So You Think You Know What's Wrong With This Team...

[theFRANCHISE]

In response to all these threads I've seen about what's wrong with this Baltimore Ravens squad, I've noticed that a lot of the same conclusions have been reached. So, I'll lay it out like this:

Firing and/or getting rid of people isn't the end-all, be-all cure for what's wrong.

There's things wrong in ALL aspects of the team. They'll do the best they can in dealing with it. That's the breaks.

Firing the head coach or getting rid of personnel or players won't solve all our problems. If anything, that'll create new headaches they'll have to deal with for another couple of seasons.

Firing Brian Billick, and cutting Steve McNair, and inserting Troy Smith or Kyle Boller in the lineup, and relying on our corners to come back healthy, and changing the playcalling, and insert-your-blame-here is fine and dandy. But with each change you make, another problem presents itself.

For example, let's take a look at the one that "most fans" (supposedly) seem to want the most: Firing Brian Billick.

To fire the head coach would mean to find a new head coach, either by promoting from within or hiring outside the organization.

Say we promote someone from within like Rex Ryan. OK, so he's familiar with the system. He knows the players. He understands the front office, and it helps that he's the son of the legendary Buddy Ryan. Considering how he's run the defense the past couple of years, he surely knows how to produce another Super Bowl-winning defense, right?

Not exactly.

The job of a head coach is more administrative and LESS HANDS-ON than that of an assistant/coordinator. Rex Ryan is able to produce these top-flight defensive schemes because of the time and focus he has SOLELY on the defensive side of the ball. It's arguable that he may put in as much, if not more, time on coming up with the defensive gameplan than Brian Billick or any other head coach spends on the OVERALL gameplan.

But for Rex Ryan to shift his focus to the ENTIRE TEAM and step away from the defense would mean less time to focus on the defensive side of the ball. Which means fewer exotic schemes for us to work with over time. Which also means missing a few crucial details here or there that he may normally picked up had he been more focused on defense. And why? Because he has to assume an ADMINISTRATIVE role as head coach.

Administrative = overseeing EVERYTHING.

Yes, he can still call the plays on defense if he so chooses. But the success of a head coach with playcalling duties is becoming less and less common in today's NFL. Most head coaches get their bread-and-butter from forming a bond with their coordinators in installing the philosophy that they choose and executing it as accurately as possible. But those same coordinators are the ones lured away to positions on other teams for bigger bucks. Therefore, just as soon as Rex Ryan could get hired as head coach, his defensive assistant could be hired to another team.

In addition, what happens to the offensive philosophy, should Billick's system be removed? Change is always good...right? Well, ask the San Diego Chargers. The fine people of San Diego thought Norv Turner, offensive coordinator of the Super Bowl-winning Dallas Cowboys of the early-90's, would work wonders with LaDainian Tomlinson, Philip Rivers, and Antonio Gates. The Chargers' current 5-4 record says otherwise.

The grass isn't always greener on the other side.

You switch head coaches, you're bound to switch philosophies. And sometimes, in those cases, you'll find that it's not the coaching that was the issue. Perhaps it was the execution by the players, after all.

But frankly, that's an issue for another day.

In all, I can understand the frustration all of you feel. But at the same time, take a second and pause before you think about firing Billick. What are your alternatives? Bill Cowher coming out of retirement? (Not likely, especially not for the Ravens). Marty Schottenheimer, maybe? (If you wanna play Martyball, sure). How about someone in college possibly on their way out of their current school, like, oh, say, Bill Callahan? (If you want a repeat of the 2003 [sabotaged] Oakland Raiders after losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl, SURE!)

Look, blame anything you want for the Ravens' struggles right now, but don't think that ONE solution will fix EVERYTHING. And you'd be naive to think that there's only ONE cause to all the issues with the team. Yes, the TEAM. Not just the offense.

Say what you want about the defense playing lights-out, but you have to admit, a championship team is only as good as the depth it has, and frankly, there isn't much depth in the defensive secondary, in addition to the running back corps, etc.

