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 | Comments (6)
        

I don't know what the Ravens have planned for Saturday, but if they really wanted to fire up M&T Bank Stadium, why not bring back and introduce some of the old Colts? That place would go absolutely mad. Right before the pre-game, introduce Lenny Moore, then Tom Matte. Bring back a Bert Jones or a Lydell Mitchell. And of course, then introduce the Ravens and let Ray dance. Wow. The excitement would register on the Richter scale.

Posted by Mike Preston at 5:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (43)
        

Jim Irsay always attemps to wipe his hands of the Colts move from Baltimore to Indianapolis, but he could have made a serious peace offer by giving the name and colors back to Baltimore. Somebody should remind this guy that Art Modell offered to buy the name and the Colts logo back from him for $5 million soon after he moved his franchise here. A very smug Jim Irsay said he planned on keeping the logo, and that it brought his team luck.

Posted by Mike Preston at 2:36 PM | Permalink | Comments (27)
        

The only people I'm worried about if Bill Belichick comes to town on Jan. 21 are our photographers.

Posted by baltimoresun.com at 11:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

No one will confuse us with Steve Jobs and Bill Gates on our technological savvy, but with the help of Roch Kubatko, here is the 1986 Sports Illustrated story on Bob Irsay, in its entirety. You have to scroll down the message board about halfway, to an entry by "CraigSca'' on 9-21-06, in which he cut-and-pasted the whole thing. It was worth the effort for Roch, for the reader who sent him that posting, and for CraigSca himself, who apparently is a big Baltimore fan. Unfortunately, because it was pre-internet, it's just about impossible to find a simple link to the original story. So thanks to all of them.

Posted by David Steele at 9:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

Ozzie Newsome has continued to distinguish himself as one of the top executives in the league, and he eventually sees a day when more teams hire African American general managers. Guys like Newsome and James Harris, Jacksonville's vice president, paved the way.

"Rick Smith got the job down in Houston now, and Rick is gonna do a good job down there," said Newsome. "I think Charlie Bailey is ready, who is Shack's [Harris'] assistant in Jacksonville now. I think Will Lewis out in Seattle is another guy. So, just over the course of the last two or three years, we've already had three or four more guys get that position. They all were ready and I think they're going to impact the league, just as I have."

Posted by Mike Preston at 8:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

This matchup is worth the price of admission. Because Dwight Freeney beat Jonathan Ogden so badly in the last two meetings, I think Ogden took it personally, and that's part of the reason he hired a trainer in the offseason. Ogden has a lot of pride and Freeney will see a new Ogden Saturday. This time, Freeney won't have the home crowd as an advantage. He won't be able to beat Ogden off the ball because of crowd noise. A key will be for the Ravens to get a lead. Freeney's sack numbers are down this season because teams run against the Colts, and he hasn't had as many opportunities to rush the passer. If the Colts get a lead, he could make life miserable for Ogden and quarterback Steve McNair. If the Ravens can get a lead and Ogden can pound Freeney in run blocking, he'll have a tough time holding off Ogden.

Posted by Mike Preston at 12:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (17)
        

If you haven't seen one of the all-time guttings and filletings of a major sports figure ever committed to print - or haven't seen it in a long time - check the "Roch Around the Clock'' blog for excerpts from the 1986 Sports Illustrated story on Robert Irsay. There's really no polite way to put this: the author tore Irsay a new one, and did it by using his own words, and often those of his loved ones, against him. Consider it a counterpart, or companion piece, to the front-page story about his son in this morning's Sun. I'll never forget the SI piece, and I wasn't even a Colts fan; I had saved the original story for years before it disappeared in one of my many changes of address. If, in the two years after the Colts left, you had run out of ways to despise Irsay, the article dug up fresh new ones. A real masterpiece.

Posted by David Steele at 10:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)
        

Word around the Ravens complex, at least in the front office, is that no one wants to play Bill Belichick and the Patriots. There isn't a better coach in the league and no one does a better job of taking away his opponents' strength. The Ravens aren't too enthused about taking on Tom Brady either. He comes up big in big games.

