What will Caldwell do now he has a full offseason to prepare?

**Tyrian** · 02-10-2013, 08:54 AM

I know, it's quite a speculative question. But, I don't think it's really been asked yet.

That said, Caldwell was 'constrained' (not exactly the best word considering there's another Lombardi to adorn the corridors of Owings Mills) by the playbook and systems brought in by Cam. It was largely Air Coryell with a few tweaks.

Now, he has a full offseason to plan. He knows he's OC here. He also has knowledge that the vast majority of the stars are going to remain the same. Flacco's going to get his contract, one way or another. The RBs are still here. Boldin's not going anywhere you'd think and the TEs are RFAs so will also likely remain. The only lingering question is over LT (like every year) and maybe a question over what to do with Leach. Guessing from what Ozzie said, and while there's always the chance for smoke and mirrors, it's going to be heavily weighted to the other side of the ball. However, considering this is today's NFL, that's quite a nice luxury to have - you know what personnel you'll have, more or less.

Does he keep with the same sort of O that won the SB even though it's a very high risk/high reward scheme? Does he massively alter it to fit more of a style he's coached in the past and risk starting the season slow? Or perhaps go with some sort of hybrid or a diluted scheme?

What do you think he will do or what do you want him to do?

**GOTA** · 02-10-2013, 08:59 AM

I bet Caldwell has all sorts of ideas. He's going to put in his offense. He and Joe have a real connection. They're going to be even better next season.

**NC Raven** · 02-10-2013, 09:08 AM

This!

MadScientist.jpg

**Raven 555** · 02-10-2013, 09:11 AM

I am hoping Caldwell can help Joe with his timing on short passes. To often Joe's passes are just a bit to late. Also don't think we are going to be able to keep Jim more than one year.

**kronusthebonus** · 02-10-2013, 09:21 AM

We've already seen wrinkles in the playbook. Did anyone else notice Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce in the same backfield during the SB? In the Denver game, it was noted that one of the touchdown plays was an old Peyton Manning/Colts staple play.

Caldwell has definitely modified the playbook and installed some of his own stuff. From everything I've read, he's incredibly intelligent. I'm willing to bet we see his own modified version of Cam's playbook in which he uses the same concepts but puts his own mad scientist spin on it.

Remember that Juan Castillo will be there "coordinating the run game". Yeah right, he'll be the psuedo line coach if he isn't already. I have a feeling that Leach will be a cap casualty and we'll be running a ton of 3 WR sets. Who do you cover when you've got speed on the outside w/ Smith and Jones, and Pitta and Boldin working the middle/seams. Then you've got to worry about Ray Rice or Pierce getting a handoff on top of that? The offense has the potential to be scary good.

**Maelstrom** · 02-10-2013, 09:53 AM

He is going to spend a ton of time with Flacco. Joe will be a monster this year...

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**Paintballguy** · 02-10-2013, 09:58 AM

Originally Posted by kronusthebonus

Remember that Juan Castillo will be there "coordinating the run game". Yeah right, he'll be the psuedo line coach if he isn't already.

Ozzie even mentioned that Castillo was great at developing young linemen in the press conference, so you know he'll basically be the OL coach.

I really have no idea what to expect with Caldwell, but I'm sure it will be something great.

**kronusthebonus** · 02-10-2013, 10:03 AM

Could you imagine if we were to retain McKinnie and draft Barrett Jones? Under the guidance of Castillo that could be a dominating offensive line.

**JoeCool5** · 02-10-2013, 10:49 AM

I would like to see Caldwelll implement more plays that have Pierce and Rice in the backfield at the same time, with Flacco in the shotgun during those formations. That would seriously throw off the opposing defense. I will say this: with a full offseason with Caldwell as OC and the majority of our playmakers coming back next year, we should be a freakin' dominant offense next year. Top ten, even.

**Ravenswintitle** · 02-10-2013, 11:18 AM

Get rid of the huddle all together. Why even huddle; just line up and let Joe survey the field. It's a big advantage and it keeps defense substitution to a minimum.

**CRZA938** · 02-10-2013, 01:45 PM

If you watch the very first offensive play, the Ravens got Aldon Smith in coverage and eventually checked down to Leach. I later heard Simms say on inside the nfl that it was a formation the Ravens had never used before. Caldwell makes the Ravens dangerous.

