Fassell quit

[ravenmaniac]

Viviano is reporting

[braven98]

Billick is now destroying coaches instead of QBs

[Ravenatic20]

This has nothing to do with Billick.

[ravenmaniac]

he said he was upset about getting into it with jamal after the game

[Ravenatic20]

he said he was upset about getting into it with jamal after the game
This could spell the last year for Jamal Lewis.

[RavenScallywag]

please to be describing this argument. I didn't hear anything about this.

Uusally, you'd discipline a coach, not fire them. Though if Fassel resigns, I guess that's a different story.

[GreenWave52]

What happened between him and Jamal? Has a first place team ever fired a coach before?

[Fletchterps]

There is like a zero percent chance that this was a voluntary decision by Fassel.

[braven98]

In Baseball the Phillies fired there manager who was in first at the time

[RavenScallywag]

it might be...if he knows he's going to get crap all year, why not step down and just retire now. I'm sure he's set on money....

[ExiledRaven]

It's obvious for a bit that the players have been pissed off about something all year, Ogden's been pissy, Jamal is crying.

Both of those have happened before...but seeing a guy like Mason so visably outraged really says something. He's probably one of the most quiet WRs in terms of being a prima-donna with Tory Holt.

We'll see what happens. I still think Jamal is being pissy for no reason, he needs to start playing like he's afraid for his job. Maybe he should get his agent to read the contract for him.

We'll see what happens...but I'm not sure this will do much of anything.

[StingerNLG]

There is like a zero percent chance that this was a voluntary decision by Fassel.

I think this is absolutely voluntary. This hasn't been Fassel's offense. And now everyone's getting pissed at him. I wouldn't want to be there with all that pressure either.

[PARavensJeff]

I think this was not Billick's or Fassel's decision, it came from the top. Fassel wants very bad to be a head coach again, why would he quit on his own? That doesn't look good for him, he would be labeled a quiter & not ever get another head coaching job. Fassel has too much of a competative fire to just walk away. & by making the decision to quit, he will be saddled with, whether it's fair or not, that he couldn't get the offense fixed here. I think he would have preferred to stick it out to see if he could fix the offense & take credit for it after the year.

[Fanman]

We can only hope that Rick Neuheisel is the replacement. God help us if it's Forrester or Billick.

FM

[camdenyard]

If he's gone, I think he quit on his own. I wouldn't want to be associated with this pathetic offense any more than necessary.

Neuheisel would step in, he was going to if Fassell left in the offseason.

I wonder if the younger Fassell leaves too.

[RavensFanIAm]

We can only hope that Rick Neuheisel is the replacement. God help us if it's Forrester or Billick.

FM


My guess is he will be. That was the reason why they brought him anyway

[ravenwoman]

The problem is the System, the playbook itself. If I were a candidate for Offensive Coordinator, I would only accept it under the condition that I could throw the current playbook in the bonfire!

Billick should call the plays, only because its HIS neck that is next on the chopping block and he might as well go down swinging.

[Ravenswarrior19]

Wow. This is crazy. Apparently (according to Skip Bayless -- probably totally off base as usual) there was nearly a locker room mutiny after the MNF Clarence Moore debacle. Fassel called the play the wrong way (no kidding). Ray and Ed were ready to revolt in support of McNair, who was simply running the play as called. Bayless says some young guy Jedd Fisch (asst. Wr/QB coach) will be named new OC.

Doubt it. Neuheisel will be OC but it'll be Billick calling plays while Neuheisel gameplans/scouts/tracks statistics

[Ravenswarrior19]

And one last thing. I have always thought Fassel stinks. We were all excited 2 years ago when he "took over" the offence. But all I could think about was the Super Bowl, when he didn't have any answers to us. I know we were great (best D ever and no one will ever change my mind). But in the big show, you have to be able to muster at least one good play. He lost his Giants team, and now he lost the Ravens. He's finished. John Elway be darned.

[RavensInBrazil]

I'm hearing that Billick will handle playcalling AND coordination

[braven98]

fired

[PARavensJeff]

No doubt he was fired, listen to what Billick said. This wasn't a mutual parting, this was Billick pulling the trigger & listening to Mason, Ogden, Jamal & a few others & cutting his friend loose. The idiots are running the insane asylum!!!!!

