Let's count the reasons Billick should be fired...

[NewMarketSean]

1. Throwing 3 times in a row in week 1 against Cincy when he needed 1 yard to score a TD.
2. Throwing it 3 times when he needed 1 yard to get a first down late in the Buffalo game.
3. Deciding to kick a FG to tie the game instead of running the ball in from the 1-yard line with 12 seconds left against Miami.
4. Failing to establish a running game, and abandoning the running game at crucial times during games.
5. Sticking with Boller in a lost season when Troy Smith has shown flashes in limited playing time.
6. Continued poor clock management.
7. Continued lackluster offensive gameplan and execution.
8. Continued penalties.
9. Continued undisciplined team (Bart Scott meltdown, chest thumping when down by 3 scores, etc)
10. An arrogant, I'm always right, you're always wrong mentality.
11. Longest losing streak in franchise history.
12. Losing to the then winless Dolphins.
13. Not winning a playoff game in 6 years.

What else ya got?

[Pedro Cerrano]

The fact that, even with injuries, we COULD be 8-6 now instead of 4-10 were it not for him (Cincy, Buffalo, NE and Miami games for those scoring at home).

[NewMarketSean]

The fact that, even with injuries, we COULD be 8-6 now instead of 4-10 were it not for him (Cincy, Buffalo, NE and Miami games for those scoring at home).

How can that be a fact? And I would say that it'd probably be more like 7-7 or 6-8 with the second Cleveland game and Miami games being turned into wins.

[AgentOrange]

How can that be a fact? And I would say that it'd probably be more like 7-7 or 6-8 with the second Cleveland game and Miami games being turned into wins.

I dunno, maybe the "fact" is that we "could have" won those games?

I mean I agree with him, but I am not sure it makes it a fact that people share the same opinion. :)

I do agree that all of those game should have been wins, it appears it was some poor coaching/play calling that are some serious reasons to why we lost, but not the only reason.

[Pedro Cerrano]

How can that be a fact? And I would say that it'd probably be more like 7-7 or 6-8 with the second Cleveland game and Miami games being turned into wins.

So without Billick we have no shot at winning the NE, Cincy or Buffalo games? You're wrong. Without his boneheaded play-calling or lack of discipline we could have easily won all or some of those games. That's a fact...that we COULD have won those games. They were winnable, each one, and a huge reason we lost them was because of Billick.

[NewMarketSean]

So without Billick we have no shot at winning the NE, Cincy or Buffalo games? You're wrong. Without his boneheaded play-calling or lack of discipline we could have easily won all or some of those games. That's a fact...that we COULD have won those games. They were winnable, each one, and a huge reason we lost them was because of Billick.

I think I misread your original post. We are in agreement. However, the playcalling in the NE game, save for the final BAL drive, was probably the best playcalling Billick had done all year.

[Miller192]

My perfect scenario is Billick as HC, Rex Ryan as Defensive Coordinator and Chan Gailey as Offensive coordinator. Actually, if it was a perfect scenario Rex Ryan probably wouldn't be my ideal DC.

I want a new offensive system with a better QB. I want guys who can execute a gameplan in adverse situations. More importantly, I want Billick's hand out of designing and calling plays.

[biggsy]

My perfect scenario is Billick as HC, Rex Ryan as Defensive Coordinator and Chan Gailey as Offensive coordinator. Actually, if it was a perfect scenario Rex Ryan probably wouldn't be my ideal DC.

I want a new offensive system with a better QB. I want guys who can execute a gameplan in adverse situations. More importantly, I want Billick's hand out of designing and calling plays.


Exactly how I feel. Billick is the perfect players coach. He's great at motivating his teams, especially using the us against the world tactic. However Biscotti needs to bring in a top notch Offensive coordinator and tell Billick to stay out of the offensive gameplan. Obviously as the head coach he should have some imput, but allow the OC and DCs to run they're game plans and run they're systems.

On a side note it seems as though Rex Ryan is being exposed as a DC. Last year he was hitting on almost all of his blitzes and was getting turnovers becausae of it. This year it seems as though OC have caught up to his gameplan and have used it against him. Granted he has had to deal with multiple injuries in the secondary, but if anything thats on him for not protecting young inexpierenced players in his secondary.

[Miller192]

Exactly how I feel. Billick is the perfect players coach. He's great at motivating his teams, especially using the us against the world tactic. However Biscotti needs to bring in a top notch Offensive coordinator and tell Billick to stay out of the offensive gameplan. Obviously as the head coach he should have some imput, but allow the OC and DCs to run they're game plans and run they're systems.

