The Ravens are struggling...

...which is why I'm not going to blog about them for a while.

Actually, that's not entirely true.

There will be a Blogimore Ravens hiatus, but it is not because the Ravens are struggling. I fractured my right elbow and broke my right hand, which makes typing really tough, even more so because I'm right-handed.

Hopefully by the time it heals the Ravens will be playing better.

America's greatest hero blogs again

America's greatest hero is Ray Lewis, who today posted on Yardbarker his thoughts about brotherhood.

"Brotherhood is found thru our struggles, But now we have overcame, it is our time. Take it upon yourself to be better everyday. It was really just talking about adversity. We've been through adversity, dealing with all these injuries, all the ups and downs, and my message is very simple: that stuff pulls champions together."

If you're a regular on Blogimore Ravens, you know how I feel about coach Brian Billick. Fire him, is what I think.

Billick refuses to stick with what Baltimore does best, which is chew up the clock by running the ball, and relying on the defense to bail out the offense for each of the team's three-and-outs.

Run the ball. Play defense.

Ray agrees:

"So I think last week was a big win to getting back to what our true identity is, which is running the football and doing the things we're supposed to be doing and playing hard-nosed defense."

Todd Heap unlikey for this weekend's game

According to a text message received just now from Baltimore's WNST.net and AM 1570, Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap is unlikely to play this weekend against the Buffalo Bills.

Great news for a team that already is missing its best defensive back, its most dominant offensive lineman and its starting quarterback (though I think McNair being out is a good thing).

But enough complaining about injuries. All teams have 'em.

With Boller in the lineup on Sunday, look to see even more action for WR Derrick Mason, who already leads the league in receptions (no joke).

Adalius Thomas blasts Billick

Y'all already know how I feel about Billick.

Fire the guy was my opinion a few weeks ago, and it's my opinion today. Even more so after reading this week's Sports Illustrated, which features a Patriots story that includes a prominent quote from former Ravens LB Adalius Thomas.

Adalius on being in New England: "You've got to remember, I'm coming from Baltimore. People there wanted the limelight, people sought out the limelight, starting with the head coach. It was a star-studded system. Here it's about as different as you can get. Everybody here shies away from being the star guy. Nobody on this team beats his chest. They just all go about their business. And win."

Let's hop in the time machine and read what I wrote a few weeks ago about the Ravens:

"...the Ravens' biggest problem [is] Brian Billick, who has an ego that wouldn't fit inside of an NFL helmet (or "hat" if you're a sucker for this year's trendy network language)."

Again, back to Adalius:

"...people sought out the limelight, starting with the head coach."

Selflessness, not selfishness
If you want to know why Baltimore is struggling, injuries aside the answer is Brian Billick. Fire him now; fire him yesterday; build for the future with a coach who cares more about the city, fans, team and players than he does about himself.

Baltimore deserves a coach who is selfless. Right now they have a coach who is selfish.

Horrible news in Baltimore

Ravens CB Chris McAlister will miss at least one week because of an injured knee. Then there's the bye week. Then he'll probably miss another game after that.

The Ravens secondary has been questionable with C-Mac. Without him we're staring down the barrel of Disaster City. Fortunately the Ravens this week are playing a Bills team led by Trend Edwards, a rookie out of Stanford whose college numbers were questionable.

But still, losing your best defensive back?

Not good.

Against the spread: NFL picks (week 7)

Each week Jeff and I will be offering our picks against the spread.

Jeff's resume: He is familiar with Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Larry Johnson, but he's never heard of Frank Gore or Lance Briggs, and he thinks Steven Jackson plays for the Seahawks.

On the season
Jeff: 43-39-7 (46)
Blogimore Ravens: 39-43-7 (42)

Last week
Finally a decent showing. I go 8-3-2 against the spread, pick up two points on Jeff, and regain a modicum of self-respect as .500 again becomes a possibility.