[Sports Steve]

This is the best thing for both Fassel and the Ravens. It wasn't going to work out. Way too many players are making noise. When a coach losses the players confidence it always turns out this way. I hope for the best for Jim Fassel.

:jester: :jester:

[highwater]

Although it was announced as a resignation, it sure sounds like a firing. Billick apparently said that it was the toughest decision he's ever had to make, which clearly makes it sound like it was his decision, not Fassel's.

And that's a shame -- these guys were friends. I'm briefly going on a non-football related thought, but will these guys still be friends after this? Should you ever hire a friend to work for you? I think not. Too many bad things can happen when you have a friend working for you.

And to get back to football, this might actually work out favorably for the Ravens. For all the bitching about Billick, what if the offense improves with him in charge of playcalling? It just might happen.

[AZRAVEN]

My thought is this came from the top, Billick is not about to be that disloyal to a coach let alone his friend. IMO this is Bisciotti tightening the noose around Billick's neck and probably is another case of SB taking orders from the players. I wonder what happens if whiney ass Jamal gets his 25 carries a game and still sucks - who will SB can then? Jim Mora said last night that Jamal just doesn't have it anymore and I agree with him. If I were Billick I would make him run every play until he got his damn 100 yards - no running to the sideline to gasp for air after every touch.
I'm sorry, I never agreed with bringing Fassel here, but letting the inmates run the assylum is absolute lunacy and will only lead to more dissension.

[Ravenswarrior19]

This has the same kinda feel as when Tony Banks was yanked for Dilfer. It's earlier in the season, and we of course haven't gone 5 weeks without a TD, but I think Billick sees it as a pre-emptive strike. Its exciting, but I'm scared to death. Fassel lost the players faith, what happens when Billick does too? Things will certainly be interesting over the bye week.

Over/Under on delay of game penalties in a loud Superdome as the staff works out all the kinks.

5?
And we thought clock management was bad before. Wait till we've used all 3 timeouts in the 1st and 3rd quarters.

[PARavensJeff]

Give him 36 carries/55 yards like James last night, then let's hear his excuse. He is done & Billick will be done at the end of the season, unless there is a miracle & his playcalling works.

[Ravenswarrior19]

John Fassel (Jim's son) was assisting on special teams. I'm assuming he's gonna leave now too. Wonder who fills his role?

[RavenScallywag]

least of our worries. Jim will probably tell him not to leave, but Frank Gansz, Jr. has been holding down the fort on ST.

[ExiledRaven]

One thing that IS good about Billick that he takes shots downfield.

You ever notice back in the day we'd be in the red zone and he'd look at Cavs with this pissed off look on his face and then you'd see a deep ball or a deep crossing play.

[GreenWave52]

Honestly I'm excited about this because i don't think we have much too lose. Fassel clearly had lost the players. No one thought this offense was doing well. Its time for Billick to put his money where his mouth is. And if he fails how much worse can we get, we are already 28th or 29th.

And if Billick can coordinate his War and Peace sized playbook into the teens of offensive production then we are a legitimate threat to go deep in the playoffs.

[bassgtrst]

What a mess.

In the post game show mason said that for the first time in his career he didnt have fun playing football.

God help us if Billick is calling the plays....

[df1570]

This was certainly a "player's decision" if you want to call it that, but in this case Brian did the only thing he could do.

Did the players have a growing amount of discontent for Fassel? Yes.

Brian could have gathered the players together and said to them, "You guys are just going to have to tough it out. Fassel is our O.C. and he's going to be here and you all need to get with the program and get on HIS agenda." Could he have done that? Yep. In fact, he already DID do that. This isn't a knee-jerk reaction. It's not a by-product of losing to Carolina. He's had players approach him before with concerns about Fassel and he's tried to smooth it over by asking the players for their faith in Fassel. Eventually, their faith ran out.

Remember, Brian was told last January by the owner to be "more attentive" to the coaching staff and the players. Over the last year or so, the players have voiced their concerns about Fassel. Brian listened.

Do you think for one minute if the players LIKED Fassel that Brian would take a chance (at 4-2 and in first place) on disrupting good locker room chemistry? Of course not.

This was a last-straw type deal.

I'm not saying it's going to work or not. The results will bear that out. I'm not a fortune teller.

