reese McCall. So the Colts couldn't really have had Ozzie, unless we traded up.

McCall wasn't terrible. He played 8 years in the league. I don't remember him much, but he was probably a pretty good blocking TE. Probably the kind of player you don't need to spend a 1st on. And he was no Oz, of course.

That was a pretty good draft for TEs. Todd Christensen went (to Dallas) at the end of rd 2; then Mickey Shuler went (to the Jets) early in the 3rd. 5th rounder Derrick Ramsey (Oakland) had a couple excellent seasons: led his team in receiving yds in 1981 and again in '84.

Matt Cavanaugh went in the second round of that draft, to New England. ;-)


EDIT: Looks like you guys caught this already.

[Tyrian]

Little bit extra from La Canfora:

Ravens owner Bisciotti a factor in Cameron's exit

The timing of the firing of Ravens long-time offensive coordinator Cam Cameron shocked many players and coaches in Baltimore this week, sources said, but Cameron's job security had been an issue for years, with owner Steve Biscotti interested in other options in the past.

Following the 2010 season, Bisciotti and others in upper management supported bringing in a new coordinator, but quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn and consultant Al Saunders were let go instead, giving Cameron his wish of remaining the lone voice heard by quarterback Joe Flacco.

Coach John Harbaugh made the case for Cameron at that time and on other occasions, and the team's options have been limited due to Baltimore's perennially deep postseason runs. But with the offense inconsistent again this season and Flacco's production oscillating, Cameron was let go despite the Ravens (9-4) leading the AFC North.

Flacco's relationship with Cameron had been frayed since the firing of Zorn, a former NFL quarterback whom Flacco was close with, with Flacco at the time speaking publicly about his disapproval of the move. Flacco was not consulted about this week's change, sources said, but it was well known throughout the organization that he and Cameron were not particularly close. Flacco has developed a closer relationship with quarterbacks coach Jim Caldwell, who takes over for Cameron despite having never called plays.

Several players said privately they felt Cameron was rigid and not receptive to their feedback, and there is a sense among players that Caldwell might be more receptive to their input. The team might return to more of the up-tempo, no-huddle approach on display early in the season, a system with which Flacco has a comfort level.

By making the move now, the Ravens -- who made no long-term commitment to Caldwell as coordinator -- are also better positioned to add a high-profile coordinator this offseason, even if they were to advance deep into the playoffs. Some in the organization believe Chargers coach Norv Turner, a virtual certainty to be let go at season's end, would be a great fit with Flacco. Turner comes from the Don Coryell tree (which also produced Cameron), with the quarterback not needing to learn a new system and language, etc. Turner will be highly coveted, however. Cowboys coach Jason Garrett, an accomplished offensive coordinator who was Biscotti's top choice to replace Brian Billick in 2008 (Garrett turned the job down), could be let go as well. Arizona's Ken Whisenhunt is highly thought of as well, and could be let go, while Hue Jackson and Chris Palmer could be lower-profile options.

Bisciotti badly wants to win a Super Bowl, and league sources expect the Ravens to be aggressive in seeking a replacement for Cameron. Flacco's rookie contract expires this season, and he will be franchised if a long-term deal can't be reached, sources said. Getting Flacco, a former first-round pick, to perform at an elite level is paramount if the organization -- which has at least one playoff victory each of Flacco and Harbaugh's four seasons together -- wishes to advance past the AFC Championship Game.

Baltimore is on the cusp of a fifth straight playoff appearance under Harbaugh. But with its defense aging, ailing and slipping in its production, the need for a better offensive output is acute, particularly away from home, where Flacco and his unit have been prone to deep funks.