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Jeff's picks (week 7)
Falcons at Saints (-7.5): Falcons
Buccaneers at Lions (-1.0): Lions
Vikings at Cowboys (-9.5): Cowboys
Titans at Texans (+1.0): Texans
Cardinals at Redskins (-7.0): Cardinals
Patriots at Dolphins (+17.0): Dolphins
49ers at Giants (-10.0): 49ers
Ravens at Bills (+3.0): Ravens
Jets at Bengals (-6.0): Jets
Chiefs at Raiders (-3.0): Raiders
Bears at Eagles (-4.5): Eagles
Rams at Seahawks (-9.0): Rams
Steelers at Broncos (+3.5): Steelers

Monday Night (two-point game)
Colts at Jaguars (+3.0): Colts

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Blogimore Ravens' picks (week 7)
Falcons at Saints (-7.5): Saints
Buccaneers at Lions (-1.0): Lions
Vikings at Cowboys (-9.5): Cowboys
Titans at Texans (+1.0): Titans
Cardinals at Redskins (-7.0): Redskins
Patriots at Dolphins (+17.0): Patriots
49ers at Giants (-10.0): Giants
Ravens at Bills (+3.0): Ravens
Jets at Bengals (-6.0): Bengals
Chiefs at Raiders (-3.0): Chiefs
Bears at Eagles (-4.5): Eagles
Rams at Seahawks (-9.0): Seahawks
Steelers at Broncos (+3.5): Broncos

Monday Night (two-point game)
Colts at Jaguars (+3.0): Colts

Baltimore's slow start & Kyle Boller's future

I read yesterday that Sunday's victory was Baltimore's 100th victory in the 12-year history of the Ravens.

Not bad, I guess. Not great, but whatever.

Sunday's game was Baltimore's first decisive win of what, overall, has been a disappointing season for Ravens fans. And before you shove our 4-2 record down my throat, consider this:

1) We lost to the Browns. Badly.
2) We haven't won a division game yet.
3) The defense looks a little soft. Sometimes a lot soft.
4) The schedule only gets more difficult from here on out.
5) Did I mention we lost to the Browns? Badly?

That said, Sunday's win was a step in the right direction. Baltimore is getting healthier (except for Ogden) and they're only one game out of first in the AFC North.

Personally, I think Boller should remain the starter. Even though he made a few mistakes against the Rams, he looked more confident and comfortable than McNair, and I think Super Boller gives the Ravens a better chance to win, both this season and next.

Jonathan Ogden... career over?

I wrote more than a month ago that "Ogden's career is over," that the future Hall of Famer wouldn't be able to play another game because of an injured toe.

Turns out I might be right.

Ogden: "Honestly, I’m sick of this thing. As much as you guys are sick of asking me, I’m sick of talking to you guys about it."

Billick: "You've asked me many times, 'Am I worried about this being it for J.O. in terms of him not coming back this season?' Watching him work, I keep holding off the idea that it looks like he might be ready to go. At some point, if it's not, then we have to consider holding a roster spot."

Source: Scout.com

Matt Stover: MVP!

Yesterday I predicted that the Ravens would win today's game 19-3, with four field goals and a touchdown. The final score was 22-3, Baltimore over St. Louis, with five Matt Stover field goals instead of four.

Matt Stover, America's greatest hero. Or at least Baltimore's greatest hero.

The defense played well, burning Rams QB Gus Frerotte for a Baltimore-record five picks: Dwan Edwards, Chris McAlister, Kelly Gregg, Ed Reed and then Eric Martin. I've never even heard of Martin, but I'm pretty sure he used to be in Technotronic.

Pump up the jam, pump it up, why your feet are stompin', and the jam is pumpin'...

Willis McGahee got into the end zone, and he would have gotten in twice had Chris Chester not been flagged for a false start. Even Brian Billick had a good showing. For the first time this season, his play calling didn't make me want to punch the couch.

Baltimore's red-zone struggles continued, but what do you expect? Baltimore is to quality offense what... I don't know. I was trying to think of some funny metaphor or analogy or whatever, but frankly, I want to finish this post and get back to beer.

Nice work, Baltimore. Finally you win a game with some conviction [insert Bengals joke].

Rams-Ravens game preview

Following the Ravens while living on the west coast is always an adventure. It usually involves going to a bar to watch the game, which means 10:00 a.m. drinking.

Tomorrow I'll be watching the game with my buddy Malty, who takes full advantage of NFL Sunday Ticket by setting up four TVs in his living room. I imagine there will still be 10:00 a.m. drinking.