But there was no other option but to remove Fassel from his duties.

You can call it "the inmates running the asylum" but that's not really true. Guys like Ogden, DMason and Jamal are GOOD guys...they're well-respected in the locker room. They're well respected by the organization. They want to win and they didn't think Fassel was helping them do that.

Either way, this is the beginning of something for Brian. He either helps turn this offense around and the team makes the playoffs - which then means it's the beginning of a new-beginning for Billick (i.e., "new contract") or it doesn't get turned around, the team collapses a la 2004 and it's the beginning of the end for him (i.e. "dismissed at season's end").

[ravenwoman]

Billick has no place to hide now. He either sinks or swims. We will see what kind of offensive "guru" he really is. I saw the press conference. Billick has that worried/scared to death look in his eyes.

I predict that if the Ravens don't make it to the SECOND round of the playoffs, then we are looking at a new coach next year.

[highwater]

You can call it "the inmates running the asylum" but that's not really true. Guys like Ogden, DMason and Jamal are GOOD guys...they're well-respected in the locker room.

I'll have to take your word for that -- Ogden has always been a good guy, but Jamal just sounds like a selfish complaining bitch, and Mason, whom I have always thought of as a real pro, sounds recently like just another complaining pain in the butt. It's hard to tell if they are venting because they really believe that what they want is best for the team, or if they are just being selfish.

[Greg]

While I haven't seen the press conference my guess is Billick was more upset about letting his long time friend go than being worried or scared. The guy is set for life, money wise and he could get a job tomorrow as an OC if not head coach. I doubt he is that scared. But hey, if he is maybe he invests himself totally into this role and develops a game plan that works a little better.

[Ravenswarrior19]

With Billick calling the shots, I see more gadget plays in our future.
Who's ready to see the WR Reverse that never works. Oh, and the
flea-flicker (worked to the tune of 2 Ints last year I believe). And the Mark Clayton WR-pass. This is gonna be interesting. :jester:

[GreenWave52]

Great post Drew. I appreciate your insight (you have access we don't) and I agree with your take. Firing the OC on a division leading 4-2 team is not a knee jerk reaction. This has been building for a long time.

[AZRAVEN]

I would never call Jamal a "good guy" or "well respected", and he has been bitching for two years. As far as Ogden and Mason are concerned I don't know if they are "good guys" or not but I do know that once players with big egos figure out they can get away with taking control it spreads and that's what has happened here. I blame Bisciotti, he put handcuffs on Billick instead of just canning him outright which is what he should have done. The players smelled blood in the water and they are swarming like sharks and it wouldn't surprise me a bit to find Ray Lewis at the bottom of it all.

[df1570]

Well AZRaven, do you "know" Jamal? Or do you just think because he's "been bitching" for two years (your words) that he immediately is disqualified as a good guy?

Is he is a straight shooter? Yes. And can that honesty be looked at as "bitching"? Probably. I haven't always approved of him speaking out to the media - but *what* he says is probably more important than in what avenue it's expressed. He's an honest player. And in a sport where a lot of players are sneaky, Jamal is exactly the opposite. What you see is what you get. He has played injured. Maybe he shouldn't have, but he has. He wants the ball. He also wants the ball in the best of times and the worst of times. He thinks he can make a difference.

Jamal IS well liked. He is well liked by the players, the coaching staff and the organization as a whole. If he would have been DISLIKED, they wouldn't have brought him back in '06.

YOU might not like him, but the bottom line is that Jamal is a well-respected veteran of the team, much like Ogden.

And when a core of veteran players - employees - speak out in unison, you would be foolish not to listen.

Like I wrote earlier, do you think Billick would have done this today if the locker room would be upset with Fassel's dismissal?

[larrylater]

The players smelled blood in the water and they are swarming like sharks and it wouldn't surprise me a bit to find Ray Lewis at the bottom of it all.
At the bottom of it all?? I know very little about sharks. Does that mean that Ray is following or leading? :nerd:

[Ravenswarrior19]

This is a very BOLD move. We are in 1st place and 7 days ago were off to a great start. Billick doesn't want to see our 4-0 start go to waste and certainly lose his job over it. Its his attempt to fix the wagon before the wheels all fall off. And it takes balls to put yourself solely in the crosshairs like he is doing.