**Paintballguy** · 02-10-2013, 01:55 PM

Originally Posted by CRZA938

If you watch the very first offensive play, the Ravens got Aldon Smith in coverage and eventually checked down to Leach. I later heard Simms say on inside the nfl that it was a formation the Ravens had never used before. Caldwell makes the Ravens dangerous.

They came out in 2 backs 0 te's and 3 wide. Flacco motions Rice out of the backfield. Then, Leach comes out of the backfield with nobody within 5 yards of him. Flacco hits him for a gain of 8 yards. It looks like Leach was the primary target on the play. It was a great drive starter.

**Ravenous1** · 02-10-2013, 02:04 PM

Its going to be fun to watch IMO. I believe that Caldwell is far more open to creative uses of his personnel and does a much better job than Cam ever did in creating mismatches for Joe to take advantage of. Idea such as using Rice and Pierce in the same backfield, more slants, rolling pockets, and better use of the middle of the field will turn this offense from being inconsistently dynamic into one that is consistently dynamic but yet aggressive in a physical kind of way.

The biggest key for me is keeping Oher at RT and KO at LG. Even if it means saying goodbye to Reed, Williams, Kruger and yes even Ellerbe then so be it. LT has to be a priority. Draft/FA whatever they have to make sure to address the position. You do not give your franchise QB a monster deal like Joe is going to get and then leave him exposed with holes in your Oline.

**BcRaven** · 02-10-2013, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by GOTA

I bet Caldwell has all sorts of ideas. He's going to put in his offense. He and Joe have a real connection. They're going to be even better next season.

Agreed, and if we can retain Boldin, Jacoby Jones, and McKinnie (UGH did I say that?), then this offense will erupt like we Ravens fans have never seen before... Bc

**PurpleApocalypse37** · 02-10-2013, 02:42 PM

I think he should create a package with Rice and Pierce both on the field at the same time, with both having an equal chance of getting the ball or rolling out for a pass. I think a shotgun formation with Rice and Pierce by Flacco's side would be very dangerous.

**BigPlayReceiver** · 02-10-2013, 02:52 PM

Originally Posted by Paintballguy

They came out in 2 backs 0 te's and 3 wide. Flacco motions Rice out of the backfield. Then, Leach comes out of the backfield with nobody within 5 yards of him. Flacco hits him for a gain of 8 yards. It looks like Leach was the primary target on the play. It was a great drive starter.

Match-up problems. It's all the rage...and has been for years. It's the biggest problem that I had with Cam. He never exploited defensive weakness at the individual level.

**Paintballguy** · 02-10-2013, 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by BigPlayReceiver

Match-up problems. It's all the rage...and has been for years. It's the biggest problem that I had with Cam. He never exploited defensive weakness at the individual level.

+1 It was so frustrating. Now we see a lot more motion, stack formations, pick routes, etc and it's so refreshing. The big 30 yard catch Boldin had was essentially a pick play. Torrey tied up 2 DB's and it made Boldin wide open to where he was able to get a big chunk of YAC.

**BigPlayReceiver** · 02-10-2013, 02:58 PM

I think that Jim will...

1) Integrate JJ12 into the offense more, if the FO keeps him around
2) Lobby for a quick, skilled route runner to be drafted in April, especially if the FO doesn't keep JJ12 around
3) Get rid of that ishtty 2 yard out that Dennis runs (b/c deep down he knows that I hate that route more than anything in the world) and replace it with a good ol' wheel route

**leachisabeast** · 02-10-2013, 02:59 PM

Draft or sign a capable TE to go along with Pitta, and mix it up between 3 WR sets and two TE sets, in the no huddle. If we get a TE that can block AND catch, that is the beuty of the no huddle, because said TE can stay in and block on certain plays, or if Joe wants him to go out in the passing game, he can call that. Defenses will constantly be on their heels trying to guess pass or run, and they will be forced to keep the same defensive personnel on the field if its no huddle, they will get tired.

**BigPlayReceiver** · 02-10-2013, 03:02 PM

Originally Posted by Ravenous1

The biggest key for me is keeping Oher at RT and KO at LG. Even if it means saying goodbye to Reed, Williams, Kruger and yes even Ellerbe then so be it. LT has to be a priority. Draft/FA whatever they have to make sure to address the position. You do not give your franchise QB a monster deal like Joe is going to get and then leave him exposed with holes in your Oline.

Yup...other than taking a franchise LT in 1996, this is THE most logical argument in this history of the franchise b/c it was logical no matter what the outcome of the 2012 season.