OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Holding court with the media for the first time since being promoted to the Ravens’ offensive coordinator position, Jim Caldwell plans to remain in the same spot during game days as he did as the quarterbacks coach.
Caldwell worked from the upstairs booth during previous games and plans to remain there in his first game since succeeding Cam Cameron in the play-calling duties. Wide receivers coach Jim Hostler will then be on the sideline and relay Caldwell’s calls to quarterback Joe Flacco
“That’s my plan, but obviously, that could change,” Caldwell said. “Whatever John [Harbaugh] wants me to do, that’s where I’ll be. At this point, that’s where I plan to be.”
Calling plays from upstairs will not only give Caldwell a better view of what the defense is trying to do but will keep him away from the chaotic nature of an NFL sideline with players and staff members often chirping in the heat of the moment during game action.
He has received tips from Hostler, who served as the offensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers in 2007. Despite having never served as an offensive coordinator before, Caldwell expressed confidence in his ability to call the plays, citing how the offense always runs through quarterbacks and how he’s spent a large portion of his NFL career coaching that position.
Caldwell was the quarterbacks coach for Peyton Manning in Indianapolis for seven years before becoming his head coach.
Several players have expressed optimism that the offense will employ a quicker tempo than used in recent weeks as the no-huddle offense had virtually disappeared. Caldwell didn’t specifically confirm whether the uptempo offense would be making its return on a more significant basis.
“One of the good things, I think, about our system is the fact that it’s versatile,” Caldwell said. “We can do whatever it takes. It just depends on who we are playing, how we want to attack them and what we think best suites our personnel. We kind of bounce in and out of it, but every game will take on its own personality.”
With the Ravens taking on Manning and the red-hot Broncos, winners of eight consecutive games, Caldwell and the offense know they will need to produce at a high level as the Baltimore defense continues to be ravaged by injuries.
Asked to share his philosophy for leading the Ravens offense, the new coordinator offered a simple response.
“Score as many as you can as often as you can,” said Caldwell, smiling at reporters.
