The System Or The Players - Next Head Coach

[ibleedpurpleandblack]

There comes a time when the systems in place and those in control of those systems needs to step back and re-evaluate those systems. Billick has been at the helm of this team for several years, in that time they have been to the top of the mountain and right now are on the way back down to the valley. They had a QB who won, or didn't lose - which ever way you want to see it - a Superbowl and released him the next season, with most of the same players returning giving up all hope of repeating. Since then they have gone through 3-4 QB's with no success. People want to blame the players for what ever reason, but the real issue is the why not the who. When you really dive in to it and try to understand it, the management hasn't changed with except the OC. Billick has remained the constant - the philosophy and mentality hasn't changed, just the personnel.

Now, as with anything - this is a business - and businesses are in place to succeed, the success and or failure will always fall on management and I am sorry to say but management has not produced, so all of the talk about who they next QB will be and who will play this position or who will do whatever will be for naught. The real question that we should be asking is who will be the next head coach of the Ravens?

I wonder if Bill Cowher would like to coach the Ravens?

[Cartoon_Cartooon]

they're not gonna fire billick just because of one bad season.....and they just gave him a contract extension last year

[beach08]

they're not gonna fire billick just because of one bad season.....and they just gave him a contract extension last year

Only 1 BAD season......there have been a few through-out Billicks era , Did you forget about 2005 6-10, in addition I am sure the are performance guidelines built into the contract extension he received, that allows for termination or buy-out.

[Cartoon_Cartooon]

im talking about since he got his contract extension....this MIGHT be his only losing season since his contract extension last year

[Guest Birdfan]

At least we have good seasons in between the bad ones. Some teams never seem to get the good years at all.

[neepo13]

At least we have good seasons in between the bad ones. Some teams never seem to get the good years at all.

You call making the playoffs 3 times in almost 8 years good. Not to mention we havent won a playoff game since Grabac was the starting QB. No wonder Billick gets away with being mediocre every year. The fans are content with that.

Anyhow, I agree. We have talent on the offense now and they are going to waste away under Billick because of his poor play calling and unwillingness to put some faith in them. They need a new younger head coach thats not afraid to take some chances and go out and win the game. Billick does not play to win he plays not to lose the game. And when you do that you end up mediocre.

[ravenpride]

You call making the playoffs 3 times in almost 8 years good. Not to mention we havent won a playoff game since Grabac was the starting QB. No wonder Billick gets away with being mediocre every year. The fans are content with that.

Anyhow, I agree. We have talent on the offense now and they are going to waste away under Billick because of his poor play calling and unwillingness to put some faith in them. They need a new younger head coach thats not afraid to take some chances and go out and win the game. Billick does not play to win he plays not to lose the game. And when you do that you end up mediocre.

Well put... Billick plays not to lose. i like that.

[ravensfan1996]

Well put... Billick plays not to lose. i like that.

Like passing 3 times on 2-1 with 2 mins to play instead of getting the 1st down and getting an extra set of downs?

Ive been a Billick backer up til this year. I think the time has come. He has had success here, but the contiued offensive woes can only be placed on one guy. The media talks about "system players" and as you can see our defensive system works. We lose adalius, not much changes, the injuries in the secondary has hurt our d this year. BUT on the offensive side, players have come and go and still the same ole plays, same ole futilty in the end zone. They dont make up these stats when they show billick qb's avg 5yds a pass play. Yes we havent had a prolific reciever here either and the o-line has been injured but just feel like id like to see someone else take the reins and see what they can do.

Id say thanks billick, you were great here, just time to make a change. bring new life and ideas to the "offense".

[ReED jucate]

Only 1 BAD season......there have been a few through-out Billicks era , Did you forget about 2005 6-10, in addition I am sure the are performance guidelines built into the contract extension he received, that allows for termination or buy-out.

Ok there have been 2 bad seasons 6-10 and 7-9 and 5 winning seasons making the playoffs 3 times, that kind of record wont get you fired.

[Cartoon_Cartooon]

billick shouldve been the one to draw up the plays maybe he'd come up with something more creative.....rick neuhiesel is the one who drew up the plays....part of the blame should go to him

[Cowher08]

I think my name says it all! Bill Cowher Ravens Head coach in '08! Billick has had plenty of time to produce a consistant winning team but he has not. Look at the top contending teams in the NFL all built around a star QB. I lost count how many has the "offensive genius" had in the last nine years? (seriously I lost count) Every time the QB controversy comes up it seems Billick does the opposite of what the fans want and in many cases the opposite of common sense, just to prove he is in control of the team. Thank you Brian,you will allways be remembered for the first Super Bowl. But it is time for a change. ^{Cowher '08}

[ReED jucate]

I think my name says it all! Bill Cowher Ravens Head coach in '08! Billick has had plenty of time to produce a consistant winning team but he has not. Look at the top contending teams in the NFL all built around a star QB. I lost count how many has the "offensive genius" had in the last nine years? (seriously I lost count) Every time the QB controversy comes up it seems Billick does the opposite of what the fans want and in many cases the opposite of common sense, just to prove he is in control of the team. Thank you Brian,you will allways be remembered for the first Super Bowl. But it is time for a change. ^{Cowher '08}

Cowher will never, and I repeat NEVER, coach in this division again. With as much respect for the Ravens that Cowher has he would never coach the division rivals of his former Superbowl team. Its easy to say Billick does the opposite of common sense after the fact but he is not making the decisions by himself, it is a team effort by the coaching staff and Billick always consults his players before a final decision is made.