Here is what else I expect:

No-huddle offense: The Rams will be wise to prevent Baltimore's defense from changing defensive personnel too often. It will help limit an already struggling pass rush.

Offensive struggles: Baltimore's offense hasn't been good since, well, ever, and with injuries to its starting QB Marc Bulger and RB Steven Jackson, St. Louis won't fare much better.

Dink and dunk: Steve McNair's age, injuries (back, groin) and Brian Billick's play calling are why the Ravens average only 5.81 yards per pass attempt, which is terrible.

Kyle Boller: If he doesn't start the game, I expect we'll see him before the day is over.

Arrogance: Regardless of who is playing quarterback, I expect more questionable play calling from Brian Billick, whose stubborn desire to field a balanced offense means he'll refuse to give McGahee the ball early and often. This despite the fact that the Rams defend against the run about as well as a high school team.

Ravens victory: The Ravens will move the ball effectively, but the team's red-zone struggles will continue. Four field goals and a touchdown.

Ravens 19, Rams 3.

Steve McNair and Adam Terry

Offensive tackle Adam Terry is off crutches, but his sprained right ankle prevented him from practicing, and he probably won't play on Sunday against the Rams.

It shouldn't be too much of a concern, though. Baltimore is puttin' points on the board like it's nobody's business, so maybe this week instead of 40 points, they'll only put up 30. And McNair is young and mobile, so he doesn't really need protection.

Seriously, though, this is bad news for an already terribly performing offense. Jared Gaither will probably get the start in Terry's absence.

Steve McNair has a bad coach back, but is expected to play on Sunday. Here's what Billick had to say: "Just his back tightened up, I guess he slept on it wrong. It's not the groin. I'm not worried about it right now."

I'm glad you're not worried, Billick. After all, you did manage to put nine points on the board last week. That's pretty good. Three field goals is practically one for every quarter!

Kyle Boller is ready to step in if necessary.

"You've got to be ready, you never know in this league. Definitely, I feel great. My body feels great. Mentally, I'm preparing each week. That doesn't change. I got some reps with the guys, and every time that happens, it always helps out. We'll just wait and see how Steve is feeling."

Source: Aaron Wilson

B'More Birds Nest: Ravens blog

Came across a new Ravens blog today: B'More Birds Nest. They're pretty new, so head over there and show 'em some love.

Against the spread: NFL picks (week 6)

Each week Jeff and I will be offering our picks against the spread.

Jeff's resume: He is familiar with Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Larry Johnson, but he's never heard of Frank Gore or Lance Briggs, and he thinks Steven Jackson plays for the Seahawks.

On the season
Jeff: 38-33-5 (40)
Blogimore Ravens: 31-40-5 (34)

Last week
I pick up two points on Jeff, thanks to Buffalo, which was my favorite team before the Ravens came to town. Finally they make up for four straight Super Bowl losses.

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Jeff's picks (week 6)
Rams at Ravens (-9.5): Rams
Redskins at Packers (-3.0): Packers
Bengals at Chiefs (+3.0): Bengals
Eagles at Jets (+2.5): Eagles
Titans at Buccaneers (-3.0): Buccaneers
Dolphins at Browns (-4.5): Browns
Texans at Jaguars (-6.5): Texans
Vikings at Bears (-5.5): Bears
Panthers at Cardinals (-3.5): Panthers
Patriots at Cowboys (+4.5): Patriots
Raiders at Chargers (-10.0): Chargers
Saints at Seahawks (-6.5): Seahawks

Monday Night (two-point game)
Giants at Falcons (+3.0): Giants

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Blogimore Ravens' picks (week 6)
Rams at Ravens (-9.5): Ravens
Redskins at Packers (-3.0): Packers
Bengals at Chiefs (+3.0): Chiefs
Eagles at Jets (+2.5): Eagles
Titans at Buccaneers (-3.0): Titans
Dolphins at Browns (-4.5): Browns
Texans at Jaguars (-6.5): Texans
Vikings at Bears (-5.5): Vikings
Panthers at Cardinals (-3.5): Panthers
Patriots at Cowboys (+4.5): Patriots
Raiders at Chargers (-10.0): Chargers
Saints at Seahawks (-6.5): Seahawks

Monday Night (two-point game)
Giants at Falcons (+3.0): Falcons

This is why I love Ray Lewis

During Sunday's explosive 9-7 victory over the San Francisco 49ers, Ray Lewis ignored a play called by defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, and instead called his own defensive play.

