Only yesterday afternoon, everything seemed so chummy with the Ravens. They swore the window of opportunity wasn't about to close and they had pretty much solved any cap problems that might arise in the future. Break out the champagne and roll out the red carpet.

But it was strange today when news leaked out that head coach Brian Billick's contract extension was only for one year, which takes him through to the end of 2008. If you read between the lines, you have to believe owner Steve Bisciotti doesn't have as much faith in Billick as he tried to display Tuesday. Billick got a pay raise, but all the contract extension did was not make him a lame duck next season.

If Bisciotti had so much faith in Billick, why didn't he add more years to the extension? I like the idea of giving him only one year. It puts pressure on Billick, and keeps him focused, which he wasn't in 2005. Basically, Billick is on the hot seat again. One thing we have learned through the years is that general manager Ozzie Newsome and his scouting department will provide the Ravens with good players. A good coach should be able to get them to the playoffs. Scratch that. In this era of parity, an average coach should be able to get them to the playoffs.

There is no way Bisciotti could have been happy with the team's loss to Indianapolis in the playoffs. Clearly, the Ravens had the better team. Again, it came down to the offense and poor play-calling. I suspect Bisciotti will keep an eye on his head coach. You can't give Billick too much rope or he'll hang himself as well as the team. As long as he is kept in check, he's a good coach. The Ravens aren't giving him much room to go astray. - Mike Preston

Posted by Mike Preston at 7:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)
                    

It will be interesting to see how the Ravens negotiate with running back Jamal Lewis. Few knew the ankle injury was still affecting Lewis' performance, but general manager Ozzie Newsome said he was aware of the problem the entire season. My feelings don't change. I still say they offer him a reduced contract from a season ago, and I certainly wouldn't provide him with a $5 million roster bonus. But deep down inside, I don't think Lewis is finished as a runner. There is still something left in the tank even though he's not the Lewis of old. - Mike Preston

Posted by Mike Preston at 10:23 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)
                    

Ravens outside linebacker Bart Scott could be named to the AFC Pro Bowl squad as early as this evening. The Ravens were awaiting official word from the league before they put out a news release. Scott is the second alternate. First alternate and teammate Ray Lewis had been named to replace starter Al Wilson of the Denver Broncos, but Lewis is not expected to play in the annual classic because of an injury.  - Mike Preston

Posted by Bill Ordine at 12:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
                    

Jamal Lewis said team officials have not talked to him or his agent about picking up the option on his contract or asking him to sign a new deal. Lewis said he expects his agent will meet with the Ravens soon.

"Let's put it this way, if the Ravens are serious about making another Super Bowl run, then they'll sign me," said Lewis. "I would like to stay here, finish what we started last season and go out on top. If not, then I assume they have found someone who can do what I can do. Either way, I'm not too concerned. I can help some team." - Mike Preston

Posted by Mike Preston at 6:26 AM | Permalink | Comments (15)
                    

I keep hearing that the Ravens should draft a scatback in the April draft. Sorry folks, that will only work if the Ravens change the offense. The Ravens have a power running game and need a power running back. If you dump one of those little running backs into this offense, he's going to get hurt. The Ravens run basically nothing but leads and dive plays, all straight-ahead stuff. If you want to use a shifty runner, you have to get him out in space with tosses, sweeps, counters, misdirections... that's something I've been lobbying for for many years, and this offense isn't going to change. So on Sundays, we'll keep sleeping when the offense is on the field and cheering when the defense is playing.

Posted by Mike Preston at 11:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (10)
                    

A couple of early email reactions to this morning's column about Marvin Harrison wearing John Mackey's old number, have pointed out the long-running speculation - taken as fact in many places, apparently - that John Steadman is the one who kept Mackey out of the Hall of Fame for so long. As Baltimore's representative to the Hall of Fame voting committee for many years, Steadman has been blamed for convincing his colleagues not to vote for him.