On a side note it seems as though Rex Ryan is being exposed as a DC. Last year he was hitting on almost all of his blitzes and was getting turnovers becausae of it. This year it seems as though OC have caught up to his gameplan and have used it against him. Granted he has had to deal with multiple injuries in the secondary, but if anything thats on him for not protecting young inexpierenced players in his secondary.

I totally agree. I used to tell a buddy of mine that Rex was best in the league at making adjustments in the second half. Injuries aside, things have fallen apart in the pass defense department. Our young guys don't seemed to be prepared, teams are not concerning themselves with his radical looks, and I think guys like Jarrett Johnson are not being used properly.

Granted, the loss of AD and Pryce have had a large effect on stopping the pass. But it seems we don't account for that. Why not switch to a base 4-3? We we're in nickel for a large part of the Miami game. We allowed a guy like Cleo Lemmons to get free and make plays because he beat our intial pass rush. Why not shadow him with a Bart Scott? It just seems he is expecting our young guys to play at the same level of the Pro-Bowlers we are missing.

[Sports Guy]

The fact that, even with injuries, we COULD be 8-6 now instead of 4-10 were it not for him (Cincy, Buffalo, NE and Miami games for those scoring at home).

Yea, this does bother me.

The injuries have zapped us from being a team that can realistically contend for a super bowl and they certainly are making it harder for us to compete in general.

However, we could still be in the thick of things if not for some stupid coaching decisions.

Injuries and coaching...The 2 reasons we are where we are...People want to blame the schedule, Boller, McNair, the turnovers, whatever...It all goes back to those 2 things.

[biggsy]

Yea, this does bother me.

The injuries have zapped us from being a team that can realistically contend for a super bowl and they certainly are making it harder for us to compete in general.

However, we could still be in the thick of things if not for some stupid coaching decisions.

Injuries and coaching...The 2 reasons we are where we are...People want to blame the schedule, Boller, McNair, the turnovers, whatever...It all goes back to those 2 things.


While I agree for the most part, it's also widely known that if you win the TO battle you usually win the game. The Ravens at the moment lead the league in TO's. Part of it is because of a lack of focus which can be put on the coaching staff, but alot of it is just bad luck mixed with horrible execution. Players such as Boller have been TO prone they're whole careers so it's to be expected with him being forced into action. McNair was just as bad if not worse while he was playing. Truth is, next year we need a QB that can at the very least manage the game without turning the ball over.

This team still has a ton of talent on the surface, Ozzie just needs to reach out and get some solid depth on defense and offense along with a QB that can at least manage the game without turning the ball over.

[Sports Guy]

While I agree for the most part, it's also widely known that if you win the TO battle you usually win the game. The Ravens at the moment lead the league in TO's. Part of it is because of a lack of focus which can be put on the coaching staff, but alot of it is just bad luck mixed with horrible execution. Players such as Boller have been TO prone they're whole careers so it's to be expected with him being forced into action. McNair was just as bad if not worse while he was playing. Truth is, next year we need a QB that can at the very least manage the game without turning the ball over.

This team still has a ton of talent on the surface, Ozzie just needs to reach out and get some solid depth on defense and offense along with a QB that can at least manage the game without turning the ball over.

But a big reason the turnovers are there is because of the injuries.

Our defense hasn't been able to get a pass rush in large part because of the absence of Pryce and with terrible corners out there, Reed isn't able to roam around make as many plays.

I put turnovers in 3rd place as the reasons why we failed...Of course, it is all part of a big cycle.

[longflyball]

I think the most damning indictment of Billick was his refusal to bench McNair when it was obvious he was costing the team a chance to win. It is the most damning because you can't blame it on something else or make excuses for it, ala "But he hasn't had a good quarterback" or "Players have to execute the plays he calls", etc, etc. Billick and only Billick made that decision, there was no rational justification for it, and it resulted in losses. This by itself is sufficient cause for his termination.

[Miller192]

I think the most damning indictment of Billick was his refusal to bench McNair when it was obvious he was costing the team a chance to win. It is the most damning because you can't blame it on something else or make excuses for it, ala "But he hasn't had a good quarterback" or "Players have to execute the plays he calls", etc, etc. Billick and only Billick made that decision, there was no rational justification for it, and it resulted in losses. This by itself is sufficient cause for his termination.