You can call it letting the players run the team - or you can call it doing every last thing possible to keep your team together and fighting to the end.

[df1570]

Rather than speculate on what's down the road - since none of us really know - how about putting yourself in Billick's shoes and offer some insight into what you think he should have done (if you are opposed to Fassel's firing).

You guys (and gals...sorry!) can get a head start on tomorrow morning's show on WNST by giving your input to this question:

If you DON'T think firing Fassel was the right move...what should Billick have done differently?...armed with the information he has that Fassel's offense has been unproductive and that his players have mounting concerns about their respective roles and the play calling.

That will be our topic tomorrow morning...I look forward to reading some early answers here on 24x7.

DF

[ExiledRaven]

I think in order to win the clubhouse back, firing Fassel is the quickest fix and I think Billick's wanted to play the prototypical HC and let the OC and DC do their job.

I also think some players need to take a look in the mirror. Play-calling can never be perfect.

Jamal, no matter the fact about number of carries, needs to watch film of himself. I don't think critics were wrong in lambasting him for being soft in Denver.

Mason's missed some passes, the sure touchdown for one.
Ray got dragged for 5 yards by Tatum bell.

I could keep going.

It's simple that the team the way it is right now had already decided it was never going to buy into whatever Fassel was going to do on offense.

Billick had to make a change, and if Fassel was actually fired, that implies to me that Billick did about everything he could to reconcile both sides.

Now we need better strategy from Billick and better performance from players moving forward. You can't entirely fault guys like both Lewis' and Mason, they really want to win, they want more out of this game than the paycheck.

Time to show everyone what you're made of Baltimore Ravens and Brian Billick. If things don't change, everyone's going under the bus, not just a coach.

I apologize for the long answer :taz:

[larrylater]

If you DON'T think firing Fassel was the right move...what should Billick have done differently?...armed with the information he has that Fassel's offense has been unproductive and that his players have mounting concerns about their respective roles and the play calling.


Drew, the way that question is phrased, firing Fassel seems like the prudent thing to do and I have no beef with it. The bigger problem though, is that we've had no passing game under Billick ever. The offense not carrying it's weight is by no means a new situation, it's been the case since Billick walked in the door. That's why people are disgusted. We did at least have a running game before Fassel took over though so let's see where this leads. I am happy about one thing: Billick is right there, front and center now - with a lot of talent at the skill positions. If he succeeds, we all win, if not, it's time to give someone else a shot.

[PARavensJeff]

Read Don Banks story at SI, he talks about how Billick & Fassel never meshed or had the chemistry working. The decision was made last night after Billick & Fassel had a meeting. Great article by Banks.

With some of the things that have come out, Billick didn't have a choice & had to fire Fassel. There are rumors of a mutiny or other player revolt after the Denver game. I don't know if that's true, but after some of the things seen on Sunday, JO again jawing w/ Billick, Mason making the comment about football not being fun, & Jamal asking why he wasn't getting the ball & was out of the game, rumors of Ray & Reed making comments.

Like him or not, Billick has now stepped up & it's all in his hands. After his public dressing down by Bisciotti last year, he knows it's now or never & he's going down with a fight. He will control as much of his destiny as he can. That said, it's time to put up or shut up. There have been rumors he was making play calling decisions & Fassel & he have butted heads since last year about playcalling & Billick thinking that Fassel was setting himself up to take Billick's job if he was fired at the end of last year. This is why you don't go into business w/ family or friends.

When Billick arrived we heard all the titles & tags given to him, & the Ravens ran ads in The Sun with a picture of Billick with a modem plug on his forehead & telling fans to plug in to Brian Billick. We heard he had a playbook with 8,000 - 12,000 plays in it on his laptop. In Billick's almost 8 years here, I don't think he has scratched the surface with the all these supposed plays.

Billick did what he had to do now we have to sit back & see what happens & then make our comments.

[df1570]

Larry...I understand your point.

All I was asking is if you don't think he should have fired Fassel, what should Brian have done instead?

That's all.

[RAVENOUS52]

Unfortunate that this has happened... Back during the last game of the 6-10 season versus Miami I was down on the sideline and happened to talk to Jim Fassel during warmups...He hadn't yet made the decision to stay with the Ravens as OC, but I could tell from the responses he gave to my questions that he liked being in B-more with his best pal Billick...

