New QB, same woes for Ravens

A week ago, the Ravens sat stunned in their locker room after losing to the winless Miami Dolphins.

[Sam Bowens]

Good article, but I think Jamison should be a little more critical of two problems that the Ravens have had all year and ever since Mr. Billick took over - a lack of imagination and preparation on the offense and extremely poor officiating. Someone, and I know it can not be a player, must address the poor calls that are consistantly made each game against the Ravens. I am tired of watching replays that clearly show one thing, as seen by both commentator and viewer, and yet the "official" (misnomer) comes back with a completlely different call. Someone should review the entire year's game films and decide whether there is a problem or not. I think there is. These "officials" are anything but objective. Do I think that they made bad calls against the Ravens in many games this year - a resounding yes!

[shaslers]

It is quite baffling how they saw enough evidence to overturn Derrick Mason's catch because apparently the tip of the football brushed the carpet, but could not conclusively see Mike Anderson's entire posterior planted on the ground before the ball was ripped out.

I understand there are going to be close, tough calls, even on replay. But there is no consistency on how to even apply the rules. In the Ravens game against the Patriots, the winning touchdown by Gaffney was bobbled, and not overturned because, why? It wasn't bobbled enough, I guess. But two weeks later against the Jets, the Patriots gave up a nearly identical touchdown to Justin McCareins that would have pulled the Jets to within three. Yet this one was overturned because I guess this time the bobble mattered as the receiver was getting his feet down.

I could continue with examples of plays called as illegal contact or pass interference on defenders, but in other games not called at all, or even called offensive pass interference as I saw twice against Browns receivers yesterday.

I understand close calls, but there is no consistency in the league.

[Dawg_In_Tampa]

C'mon guys... Every team in the league has been the "victim" of bad officiating at one point or another. It's not exclusive to the Ravens. The Browns have had more than their fair share of bad officiating over the years.

I do agree that; when the officials review a play, they should come back with the right call. That doesn't always happen for some reason. Obviously, that's an issue that needs addressed at the NFL front office.

The rules should be the same rules for every team.

[azjim]

The injuries have taken their toll this season, but the lack of imaginative coaching and the downright incompetent play calling by Billick marred even the first few games when the Ravens were relatively healthy. It seemed that Billick was the last one to realize that McNair was incapable of playing, leaving him in games the team might have won with healthy Boller. I have nothing against Brian Billick as a person, but his one true year of glory was due more to Marvin Lewis' defensive schemes than any offense Billick devised. I think it's unfortunate that Billick was given a long contract, which makes it a difficult financial decision to replace him. However, if the owner wants to maintain any fan support, this is a step he needs to take. The Ravens need to rebuild and a new coach would be the best way to put the disappointment of this season behind them. A new coach would also be able to manage the transition that would involve playing the aging veterans less and the younger players more.

[Tricky]

That..... and bottom line is when you have only won 4 games just about ANY call against you is bad. I think the Ravens should stick with Troy Smith. He showed great poise and a ability to scramble......and he didn't trip over his own feet! The kid has a hell of an arm and is pretty accurate.

[Raven Fan]

Will the Ravens ever win again? What can the fans expect for next year? How will the owner, coaches, player fix this?

[Richard H]

Troy Smith did a decent job with his first start. He seemed to be on the money more often than not. I believe this kid has some really good upside, But I also believe we need to draft a quarterback this year. Perhaps in the 1st or 2nd round. If I am not mistaken Buffulo has our 3rd for the Mcghee trade. All and all I like troy's composser though with his ability to get rid of the ball when no one was open and he was flushed out of the pocket. Clayton needs to step up! Some of the throws were right there to keep the chains moving, but he couldn't hold onto the rock..Last, but not least I would like to give a stand up shout out to coach Mike Holmgren of the seahawks. This guy is a class guy who could have run the score up if he wanted to, but instead gave his back ups some reps before heading into the playoffs. Well as a psl owner on the ravens rollercoster with my other ravens fans and psl owners all I wish for christmas is a W against the steelers.. Merry Christmas to all..........