Posted by Mike Preston at 6:27 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)
        

   Bet you thought I was going to talk about X's and O's, but the title above is an obscure way to reference the different reactions to the departure of NFL teams in several American cities. Obviously, the Colts' midnight run remains a painful issue here in Baltimore, and a lot of people are hoping that a Ravens victory on Saturday will be a soothing balm upon the scars left by those moving vans. In Cleveland, the reaction was similar, though it probably helped a little that the Browns got to keep their colors and quickly got the promise of an expansion team.

   I'm from LA, where the departure of the Rams for St. Louis was met by the sound of 15 million people yawning. There have been various attempts to revive the NFL in LA, and it probably will happen because the market is too big for the NFL to ignore much longer, but there are a ton of football fans there who just like getting a good variety of other games on Sunday. Maybe it's because so many people are transplants from other NFL cities. Maybe it's just because there is so much else to do. I still find it curious 17 years after the moving van pulled away from my house. Given the choice, I'll take the angst and the passion. This is going to be a great week.

Posted by baltimoresun.com at 5:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Already have received a handful of responses to my column this morning about what it's been like around here since the Colts left and the Ravens arrived. Thanks, and feel free to send a few more here if you like. Meanwhile, a few other thoughts this morning ...

* Here is the San Francisco Chronicle column from 2001 I referenced in my piece today. I don't think I'm scooping the news section, but Adam Meister, the onetime California Ravens fan club president, e-mailed me to confirm he is running for the city council seat Keiffer Mitchell is vacating to run for mayor. Yes, way too much politics for this spot; on the other hand, Dan Rodricks is writing sports now, so it all evens out.

* Mike Preston's post below, about national reporters demanding that you "get over it,'' is right on the money. Remember, though, that many of those same people still bitch and moan about the Dodgers leaving Brooklyn -- FIFTY YEARS AGO.

* From the moment the Colts playoff game ended Saturday, I've seen at least seven clips of the vans leaving town already. I mentioned the Mayflower van topic, so tell me: is it an urban legend? Did Mayflower's business drop drastically within the state of Maryland after the Colts gave them a bad name around here? Did anyone out there make a personal point of not hiring Mayflower when he or she moved? Do you actually throw things at the trucks when you see them?

* Finally: now that we've seen 70-degree days in early January, as we look back, was it strange or not that it was snowing on March 28 that year? Any weather historians out there? You know it wouldn't have looked quite as bad if it hadn't been snowing.

Posted by David Steele at 10:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (46)
        

The playoffs went as expected, but if I played for the Chargers, I would be a little concerned. The Patriots have played well lately and Tom Brady looked good Sunday -- because he was given the time. New England might be a little light on talent, especially at wide receiver, but Patriots coach Bill Belichick schemes well.

As for the Colts game, I've lost more respect for KC coach Herm Edwards. I'll give the Colts credit because they did play great run defense, and safety Bob Sanders makes a difference. But KC refused to go over the top even when the Colts crammed seven, eight and even nine players in the box. I think Ravens quarterback Steve McNair is smart enough to take advantage of that situation.

It's a competitive Final Four, and that's what makes it exciting and interesting. There is no clear cut favorite, but I still wouldn't be surprised to see the AFC championship being played in Baltimore. I still have my doubts about San Diego quarterback Phillip Rivers. Of the four remaining quarterbacks, he is the weakest and has the least experience.

Posted by Mike Preston at 8:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

The storyline is only two days old, and I'm tired of the national media telling old Colts fans to get over the move from Baltimore to Indy. I'm an old Colts fan, and I still have problems with that horseshoe on the helmet. I have, like most Colts fans, gotten over it. But I refuse to let any out-of-towner who didn't live through that time in Baltimore history tell me to "get over it." It was a great time in Baltimore history, a great time to be a Colts and Orioles fan. Any true Baltimorean can tell me to get over it, and I have no problem with it. But when some plastic hair, ex-jock who knows nothing about Baltimore wants to tell me what to do, I suggest that he shut his mouth and stick it in his ear hole.