To be quite honest, on paper, the Ravens have the talent to beat any team on any given Sunday. But not everything's clicking. Injuries, lack of focus, poor execution, circumstance. Things happen. Everyone will deal with it as they may. But at the end of the day, the true test lies not in the willingness to embrace success, but the strength to overcome that which may hinder success.

[mac9]

In response to all these threads I've seen about what's wrong with this Baltimore Ravens squad, I've noticed that a lot of the same conclusions have been reached. So, I'll lay it out like this:

Firing and/or getting rid of people isn't the end-all, be-all cure for what's wrong.

There's things wrong in ALL aspects of the team. They'll do the best they can in dealing with it. That's the breaks.

Firing the head coach or getting rid of personnel or players won't solve all our problems. If anything, that'll create new headaches they'll have to deal with for another couple of seasons.

Firing Brian Billick, and cutting Steve McNair, and inserting Troy Smith or Kyle Boller in the lineup, and relying on our corners to come back healthy, and changing the playcalling, and insert-your-blame-here is fine and dandy. But with each change you make, another problem presents itself.

For example, let's take a look at the one that "most fans" (supposedly) seem to want the most: Firing Brian Billick.

To fire the head coach would mean to find a new head coach, either by promoting from within or hiring outside the organization.

Say we promote someone from within like Rex Ryan. OK, so he's familiar with the system. He knows the players. He understands the front office, and it helps that he's the son of the legendary Buddy Ryan. Considering how he's run the defense the past couple of years, he surely knows how to produce another Super Bowl-winning defense, right?

Not exactly.

The job of a head coach is more administrative and LESS HANDS-ON than that of an assistant/coordinator. Rex Ryan is able to produce these top-flight defensive schemes because of the time and focus he has SOLELY on the defensive side of the ball. It's arguable that he may put in as much, if not more, time on coming up with the defensive gameplan than Brian Billick or any other head coach spends on the OVERALL gameplan.

But for Rex Ryan to shift his focus to the ENTIRE TEAM and step away from the defense would mean less time to focus on the defensive side of the ball. Which means fewer exotic schemes for us to work with over time. Which also means missing a few crucial details here or there that he may normally picked up had he been more focused on defense. And why? Because he has to assume an ADMINISTRATIVE role as head coach.

Administrative = overseeing EVERYTHING.

Yes, he can still call the plays on defense if he so chooses. But the success of a head coach with playcalling duties is becoming less and less common in today's NFL. Most head coaches get their bread-and-butter from forming a bond with their coordinators in installing the philosophy that they choose and executing it as accurately as possible. But those same coordinators are the ones lured away to positions on other teams for bigger bucks. Therefore, just as soon as Rex Ryan could get hired as head coach, his defensive assistant could be hired to another team.

In addition, what happens to the offensive philosophy, should Billick's system be removed? Change is always good...right? Well, ask the San Diego Chargers. The fine people of San Diego thought Norv Turner, offensive coordinator of the Super Bowl-winning Dallas Cowboys of the early-90's, would work wonders with LaDainian Tomlinson, Philip Rivers, and Antonio Gates. The Chargers' current 5-4 record says otherwise.

The grass isn't always greener on the other side.

You switch head coaches, you're bound to switch philosophies. And sometimes, in those cases, you'll find that it's not the coaching that was the issue. Perhaps it was the execution by the players, after all.

But frankly, that's an issue for another day.

In all, I can understand the frustration all of you feel. But at the same time, take a second and pause before you think about firing Billick. What are your alternatives? Bill Cowher coming out of retirement? (Not likely, especially not for the Ravens). Marty Schottenheimer, maybe? (If you wanna play Martyball, sure). How about someone in college possibly on their way out of their current school, like, oh, say, Bill Callahan? (If you want a repeat of the 2003 [sabotaged] Oakland Raiders after losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Super Bowl, SURE!)

