Looks like Cam isn't the only coach being called out

[durango46]

Looks like Harbaugh is catching plenty of heat also. I think it's well deserved.

http://baltimoresportsreport.com/joh...ins-35147.html

[OriginalColtsFan]

Yeah. Tony pretty much nailed it on that article that was quoted.

[DColeman]

Could Ozzie be on his way out too?

[BiggSeth]

I think there is a 2-fold issue with this team.

1. the defensive scheme is horrible. I understand that there are key players injured and out, but the inability to first stop the run (a Ravens tradition) has caused more pressure on the other aspects of the game. Stop the run, turn the opponent to a 1-dimensional offense. Apply well-disguised pressure, and you get results.

2. Cameron's predictable game plan caused the defense to be on the field too much with the litany of 3 and outs his horrible game calling produced, the defense(weakened by injury) is on the field too long.

#2 was addressed this week, #1 should have happened right after this game. Who knows if/when the Ravens get another 'real' D.C. in house, but I hope it is sooner than later

That being said, Harbaugh needs to stop with the 'old boy network' hirings for his staff. These retreads got fired for reasons, and winning or being a top-tier offense/defense was not one of them. Give another up and commer a chance to show his stuff. After all, Mr. Harbaugh, you were just a career special team coach with a binder full of ideas on how to be a head coach when you applied for your current position............

[nomad]

The running game issues were there in the preseason when I watched. None of the defensive lineman were getting off of blocks and making plays (especially the nose tackles). There was no penetration or disruption and they weren't occupying blockers allowing lineman to get onto the linebackers. It hasn't changed greatly since but IMO it was a function of losing Redding, Johnson, Suggs, McPhee (hasn't been healthy), adding an over the hill Keaomatu and having Cody get fatter.

When the defense has no idea what is coming because they have not taken away the run they playcalling and defending get a lot tougher. Add in the losses of Webb, Smith, Lewis, Ellerbe, Suggs and it is a bad situation but the lack of run defense was apparent from the preseason.

[baltimoreron]

Two game losing streak = 'downward spiral'. Too f'n funny.

[AVATAR]

Posted article merely echo's what I've been saying previously. Harbaugh's loyalties are misplaced @ best. Pee's needed to go last year. The players aren't put in position to make plays and are in prevent status. The injuries don't help but they do show that the players are still playing hard and are trying to succeed. I hope Jerry is replaced as well. Way too many gaffs over the years. If he's saying something the players ears must be on mute. Can we make a run yes. Can we get it done. With a wing and a prayer.

[Tollbooth Willie]

I hope Pees can get his D plan sorted out. I don't blame the injuries. A guy like Dick Lebeau can practically pull guys off the street and turn them into world beaters.

How many times did we see former Raven's defensive standouts go to other teams for big money and all but disappear? I'm a firm believer in defensive systems. You either have one, or you don't. Pees has a lot of talent to work with...even with the injuries...but his schemes are crap.

I can't do any better, but I've certainly seen better from other coordinators who have as much to work with as Pees has right now...sometimes less.

[LarryN]

Two game losing streak = 'downward spiral'. Too f'n funny.

Save for 4th & 29, it's a 3 game losing streak.

[AVATAR]

Could Ozzie be on his way out too?

It's time to past the reigns (imho). And if Decosta follows the status quo, I'm not a believer. It's time to raid teams with a different philosophy on the offensive
side of the ball. Special teams also. Defensively we would fare much better with Lewis being a player coach without complete autonomy. Harbaugh should really coach up the next man up mantra. "Ray, have a seat on a Throwing down", "Have a drink of water", "Chill for a minute", "Gather yourself".
"Oh and Eddie", "Dude, quite playing superman and cover the must dangerous receiver, especially this play", win or lose.

[baltimoreron]

Save for 4th & 29, it's a 3 game losing streak.

Three games!?!?!?!? Now that's definitely a downward spiral.

And the Chargers crushed the Steelers at home yesterday. Go figure. They apparently can tackle, they should have done it on 4th and 29.

[TDL]

Three games!?!?!?!? Now that's definitely a downward spiral.

And the Chargers crushed the Steelers at home yesterday. Go figure. They apparently can tackle, they should have done it on 4th and 29.

It could almost be a four game streak since they needed a punt return TD to beat the Steelers with a gimpy backup in Pitt a few weeks back as well.Not often you win a game without scoring at least one offensive TD.If you include the KC and Dallas games they are very lucky to be 9-4.Should probably be 7-7.