Two seasons removed and sans significant offensive improvement, I guess the axe had to be dropped on somebody's neck...

Fassel just happened to be the sacrificial lamb.

[larrylater]

Larry...I understand your point.

All I was asking is if you don't think he should have fired Fassel, what should Brian have done instead?

That's all.

Cool. I'm just sitting back waiting for WWIII when someone suggests a change at QB instead. :laugh:

[ExiledRaven]

I think the truth is clear now.

Read these two articles:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/don_banks/10/17/fassel/index.html
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2629319

So what's happening basically is that we're running Billick's offense but he's having Fassel call the plays.

Most coordinators have the HC reach in there and I know I personally, would generally like deference if I were an OC.

Billick will never defer this year, he's on the hot seat, so he's going to do everything in his power to make sure that whatever happens, he did the best thing he could or the best thing happened.

I don't think there is anything else that could be done here. I also have a gut feeling that Fassel wanted to play Boller just by the playcalls....but I am probably just being some loser conspiracy theorist :rolling:

[ribasaurus]

A quote from the Don Banks article points all this back to Stevie B. With the b'slapping that Brian took early in the year - it is clear that Steve is big on his people taking input from their subordinates (like an OC listening to a Pro Bowl reciever about getting the ball vertical to stretch the defense).

I paraphrase....

the Ravens source said. "... But I do know that Brian didn't want this to happen”

Doesn't sound like Brian's decision to me..

[AZRAVEN]

Well AZRaven, do you "know" Jamal? Or do you just think because he's "been bitching" for two years (your words) that he immediately is disqualified as a good guy?

Is he is a straight shooter? Yes. And can that honesty be looked at as "bitching"? Probably. I haven't always approved of him speaking out to the media - but *what* he says is probably more important than in what avenue it's expressed. He's an honest player. And in a sport where a lot of players are sneaky, Jamal is exactly the opposite. What you see is what you get. He has played injured. Maybe he shouldn't have, but he has. He wants the ball. He also wants the ball in the best of times and the worst of times. He thinks he can make a difference.

Jamal IS well liked. He is well liked by the players, the coaching staff and the organization as a whole. If he would have been DISLIKED, they wouldn't have brought him back in '06.

YOU might not like him, but the bottom line is that Jamal is a well-respected veteran of the team, much like Ogden.

And when a core of veteran players - employees - speak out in unison, you would be foolish not to listen.

Like I wrote earlier, do you think Billick would have done this today if the locker room would be upset with Fassel's dismissal?

No, I do not "know" Jamal Lewis or any other Raven for that matter, from your heated defense of him I assume you do so I will apologize for offending your friend. It doesn't change my opinion one bit, I got my fill of his whiney, spoiled brat act last year when he sulked and dogged it the entire year. If that is the kind of player you like so be it but I don't consider a player like that to be either honest or a straight shooter.
As to whether Fassel's dismissal would have happened had the players been upset about it, again I can't say but my belief is that it would have because I don't seriously believe it was Billick's decision to make.

[flraven]

A quote from the Don Banks article points all this back to Stevie B. With the b'slapping that Brian took early in the year - it is clear that Steve is big on his people taking input from their subordinates (like an OC listening to a Pro Bowl reciever about getting the ball vertical to stretch the defense).

I paraphrase....

the Ravens source said. "... But I do know that Brian didn't want this to happen”

Doesn't sound like Brian's decision to me..

While I initially thought that SB was behind the move to relieve Fassel, according to the Ravens, Billick made his decision and then went and told Bisciotti, Cass and the others. The story is on their website:

http://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/article.jsp?id=13400

But in keeping with Steve B.'s experience in the corporate world, perhaps he's used to (and benefited from) getting advice from the workers on how to best capitalize on certain assets and abilities? So maybe that's where he's telling Brian to listen to his players, maybe they've got some valid points.

[RavenTD]

So what's happening basically is that we're running Billick's offense but he's having Fassel call the plays.

Bingo Exiled.Things are not going to change that much with Fassel
gone,it will be the same offense,but it will just be diferent calls in different situations.

Matt and Jim danced to the beat of one drum.BB's.Prepare for more of the same.

[df1570]

Well, you proved my point, AZRaven.

