OWINGS MILLS — Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh isn’t concerned about the relationship between offensive coordinator Cam Cameron and quarterback Joe Flacco.
There have been reports of friction over the past two seasons, but both Cameron and Flacco have emphasized that they work well together.
"Joe and Cam get along well," Harbaugh said tonight during a conference call with season ticket holders.
Cameron is going to work with Flacco on a closer basis this season after the firing of quarterbacks coach Jim Zorn, who’s now coaching the Kansas City Chiefs’ quarterbacks.
Flacco sounded off when Zorn was dismissed, saying he disagreed with the decision and took it personally. Flacco had lobbied Harbaugh and owner Steve Bisciotti for Zorn to be retained.
Harbaugh attributed Flacco’s displeasure to Zorn’s departure, not having a problem with Cameron.
"It reflected in the close relationship Jim and Joe have," Harbaugh said.
A West Coast disciple, Zorn’s philosophy didn’t mesh well with Cameron, who believes in the Don Coryell offense. Plus, Zorn ran unorthodoz quarterback drills.
Harbaugh was asked why Zorn was fired, and said it was a difficult choice.
"That’s a complex question, I don’t think there is an easy answer," Harbaugh said. "I’m excited about the opportunity going forward. I have a lot of respect for Jim Zorn.We became very close. Our wives became very close. Our families became very close.
"It was tough for me personally. Sometimes you have to make a decision that’s in the best interest of everybody involved, including Jim. I’m convinced this is the best thing going forward."
Going forward, the Ravens plan to give Flacco greater freedom to change plays at the line of scrimmage than in previous years.
Heading into his fourth NFL season, Flacco passed for a career-high 3,622 yards, 25 touchdowns and a 93.6 passer rating with just 10 interceptions last season.
"We’re going to see great things from Joe Flacco," Harbaugh said. "Joe is my quarterback. He’s our quarterback."
