Bisciotti: Decision to Hire Harbaugh Over Ryan Came Down to Chemistry

[nyc9192]

[url="http://www.herald-mail.com/sports/bs-sp-ravens-notes-0817-20110816,0,2683454.story"]http://www.herald-ma...0,2683454.story[/url]

Just wanna know what you guys think of this. It's pretty interesting considering both are currently top coaches in the league.

[Moderator 2]

Being discussed in [url="http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/topic/39960-blogs-bisciotti-explains-harbaugh-choice/"]the blogs here[/url]

[baltravens]

I am just glad Bisciotti went with the one who was not arrogant and a fool.

[Gordo52]

Omg I wish we had Rex still. You cant lie having one of the best, <b>best</b> defenses was the coolest. If we were still elite D like we were when we had Rex I bet we would already have championship. I love John, but Rex woulda pumped our whole team up and we woulda got over the hump and know how to beat big ben. Dislike as much as you want, its Truth.

[wayne]

I wish we could have kept Rex too ( I'm also biased being a defensive minded person ) but I understand the decision, we need the O to catch up or at least get close with the D and maybe with Rex at HC, we don't get Dickerson, Pitta, Oher, etc....

[Guest I-70WestRaven]

I liked Rex as much as anyone, but the team really did have a chemistry issue. The inability of the offensive unit to produce and resulting low time of possesion had our defense on the field way too much. A fiery style like Rex's may or may not have worked for us but John is our coach. Right or wrong Steve made a decision and owned up to it. No one can honestly say whether we would have won anything, or if the Jets will. It's all speculation, personal opinion, and alot of emotion.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Ravens<3' timestamp='1313563853' post='753239']
Omg I wish we had Rex still. You cant lie having one of the best, <b>best</b> defenses was the coolest. If we were still elite D like we were when we had Rex I bet we would already have championship. I love John, but Rex woulda pumped our whole team up and we woulda got over the hump and know how to beat big ben. Dislike as much as you want, its Truth.
[/quote]

That's the whole issue. The Ravens wanted to be a great "TEAM" and not just a great defense.

We've been a great defense for years, and how many championships has it gotten us?

Mr B thought that keeping Rex would have place the defense permenantly over the offense, and he wanted to be a balanced team that could establish itself as a Dynasty one day.

Rex is a hell of a coach, and that's why the decision to see him leave was so tough. However ultimately I think the right decision was made.

Rex had been hear for 10 years, if you think the Jets Defense is considered Rex's what do you think the Ravens D would be considered. We would have been a one sided team much like the Jets are.

Our offense probably wouldn't have progressed to the point of being one of the better units in the NFL(hopefully this year we will). We would have been a power run team, and pass when needed. Now it's nothing wrong with that, but I don't think that is the way we wanted to go.

People might look at Rex and say, well he's not just defense because he has a pretty good offense with the Jets. Well look at the Offensive line he inherited. He has one of the best Olines in the NFL, and they are made for the power running game.

If you look at the guys he's drafted to add to that line, they haven't really played well, that's why their backups always seem so bad.

The Jets have a few great players, and have the mentality of....If our first line is great, who cares about the backups. Well that's cool, until either money or injury forces you to rely on those backup players.

Mr. B said he wanted a Coach that could lead this team for the next 10-15 years hopefully and in Harbs first MNF game, he said to the world that we were building a Dynasty.

You can't build a Dynasty, if you don't have really good depth behind your top guys.

I honestly think it's one of those things were you say....You can only choose one, who would you keep Ray Lewis or Ed Reed. Tough call to make, but you can't go wrong with either.
You can maybe win a super bowl or 2, but you'll always be looking to the FA market to build your team instead of already having what's needed to win, and supplying a peiece or 2 to continue your winning ways.

[Gordo52]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1313576736' post='753261']
That's the whole issue. The Ravens wanted to be a great "TEAM" and not just a great defense.

We've been a great defense for years, and how many championships has it gotten us?

Mr B thought that keeping Rex would have place the defense permenantly over the offense, and he wanted to be a balanced team that could establish itself as a Dynasty one day.

Rex is a hell of a coach, and that's why the decision to see him leave was so tough. However ultimately I think the right decision was made.

Rex had been hear for 10 years, if you think the Jets Defense is considered Rex's what do you think the Ravens D would be considered. We would have been a one sided team much like the Jets are.