Look, blame anything you want for the Ravens' struggles right now, but don't think that ONE solution will fix EVERYTHING. And you'd be naive to think that there's only ONE cause to all the issues with the team. Yes, the TEAM. Not just the offense.

Say what you want about the defense playing lights-out, but you have to admit, a championship team is only as good as the depth it has, and frankly, there isn't much depth in the defensive secondary, in addition to the running back corps, etc.

To be quite honest, on paper, the Ravens have the talent to beat any team on any given Sunday. But not everything's clicking. Injuries, lack of focus, poor execution, circumstance. Things happen. Everyone will deal with it as they may. But at the end of the day, the true test lies not in the willingness to embrace success, but the strength to overcome that which may hinder success.

Man I hope everyone can read this and comprehend!!!!

[Eurich]

Billick is garbage.

His players have no discipline, calls crappy plays.

[Ravens_Pwn12]

i agreed with you all the way until you said we have a bad secondary. yea its bad if chris and samira are out but with them i think were good. Ed reed is really good too.

[theFRANCHISE]

Billick is garbage.

His players have no discipline, calls crappy plays.

But does changing the playcalling really fix what's wrong?

Like I said in another thread, I'm pretty sure there's nothing in the playbook that calls for a designed QB scramble for a fumble. Nor is there a designed tip pass for an interception in the endzone (though that seems to be the play of choice for red zone drives, if that's the case).

And though I like how you pointed out the players have no discipline at times, at the same time, it's hard to maintain your professionalism when you're a second-year player in the league or a rookie and you're not used to losing an NFL game. Though mental mistakes are inexcuseable, these players are human. I'm sure you and I would do the same, seeing as how we've never played an NFL snap before.

[theFRANCHISE]

i agreed with you all the way until you said we have a bad secondary. yea its bad if chris and samira are out but with them i think were good. Ed reed is really good too.

I didn't say we had a BAD secondary. I just said we have no depth at the position.

OK, we have Pro Bowl corners Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle, in addition to Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed and last year's INT leader among rookies in Dawan Landry.

After that, behind McAlister and Rolle:

Corey Ivy - 7th-year journeyman veteran

Derrick Martin - 2nd-year player (6th round pick)

David Pittman - 2nd-year player, inactive ALL last season (3rd round pick)

Ronnie Prude - 2nd-year player (undrafted)

Jamaine Winborne - 2nd-year player, shuffled between practice squads (undrafted)

Willie Gaston - rookie (undrafted)

Behind Reed and Landry:

Gerome Sapp - 5th-year player (6th round pick)

Winborne & Prude rotate in the other safety spot if necessary

We have seven reserve DB's in all. Only two of them have MORE than 2 years of experience.

Yes, experience comes with playing time. But once Corey Ivy went down this past Sunday, the most experienced (activated) corner became Derrick Martin, only because he has had more prior starts (ONE) than Ronnie Prude, who has had NONE in his short NFL career.

And that's what concerns me. Rolle and McAlister won't be around forever. And when they're both out just like these past two weeks, look at how often we've had to cringe watching that secondary get diced up.

[TT_05_Stang]

I want to agree with you as a diehard Ravens fan... but there are some glaring issues that the coaching staff should be able to fix.

A preface to my statements...

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results". - Albert Einstein

1. penalties - offsides, false starts, and so forth

These are fundamental issues that our team has. I know we have rooks on the line, but if they cant get it, make them practice harder. Make it so its second nature for them. Billock has not done this. He has not ingrained in them that its impossible to win with these penalites putting our anemic offence 3rd and 15. We cant throw 5 yards let alone 15... 3 passes for a total of 8 yards... Impressive to say the least.