[Tricky]

The Ravens NEED depth. It has been said all year that our healthy starters are the best in the buisness. Problem is when 9 pro bowlers are hurt there are not starting caliper players to fill the holes.

[Wake Up]

Anyone who says Troy Smith played well is smoking crack. We were down 27-0 at one point and until garbage time he was at 35% completion percentage for less then 100 yds with a lost fumble. That is even worse then McNair was this year. Please, no more calls for him to ever play. He's not playing Northwestern and Michigan State anymore.

[Wake Up]

shaslers wrote:

It is quite baffling how they saw enough evidence to overturn Derrick Mason's catch because apparently the tip of the football brushed the carpet, but could not conclusively see Mike Anderson's entire posterior planted on the ground before the ball was ripped out.
I understand there are going to be close, tough calls, even on replay. But there is no consistency on how to even apply the rules. In the Ravens game against the Patriots, the winning touchdown by Gaffney was bobbled, and not overturned because, why? It wasn't bobbled enough, I guess. But two weeks later against the Jets, the Patriots gave up a nearly identical touchdown to Justin McCareins that would have pulled the Jets to within three. Yet this one was overturned because I guess this time the bobble mattered as the receiver was getting his feet down.
I could continue with examples of plays called as illegal contact or pass interference on defenders, but in other games not called at all, or even called offensive pass interference as I saw twice against Browns receivers yesterday.
I understand close calls, but there is no consistency in the league.

The reason is clear. The NFL is the only league with part time employees as officials. During the week, when these guys should be reviewing hours of film to correct their mistakes, they are at their "day jobs" as bankers, business executives, doctors, etc..... With all the money the NFL makes they could easily pay these guys high salaries and make it a full time commitment.

[Arnold1]

it's amazing how far this team has fallen, without the starters they can't
*cover in the secondary (no picks)
*sack the QB (no fumble recoveries)
*protect their own QB (bunch of fumbles)
*QB's can't move inside the pocket (bunch of sacks)
*WR's get any separation for coverage (interceptions)

there is a lot of talent on this team, but they are not executing, and still need: a QB, big/fast WR, O-Line to play consistantly, a DE and a lot of help in the defensive backfield.

Other than that they are pretty good! ;-)

[Arnold1]

The Ravens have never gotten the benefit of the doubt with NFL officiating. NEVER. They just have to go to work knowing that will be the case every week!

shaslers wrote:

It is quite baffling how they saw enough evidence to overturn Derrick Mason's catch because apparently the tip of the football brushed the carpet, but could not conclusively see Mike Anderson's entire posterior planted on the ground before the ball was ripped out.
I understand there are going to be close, tough calls, even on replay. But there is no consistency on how to even apply the rules. In the Ravens game against the Patriots, the winning touchdown by Gaffney was bobbled, and not overturned because, why? It wasn't bobbled enough, I guess. But two weeks later against the Jets, the Patriots gave up a nearly identical touchdown to Justin McCareins that would have pulled the Jets to within three. Yet this one was overturned because I guess this time the bobble mattered as the receiver was getting his feet down.
I could continue with examples of plays called as illegal contact or pass interference on defenders, but in other games not called at all, or even called offensive pass interference as I saw twice against Browns receivers yesterday.
I understand close calls, but there is no consistency in the league.

[HUH]

New QB? You mean that wasn't Boller at QB yesterday? They team was humiliated yet again, and I thought Boller was always the problem for the losses. Maybe it was McNair? Banks? Wright? Mitchell? Case? Grbac? Stewart? Anderson? Dilfer? No, wait a minute; Dilfer was the only QB in Ravens history that was a winner but the Ravens let him go because he was no good and the team needed an upgrade with Elvis, so can't blame Dilfer. It wasn't just Tony Smith at QB yesterday; it was every QB who ever played under Brian the offensive genius Billick; except the only one who ever was a winner, Trent Dilfer.