Steadman is no longer with us and I never got to really talk to him (I met him very briefly about 15 years ago, at an Orioles game), so he can't speak for himself and I can't speak for him. However, in Mackey's 2003 autobiography, Blazing Trails, Mackey addressed that, admitting that there was "bad blood'' between them that dated back to a confrontation his rookie year when Steadman was working for the Colts. But, he continued, he spoke to Steadman about it, Steadman insisted the talk of him blocking Mackey's induction was not true, and Mackey said he believed him. "Whether he held me back or not, I never held it against him,'' he said in the book.

Works for me. By the way, the only places in the area, apparently, in which you can walk in and buy the book, rather than order it, are the museum stores at the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Sports Legends at Camden Yards.

Meanwhile, here's where you can get info about the John Mackey Fund.

One more clarification: Ted Hendricks' number also is not retired by the Colts, but while he played on the Super Bowl team, most people identify him as a Raider. - David Steele

Posted by David Steele at 10:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
                    

During the offseason, the Ravens need to find a gadget guy, a player who can pull off some trick plays. For years, the Steelers had one in Antwaan Randle El. The Saints have one in running back Reggie Bush. Even if a gadget guy isn't involved in a play, just their mere presence on the field puts added pressure on defenses. Plus, the Ravens could use a little imagination on offense. With the Ravens' defense, one touchdown makes a big difference. I thought the Ravens' gadget guy would be receiver Mark Clayton, but the Ravens performed their own magic trick, and made him disappear on the field for several games this season. - Mike Preston

Posted by Mike Preston at 1:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
                    

Just a few of the players the Ravens reportedly chatted with recently at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama: Ohio State defensive lineman David Patterson, Alabama fullback LeRon McClain, Oklahoma linebacker Rufus Alexander, and Texas cornerback Aaron Ross. - Mike Preston

Posted by Mike Preston at 9:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

Don't be surprised if Bart Scott, the Ravens' starting outside linebacker, plays in the Pro Bowl replacing Ray Lewis, who was named an alternate Wednesday. Lewis became an injury replacement for Denver's Al Wilson, but apparently has an injury of his own. Word is that Lewis could play, but would prefer that Scott go in his place because Scott had an excellent season, and it would give Scott more recognition.

It's a great move by Lewis because this would have been his 8th Pro Bowl. Ever since last offseason when he criticized teammates as well as management, Lewis has tried hard to improve his status with the team. There is little doubt that he remains the leader of the Ravens, and this will elevate his status even more in the locker room if it happens. - Mike Preston

Posted by Mike Preston at 3:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
                    

According to early reports, negotiations between Pro Bowl end/outside linebacker Adalius Thomas have not gone well and the two sides are far apart as far as the total value of any package. The Ravens have mentioned the F-word (franchise player) to Thomas as a very possible alternative.

Also, despite some reports, Thomas may not draw as much interest as some have indicated if he hit the open market. Thomas has to play for a team with a certain style. He can't put his hand in the dirt and become a full-time defensive end, and he can't play strongside linebacker full time taking on tight ends. He has to find the team with the right fit.

Posted by Mike Preston at 6:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
                    

Middle linebacker Ray Lewis has apparently not given up on trying to get a contract extension. The Ravens have given Lewis an extension almost every season, but have denied him one the past two years. Apparently, it's going to be a third straight year.

It's looks like mighty Ray has struck out again.

Posted by Mike Preston at 8:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)
                    

The Ravens will make some changes to this group, most notably at guard or center. For the past two seasons, Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome thought starting right guard Keydrick Vincent was soft. The Ravens also don't have a lot of faith in center Mike Flynn, except that he is one of head coach Brian Billick's favorites. The Ravens would like to get guard Jason Brown and center Chris Chester into the starting lineup. Either Vincent, Flynn or left guard Edwin Mulitalo will probably not be retained, and another will be asked to take a pay cut.

Posted by Mike Preston at 12:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)
                    

Sun editor Paul Moore recently wrote a column about this paper's coverage of the Ravens, particularly our "exhaustive" coverage of the Ravens-Colts game. In recent weeks, I have been asked by numerous readers whether I think we have "over-covered" the Ravens, and if our paper has become cheerleaders.

Here are my answers:

Answer 1: Yes.

Answer 2: "Two, four, six, eight, who do we appreciate? Go team."