2. Turnovers - Fumbles, Interceptions

When running with the ball you do not hold it in one hand. This is somehting that QB's have always had a problem with, so I dont hold McNair responsible for the hacking he took on Sunday. However... he has dropped the ball, fumbled, thrown twice as many interceptions than touchdowns, and by far the leading member of the team creating turnovers. That I can blame him, and the coach for sticking by him. Arrogance is the fall of many. He doesnt want to admit he has made a bad decision on thinking McNair was the answer for our QB. McGayee is an outstanding RB and he should be run more. He too has a problem with covering the ball with two hands/arms. Protect the ball. Dont run into the pack with one hand on the ball. Lastly is why isnt our runt returner catching balls every day from sun up to sun down. Thats all he should be doing. Putting Reed back there is a stupid decision. One of our best defensive players should NOT be catching punts. If he cant catch make him run soo many drills that he could catch the ball blindfolded. Again... this is the coaches fault for deciding to use someone else instead of fixing the issue with the player.

3. McNair - QB issues

I really liked McNair as a playeer and his career. However, I have never thought he was the answer for the Ravens. He is beat up, and we cant blame him for that. He cant throw past 20 yards, and his last two games he cant get past 10 yards with 3 attempts. While Boller currently is not the answer who else do we have? I put this solely on Billock for the decision to stick with McNair, especially through the easy part of the season. Sunday McNair looked like he wasnt there, like he was in a fog. I could see that through the television... McNair should have been benched way before he did.

4 Switching coaches -

I agree with you that the season would be shot of we switched coaches now, but wait... it already is. As far as swithcing causing more issues... it could quite possibly change for the better as well, but doing things over and over again expecting different results... well look what Einstein said about that above...

Norv Turner has never worked as a head coach. He is by far the most overated coach ever. I just dont understand how he gets these positions. He has a ton of talent that he cant get to work together... or follow his rules... oh wait... so cant our coach.

5 the Team

You say that its on the Team to play well and its not just the offence. I agree with you to a point there. We dont have the stifeling(sp?) defence we once had, but its still pretty damn good. It's not quite the defence we had on our superbowl year, but there is one thing that made us win. Our offence was not turning the ball over 6+ times in a game. Even though we didnt score on a drive... we would be able to pin them on the other end of the field, and we would be able to get good feild position. This year our offence turns it over on our side of the field constantly. That is our main problem. Second is we cant move the ball because we are calling 3 pass plays and one run play and netting 8 yards on THE WORST run defence in the leage. Third is that we are trying to pass with a old battered QB that should be in the hall of fame, not on the field. He is not the long term answer so find one. Lastly is our inability to control the team, and put the fear in them about penalties, like false starts, offside, and such.

In the end I am a die hard fan and will always stick up for my team. I can live with medeocracy for a team, I can't just sit hear without voicing my opinions, the horridness of our offence and inability to make good decisions and plays to move the ball. I think not only the fan's but the owner deserve better, from a team that on paper should really be 7-2 right now. they should have beaten the teams they lost to. The fire in the offence is gone and the fire in the defence is wayning, due to being on the fied all of the time and injuries.

Enough of my rant carry on

CAW!!! CAW!!!

Will

[ReED jucate]

Billick is garbage.

His players have no discipline, calls crappy plays.

Crappy plays? Maybe, but we really can't tell the way the offense is performing. To me it looks like the playcalling works better with Boller.

[ravenpride]

Crappy plays? Maybe, but we really can't tell the way the offense is performing. To me it looks like the playcalling works better with Boller.

Lets not forget how pathetic our offense has been ever since Billick has controlled the offense. Sorry but this year is no different than any other year except that our QB is garbage and the plays are worst. Make things simple.... Billick has crippled the offense and McNair is the cherry on top.

[Raven07]

i agree with you with everything you said in your post, every bit of it,Firing Billick and Cutting McNair would Create More Problems than what its really worth. and the last thing this team needs right now is More Headaches and crap to deal with, all the team is worried about is Winning The Next games that are coming up

[minford]

-Except for a handful of passes that should have been runs, the play calling has been fine.

