When Joe Flacco tossed his 13th interception of the year last week against the Philadelphia Eagles it created quite a controversy.
It was an ill-advised throw, one he shouldn’t have even considered given the situation, the coverage on Steve Smith Sr., and other factors. It was a poor play call by offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and an even a worse job by John Harbaugh, who let the play happen even after knowing the play call on the timeout that occurred prior to the interception.
“All-time worst call ever,” stated John Harbaugh following the game last week. “I’ll take responsibility for it.
“I should have vetoed it right away. I like an aggressive mindset, but that was way too aggressive. It’s the worst play call we’ve had, and it’s my fault. It should have never happened.
“We should have never been in that situation [with Philadelphia having a chance to win the game] as a result of that [play call].”
For the first time since “Veto Gate,” Mornhinweg took to the podium following Thursday’s practice and spoke to Harbaugh’s comment about being the “worst play call ever.”
“That is not the worst call I have ever made,” said the Ravens play caller. “I have made some really bad calls.
“Sometimes you get away with them, really, and the players tend to cover that thing up. That is not the first time … When you are trying to stay aggressive and score some points, it pays off, typically tenfold throughout the course of the game or a season or certainly a program.
“Every now and then, it backfires. When it backfires, we have to recover. We have to recover quick. The last four plays were not very good, so that is where the thought process is there. [The thought process is], ‘[Shoot], let’s recover and try to keep the backfires to a minimum.’
“Everything is my responsibility, so I will try to do that.”
Morninweg’s comments were telling in the fact that he is right that it wasn’t his personal worst play call – he’s made tons of others just recently. The safety given up by the Ravens to the Patriots comes to mind.
While Mornhinweg accepted responsibility for the call, he also shed some light on how rarely Harbaugh vetoes any play. That speaks volumes about a head coach who’s been hell bent publicly on getting the run game established over the season, only to have his QB throw the second-most attempts in the league. Flacco’s 579 pass attempts are just ten fewer than Saints slinger Drew Brees.
“Well, I think he kind of went through that, from my understanding,” replied Mornhinweg. “I am not going to get into too many details, but not often. But we talk daily.
“I always want to keep the head coach apprised and try not to surprise him on what we are going to be doing in the ballgame.”
The Ravens offense has been under intense scrutiny this season. It’s deserved; their efforts quite frankly are the reason why the team is fighting for their playoff lives instead of jockeying for a top seed.
Here’s hoping their offensive game plan in Pittsburgh comes together – otherwise it’s going to be a bumpy offseason for several coaching staff members.
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