Posted by Mike Preston at 8:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
                    

After watching the first half of the Pats-Colts game, it's clear to see how deficient the Ravens are on offense. All this year, we kept hearing about how the offense had improved because head coach Brian Billick was calling the plays. Did you see the Pats' offense in the first half? They totally had the Colts off-balance, and it wasn't all because of scheme. It was basic football. New England threw on first down. The Patriots actually ran screens and draws to slow the Colts defensive line. The Ravens didn't run one screen or draw last week. The Ravens need a new approach on offense. Their style is not effective, especially when you have a coach and staff who are deficient as far as the X's and O's.

Posted by Mike Preston at 8:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (16)
                    

It's a shame the Colts are from Indianapolis. If they weren't, I might root for them this week. In fact, I just might. Not only are they a good team, but it's a classy team. Tony Dungy is a great man and first-class coach. I feel for him after what happened to his son last season. Peyton Manning is a character guy. He gave great props to Baltimore and Johnny U after the divisional playoff game against the Ravens. The Colts aren't into showboating and they don't do a lot of trash talking like the Ravens. In all honesty, if the Ravens weren't from Baltimore, a lot of their own fans wouldn't like them because of the showboating and smack talking. The Colts are the real deal.

If they just weren't from Indy ...

Posted by Mike Preston at 9:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (23)
                    

The Ravens have launched their "going forward" or moving forward campaign, but I hope they take a long look back at this season. Hopefully, they won't maintain the status quo, despite a 13-3 regular-season record. Next year, the Ravens have three or four trips to the West Coast and must play all the division leaders. Some of their key players have some mileage on them and can't improve. Samari Rolle won't get better. Ray Lewis won't get better. Steve McNair can't get better and neither can Jamal Lewis. Ditto for Derrick Mason and Trevor Pryce. The Ravens don't need an overhaul, but they need to be careful not to start feeling too good about 2006.

Proceed with caution.

Posted by Mike Preston at 5:44 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)
                    

I have a hunch it will take left offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden more than a week to determine if he is going to retire or not. Ogden is a smart guy and knows how he impacts this team. He is going to use his decision as leverage in getting certain things done, possibly to see if a couple of his old buddies -- like center Mike Flynn and left guard Edwin Mulitalo -- are on the roster for next season. Ogden was livid about the play-calling (who wasn't) in the Indianapolis game, and thought the Ravens should have run the ball more. I think J.O. is going to be very patient before he decides.

Posted by Mike Preston at 10:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (6)
                    

I understand Derrick Mason's frustration after yesterday's game. I have a lot of questions about the offense myself. But his comments about being underappreciated were inappropriate. That was not the time. The best time would have been during the offseason after the emotions of the Colts loss had died down. He could have met with Brian Billick and addressed his concerns. I still like Mason and his fiery attitude. But there is a fine line between being a competitor and being selfish, and he crossed it after the game.

Posted by Mike Preston at 10:09 AM | Permalink | Comments (22)
                    

Former Ravens and Colts coach Ted Marchibroda was back in Baltimore doing a radio broadcast for the Colts. Ted has always been one of the nicest guys in the NFL and never got the true recognition he deserved during his second stay in Baltimore with the Ravens. Cleveland came to Baltimore with its hands out and no money to sign quality players, especially on defense. In retrospect, Marchibroda did well offensively because that's where most of the money was invested. During his second stay here, he helped bridge the gap between old Colts fans and new Ravens fans. Maybe he wasn't the greatest coach, but he was an honorable and well-respected man. He reminds me of former Terps football coach Joe Krivak, who followed Bobby Ross after Len Bias died at Maryland. Both coaches went through some tough times but worked hard to keep their programs together.  Marchibroda never had a chance, and when he was fired, he never pointed fingers at the Modell family, even though the Ravens didn't even have enough money to put a developmental squad together. Ted is, and will always be a classy guy.

Posted by Mike Preston at 3:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (4)
                    

If you watched NFL Total Access last night and this morning on the NFL Network, you saw a very funny man-on-the-street segment interviewing various Baltimoreans about the Colts and Ravens. You also saw Rod Woodson, starting safety on your 2000 world champion Ravens, gaze sincerely into the camera and say (and I'm paraphrasing): "Hey, Baltimore, you've won a Super Bowl, Indianapolis hasn't. Don't carry a grudge, let it go.''