Ray Ray then stopped the Niners short of a first down. End of drive.

When he returned to the sideline, he said, "I got your back, coach."

Source: Peter King's MMQB #8

Am I good luck?

The Ravens have three wins and two losses (duh). Well, last night it dawned on me that I've been to three games so far this year, all of which Baltimore won.

Should I be angry with myself for not going to Cincinnati and Cleveland? Is that even possible? To be angry for not spending time in Ohio?

Ravens-Niners: Monster Park experience

By 10:25 this morning my roommate and I had settled into parking lot 3 at Monster Park, and by 10:29 we were dipping into our stash of Pabst Blue Ribbon. There weren't very many Ravens fans at the game, but we did park near one who said he knew I was a Ravens fan when he saw the PBR.

Really? That's what tipped you off? Not the fact that I was wearing Ravens pants, a purple Ray Lewis jersey and a black Ravens hat?

Besides the fact that traffic in and out of Monster Park Candlestick is a nightmare, the tailgating experience is pretty good. It's not the wine and cheese crowd that naysayers would have you believe. You're actually more likely to see a guy with 49ers 4 Life tattooed on his neck than you are to see a bottle of Cabernet.

The game was a snoozer, of course, but like Mark Clayton said, a win is a win.

I thought Billick's play calling was improved, but unfortunately McNair's play was not. He just doesn't look comfortable in the pocket. Or anywhere on the field. Overall the offense looks stagnant.

On the bright side, at least that's a familiar feeling for Ravens fans.

Niners fans didn't really give me too much of a hard time for being a Ravens fan, certainly nothing like what you'd get from Raiders fans, which is to say that in Oakland you might get stabbed. Or at the very least have your face shoved in the toilet. In San Francisco they'll throw a few cubes of ice at you and say scary things like, "Ravens suck!"

One drunk Niners fan told me before the game that tonight he was "going to eat Raven meat!"

I'm pretty sure he didn't realize the irony of proclaiming loudly that he'd be eating crow, which is exactly what he's doing now.

Ravens 9, 49ers 7.

Ray Lewis: "Make a stand"

Ray Lewis on dealing with adversity.

Excerpt from Ray's Yardbarker blog, which he updated this morning:

"You don't run from losses. You go through them, because when you go through them, that's what builds a man, that's what builds integrity, that's what builds character -- going through things, not around them."

Gameday in Frisco (Niners/Ravens)

Predictions for today's game:

1) I will drink beer before 11:00 a.m.
2) I won't see many Ravens fans at the game.
3) Begrudgingly I will drink beer with 49ers fans.
4) Billick's play calling will be questionable but improved.
5) McGahee will get a touchdown on the ground.
6) Frank Gore will not.
7) Baltimore finally generates a pass rush.
8) Dilfer wets his pants.
9) The Ravens force three turnovers.
10) Baltimore wins by a touchdown or more.

Give McGahee the ball!

I've been living in San Francisco for more than seven years, and not once during that time have the Ravens traveled west to play the Niners.

Tomorrow will be a glorious day.

I've seen the Ravens play twice in Oakland, though. Once in the AFC Championship en route to the Super Bowl, and once in 2003 in what turned out to be a bad 26th birthday for my buddy Irish C. The Raiders dominated field position and upset Baltimore, 20-12

There's an idea, Billick. Controlling field position!

Well, jeez, how do I do that?

Maybe you should run the $#@!'ng football?

Willis McGahee? Ever heard of him?

McGahee is averaging 20 carries per game, which doesn't sound so bad until you consider the fact that the Ravens throw the ball about twice as often.

Third and one? Go deep! First down in the red zone? Fade pattern to the corner! Big lead in the fourth quarter? THROW THE BALL!

Billick should give McGahee 25 touches tomorrow, and without a doubt his number should be called in the red zone. The Niners rank 25th against the run and gave up more than 200 yards rushing to Pittsburgh a couple weeks ago.