-Turnovers are NOT the coaches fault. These guys have been playing football since they were in Pop-Warner, if they don't have the decision making skills & ball protection skills by now, they'll never have them.

-NEVER say the season is over until you're done the last game on the schedule. Whining that we're out of the play-off picture and saying we're done is loser talk. We're still playing for pride, to improve our team and beat down any other team that plays us.

-Calling for a coaching change now would be just plain dumb, it also creates unneccessary and added tension on everyone. Would it be easier for you to do your job with a gun to your head? No, so leave Billick alone and let the team & ownership decide what needs to be done.

[Raven07]

and i agree with you also, turnovers are not the coaches fault what so ever, its the players responsibility to Have better control of the football, if he doesnt, i think we all know what happens...

[theFRANCHISE]

In response to TT_05_Stang:

First off, THANK YOU for consciously supporting your claims INTELLIGENTLY, rather than making a statement and leaving it without support. It's a welcome change.

Despite the fact that I'm currently an English major, sadly, I can't respond with a quote by Einstein (lol), but here goes...

1) Penalties, particularly those on the line and other mental mistakes, are mostly on the coaching staff. I definitely agree with you on that one. Although it's up to the player to maintain focus and not commit those penalties, a lot of it is attributed to the mental aspect of game preparations. So kudos for the point you brought up there.

2) Protecting the ball from turnovers is usually something that falls on the player, although the coaching staff has equal responsibility in preaching the fundamentals. In certain cases, there are turnovers that cannot be avoided, such as that which come from truly JARRING hits or illegal blows that are not called. BUT...in most cases, preventing turnovers usually IS as simple as protecting the ball, period. The only truly unavoidable instances would be if a player is in a vulnerable position and cannot protect the ball without risking greater harm to himself, and vice versa. But those, admittedly, are still inexcuseable in terms of the end result, that being the change of possession, regardless. So to an extent, yes, I'll agree with you on that one, as well.

3) Despite the decision to bench McNair falling squarely on Brian Billick's shoulders, I still think part of that has to do with McNair's own stubbornness, as well. Consider this: you're a former NFL co-MVP, you've been to multiple Pro Bowls, you've been the starting QB in one of the better Super Bowls ever played, you've been universally recognized as a true ironman, and one day, your body gives up on you. Do you really think it'd be that easy to be unselfish and walk away when you're hurting the team, especially if you still believe you can play? More importantly, put yourself in Brian Billick's shoes. When it comes to benching someone of Steve McNair's reputation, it's easier said than done. We, as the fans, aren't the ones having to deal directly with the consequences, should Kyle Boller (or even Troy Smith) have done worse than McNair somehow. Although four starts is too long to be indecisive on a starting QB, despite McNair being hurt in all four of those starts, it was still hard to argue against Billick's decision to test McNair against the Steelers in his first healthy game back from injury. HOWEVER...with that said, Billick should not have kept McNair in after two consecutive turnovers. Common sense would've been to insert Kyle Boller instead, like the majority of fans and analysts have said. So on the issue of McNair, I'll place equal blame on Billick and McNair. Billick should've yanked McNair in these past two games after the turnovers, and McNair should've swallowed his pride and admitted to the coach that he couldn't get the job done because of his injuries/age/whatever.

4) I cannot agree with you that switching coaches is a viable solution yet. Yes, you may believe this season is shot. But we have yet to be mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. Playoff hopes are slim, yes. But any shot is better than none at all. I'll go back to the point I made in my first post: What would the alternatives be at this point in time? My logic is, Billick has only produced two losing seasons thus far in eight years. Coming into his ninth season, if he produces losing season #3, then maybe I'll consider a coaching change in the OFFSEASON. But ONLY if there are more viable options available.

