Ravens Fire Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron
Earlier today, the Baltimore Ravens decided to fire offensive coordinator Cam Cameron. This decision came after yesterday’s overtime loss to the Washington Redskins, where the offense was unable to score in the second half consistently. The lone score, a seven yard rush by Ray Rice, came in the fourth quarter with just less than five minutes to go in the game. The game against the Redskins was a untimely example of the way the offense has performed all year.
Jim Harbaugh announced today in response to the decision to fire Cameron that “My charge–our responsibility as a coaching staff– is to maximize the opportunities for our team to win, and we can still reach all of our goals this season. We have a motto to follow on this team: W.I.N.– What’s Important Now– and what’s important now is to find ways to get better, win the AFC North and advance to the playoffs.”
All year long the Baltimore Ravens have looked like the clear favorite to win the AFC North division. However, losses in the past two games against Washington 28-31 in O.T. and a 20-23 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers have been anything but reassuring. With the firing of Cam Cameron, Quarterbacks Coach Jim Caldwell has been named the interim O.C.
Although Caldwell will most likely be a temporary fix to the coaching position, he has had playoff success as at top coaching positions when surrounded by talent. Caldwell took the Peyton Manning-led Colts to Superbowl XLIV, a game ending in a 31-17 loss to the Saints.
A major coaching change this late in the season can be an extremely risky decision, but Cameron’s firing may be necessary in order to insure success in this year’s playoffs and also the future. What’s Important Now, [W.I.N.], is for the raven’s offense to transition smoothly under Jim Caldwell, secure the AFC North, and to prepare for a playoff push. Fitting for Caldwell’s debut as Offensive Coordinator, the road to these goals starts with a home game against Peyton Manning and the AFC West champ Broncos.