Ray Lewis blogs about the team's slow start

Ray's Yardbarker blog post: "It's Never About the Fall."

Excerpt: "I have been on both sides of things – I've started off hot, I've started off cold – but, the thing is to get the kinks out now. Because late in November and December, that's when you need everything clicking. So, if I had to do it all over again, I wouldn't change anything. Of course you want to win, but if you do lose and you find yourself in a difficult position, how encouraged are you in your mind? What makes you come back? And for me, that's why my message is what it is."

Sacking Trent Dilfer

San Francisco's starting left tackle, Jonas Jennings, will miss Sunday's game against Baltimore for personal reasons. Mike Nolan stressed that his o-lineman was not suffering from an injury and that his absence from the team would be indefinite.

Jennings is expected to remain in the Bay Area.

Whaddya think is going on?

I don't really care, and it's not my business. All I care about is that the Ravens sack Trent Dilfer about 109 times, and that the defense stops giving up the deep ball.

The Ravens haven't sniffed a QB since Trevor Pryce broke his wrist. Fortunately, the 49ers' offensive line is porous even with Jennings in the lineup, so with him out roaming the Yay doing whatever it is he's doing, the Ravens should be able to put Dilfer on the turf.

If they can't, they'll be fresh out of excuses.

Ray Lewis calls out teammate Chris McAlister

Ravens beat reporter Aaron Wilson reports that Ray Lewis ain't too happy with Chris McAlister, who last week gave up a 78-yard TD to Braylon Edwards. Oops.

Of course, if Billick had chosen to run the ball instead of putting it on McNair's shoulders, then chances are they don't turn the ball over in the first place. But Ray doesn't want to hear it.

Ray Ray: "Bottom line, what I'm talking about, is just stop giving people stuff. Just make people earn everything because that's our reputation. Nothing's free in this league."

"When you have people running down the field wide open, my little boy told me he could hit that pass to Braylon Edwards. There are things that you don't want to happen, bottom line."

In case you've lost count, that's two "bottom lines" from the King of D. Here's number three.

Ray Ray: "Bottom line, it's never a scheme when somebody's running wide open down the field. That's somebody doing something they are not supposed to be doing. That's what I'm saying."

"Get it out of the way now because when you come to November and December, you can't have these same mistakes. There's nobody running free. Nothing's free in this league, so let's not make it free."

McAlister doesn't sound concerned.

C-Mac: "There isn't a cornerback in the league who hasn't been burned. Nobody is harping on it around here. That's the good thing."

Injury update: Trevor Pryce

If you're wondering why Baltimore is struggling, besides the fact that Brian Billick coaches the team like a stubborn schoolgirl, the answer lies with Trevor Pryce and his busted wrist.

At least that's what we Ravens fans have to keep telling ourselves, lest the other answer be an aging defense no longer up to the task of tearing the hearts out of its competition.

Trevor Pryce broke his wrist in mid-September during the Ravens' second game of the season, against the New York Jets. Ever since then, Baltimore's pass rush has been non-existent.

Last season the team had 60 sacks. This year Baltimore has a tenth of that: six sacks through four games, or half as many as the Giants had against the Eagles just last week.

Seriously, how do the Giants rack up a dozen sacks against Philly, and Baltimore gets only six total against the Bengals, Jets, Cardinals and Browns?

The good news is that Trevor Pryce is only a month away from returning to the field. Or so he says. The bad news is that before then Baltimore has to play San Francisco, St. Louis and Buffalo.

After those games comes the bye week, and immediately following that is Baltimore's next divisional game: Monday, November 5 against the hated Pittsburgh Steelers.

Pryce: "I'm almost 90 percent sure I'm playing against Pittsburgh. It's hard to watch. Watching last week's game was by far the hardest to watch."

"Hard to watch" is an understatement. Losing to the Browns by 14 points. The Browns!

Against the spread: NFL picks (week 5)

Each week Jeff and I will be offering our picks against the spread.

Jeff's resume: He is familiar with Peyton Manning, Tom Brady and Larry Johnson, but he's never heard of Frank Gore or Lance Briggs, and he thinks Steven Jackson plays for the Seahawks.