5) I still put it on the entire TEAM to perform, rather than blame just the offense and/or coaches for these problems. Yes, the offense is turning the ball over and killing the team in field position. But it's still up to the defense to attempt to remedy that by stopping the other team. On that same token, it's up to the offense to score points and allow the defense to rest so it can be in the best possible position to do its job. You could argue it both ways, and there would never be one definitive answer, because in the end, this is a TEAM sport, and it's all cyclical.

In response to ReEd_jucate:

The playcalling only LOOKS better with Boller because he hasn't turned the ball over as much as McNair. Simple as that.

In response to ravenpride:

The offense hasn't always been pathetic. Remember when Jamal Lewis was the rushing leader and NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2003? How about when Billick took the reins and orchestrated the 10th-ranked passing offense last season? Turnovers only make it seem as if Billick has crippled the offense. But do you see Billick on the field committing those turnovers? If I recall, head coaches don't wear helmets and jerseys on gameday.

[JonM229]

Maybe if Billick didn't call such horrendous plays, our players would actually care if they held onto the ball or not.

[theFRANCHISE]

Maybe if Billick didn't call such horrendous plays, our players would actually care if they held onto the ball or not.

These players are professionals. They're paid to do their job. They wouldn't be getting their big, fancy paychecks if they stopped caring and showed poor effort on the field.

It hurts them to intentionally play bad. Well, actually, it hurts them to play bad, PERIOD. LOL

[TT_05_Stang]

i agree with you with everything you said in your post, every bit of it,Firing Billick and Cutting McNair would Create More Problems than what its really worth. and the last thing this team needs right now is More Headaches and crap to deal with, all the team is worried about is Winning The Next games that are coming up

You actually think that playing McNair would actually equate to a win? Since Brian is going to call the plays.... he is hanging himself...

Will

[Cartoon_Cartooon]

boller led our only scoring drive against the bengals....and he did it in 2:30 minutes.....what so hard 2 figure out??

[Cartoon_Cartooon]

BOLLER was able to take advantage of the bengals weak defense Mcnair wasnt able to do that the whole game

[theFRANCHISE]

I think I speak for raven07 and myself when I say that we're NOT saying that playing McNair equates to a win.

If anything, we're both all for Boller as the starter at this point in the season, given the circumstance.

CUTTING him, on the other hand, would create another unnecessary headache.

Think about it: say we're in a position to make the playoffs somehow near the end of this season, and Boller goes down with an injury. Would you trust the unproven Troy Smith being thrown in the fire (and potentially hampering his development)?

Like I've been saying time and again, benching McNair and cutting McNair are two different issues entirely. I'm fine with benching McNair. Cutting him, on the other hand, doesn't make sense when he provides insurance on the bench, should Boller go down in the midst of a winning stretch. Plus, McNair's leadership and advice behind the scenes is invaluable. Don't discredit the mental benefits of keeping him on the team just because he's cost this team a lot with his turnovers THIS SEASON.

[TT_05_Stang]

BOLLER was able to take advantage of the bengals weak defense Mcnair wasnt able to do that the whole game

Give this man a beer!!! At least someone has a clue

[theFRANCHISE]

Keep in mind that Boller was playing against a softer defense at the end of the game protecting its significant lead, as opposed to a defense literally on the defensive at the beginning of the game.

Two different situations, and you can't predict how Boller would've done had he started.

Granted, logic dictates that Boller wouldn't have committed as many turnovers as McNair and would've put the team in the best position to win.

BUT...that's all in retrospect. That's not what really happened.

[Cartoon_Cartooon]

Keep in mind that Boller was playing against a softer defense at the end of the game protecting its significant lead, as opposed to a defense literally on the defensive at the beginning of the game.

Two different situations, and you can't predict how Boller would've done had he started.

Granted, logic dictates that Boller wouldn't have committed as many turnovers as McNair and would've put the team in the best position to win.