[neepo13]

Cowher will never, and I repeat NEVER, coach in this division again. With as much respect for the Ravens that Cowher has he would never coach the division rivals of his former Superbowl team. Its easy to say Billick does the opposite of common sense after the fact but he is not making the decisions by himself, it is a team effort by the coaching staff and Billick always consults his players before a final decision is made.

Boy what a conflict of interest that would be. I am with you I dont want any sloppy Pittsburgh seconds. We are not the Cleveland Browns, we dont have to steal other players and personal from our rivals. We can find our own coach.

[ibleedpurpleandblack]

Like passing 3 times on 2-1 with 2 mins to play instead of getting the 1st down and getting an extra set of downs?

Ive been a Billick backer up til this year. I think the time has come. He has had success here, but the contiued offensive woes can only be placed on one guy. The media talks about "system players" and as you can see our defensive system works. We lose adalius, not much changes, the injuries in the secondary has hurt our d this year. BUT on the offensive side, players have come and go and still the same ole plays, same ole futilty in the end zone. They dont make up these stats when they show billick qb's avg 5yds a pass play. Yes we havent had a prolific reciever here either and the o-line has been injured but just feel like id like to see someone else take the reins and see what they can do.

Id say thanks billick, you were great here, just time to make a change. bring new life and ideas to the "offense".

Are you serious - losing AD was yet another HUGE mistake made by management - AD recorded 11 sacks last year - they are gone now - leaving us with Pryce and Suggs on the ends - Pryce had been out for 6 games and is playing with a cast on his arm - take away his 13 sacks he produced last year - which leaves Suggs on the pass rush - which opposing offenses know so the drop a TE on which ever side he lines up on and his rush his gone - take away 6 of the 9 sacks he had last year and you have the 3 he has so far. AD was a critical part to the pass rush and seeing as we have fewer sacks and turnovers forced by the D, yes much has changed.

Now I will agree that the secondary has been very suspect but playing two safety's like last week did help.

[ibleedpurpleandblack]

Cowher will never, and I repeat NEVER, coach in this division again. With as much respect for the Ravens that Cowher has he would never coach the division rivals of his former Superbowl team. Its easy to say Billick does the opposite of common sense after the fact but he is not making the decisions by himself, it is a team effort by the coaching staff and Billick always consults his players before a final decision is made.

Putting your personal feelings aside - you put enough cash on the table and I don't care who it is, they will coach - especially if you present them with a challenge - and yes the Ravens coaching is a challenge. Yes he may consult with his coaches and players - but the FINAL DECISION IS ALWAYS HIS as he is the HEAD COACH.

[neepo13]

Are you serious - losing AD was yet another HUGE mistake made by management - AD recorded 11 sacks last year - they are gone now - leaving us with Pryce and Suggs on the ends - Pryce had been out for 6 games and is playing with a cast on his arm - take away his 13 sacks he produced last year - which leaves Suggs on the pass rush - which opposing offenses know so the drop a TE on which ever side he lines up on and his rush his gone - take away 6 of the 9 sacks he had last year and you have the 3 he has so far. AD was a critical part to the pass rush and seeing as we have fewer sacks and turnovers forced by the D, yes much has changed.

Now I will agree that the secondary has been very suspect but playing two safety's like last week did help.

Thomas was a great player but his absence is not the reason our defense has not dominated. Jared Johnson has been a good addition and if I am not mistaken, he's younger and will probably be around longer. Thomas didnt just come out and began dominating, it took him a few years and in a few years Johnson will be as good. I trust managements judgement when it comes to the defense, folks cried the same cry when Sharper and Hartwell left town. Do you miss them? Didnt think so. I think the problem for the defense this year has been injuries. Price and Gregg are where the pass rush starts. Take one of them out and that gives the blockers the ability to focus on the incoming line backers. We get Price back and then McCalister and Rolle are out. We cant bring a bunch of blitzes with them out because A) Corey Ivy is usually the DB that we send on the blitz and he is now responsible for man to man coverage and B. the guy across from him now sucks. Depth or the lack there of hurt this team more then losing Thomas.

[ReED jucate]

Thomas was a great player but his absence is not the reason our defense has not dominated. Jared Johnson has been a good addition and if I am not mistaken, he's younger and will probably be around longer. Thomas didnt just come out and began dominating, it took him a few years and in a few years Johnson will be as good. I trust managements judgement when it comes to the defense, folks cried the same cry when Sharper and Hartwell left town. Do you miss them? Didnt think so. I think the problem for the defense this year has been injuries. Price and Gregg are where the pass rush starts. Take one of them out and that gives the blockers the ability to focus on the incoming line backers. We get Price back and then McCalister and Rolle are out. We cant bring a bunch of blitzes with them out because A) Corey Ivy is usually the DB that we send on the blitz and he is now responsible for man to man coverage and B. the guy across from him now sucks. Depth or the lack there of hurt this team more then losing Thomas.