Our offense probably wouldn't have progressed to the point of being one of the better units in the NFL(hopefully this year we will). We would have been a power run team, and pass when needed. Now it's nothing wrong with that, but I don't think that is the way we wanted to go.

People might look at Rex and say, well he's not just defense because he has a pretty good offense with the Jets. Well look at the Offensive line he inherited. He has one of the best Olines in the NFL, and they are made for the power running game.

If you look at the guys he's drafted to add to that line, they haven't really played well, that's why their backups always seem so bad.

The Jets have a few great players, and have the mentality of....If our first line is great, who cares about the backups. Well that's cool, until either money or injury forces you to rely on those backup players.

Mr. B said he wanted a Coach that could lead this team for the next 10-15 years hopefully and in Harbs first MNF game, he said to the world that we were building a Dynasty.

You can't build a Dynasty, if you don't have really good depth behind your top guys.

I honestly think it's one of those things were you say....You can only choose one, who would you keep Ray Lewis or Ed Reed. Tough call to make, but you can't go wrong with either.
You can maybe win a super bowl or 2, but you'll always be looking to the FA market to build your team instead of already having what's needed to win, and supplying a peiece or 2 to continue your winning ways.
[/quote]
We had Joe and Rice already. 2 talents at QB and RB weve never had before. Expect Lewis but Rice is better at catching and is more dynamic then Lewis was. Our offense would have improved. And our D woulda remained elite. Defense wins championships.

[PurpleReign92]

I cannot say anything bad about Rex at this point he has proved himself on our team and another team now as well...
The only thing is if Rex and Cam Partnered up it may have worked... Having a balanced guy like Harb's keeping this team together is good because with Rex you would need a Cam Cameron or Mike Martz consulting the offense.
The Ryan factor is definitely seen in New York considering his team entered the AFC title came 2-3 consecutive seasons.

[True]

I think it's interesting that what's forgotten is the Ravens really wanted Jason Garrett as their coach. He was the first choice IIRC.

[berad]

[quote name='True' timestamp='1313602976' post='753627']
I think it's interesting that what's forgotten is the Ravens really wanted Jason Garrett as their coach. He was the first choice IIRC.
[/quote]

True, Garrett was the hot thing coming out of Dallas. But he opted to stay with the Cowboys, instead. Looking back, it may have been the best non-signing in Ravens history.

[y0unghustla]

Imo we didn't draft well offensively at the skilled positions nor were we aggressive in free agency until after Rex left. I'm not saying be Redskins aggressive but we never went after a big name at all whether it be trade or free agency. I think Willis was one of the first big named signings that I can remember and we didn't start getting aggressive until then.

If Rex was still here now and we are making the same moves that we have made this off season there is no doubt in my mind we could make it all the way. The Jets have been sorry as hell before Rex got there so to say they are one sided because of him isn't fair to him if you ask me. The team was built like the Ravens was built to run and play great defense. If the Jets are one sided then the Steelers are the same. Their offense is just as suspect as the jets and ours has been.

Bottom line is if Rex was here last year we would have beat the steelers and be in the SB. There is no way he would have gave them enough time to get a 3rd and 19. I do like Harbaugh but I wish Rex was still here. Call it cocky if you want, his swag is out of this world.

[Runnin Raven]

I hate this topic. Rex is coaching the Jets, get over it.

[Purple Punishment]

The jets offense isnt that bad. The problem is that they relied on a QB that they reached entirely too high for and he really isn't that good. If the run game isn't hitting and you have to rely on the pass, do you trust a guy with a 50 percent completion rate to throw the ball? Put a Donovan McNabb, or a Matt Hasselbeck on the jets and I guarantee you that those guys make it to the dance. With victory in hand. Point is, Sanchez is not their guy and they are wasting good years on a bad QB.

[Purple Punishment]

However if Rex were still here, we may not have Flacco or Rice.....

[baltravens]

What posseses someone, a coach, a person in power, to [b]guarnatee[/b] Super Bowl victories [b]three years in a row[/b]? Well, at least this year this arrogant and foolish coach could hoist the Lombardi Trophy, but probably won't because a team like the Ravens are probably better stocked to go deeper into the playoffs.