I don't consider Jamal my "friend". I only know him through my work in the media and through a circle of "associates" that I trust. So you're not offending me at all if you don't like him. But people that I trust who are close to him and do know him vouch for him and that's good enough for me. Players vouch for him. Coaches vouch for him. Ozzie vouches for him. Enough said.

But you proved my point nonetheless.

You don't know Jamal.

[flraven]

Bingo Exiled.Things are not going to change that much with Fassel
gone,it will be the same offense,but it will just be diferent calls in different situations.

Matt and Jim danced to the beat of one drum.BB's.Prepare for more of the same.


You're right on there. Didn't we hear BB always say that the play-calling fell on him and not Cavanaugh? So we shouldn't bash Cavanaugh? I would guess that both MC and JF submitted game plans that BB had to approve each week, and also had to run their play ideas by him before they went into the huddle.

So, I guess we'll find out whether just how good the Offensive Guru is. For all our sakes, I hope it turns out well.

[Mista T]

Billick has panicked. It's a desparation move. He sees the handwriting on the wall if something doesn't change: 4-4 in two and a half weeks. At that time, Billick could face a midseason shitcanning, although hopefully Bisciotti lets the season play out.

Sad situation. :bag: It was so promising just 1 1/2 weeks ago. :mad:

:T2:

[RavenTD]

The rug has really been pulled out from under Billicks feet.His mind is slipping,
[not surprising with all the pressure he is under] is that time out screw up,just the tip of the iceberg?

Oz and Biscuit took big chunks out of BB's ego,when he was fighting for his job.Billick is on the edge,he is in damage limitation control right now.
How the team comes out and plays from here on out,will indicate if Billick is the Head coach of the Ravens for 07 obviously.

I got to agree with alot of people,Billicks message & approach has gotten old and stale around here.

[Greg]

I don't think it is a desparation move. Doing nothing would have indicated an inability to act. The troops obviously had no confidence in the colonel, so the general had to do something.

[AZRAVEN]

Well, you proved my point, AZRaven.

I don't consider Jamal my "friend". I only know him through my work in the media and through a circle of "associates" that I trust. So you're not offending me at all if you don't like him. But people that I trust who are close to him and do know him vouch for him and that's good enough for me. Players vouch for him. Coaches vouch for him. Ozzie vouches for him. Enough said.

But you proved my point nonetheless.

You don't know Jamal.

So be it, I never said or implied that I knew him. But like other fans I make my judgements based on what I see on the field. His "friends" are in a better position to know him, of course, friends of famous athletes do tend to be a bit biased in that regard. :thumbup:

[Tspot-D-Ravenator]

If I were Brian Billick and wanted to save my job, I would have kept Jim Fassel around to the end of the year as a scape-goat in case this season would have failed!!! I believe Billick has a TON of guts for letting go of his best friend:thumbup:

[highwater]

Billick has panicked. It's a desparation move. He sees the handwriting on the wall if something doesn't change: 4-4 in two and a half weeks. At that time, Billick could face a midseason shitcanning, although hopefully Bisciotti lets the season play out.

Interesting point of view, but I disagree with all of it. The Ravens won't be 4-4 in two weeks (IMO, of course), and even if they were, Bisciotti would not fire Billick, unless Bisciotti wants to look like a liar, since he has gone on record saying he would never fire a head coach during the season. I freely admit I don't know what lead to this dismal, but I don't think it was Billick panicking.

[ribasaurus]

Clearly we'll have to go back and look at the tape of the press conference so that there is no ambiguity as to who zigged and who zagged.

Jim coached with a certain physicality and athleticism and now that he has moved on, it does not preclude Brian from developing a swagger on the offense.

I don't want to bee too theoretical here or too professorial, but these circumstances will ostensibly give us something to draw from and we will move forward from here.

[ribasaurus]

But seriously - what has Fassel brought to the table over the past 2+ years? A handful of flea flickers, more snaps out of the shotgun, more play action and a little more creativity that Cavanaugh.

That being said - its not rocket science. As Ray always says "Its just Football". I say we give the young man ;) a shot and let him succeed or sink with the ship. I don't know that we have more option than to just show up on Sunday and make some noise (for 60 MINUTES all you losers that left early last week)

[purplepoe]

I am thrilled at this move.