Thomas (8th year) was one of my favorite ravens cause the man is a freak of nature but he is also expensive and we needed the money elsewhere. Johnson (5th year) was a great pick up and I think he will prove to be an asset for seasons to come. I think our pass rushing is just fine with players like Ngata (2nd year) coming up in the ranks. We have already started a serious defensive rebuild now that some of our stars are getting older. Part of that rebuild required cutting some money in areas I.E. Adalius. I'm willing to bet we pick up another DE first thing in the draft.

[ravensfan1996]

Miss AD?

Thru 9 games...

AD 40 tackles .5 sack 1 int

Jarret Johnson 41 tackes 2 sacks

Plus we couldnt afford AD anyway, the ravens made a right choice there IMO.

[ibleedpurpleandblack]

Miss AD?

Thru 9 games...

AD 40 tackles .5 sack 1 int

Jarret Johnson 41 tackes 2 sacks

Plus we couldnt afford AD anyway, the ravens made a right choice there IMO.

RF96 - What your stats don't show is that AD sat out with an injured ankle for almost 5 weeks, while Johnson played the entire 9 weeks.

Neepo - I will not disagree that he isn't the only reason - but you can not take a premier pass rusher away and expect to have the same effect on defense. Regardless of the secondary, they are not getting consistent pressure on any QB like they were last year for the reason's I wrote above - AD got released and Pryce was injured allowing opposing D's to concentrate on Suggs. Ngata and Gregg are definitly handling their business, but they are not the ones who typically get past the line and to the QB.

[neepo13]

RF96 - What your stats don't show is that AD sat out with an injured ankle for almost 5 weeks, while Johnson played the entire 9 weeks.

Neepo - I will not disagree that he isn't the only reason - but you can not take a premier pass rusher away and expect to have the same effect on defense. Regardless of the secondary, they are not getting consistent pressure on any QB like they were last year for the reason's I wrote above - AD got released and Pryce was injured allowing opposing D's to concentrate on Suggs. Ngata and Gregg are definitly handling their business, but they are not the ones who typically get past the line and to the QB.

Thats true but this defense has yet to have all its starters on the field at the same time. Thomas was valuable but replaceable. This defense always finds a way to fill the void because they always get hit by free agency. I have no doubt that Jared Johnson will be the kind of guy that A.D. was for us in a few years. Would you have rather they kept Thomas and risked losing Suggs next year? If you do thats your opinion. I would rather hold onto the younger guy that has yet to reach his full potential.

[Cowher08]

Its easy to say Billick does the opposite of common sense after the fact but he is not making the decisions by himself, it is a team effort by the coaching staff and Billick always consults his players before a final decision is made.

After the fact? After McNair's miserable performance in Pittsburgh, what does common sense say to do? Maybe but a QB in who can get the ball down the field and exploit a weak secondary, which in turn spreads the defense making it easier to run? The Bengals did it to us. Can you really say that the common sense decision was McNair to start against the Bengals. A team effort? As a Ravens fans I do not want a team effort, I do not want players consulted, I want a head coach that makes sound decisions. This season has proven that Billick is not the strong leader that this team needs!

PAY HIM HE WILL COME! COWHER '08

[JonM229]

Wouldn't going against common sense confuse the defense. They'd be thinking, "They're going to run all over us." Then we come out all pass happy. Granted, it didn't work very well, but I like the attitude. I may be mistaken, but I remember when Billick was brand new here he said something about he'd rather lose passing the ball than win running all the time.

[Cowher08]

Wouldn't going against common sense confuse the defense. They'd be thinking, "They're going to run all over us." Then we come out all pass happy. Granted, it didn't work very well, but I like the attitude. I may be mistaken, but I remember when Billick was brand new here he said something about he'd rather lose passing the ball than win running all the time.

Well I would rather win passing or win running!

[JonM229]

Well that'd be like having your cake and eating it too, which isn't gonna happen.

[Cowher08]

So you do not want to win?

[JonM229]

I never said that. And don't make me blow up my signature size too.

[Cowher08]

I never said that. And don't make me blow up my signature size too.

Well you seem to have faith in the coach that said that, all I want is a coach that says win at all cost! Nothing in this league matters but winning!

[Sam]

billick shouldve been the one to draw up the plays maybe he'd come up with something more creative.....rick neuhiesel is the one who drew up the plays....part of the blame should go to him

Billick has made it very clear & it has been well documented in the media - this is Billick's offense. All Neuhiesel does is assist in getting the game plan to the players, explaining it to then & helping then get through the training for it. Billick himself has said - this is his offense. I am not sure what it takes for people to realize this - the man (Billick) has repeatedly said it himself :blink: .

[Ravens_Pwn12]

did he say anything about changing plays?

[Sam]

did he say anything about changing plays?

who?