BUT...that's all in retrospect. That's not what really happened.

yea but it was the 3rd and 4th quarter...mcnair was also playing a soft defense and he could do nothing about it...just kept turning the ball over

[theFRANCHISE]

But think about this:

Would you say the Bengals defense caused McNair to lose his grip on the ball when virtually no one touched him on one fumble? Would you say the Bengals were to blame for causing McNair to fumble when he ran with one hand on the ball? Would you blame the Bengals for causing McGahee to drop the ball when he had his backside on the turf (therefore ruled down) but wasn't challenged by the coach?

And say all you want about the Bengals statistically on defense, but they are still a division rival. AFC North divisional games are ALWAYS tough and physical. Every year over the past few seasons, when the Browns were absolutely horrible, they still put up a fight and WON when they shouldn't have. Statistics mean NOTHING in a divisional game because so much more is on the line.

Simply put, it wasn't the Ravens offense succumbing to a "great" Bengals defense. It was the Ravens offense handing the game to the Bengals, period. The Ravens beat themselves, allowing the Bengals to win the game. Mental mistakes, stupid turnovers, all of that. It's all on the team, period.

[theFRANCHISE]

Also, keep in mind the fatigue factor.

Both teams get tired as the game wears on. When Boller came into the game, he was fresh off the bench, playing against a tired defense. It's all in the stamina. That's why it was easier for Boller to come out, guns blazing.

[Cartoon_Cartooon]

But think about this:

Would you say the Bengals defense caused McNair to lose his grip on the ball when virtually no one touched him on one fumble? Would you say the Bengals were to blame for causing McNair to fumble when he ran with one hand on the ball? Would you blame the Bengals for causing McGahee to drop the ball when he had his backside on the turf (therefore ruled down) but wasn't challenged by the coach?

And say all you want about the Bengals statistically on defense, but they are still a division rival. AFC North divisional games are ALWAYS tough and physical. Every year over the past few seasons, when the Browns were absolutely horrible, they still put up a fight and WON when they shouldn't have. Statistics mean NOTHING in a divisional game because so much more is on the line.

idk this team is just suffering overall its getting hard to watch any ravens games....seems like every game we fumble or turn the ball over...if clevelend is able to score to score as quickly as they did against pittsburgh.....who gives us a better chance of making a comeback boller or mcnair??

[Cartoon_Cartooon]

Also, keep in mind the fatigue factor.

Both teams get tired as the game wears on. When Boller came into the game, he was fresh off the bench, playing against a tired defense. It's all in the stamina. That's why it was easier for Boller to come out, guns blazing.

yea but the bengals had the ball most of the time....mcnair had time to rest, i guess he wasnt having "short-termed memory" during this game because he kept turning the ball over

[TT_05_Stang]

I agree on the cutting part. We dont need to cut McNair, he can be a go to guy if needed. Although his first turnover I would go to Smith, and then I could blame his turnovers on being a rook.

And Kudos to your responses as well... but we might just have to agree that we disagree on some points

Will

[purplepassion]

I guess there is such thing as football karma. This season proves it. We should have never stolen the Browns from Cleveland. We've become the Browns!!! This week the 'new and improved Browns' will be making a big statement against us. I hate to say it, but the way we've been playing this year, we deserve to lose. This is karma. Trust me. We deserve it. We are the laughing stock of the division. Sure the Bengals are in last place, but who did they beat twice this year? That's right! Us! When it is all said and done the Bengals will finish in front of us and we will be in our rightful place at the bottom of the division. It's karma!

[MKdave]

Marty Schottenheimer, maybe? (If you wanna play Martyball, sure).

This sarcastic comment was the one thing I didnt agree with about this post.

I think martyball would do good here. Our formula for winning is ball control on offence and a dominant defence. A conservative aproach is something that would do better here than our pathetic attempt at an 'aerial assualt' offence.

Also I truly believe that our defence( healthy and rested ) is a greater scoring threat than our current offence.

But i do agree firing the coach midseason would probably be counter productive to the team long term.

[Cartoon_Cartooon]

any1 think we'll be 0-6 in the division??.....only if our corners comeback we might have a chance to be 2-4