Now that the Ravens have made their second main teaching change in two years, the workforce’s predominant focus in 2023 needs to be the course of this system beneath head coach John Harbaugh.
At the top of final season, the Ravens changed defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale with Mike Macdonald. On Thursday, they introduced that offensive coordinator Greg Roman had departed 4 days after a 24-17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals within the AFC wild-card spherical.
Next up is Harbaugh.
It’s a part of the NFL protocol. When coordinators depart, it’s time to take a tough have a look at the pinnacle coach. It’s not unusual territory for Harbaugh. Once a coach enters his ninth or tenth season, workforce homeowners ought to at all times take a tough look to see if he has certainly “lost his voice” and must reinvent himself.
Harbaugh simply completed Year 15 with the Ravens. He has a 158-104 report, together with an 11-9 report within the postseason and a Super Bowl championship in 2012, however he’s gone simply 2-5 within the playoffs since that title run. Combined with the current exodus of coordinators, it’s time to place the pinnacle coach beneath the microscope.
It’s arduous to inform if that may occur, particularly after Thursday’s lovefest information convention. By the assessments of each Harbaugh and normal supervisor Eric DeCosta, Harbaugh loves quarterback Lamar Jackson, and so does DeCosta. Not to be outdone, Jackson apparently loves Baltimore and did all the things he may to return to the beginning lineup after he sprained his knee towards the Denver Broncos in Week 13.
The solely factor lacking have been boy scouts sitting across the campfire roasting marshmallows whereas singing “God Bless America.” It was just like the outdated automotive salesman telling you all the things is nice concerning the car regardless that there are issues with the tires, motor, transmission and radiator.
That session was all about pumping up Jackson’s commerce worth. If the Ravens get a great deal for him, the commerce can be made. If not, and he settles for one thing lower than a completely assured deal, then he may return.
Maybe.
That’s another excuse to take a great have a look at Harbaugh. First of all, he’s a sufferer of his personal excessive requirements. He superior to the AFC championship sport in his rookie 12 months in 2008, then did it once more in 2011 and gained a Super Bowl the next 12 months whereas creating a robust work tradition. Players needed to meet these expectations or hit the highway.
But that workforce work ethic has began to fade, a few of it attributable to the numerous quantity of accidents in 2021. Some followers have prompt that Harbaugh seemed exhausted by the top of the season, which occurs to most coaches at the moment of 12 months.
But Harbaugh was additionally exhausted by Jackson, and so are lots of people within the group. Harbaugh has needed to coddle the star quarterback and put up with the movies of Jackson driving 105 mph, leaping over a jet ski and taking part in pickup basketball on a cement courtroom, in addition to Jackson’s awkward and generally vulgar tweets. He’s additionally rescheduled coaching camp practices partially so Jackson may get correct relaxation after which needed to take care of him not taking part in the final 4 video games within the 2021 season and the final six in 2022.
It’s straightforward to grasp why Harbaugh was so curt to reporters when questioned about Jackson’s sprained knee in current weeks.
This isn’t nearly Jackson, but additionally Harbaugh’s aggressive method to gamble on fourth downs or 2-point conversions, relying extra on analytics than the state of affairs and customary sense. It’s additionally about his poor clock administration close to halftime or the top of shut video games.
There have been cases wherein gamers like cornerback Marcus Peters and working again J.Ok. Dobbins overtly criticized Harbaugh or his employees. Was there a management drawback right here?
Then there’s the hunt for a brand new offensive coordinator, which hasn’t been a Harbaugh power throughout his tenure in Baltimore. He has gone by means of six, and the very best was Gary Kubiak in 2014, whom Harbaugh was compelled to rent by the workforce’s entrance workplace.
Despite all of it, Harbaugh stays a great coach. A serious power of his is constructing groups and establishing a robust workforce chemistry. Has he misplaced his voice on this workforce? I didn’t see that taking place this 12 months, however it’s one thing to keep watch over. He’s loyal to this group and a fierce competitor. If I needed to begin a workforce or put together one in a brief week for a sport, I’d choose both Harbaugh or the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Mike Tomlin.
Harbaugh can actually do different issues in addition to coach. He has sturdy social abilities and may work a room like a talented politician. Ravens proprietor Steve Bisciotti likes continuity, particularly in teaching, and Harbaugh’s contract goes by means of 2025.
Harbaugh, although, has a future in tv and he may simply change a commentator like Terry Bradshaw, 74, or Jimmy Johnson, 79. He has choices, or he may stay Ravens coach for a number of extra years.
Regardless, he’ll be beneath scrutiny in 2023. The head coach is at all times subsequent in line within the meals chain after the coordinators.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com