On the season
Jeff: 32-25-5 (34)
Blogimore Ravens: 24-33-5 (26)

Last week
Jeff picked up who knows how many more points to take an eight-point lead on the season. I am a bad gambler and an even worse human being.

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Jeff's picks (week 5)
Lions at Redskins (-3.5): Lions
Browns at Patriots (-16.5): Browns
Seahawks at Steelers (-6.0): Steelers
Cardinals at Rams (+3.0): Rams
Jaguars at Chiefs (+2.0): Jaguars
Panthers at Saints (-3.0): Saints
Jets at Giants (-3.0): Giants
Dolphins at Texans (-5.5): Texans
Falcons at Titans (-8.0): Falcons
Buccaneers at Colts (-10.0): Colts
Ravens at 49ers (+3.0): Ravens
Chargers at Broncos (-1.0): Chargers
Bears at Packers (-3.0): Packers

Monday Night (two-point game)
Cowboys at Bills (+10.0): Cowboys

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Blogimore Ravens' picks (week 5)
Lions at Redskins (-3.5): Redskins
Browns at Patriots (-16.5): Patriots
Seahawks at Steelers (-6.0): Seahawks
Cardinals at Rams (+3.0): Cardinals
Jaguars at Chiefs (+2.0): Chiefs
Panthers at Saints (-3.0): Saints
Jets at Giants (-3.0): Giants
Dolphins at Texans (-5.5): Texans
Falcons at Titans (-8.0): Falcons
Buccaneers at Colts (-10.0): Colts
Ravens at 49ers (+3.0): Ravens
Chargers at Broncos (-1.0): Broncos
Bears at Packers (-3.0): Packers

Monday Night (two-point game)
Cowboys at Bills (+10.0): Bills

NFL predictions: Is Malty a genius?

Apparently my buddy Malty can predict the future. From a pre-season email:

Patriots: "My honest feeling is that the Patriots are going to win 19 or 20 games (whatever a complete undefeated season through the Super Bowl would be). I just don't see them losing... And I wouldn't worry about Moss."

Bears: "I think last year the Bears just got lucky with other teams injuries and happened to squeak through."

Lions: "If the Lions have a defense, they'll be a playoff team."

Browns: "The Browns are f'ing stupid for drafting Brady Quinn without giving Derek Anderson a chance (speaking of which -- he has the potential to be the next Drew Brees)."

He also called the Ravens a "fukkin SOLID team," so maybe there's hope for Baltimore yet.

Stock photo of Malty

Even though the Ravens have been playing poorly...

...it still feels good to watch the Bengals lose.

New England 34, Cincinnati 13

[Insert joke about criminals here]

Browns fan: "What's up with Billick and play calls?"

"We have one of the worst run defenses in the NFL and it seems like the game plan was to dink and dunk the ball. Even at 24-3 you're in the game. What's up with Billick and play calls?"

Good question.

Billick has been hesitant to run the ball, despite the fact that McNair has been hobbled with injuries, and despite the fact that the team dropped draft picks and a wad of cash on Willis McGahee.

I don't care if George Bush calls for an air attack; the way to beat the Browns, the way to beat anyone if you're the Baltimore Ravens, is to run the football.


Now the Ravens are a quarter of the way through the season, winless in the division and without a single convincing victory. And the worst part is, the team and coaching staff wants to pretend that nothing is wrong.

But with two wins, two losses and too many unanswered questions, there is plenty wrong. And like I wrote yesterday, it starts with the coach: Fire Brian Billick.

Or Billick could start running the football.

That would save everyone a lot of trouble, you know, with Billick having to line up a new job and the Ravens having to interview the hordes of assistants who would drool over the opportunity to coach what I hope is still the NFL's best defense.

Trent Dilfer to start against the Ravens

That's right. Trent Dilfer.

San Francisco 49ers QB Alex Smith is out with a separated shoulder.

Yesterday it was former Raven Jamal Lewis getting the last laugh; hopefully this weekend Dilfer won't be doing the same, but the way the Ravens' secondary entire defense is playing, it wouldn't entirely surprise me.

I'll be at the game, nosebleed seats three rows from the top of the stadium, I think, which means they're two rows better than my PSLs in Baltimore (section 530, row 31 out of 32).