Easy for him to say.

Meanwhile, does anyone else find it a little amusing that, as reported in this morning's Sun, Bob Irsay is buried in the same cemetery as John Dillinger?

Posted by David Steele at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (13)
                    

It felt like Christmas when I woke up this morning, and not just because Jamison Hensley has joined the blog. (It isn't like the Ravens beat writer has anything else to do this week.) No, it felt like Christmas because today is like that time when you were a kid and some relatives showed up who nobody in the family had seen in 22 years. And you're still happy because it's Christmas and it's going to be the funnest day of the year, but your parents take you in another room and whisper that these are the relatives who ruined the family business and stole all the family heirlooms the last time they were here. So you're a little uncomfortable, but they seem nice and they've brought this big present and you can't wait to unwrap it even though it's possible that it'll turn out to be something so bad that you might never want to celebrate Christmas again. Yeah, sort of like that.

Posted by baltimoresun.com at 9:06 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

The Indianapolis Colts crept into town on little cats feet, and -- this time -- Baltimore football fans would prefer them to leave the same way. So I guess we've come full circle since 1984.

Posted by baltimoresun.com at 8:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
                    

I can't understand why Rex Ryan couldn't get an interview for a head coaching job in the NFL last week. If teams wanted to interview Ryan early, then they had their chance last week. Yet, Jim Fassel has been interviewed by the Raiders and Dom Capers is reportedly a candidate in Miami. Ryan has the No. 1 defense in the league and the Ravens were ranked high last year as well. Maybe he doesn't fit that press guide image teams want from their head coaches.

Posted by Mike Preston at 6:24 PM | Permalink | Comments (9)
                    

In the last few days, I've heard this sentiment expressed more and more from different people: "Man, I'm not going anywhere near Baltimore this weekend, especially if the Ravens lose.'' The implication is that if the Colts win, then there's a chance of some serious civic unrest -- that is, people are gonna start tearing or burning things up. On the surface, it's pretty insulting to the people of this area to think that. On the other hand, the rage that's building over this game -- and I don't mean the whole Purple Friday thing, but the whole "we're-gonna-take-our-23-years-of-frustration-over-Irsay-out-on-Indy thing" -- is getting way out of hand.

The whole country will be watching, and it knows about the build-up toward this game and the history. Two things could happen tomorrow that would give this city a black eye it might never get rid of: fans in the stands wearing purple jumping fans wearing blue and white, and postgame rioting. I'm not saying either is a possibility, but clearly people believe it is. Besides, you know the increase in security we reported this morning is more than just routine postseason precautions. I know about the whole "Don't Be a Jerk'' pregame request, but it would only take a couple ignoring that plea for the entire city's image to be tainted.

I probably shouldn't even ask, but for God's sake, whatever happens tomorrow, please don't make things worse by acting out, because we all will pay for it.

Posted by David Steele at 11:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (34)
                    

Two days before their divisional playoff game against the Colts, the Ravens were greeted with a unique gift and a visit from the governor-elect.

Martin O'Malley kicked a 15-yard field goal (with quarterback Kyle Boller holding) to win a bet with coach Brian Billick, who has to donate $1,000 to the Living Classrooms Foundation.

After hitting the ball through the uprights, O'Malley spoke with the team, saying, "Our city was never lower than when the Colts left, and our city was never more pumped up when you won the Super Bowl. We're counting on you. Go win."

In the locker room, the players received a gift in the mail from James Makle, who made a metal-plated, wrestling championship belt that read: "Baltimore Ravens. AFC North Champions."

Linebacker Bart Scott wore the belt draped over his shoulder, even during interviews with Indianapolis cameramen.

Seeing Scott, linebacker Terrell Suggs shook his head. "What are you doing, Bart? We're supposed to be modest. Now, you're on TV wearing that!"
- Jamison Hensley

Posted by Bill Ordine at 1:37 PM | Permalink |