[scrock]

This is a non story, Harbaugh was the right choice, man Rex Ryan gets old real fast his mouth never closes

[y0unghustla]

Yet while he was here nobody was talkin bad bout him then smh. He was the "best" D coordinator in the game then

[Magnusmd]

[quote name='baltravens' timestamp='1313605445' post='753669']
What posseses someone, a coach, a person in power, to [b]guarnatee[/b] Super Bowl victories [b]three years in a row[/b]? Well, at least this year this arrogant and foolish coach could hoist the Lombardi Trophy, but probably won't because a team like the Ravens are probably better stocked to go deeper into the playoffs.
[/quote]

The Jets won't get past the Patriots this year anyway

[berad]

[quote name='y0unghustla' timestamp='1313605990' post='753689']
Yet while he was here nobody was talkin bad bout him then smh. He was the "best" D coordinator in the game then
[/quote]

I wasn't happy when he called a TO in the 2007 Patriots game. Or when that crap about "bounties" was circulating. Rex Ryan also wasn't the tabloid queen he is now, back then.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Ravens<3' timestamp='1313602166' post='753615']
We had Joe and Rice already. 2 talents at QB and RB weve never had before. Expect Lewis but Rice is better at catching and is more dynamic then Lewis was. Our offense would have improved. And our D woulda remained elite. Defense wins championships.
[/quote]

NO we didn't have those guys. We did draft Flacco and Rice until Harbs was hired.

There is no way of saying if Rex would have hired Cam and went after both Flacco and Rice 1 and 2 in the draft that year.

Even though Ozzie makes the final decision on who to select, he gets a lot of input from the Head Coach.

[PSU RAVEN]

How often does a team promote from within right after the Head Coach was fired? IMO that had a big effect on Rex's chances plus the perception that the defense was undisciplined (Bart Scott throwing the ref's flag into the crowd was classic).

Seiing him now with the Jets I think the Ravens made the right choice. Change was overdue.

[Gordo52]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' timestamp='1313618835' post='754054']
NO we didn't have those guys. We did draft Flacco and Rice until Harbs was hired.

There is no way of saying if Rex would have hired Cam and went after both Flacco and Rice 1 and 2 in the draft that year.

Even though Ozzie makes the final decision on who to select, he gets a lot of input from the Head Coach.
[/quote]
We needed QB that year so I think we would have drafted Joe maybe not Rice, but I think if Rice was there over any other Player Rex could have wanted Ozzie would still take Rice. Because of the chart they make for value. And if he wouldnt of hired Cam who knows we coulda been superbowl champs over the years. If Ryan can transform the Jets D like he did, and take them to the championship 2 straight years with their offense, I know we could have done it. And he was still with us in 08. So he did have input on the draft. Especially since he was with us for like 10 years

[flynismo]

I love me some Sexy Rexy. I love him even more in green, when it comes to HC.

[Alexir]

Both our great coaches, Harbaugh doesn't paint a target on his back though which can be a huge deal if the media gets a hold of it. Think Dream Team, LeBron, Patriots 2007. I like flying under the radar.

[Alexir]

OH snap, 5k Posts

[George70]

[quote name='baltravens' timestamp='1313561788' post='753230']
I am just glad Bisciotti went with the one who was not arrogant and a fool.
[/quote]

So am I, friend. After all, a person can only show some arrogance for so long until he is seen in a bad light.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Ravens<3' timestamp='1313622786' post='754141']
We needed QB that year so I think we would have drafted Joe maybe not Rice, but I think if Rice was there over any other Player Rex could have wanted Ozzie would still take Rice. Because of the chart they make for value. And if he wouldnt of hired Cam who knows we coulda been superbowl champs over the years. [b]If Ryan can transform the Jets D like he did, and take them to the championship 2 straight years with their offense[/b], I know we could have done it. And he was still with us in 08. So he did have input on the draft. Especially since he was with us for like 10 years
[/quote]

The cupboard wasn't bear on either side of the ball when he got there. Most of the o-line, Revis, Harris, Pace, and some other quality foundational players were in place. I'm not discrediting Rex, but he alone hasn't turned that team around.

[Gordo52]

In 2008 the Ravens total defense(with Rex) was 2nd the jets were 16th. Our pass defense was 2nd the jets 29th. Our run defense was 3rd, the jets was 7th. Are record was 11-5 and We lost in AFC championship. Jets were 9-7,missed playoffs.