Have a great day.

Posted by Mike Preston at 9:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (36)
        

Ravens head coach Brian Billick said he thought others were more deserving of Coach of the Year honors, and he was right. Billick pushed a lot of the right buttons this year with Steve McNair as the quarterback and taking over the play-calling on offense. But he also had 12 starters on the roster who have been named to Pro Bowl teams throughout their careers. You've got to give Billick his props, but also keep it in perspective that he basically was forced to clean up the mess he made during the past three seasons with a good pool of talented players.

Posted by Mike Preston at 8:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

I'll shed no tears for the Cowboys, but I'm once again scratching my head over the instant replay system that cost them a crucial first down in the last 72 seconds of the game. My immediate reaction was that the spot at the one-yard line was too generous and that the play should be reviewed, but didn't see anything in the ensuing replays that "conclusively" proved the ball should be moved back a half-yard. I guess I shouldn't nitpick. It only decided the game.

Posted by baltimoresun.com at 1:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Just finished watching the Indy game against Kansas City, and the Colts were impressive. I was suprised how well the Colts shut down the Chiefs' running game and how well Indianapolis tackled. The key for the Ravens will be to get a lead. If you fall behind to the Colts, they can bring it on the pass rush.

Posted by Mike Preston at 7:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (22)
        

Facts to ponder from postseason award voting, which will either relieve your Rodney Dangerfield complex or stir it up further: two Ravens received votes for the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Ray Lewis and Trevor Pryce each got one vote, out of 50 total (Miami's Jason Taylor won). Interesting, since Lewis was only voted a Pro Bowl alternate and Pryce not even that. It shows how vastly different the voting pools are. Meanwhile, on Paul Zimmerman's all-pro team in Sports Illustrated: Jonathan Ogden, Pryce and Matt Stover. And on Peter King's list: Kelly Gregg, Adalius Thomas and Bart Scott. Vastly different in individual choices, too.

Posted by David Steele at 9:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

I'm pretty confident the Ravens will be able to handle the Colts at home, especially if the crowd stays in it all day and makes it difficult for Peyton to change plays at the line of scrimmage, but I'm trying to grasp the strange dychotomy created by the desire of Baltimore fans to see the Ravens beat the Colts at M&T Bank Stadium. If you want them to come get their whuppin in Baltimore, does that mean you're going to be rooting for them tomorrow?

Posted by baltimoresun.com at 6:03 PM | Permalink | Comments (12)
        

Look for the Ravens to try and get it going during practice next week. The Ravens have struggled running the ball, and there are many who believe it is crucial in the postseason. The Ravens are averaging 102.3 yards a game, but haven't sustained any consistency. A lot of the Ravens passing game is play action predicated off the running game.

Posted by Mike Preston at 1:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (5)
        

Bill Cowher officially announces his departure as Steelers coach in about an hour, which brings to mind the discussions from last season about how the AFC North might unfold. In a relatively short time frame last spring and summer, the Ravens (6-10 last year) signed Steve McNair, the Steelers (defending Super Bowl champs) saw Ben Roethlisberger suffer those gruesome motorcycle-crash injuries, and the Bengals (defending division champs) started getting players arrested. Thus, the predictions of borderline playoff and division contention for the Ravens took a leap up. And it all turned out to be true. Now, going into 2007, there will be a new coach at one division rival and likely big roster changes at another (the Bengals are already saying goodbye to Odell Thurman after his season-long suspension, and more will follow after that 8-8 finish and three season-ending losses). Plus, in yesterday's USA Today, in a column about Nick Saban's lucrative return to college, this idea was thrown out there: "(Ohio State coach Jim) Tressel has a $17.1 million deal. He says he is happy in Columbus. But what happens if Cleveland — as in the Browns — come calling?'' Not that there has been any indication of the Browns letting Romeo Crennel go, even after a 4-12 season, but still.

