*FAN SUBMISSION by Brad Kroner of Baltimore. Follow him on Twitter @bradkroner.*
During the annual State of the Ravens address, Harbaugh stated that oft-criticized, Juan Castillo, would return to the Ravens coaching staff, although under a different title; being changed from run-game coordinator to offensive line coach. Signs also point to offensive coordinator, Jim Caldwell, returning to the team, unless he is hired as another team’s head coach.
These coaching moves will be integral in building the 2014 Ravens. The offensive line held back the team in the 2013 season. Allowing nearly fifty sacks and poorly executing a typically strong rushing attack, the offensive line was the main culprit in a lackluster offensive season.
Courtesy: CBS Sports
Juan Castillo often received the bulk of this blame, as he was the run-game coordinator. However, the problem has more to do with the personnel than the coaches. In Castillo’s twelve seasons as offensive line coach of the Eagles, his offensive line blocked for four top ten rushing offenses, as well as three more offenses in the top fifteen. The efficiency of a running game is best measured by looking at the average yards per carry, as the number of carries can inflate the total yardage. In 12 seasons, Castillo’s offensive lines blocked for nine running games that finished in the top ten in yards per carry. Four of those ranked in the top five, and one of those ranked number one. Castillo is a proven offensive line coach.
Castillo has been tasked of running the zone blocking scheme, which requires a great deal of chemistry, as the offensive line works as a unit. The running backs need to be in sync with the offensive line, too. Chemistry needs to be developed, and for that, continuity is needed. Instead of changing schemes, the Ravens offensive line needs an upgrade in personnel. Center Gino Gradkowski struggled this season, and left guard Kelechi Osemele was placed on injured reserve nearly midway through the season. Veteran A.Q. Shipley took his place, but he also struggled. Ozzie Newsome stated that they will work to upgrade the interior of the offensive line.
Courtesy: Baltimore Sun
Caldwell is also staying on staff, unless he is offered a promotion by another team. In his first full season as offensive coordinator, he had little to work with. He had an offensive line that provided little protection for Joe Flacco and few running lanes for Ray Rice. Dennis Pitta missed most of the season with a hip injury. While his wide receivers were established deep threats, they were unreliable on third downs. Caldwell lacked the pieces to run a successful offense. Ozzie stated that finding a receiving threat is another area that will be addressed.
Caldwell and Castillo deserve another chance. They need a season with capable players that don’t miss routine blocking assignments and lead the league in drops. They need a chance with healthy starters at left guard and tight end.
Instead of firing these two coaches and starting over, the Ravens should retain them; they should upgrade the players. Their schemes, however criticized, should be built upon and perfected by the players. These coaches have proven to be capable. If the Ravens offense is to improve, continuity is needed for the coaching staff to lead the way.
