The Ravens’ defense couldn’t do it all

By Darrell Laurant  |   Tuesday, January 16, 2007  |  Comments( 5 )

Baltimore Ravens
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During the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln once sent a famous telegram to overly cautious Gen. George McClellan that read: "Since you're not using the army, can I borrow it for awhile?''

Someone could have sent the same telegram -- or, today, instant message -- to Brian Billick last Saturday.

As head coach and chief offensive play caller for the Baltimore Ravens, Billick didn't do much to keep the Indianapolis Colts' defense off-balance during a 15-6 loss in the second round of the NFL playoffs. Perhaps the most telling statistic was the Ravens' performance on third-down conversions -- 2 of 11.

On at least four of those third-down occasions, QB Steve McNair delivered the ball to a receiver significantly short of the first-down marker.

"Guess what -- the defense knows where the marker is, too," Billick said. "Sometimes, you have to make some plays (to get the first down)."

But Billick was soundly booed when he elected to run out the clock with two handoff plays at the end of the first half, trailing 9-3.

The Ravens were built on defense, and no one could fault a stop unit that kept Peyton Manning out of the end zone. But the Indianapolis victory showed some glaring faults in the Baltimore "O" that will have to be addressed, either through free agency or the draft.

These include ...

1. No real speed at running back. Jamal Lewis moves faster than you might expect when he gets rolling, but he seems to be slower than in past years at hitting holes. Ditto backup Mike Anderson.

2. A young offensive line that failed to adequately protect McNair. Granted, LT Jonathan Ogden kept Colts sack specialist Dwight Freeney away, but Freeney's fellow DE Robert Mathis achieved frequent and disruptive penetration from the other direction.

The Ravens also sorely missed kick return man B.J. Sams, injured during the season. Stubby (5-foot-6, 210 pounds) Corey Ross didn't make any fatal mistakes, but he wasn't nearly the threat that Sams would have been.

With 11 players on the roster over 30, there was a sense that the Ravens might have blown their window of opportunity.

Jamal Lewis may not return next year, LB Adalius Thomas is talking about testing the free-agent market, and Ogden isn't sure he wants to continue playing. Meanwhile, WR Derrick Mason chose the aftermath of the loss to complain that he wasn't getting the ball enough.

Ray Lewis should still be around next fall, but the Ravens can't afford to lose the fearsome and versatile Thomas. That's why they might ditch the discontented Mason and his $3 million 2007 salary to gain a little more room under the cap.

Billick did appoint quarterbacks coach Rick Neuheisel offensive coordinator last week, finally replacing the fired Jim Fassel. But Billick also said he would keep calling the plays.

The result of that last Saturday was best described by one writer who noted: "The Ravens' theme for the playoffs was : 'It's time to hunt.'

"But it turned out to be, 'It's time to punt.'"

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CommentsComments: 5  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
Dominic Kerchner		10:07 AM
01/17/2007
I know it's confusing, but you are supposed to be talking about the Ravens and you referred to them as ths Colts at least twice. ...
No.2
Ron Tepper		01:12 PM
01/18/2007
They have one year left. I say franchise Thomas and cut Ray Lewis. He stinks. Where was he in that game? He was on the ground.The ...
No.3
Jon McComas		04:53 PM
01/23/2007
Sorry Ron Tepper you are wrong. Ray Lewis is the back bone of the defense and losing him would bring down the D's confidence and ...
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