In short: the Ravens remain the most stable team in the division, and after winning it by five games, something catastrophic would have to happen to them for the gap to close next season.

P.S. Yes, the LeRon Landry who intercepted a Brady Quinn pass in the Sugar Bowl the other day for LSU is Dawan Landry's younger brother. Good karma.

Posted by David Steele at 12:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)
        

I had a nice little discussion with a couple of friends of mine the other day, one being a former NFL player. We were all talking about the upgrade of quarterbacks the Ravens will face in the playoffs, and how they will be better than the ones the Ravens faced during the regular season. I agreed partially, but also noted that the Ravens had already played against Trent Green and Phillip Rivers. He said that Mr. Brady of the Patriots and Mr. Manning of the Colts were like Mr. McNair, unflappable.

That's when the argument began. I think Brady is excellent and a big game quarterback. You can smack the pee out of him and he gets back up. He is such a competitor that he won't gag in the big game regardless of what happens. I think Manning is a great quarterback, one of the best ever to play the game. But I've seen teams get to him. I've seen him get nervous feet and I've seen him choke in big games.

With that said, I don't know if the Ravens can get to Manning or not, but they've got a shot. They've been getting pressure on the quarterback without blitzing which is a sign of a great defense.

Posted by Mike Preston at 9:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)
        

I'm pretty sure the only reason I've been asked to join in this conversation is because Mike is getting fatigued from holding his hand up to his chin all season, but I'm willing to do whatever the coaching staff thinks will help the Sun team. I'm just that kind of guy. I'm the one who lost the coin flip with Rick Maese and had to write a column at the start of the season countering his contention that the Ravens would reach the Super Bowl. I said at the time that they might be good enough to get to Miami, but there were so many variables in play that the odds were stacked against it. I suppose that still holds, but there aren't nearly as many variables now and I believe they are good enough to beat the Chargers in San Diego and anybody who shows up from the NFC in Miami. Hope to see you there.

Posted by baltimoresun.com at 12:34 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)
        

Adalius Thomas is a free agent after this season. Apparently, his agent and the Ravens are negotiating, but are fairly far apart. The Ravens could franchise Thomas, but do they franchise him as an outside linebacker or defensive end? Technically, he would make the average salary of the top five players at his position, and probably would make more as an end.

Posted by Mike Preston at 1:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (25)
        

Former Ravens secondary coach Donnie Henderson was fired as the Detroit Lions defensive coordinator. That makes you wonder if current defensive coordinator Rex Ryan gets a head coaching job in the offseason, would the Ravens bring Henderson in as the new coordinator? Henderson worked hard in Baltimore and had success in New York as the Jets' coordinator. There is speculation that he asked and was granted permission to opt out of his job in Detroit. He had a good relationship with the players in Baltimore, and certainly didn't mind expressing his opinion. He had no problems chewing out players when it needed to be done.

Posted by Mike Preston at 8:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (7)
        

Be careful what you ask for. A lot of fans would like for the Ravens to play the Colts in the second round of the playoffs. It sounds like a favorable matchup, but it raises some concerns. The Colts have the league's worst run defense, but the Ravens are only ranked No. 25 in rushing offense. They haven't exactly pushed teams around, and had only 111 yards rushing against Buffalo, which was No. 29 in run defense. Thirty of those yards came in the last two minutes of the game on a run by Mike Anderson. Also, Indianapolis knows how to pass block. The Ravens still have problems in pass coverage, and the Colts will score some points. By the time the Colts play the Ravens, safety Bob Sanders will have returned from an injury. He's the key to the Colts' run defense.

Posted by Mike Preston at 5:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (33)
        

The perfect moment for the old Brian Billick to emerge came minutes into the post-game press conference when a reporter asked Billick about the turnaround this season. In the past, Billick would have torn into the media, fans and anyone who criticized him last season. Instead, Billick said, "That was a couple of lifetimes ago," and then he asked for the next question.

It was impressive -- a classy moment for Billick.

Posted by Mike Preston at 11:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (9)