Billick's news conference
Coach Brian Billick addressed the media the day after the Ravens edged the Arizona Cardinals, 26-23, on Matt Stover's game-winning 46-yard field goal as time expired.
As expected, much ado was made about the decision to pull starter Steve McNair in favor of backup Kyle Boller in the fourth quarter. Unlike yesterday, Billick revealed that McNair had "tweaked" the sore groin that he injured in the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. Billick anticipated that McNair's groin would get stronger this week but made it clear that he would have no reservations pulling McNair for Boller again. Other notes:
• With the exception of offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden (hyperextended toe and sprained foot) and defensive end Trevor Pryce (broken wrist), the team is fairly healthy. Tight end Todd Heap suffered a mild concussion but is expected to play this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, and the same can be said for cornerback Samari Rolle (illness).
• Despite the promising play of the offensive line, Billick said he had no regrets about Ogden trying to play in the season opener. Billick said the coaches adhered to a plan coordinated with Ogden and the medical staff.
• Billick agreed with the official's decision to flag Cardinals safety Adrian Wilson for unnecessary roughness for his hit on Heap on the final possession of the game. Pointing out that the Ravens would have to accept the unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on wide receiver Devard Darling for jumping into the stands after Yamon Figurs' 75-yard punt return for a touchdown, Billick said the penalty on Wilson was justified.
• Billick lauded the play of Browns quarterback Derek Anderson but didn't go so far as to admit making a mistake in waiving the former Raven at the end of training camp in 2005. "We thought we'd get him on the developmental squad," Billick said. "But you make those decisions. It's tough. ... We'd love to have him here, but you can't keep them all."
• Quote of the conference: "I'm still here because Matt Stover's here."
Comments
they will do fine this year... Its tough for any defense to stop 5 wide on a play with nothing to lose... Warner could afford to take chances zipping the ball all over the field. What happens if he got picked? Nothing, they were down 17, who cares.
Teams with nothing to lose lining up 5 wide are dangerous for anybody... especially when your no 2 CB and top pass rusher are out.
The play calling question should have been where where the D linemen in the 4th qtr?
Posted by: SHAMROCK | September 24, 2007 4:40 PM
Just maybe the Ravens should have spent more time in training camp hitting to toughen up the vets and rookies. I think we lost a lot of our swagger after the Bengles game and other teams are coming after us. Toughen up guys, it's a long season
Posted by: Anonymous | September 25, 2007 1:45 PM
Just maybe the Ravens should have spent more time in training camp hitting to toughen up the vets and rookies. I think we lost a lot of our swagger after the Bengles game and other teams are coming after us. Toughen up guys, it's a long season
Posted by: Stanley Wallace | September 25, 2007 1:46 PM
The return of Samari Rolle will be key for our game against the Cleveland Browns. This is a game that should be worrying Baltimore no matter records or statistics. Last time that I checked, it took a Matt Stover game winning field goal to beat them the last time we went in there. Samari Rolle has played more physical this season. The next key for the Ravens D is tackling. Two straight weeks long drives have been created due to poor tackling. With Pryce injured, more blitzes will be implemented to put pressure on the QB. Dwan Edwards can't do it. That will leave the corners on an island now. No one is concerned with McAlister, but Rolle has to tackle and he cannot afford to gamble. Nor can Ed Reed. If they tackle and lay off of the penalties, neither or our two wins are that close. Both problems that should fixed quickly. Notice I said, should. The offense has shown that it can move the ball well against weak defenses. The key to this offense is Steve McNair. In the third quarter of that game against Arizona, McNair scared me. He held onto the football too long, he didn't take care of it when he was under pressure. It is clear that this groin is not going to clear up. I am a bit worried about starting McNair. This game can be a launch pad for us to go on a six game win-streak or it can be a game to bring noise to alot of questions that had been lingering.
Posted by: Doug | September 25, 2007 1:50 PM
They don't have the whole game defense anymore. But, good enough to win with 20+ points from the offense. They should make the playoffs, barring catastrophic injuries.
Posted by: Evan | September 26, 2007 7:58 AM