Fassel did absolutely nothing that helped this offense and the players knew it. This team is 4-2 and still has a good shot of making the playoffs. But everyone knows that's not going to happen with the state of the offense.

And Drew has hit the nail on the head here. Im sure he could care less but I do believe his post regarding how the players that are being talked about are viewed by the team.

The players aren't running the asylum here. They are vets who see another season going down the shitter. Whine about Jamal all you want. He is being ASKED these questions and is answering them honestly. He's not holding a press conference bitching about not getting the ball. He's getting peppered after a game where he had 9 carries for 41 yds including a 17 yarder that almost went for a TD. Then he doesn't sniff the ball the rest of the game? Pure bullshit.

And what did Mike Anderson do when he was in? NOTHING.

Ogden is sick of it. Mason is sick of it. These guys are on the wrong side of 30 and don't feel like having another season wasted.

Look for more looks with a fullback in front of Jamal. It's what they should've been doing for the last 2 years. Fassel refused to realize that Jamal isn't Tiki Barber. That H-back bullshit must go. If Billick runs it, then he's digging his own grave.

This is most definitely a bold move. And a move that needed to be made.

The bye week will help in a big way. Whether you like it or not, the players were leaving for some off days with not much life. This should be a shot in the arm.

It's all on Billick now. Put up or shut up.

PP

[Ravenswarrior19]

Just throwin' this out there...
Cut Clarence Moore (again) and resign ALAN RICARD!
(ummm, is he healthy)

If you watch the Denver game again, take a look at Justin Green trying to lead block. He treats Al Wilson as if Al has a forcefield around him, or maybe Al was invisible that night.

[RavenHusker]

Finally! Coach Billick is putting the offense in his hands. He was hired for this job because he was an outstanding offensive coordinator! I feel it is about time he gets back to his roots and gets the Baltimore Offense out the cellar that they have been in for the last few years. I for one can appreciate the fact that the head coach will be calling the shots on offense. Let's give the guy some props for doing what he has done, at least now we will finally be able to put all the praise or all the blame on one man.

GO RAVENS!!!:thumbup:

[PARavensJeff]

[QUOTE=Ravenswarrior19;14373]Just throwin' this out there...
Cut Clarence Moore (again) and resign ALAN RICARD!
(ummm, is he healthy)

Is Ricard available, I thought he signed w/ the Bills after we cut him

[ExiledRaven]

They cut him too. I'm too lazy to find a link.

Be careful before you get too optimistic. It's always been Billick's offense. We'll see if player imput and different playcalling improves things.

We've got a nice break and wait...here's to hoping something changes.

[PARavensJeff]

Check out http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm

The dismissal of Fassel goes back to last offseason when the Ravens hoped he would get a HC job, which didn't happen, so they could be rid of him. After that didn't work, they decided to make Kyle the short term scapegoat for the offensive woes. Read the story & you'll see this has Bisciotti's fingerprints on it. The decision to dump Fassel was made weeks ago, but Billick decided to hold off until the bye week to make the transition easier.

Read down a couple stories & there is another story about different versions of Fassel's dismissal have come to light & how Fassel was never allowed to implement his own offense, the Ravens are still using Billick's offense he brought over in 99 from Minnesota.

Interesting stuff

[flraven]

I thought that one of the reasons the Ravens signed Mike Anderson was to play fullback at times, throwing blocks for Jamal like Ricard used to do. Maybe Billick will try that combo for a bit.

[sailorsam]

1) I'm sure this was BB's decision, not Stevie Ray's.
2) I think he was reluctant, but that it was forced upon him by circumstance and results, not pressure from higher-up. in sports you gotta do what you gotta do. Earl Weaver never got over having to send a pinch hitter up for Boog Powell. the only alternative is to go down with a team full of players in their mid 30s that have all lost a step and can't compete any more.
3) it's hard to distinguish between whining and legitimate complaining; I wouldn't want a bunch of paycheck players that don't care about win/lose. these guys are professionals, and they know they only have so many years to win something.
4) if the Ravens average 24+ points the next few weeks and go, say, 5-3, BB will have been proven right. win or lose, it's Billick's now. I'm sure he figures, if he goes down, it'll be his way & and he's gonna do everything he can to control the situation.
I'm thinking this is a good decision.