In 2009 the Ravens total defense(without Rex) was 3rd. (still very good) Jets was 1st. Ravens pass defense was 8th, Jets was 1st. Our run defense was 5th, the Jets was 8th. Ravens record: 9-7, lost in divisional to colts. Jets 9-7 lost in AFC championship.

In 2010 the Ravens total defense was 10th, Jets 3rd. Ravens pass defense 21st, Jets 6th. Our run defense was 5th, Jets 3rd. Ravens record: 12-4. Lost in divisional to steelers. Jets 11-5 Lost in AFC championship.

I know it dont matter anymore just wanna put it out there about how dangerous our D could still be. And what coulda been. Im happy with our situation so dont get me wrong. I just think Defense is more important then offense which supports me thinking Rex over Harbaugh (Back then). But right now our defense is borderline good/great. Were not like the Steelers,Packers, or Jets. (The Elite, the ones with Dick Lebeau,Dom Kapers,Rex Ryan. The best defensive minds in football) Rex was our difference maker. And I miss having a rep of one of the most dangerous defenses. And I also know Ray and Ed got older but theyre still great. So thats not really a good arguement. I rather have a defense carry us because defense wins championships. And we lacked the great Defenses that the last few superbowl teams have. (Only by a little) Unless we have Brady,Manning, or Brees. Defense wins championships. Last year Packers won...had a great defense (Not taking anything from Rodgers, hes great too which makes packers just scary.) Steelers were also in it(Great defense) The year before the Manning and Brees had 2 of the best offenses that year. They pulled it off because of their elite Defense.(Also cuz Big Ben is kinda elite also) The year before them was Steelers again, then Giants. Eli Manning won cuz of his D. Trent Dilfer won cuz of our D Point is, If you dont have an elite QB that can beat elite defenses you cant win a superbowl, unless you have an elite Defense. I think this year our defense will be great again and this year is the year Joe proves if he can do it. I think he can. And it starts at week 1.

Went off...

[1/28/01]

[quote name='Ravens<3' timestamp='1313631024' post='754263']
In 2008 the Ravens total defense(with Rex) was 2nd the jets were 16th. Our pass defense was 2nd the jets 29th. Our run defense was 3rd, the jets was 7th. Are record was 11-5 and We lost in AFC championship. Jets were 9-7,missed playoffs.

In 2009 the Ravens total defense(without Rex) was 3rd. (still very good) Jets was 1st. Ravens pass defense was 8th, Jets was 1st. Our run defense was 5th, the Jets was 8th. Ravens record: 9-7, lost in divisional to colts. Jets 9-7 lost in AFC championship.

In 2010 the Ravens total defense was 10th, Jets 3rd. Ravens pass defense 21st, Jets 6th. Our run defense was 5th, Jets 3rd. Ravens record: 12-4. Lost in divisional to steelers. Jets 11-5 Lost in AFC championship.

I know it dont matter anymore just wanna put it out there about how dangerous our D could still be. And what coulda been. Im happy with our situation so dont get me wrong. I just think Defense is more important then offense which supports me thinking Rex over Harbaugh (Back then). But right now our defense is borderline good/great. Were not like the Steelers,Packers, or Jets. (The Elite, the ones with Dick Lebeau,Dom Kapers,Rex Ryan. The best defensive minds in football) Rex was our difference maker. And I miss having a rep of one of the most dangerous defenses. And I also know Ray and Ed got older but theyre still great. So thats not really a good arguement. I rather have a defense carry us because defense wins championships. And we lacked the great Defenses that the last few superbowl teams have. (Only by a little) Unless we have Brady,Manning, or Brees. Defense wins championships. Last year Packers won...had a great defense (Not taking anything from Rodgers, hes great too which makes packers just scary.) Steelers were also in it(Great defense) The year before the Manning and Brees had 2 of the best offenses that year. They pulled it off because of their elite Defense.(Also cuz Big Ben is kinda elite also) The year before them was Steelers again, then Giants. Eli Manning won cuz of his D. Trent Dilfer won cuz of our D Point is, If you dont have an elite QB that can beat elite defenses you cant win a superbowl, unless you have an elite Defense. I think this year our defense will be great again and this year is the year Joe proves if he can do it. I think he can. And it starts at week 1.

Went off...
[/quote]
Without going into too much detail, personnel had a lot to do with these rankings. Other than saying that, I could care less about Rex!