[Bruce]

Wake Up wrote:

Anyone who says Troy Smith played well is smoking crack. We were down 27-0 at one point and until garbage time he was at 35% completion percentage for less then 100 yds with a lost fumble. That is even worse then McNair was this year. Please, no more calls for him to ever play. He's not playing Northwestern and Michigan State anymore.

This was his first NFL game starting with a bunch of second stringers. What do you expect? 25 out of 30 for 400 yards? Give me a break and while you're at it give Troy Smith a break. It's just his first game. Maybe you should stick to twiddly winks instead of football. You haven't got a clue.

[Sandman]

The Quiet One wrote:

Your Ravens ain't going nowhere as long as the STEELERS are in the AFC North. Ravens fans can expect more of the same next year: misery & disappointment.

Are the Steelers going anywhere?

[Anonymous]

Sam Bowens wrote:

Good article, but I think Jamison should be a little more critical of two problems that the Ravens have had all year and ever since Mr. Billick took over - a lack of imagination and preparation on the offense and extremely poor officiating. Someone, and I know it can not be a player, must address the poor calls that are consistantly made each game against the Ravens. I am tired of watching replays that clearly show one thing, as seen by both commentator and viewer, and yet the "official" (misnomer) comes back with a completlely different call. Someone should review the entire year's game films and decide whether there is a problem or not. I think there is. These "officials" are anything but objective. Do I think that they made bad calls against the Ravens in many games this year - a resounding yes!

This is absolutely true!The Ravens had a horrible season attributable in part to many significant injuries ,lousing coaching etc. However, the officials had a significant hand in several losses! If I'm not mistaken, the official in yesterday's game was one of the culprits in another lousy officiated game for the Ravens this year.Did Seattle have any penalties?
These guys control the game and I'm getting turned off by their ineptitude and obvious bias against the Ravens. They get paid like everyone else and deserve to be accountable for consistently FAILING GRADES!

[Bruce]

The Quiet One wrote:

Your Ravens ain't going nowhere as long as the STEELERS are in the AFC North. Ravens fans can expect more of the same next year: misery & disappointment.

Talk all you want but every team, including the Squealers have their good and bad years. Sometime in the future your team, like ours, will be in the throes of a horrible year, maybe even more. The immaturity of your post comes through loud and clear, especially when you have to come on our site to bash us for no apparent reason. Have fun in the playoffs, that's all the farther your team will go.

[godevils]

The Quiet One wrote:

Your Ravens ain't going nowhere as long as the STEELERS are in the AFC North. Ravens fans can expect more of the same next year: misery & disappointment.

Hey Squeeler bandwagon fan that lives in LAUREL, MARYLAND. It seems easy to like the NFL team with the most wins and super bowl championships. If you are from there fine if not stop jumping on the wagon. And if you are from there go back to your dump city and leave maryland.

[John]

Well here is Kyle Boller NFL Debut
QB Rating 57.5
Comp 22
Att 43
Yds 152
Int 1
TD 1
Sack 2
Fumble 2 He play Steelers in Pittburgh

Troy Smith NFL
QB Rating 73.6
Comp 16
Att 33
Yds 199
Int 0
Sack 2
Fum 1 He play in Seahawks Seattle the loudest stadium in the NFL.
Now if Kyle Boller would of play his number would of been QB Rating of 45 and 4 Ints and 5 Sacks and 3 Fumbles and NO TD

[Sandman]

Mark Clayton is awful. Could anybody be successful with Billick at the helm? Don't worry, they will pick an offensive lineman first, before they make a sensible decision in the draft next year. And Pro Bowlers? Once upon a time. All the Pro Bowlers are playing for other teams, or are in the twilight of their careers. Can Todd Heap stay healthy? Mcalister also? Troy Smith looked really good. Almost as good as Boller did against the Patriots? I really did like Smith's play. Boller is awful! Face it, these guys are going to stink for a long time folks. They need a lot of help. And it starts with Biscotti!