Well, from what I understand and Hank Scorpio can probably verify this, the locker room was very much in McNair's favor and highly opposed to switching to Boller.

Not that that matters. But yeah, I think he probably rode that horse too long. Especially given his injury status.

[biggsy]

Well, from what I understand and Hank Scorpio can probably verify this, the locker room was very much in McNair's favor and highly opposed to switching to Boller.

Not that that matters. But yeah, I think he probably rode that horse too long. Especially given his injury status.

Billicks had three major problems since being in Baltimore. One is radical play calling at times that just doesn't make since, horrible clock management, and for some reason, he ALWAYS stays with a vertran way too long. He'll play a washed up vet a couple games too long when he has a young hungry back-up thats ready and better then the vet. currently is. After this season, Flynn should be gone, and McNair should be gone or at least have a pay cut.

[MP]

For your consideration, here is the list of transactions involving QB's since Billick's been aboard. (credit goes to baltimoreravens.com who maintain a complete list of all Ravens transactions). Draw your own own conclusions:





1999

Acquired QB Scott Mitchell from Detroit for 1999 3rd-round pick and conditional 2000 5th-round pick
Traded QB Jim Harbaugh to San Diego for 2000 5th-round pick;
Acquired QB Tony Banks from St. Louis for 1999 5th-round pick and 2000 7th round pick
Traded QB Eric Zeier to Tampa Bay for 1999 6th-round pick
Signed QB Jason Maas
Signed QB Stoney Case
Waived QB Jason Maas
Waived QB Wally Richardson


2000

Signed QB Trent Dilfer -UFA-TB
Signed QB Dan Robinson
Signed QB Chris Redman
Waived QB Dan Robinson

2001

Waived QB Tony Banks
Signed QB Elvis Grbac (UFA KC)
Signed QB Ortege Jenkins
Signed QB Randall Cunningham, QB Deontey Kenner

2002

Signed QB Cleo Lemon
Signed QB Jeff Blake
Signed QB Wes Pate
Waived QB Cleo Lemon
Waived QB Wes Pate
Signed QB Anthony Wright
Signed QB Anthony Wright to active roster from practice squad

2003

Signed QB Anthony Wright (RFA)
Signed QB Grant Noel
Signed QB Matt Lytle
Signed QB Kyle Boller (D1b, 2003)
Waived QB Grant Noel
Signed QB Ray Lucas
Waived QB Ray Lucas

2004

Signed QB Anthony Wright and OT Orlando Brown (UFAs)
Signed QB Brian Gaither
Signed QB Kordell Stewart
Signed QB Josh Harris
Waived QB Brian Gaither
Waived QB Josh Harris
Signed QB Josh Harris to the practice squad

2005

Signed QB Darian Durant
Signed QB Derek Anderson (D6, 2005)
Waived QB Darian Durant
Signed QB Kordell Stewart
Waived QB Derek Anderson
Signed QB Brian St. Pierre to the practice squad
Terminated the contract (vested veteran) of QB Kordell Stewart
Signed QB Brian St. Pierre to the active roster from the practice squad

2006

Signed RFA QB Brian St. Pierre
Traded a 2007 draft pick to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for QB Steve McNair

That leads up to the present with McNair, Troy Smith and Boller.

[Sports Guy]

Well, from what I understand and Hank Scorpio can probably verify this, the locker room was very much in McNair's favor and highly opposed to switching to Boller.

Not that that matters. But yeah, I think he probably rode that horse too long. Especially given his injury status.

The team is behind Boller...Mason has mentioned this himself many times.

[Pedro Cerrano]

Not sure if anyone here reads TMQ, but he had this to say about Sunday's debacle:

"Buck-Buck-Brawckkkkkkk No. 1: Trailing the awesome Miami Dolphins 16-13, Baltimore had fourth-and-goal on the Miami 1 with a few seconds remaining in regulation. Brian Billick sent in the place-kicking unit, as rookie quarterback Troy Smith showed moxie by pleading with his coach to go for the touchdown and the victory. NFL coaches almost always kick in this situation, sending the game into overtime, even though a fourth-and-goal from the 1 provides a 75 percent chance of victory and overtime is essentially a 50-50 proposition. But if the coach goes for the win and the try fails, he is blamed; whereas if he sends in the field goal unit, then loses in overtime -- as Baltimore did -- players get the blame. As noted by reader Nick Alexandrow of Arlington, Va., CBS announcers lauded Billick for sending in the field goal team and criticized Smith for pleading with his coach to try: That is, they lauded the losing strategy. "He's playing the percentages," announcer Kevin Harlan declared. He was doing the reverse of that!"