[LarryN]

Three games!?!?!?!? Now that's definitely a downward spiral.

And the Chargers crushed the Steelers at home yesterday. Go figure. They apparently can tackle, they should have done it on 4th and 29.

When they lose to the Broncos on Sunday, will it then be a downward spiral? If not, how many losses does it take to constitute a downward spiral?

If you don't see this team going in the wrong direction, then you aren't watching the games.

[baltimoreron]

When they lose to the Broncos on Sunday, will it then be a downward spiral? If not, how many losses does it take to constitute a downward spiral?

If you don't see this team going in the wrong direction, then you aren't watching the games.

If you didn't think that this was going to be a down year, you weren't paying attention or were wearing the purple glasses. My prediction for wins this season, based on the aging D, the loss of some good players, etc., was between 7 - 9. That we have 9 wins now is impressive based on the above and our tough schedule, IMO.

I'll call it a downward spiral when it spans across seasons, not weeks. John was brought in to make us competetive from season to season and that's exactly what he has done.

I don't care about 'pretty' wins, so the fact that we 'almost lost' some of the games we won does not bother me. It does bother my nerves, of course.

[tigercruise]

Not often you win a game without scoring at least one offensive TD

If my memory serves me correctly, the Ravens went 5 weeks without a TD in the year 2000. And I believe we won the SB that year.

[baltimoreron]

It could almost be a four game streak since they needed a punt return TD to beat the Steelers with a gimpy backup in Pitt a few weeks back as well.Not often you win a game without scoring at least one offensive TD.If you include the KC and Dallas games they are very lucky to be 9-4.Should probably be 7-7.

The 2000 Ravens laugh at you.

disclaimer: this is by no means a comparison of this team to the mighty men of the 2000 Ravens.

[tommyb]

Looks like Harbaugh is catching plenty of heat also. I think it's well deserved.

http://baltimoresportsreport.com/joh...ins-35147.html

Very good commentary! Its exactly what we have all been seeing...and saying, for a few years now. I fear that John is getting farther and farther in... over his head. He needs at least two very competent, strong, creative coordinators at this point to avoid being in a position where he needs to make strategic game decisions. He does not do that very well. He's a motivator and work horse, not a football genius, or even a basic football strategy guy. He might, in ways like the early Billick years, get by with some strong coaching on 'O', and 'D', with John playing the role of spokesperson, team motivator, and team conditioner. (of course, Billick always THOUGHT he was a strategy genius....but was no such thing!) So now we will need to do something with Dean Pees.... I think this is all going to be an off-season project. We will see if Cauldwell is any kind of answer. We may be looking for two. (If not three!)

[TDL]

If my memory serves me correctly, the Ravens went 5 weeks without a TD in the year 2000. And I believe we won the SB that year.

I suppose I should have qualified that statement.It's not often that THIS Ravens team will win a game without scoring an offensive TD.Not alone in thinking that a SB this season is highly unlikely am I?

[OriginalColtsFan]

Very good commentary! Its exactly what we have all been seeing...and saying, for a few years now. I fear that John is getting farther and farther in... over his head. He needs at least two very competent, strong, creative coordinators at this point to avoid being in a position where he needs to make strategic game decisions. He does not do that very well. He's a motivator and work horse, not a football genius, or even a basic football strategy guy. He might, in ways like the early Billick years, get by with some strong coaching on 'O', and 'D', with John playing the role of spokesperson, team motivator, and team conditioner. (of course, Billick always THOUGHT he was a strategy genius....but was no such thing!) So now we will need to do something with Dean Pees.... I think this is all going to be an off-season project. We will see if Cauldwell is any kind of answer. We may be looking for two. (If not three!)

Caldwell might very well be the quick fix to keep this season afloat. I was totally unimpressed with the game plan when the Colts played the Saints in the 2009 SB. It was a weak, uninspired, over cautious offense that looked totally flat and way overmatched. However, he was the HC then, not the OC. I'm not expecting to see Caldwell turn into Jay Gruden; but I do expect to see an upgrade to Cam Cameron. Then in the offseason, the Ravens clearly have their admin work cut out for them. We'll see if they're up to the challenge. But as far as this move today goes -- it's a huge win in my book.

[baltimoreron]

I suppose I should have qualified that statement.It's not often that THIS Ravens team will win a game without scoring an offensive TD.Not alone in thinking that a SB this season is highly unlikely am I?

I didn't think we were headed there at 9 - 2 and I certainly don't think we are headed there now that we are in this downward spiral.