In response, I wrote him this e-mail today:

"While there is certainly an argument to be made that coaching often cannot HELP a team get BETTER, there are many situations where a bad coach makes a team end up much much worse.

Brian Billick has perhaps cost the Ravens 4 possible wins this year with his bone-headed or gutless play calling.

-Throwing the ball 4 times on the goal-line against Cincinnati

-Throwing the ball 4 times on a short-yardage situation against Buffalo

-Having an undisciplined team (a Billick staple) lose control and the New England game

-As you mentioned this week, failing to go for the win against Miami

If the Ravens win half those games they are staring at an average 6-8 instead of a pathetic 4-10. A trained chimp may have a better record coaching the Ravens this year. Why do I want Billick fired? Not because I have visions a super coach dancing in my head, but because I have visions of a competent human being running the team dancing in my head. Shouldn't be too much to ask for given the season, right?"

[Miller192]

The team is behind Boller...Mason has mentioned this himself many times.

I'm not talking about now. I was referring to the begining of the season

[Old#5fan]

1. Throwing 3 times in a row in week 1 against Cincy when he needed 1 yard to score a TD.
2. Throwing it 3 times when he needed 1 yard to get a first down late in the Buffalo game.
3. Deciding to kick a FG to tie the game instead of running the ball in from the 1-yard line with 12 seconds left against Miami.
4. Failing to establish a running game, and abandoning the running game at crucial times during games.
5. Sticking with Boller in a lost season when Troy Smith has shown flashes in limited playing time.
6. Continued poor clock management.
7. Continued lackluster offensive gameplan and execution.
8. Continued penalties.
9. Continued undisciplined team (Bart Scott meltdown, chest thumping when down by 3 scores, etc)
10. An arrogant, I'm always right, you're always wrong mentality.
11. Longest losing streak in franchise history.
12. Losing to the then winless Dolphins.
13. Not winning a playoff game in 6 years.

What else ya got?

All of the above plus he's flipped his gourd!

[Old#5fan]

Not sure if anyone here reads TMQ, but he had this to say about Sunday's debacle:

"Buck-Buck-Brawckkkkkkk No. 1: Trailing the awesome Miami Dolphins 16-13, Baltimore had fourth-and-goal on the Miami 1 with a few seconds remaining in regulation. Brian Billick sent in the place-kicking unit, as rookie quarterback Troy Smith showed moxie by pleading with his coach to go for the touchdown and the victory. NFL coaches almost always kick in this situation, sending the game into overtime, even though a fourth-and-goal from the 1 provides a 75 percent chance of victory and overtime is essentially a 50-50 proposition. But if the coach goes for the win and the try fails, he is blamed; whereas if he sends in the field goal unit, then loses in overtime -- as Baltimore did -- players get the blame. As noted by reader Nick Alexandrow of Arlington, Va., CBS announcers lauded Billick for sending in the field goal team and criticized Smith for pleading with his coach to try: That is, they lauded the losing strategy. "He's playing the percentages," announcer Kevin Harlan declared. He was doing the reverse of that!"

In response, I wrote him this e-mail today:

"While there is certainly an argument to be made that coaching often cannot HELP a team get BETTER, there are many situations where a bad coach makes a team end up much much worse.

Brian Billick has perhaps cost the Ravens 4 possible wins this year with his bone-headed or gutless play calling.

-Throwing the ball 4 times on the goal-line against Cincinnati

-Throwing the ball 4 times on a short-yardage situation against Buffalo

-Having an undisciplined team (a Billick staple) lose control and the New England game

-As you mentioned this week, failing to go for the win against Miami

If the Ravens win half those games they are staring at an average 6-8 instead of a pathetic 4-10. A trained chimp may have a better record coaching the Ravens this year. Why do I want Billick fired? Not because I have visions a super coach dancing in my head, but because I have visions of a competent human being running the team dancing in my head. Shouldn't be too much to ask for given the season, right?"

I think this is a superb post. It kind of says all you need to know about Billick and his impact on this team's record which is clearly a negative.

[NewMarketSean]

The team is behind Boller...Mason has mentioned this himself many times.

The team was behind Boller. I doubt they are still behind him now, especially with Troy Smith starting to play more/