Will the Offense Look Any Different?

[highwater]

Now that Billick is in charge of the playcalling for the first time since the late 90s, here's a question -- will the offense actually look any different? It seems like a lot of us, maybe most of us, don't think so. When Fassel was let go, I read a lot of "It's still Billick's offense, it won't be any different."

Well, I don't pretend to know, but I'm hopeful that the offense will look a little different, at least in terms of the playcalling. If the rumors about Fassel not putting in a lot of hours are true, then I think that Billick will have spent a lot more time in specific game-planning than Fassel did. And he's had two weeks to do it, thanks to the bye. So hopefully the offense might be more likely to attack the Saints' defense weaknesses than under Fassel.

I think it will be interesting to watch.

[FellsPointRaven]

I don't see our offense changing dramatically at all. The modus operandi should still be to pound the rock, as that is who we are and how we are built. What I do hope to see is better execution of plays by the offensive personnel. The apparent lack of effort put in by Fassel with the players in taking them through certain plays and schemes, if true, would certainly explain a lot of our lack of productivity thus far.

Hopefully we'll simply become more effective at what we've always tried to do - control the clock with the ground game and operate an efficient passing game.

[AZRAVEN]

No, I'm not expecting to see anything much different. I think I've read several offensive players comment that they aren't changing much. That being the case, I have to wonder why the change was made. I must admit I was hoping for a change from Jamal and his one yard in a cloud of dust.

[Merlin]

I'll go on record as saying that the offense is going to take a SIGNIFICANT step up due to Billick taking over -- minimum of 25% points more a game if not more. We end up being in the middle tier of offenses -- can't get in the upper tier with this o-line. Major cause is execution and Billick being willing to do what it takes -- read bench Jamal if he doesn't produce.

I think everyone underestimates Billick and we'll see the difference starting this Sunday .

[RAVENOUS52]

I think the difference with Billick directly behind the controls will be our propensity to go for the deep pass at unpredictable moments, not necessarily dictated by down and distance...Jamal WILL have a big day as well, IMHO...

[POPSinPA]

The end around will be back. I also look for them to get the ball into Claytons hands more and let him make stuff happen. Yes BB will go vertical, I just hope McNoodle can throw it that far without floating it.

[lance1086]

I actually do. He's apparently simpling things down. And also spending more time with the offense than he ever has, since being here in Baltimore. He did something right in Minnesota, but hasn't had near that sort of control hear in Baltimore... ever. Obviously that was his choice, but nonetheless, it's true.

Also, the players are excited, and have this "new beginning" about them. Whether there's reason behind the excitement, or not, they already have a mental edge over what they had just a few weeks ago.

So again, Billick is obviously spending much more time going over this offense with them, and with the talent on that side of the ball, I do expect results. It might not be IMMEDIATE, but i would expect it within the next 2 to 3 weeks.

[Ravskins]

I don't know if the offense will change but there has been plenty that Fassel has tinkered with. The offense is not the same as Cavanaugh's offense. He added back the pre-snap motion, he went away with the FB, installing the H back, zone blocking schemes (I don't know if Fassel or if Foerster changed but changed noneoftheless). I believe he moved Jamal up from 7yds to 5yds in the backfield. I alot has changed since he has been here.

The question will be what does Billick do with these plays. Will he revert back to Cavanaughs offensive game plans/sets or will he keep the same plays that Fassel ran but call it differently. It's going to be interesting regardless.

I hope that Billick hits the nail on the head and focus on our strengths. I am dissappointed that we have gone a little away from trying to get Clayton the ball like we did at the end of last year. It was fun watching the offense and I hope we get back to it. Also, if Jamal is gonna be the feature back let him have his FB if it is gonna improve his performance.

We'll see.

[jonboy79]

. I believe he moved Jamal up from 7yds to 5yds in the backfield.

Also, if Jamal is gonna be the feature back let him have his FB if it is gonna improve his performance.


That first part makes me very curious. Is it true? If so, change it back, Jamal needs a head of steam and a hole that's already open. As well I agree we need to see Mughelli in their pounding away at LB's to give Jamal a little more clearance.

[FadeToBlack]

What is the one constant in Baltimore's offense over the last 7 years of ineptitude?

If you can answer that question truthfully, then you might be closer to answering the question of "Will the offense look any different?"

[sailorsam]

I hope Merlin is right. I hear a lot of 'it can't possibly get worse', which unfortunately is true. I'm sorry Jamal is unhappy, but Billick's going to have to put Musa in soon.
question; was hiring Fassel a mistake in the first place???

[PurpleRulz]

The offense will look different if these players go out and execute the plays.

[FadeToBlack]

I don't buy that excuse for a second about the execution. Even if they executed the plays perfectly on every snap, the sheer predictability of the offense would still render their efforts completely useless, and here's why.

How often do the Ravens take shots down the field?

Answer: not often

How predictable is your offense when you don't even throw 20 yards down the field?

Answer: very

Also, let's not forget the biggest problem on the offense is the offensive line.

Are we really supposed to believe that Mike Flynn, Edwin Multitalo (before the injury) and Jon Ogden all of a sudden just stopped executing immediately after they paved Jamal's path for the 2nd highest rushing output in NFL history? Ha! Let's face it, either these guys are getting old or the line coaching has taken a nosedive since Foerster took over in '04. I fail to see any other reason why these 3 players would suddenly pull a David Copperfield act if it isn't for father time or a change in line coaching.

And as for Jason Brown, Keydrick Vincent and Tony Pashos, when have these guys ever proven to be good NFL starters? Perhaps Brown has hope, but just because they're younger doesn't mean they're any good. At least Flynn, Mulitalo and Ogden used to be good - or even dominant. But we're supposed to believe these younger guys aren't executing, despite the fact that a once-dominant threesome of Ogden, Mulitalo and Flynn also can't execute?

[AZRAVEN]

I don't understand why the fact that BIllick is going to be the OC will make the players execute any better. They are professionals, presumably they know their job so why would it make them any better for Billick to be calling plays? I certainly hope to see improvement but I just don't know why I would expect it. Since Ricard is gone do we have a really good FB to enable Jamal to succeed?

[Tspot-D-Ravenator]

I don't understand why the fact that BIllick is going to be the OC will make the players execute any better. They are professionals, presumably they know their job so why would it make them any better for Billick to be calling plays? I certainly hope to see improvement but I just don't know why I would expect it. Since Ricard is gone do we have a really good FB to enable Jamal to succeed?

Your ALWAYS soooo positive AZ:261695:

[PurpleRulz]

I don't buy that excuse for a second about the execution. Even if they executed the plays perfectly on every snap, the sheer predictability of the offense would still render their efforts completely useless, and here's why.

How often do the Ravens take shots down the field?

Answer: not often

How predictable is your offense when you don't even throw 20 yards down the field?

Answer: very

Also, let's not forget the biggest problem on the offense is the offensive line.

Are we really supposed to believe that Mike Flynn, Edwin Multitalo (before the injury) and Jon Ogden all of a sudden just stopped executing immediately after they paved Jamal's path for the 2nd highest rushing output in NFL history? Ha! Let's face it, either these guys are getting old or the line coaching has taken a nosedive since Foerster took over in '04. I fail to see any other reason why these 3 players would suddenly pull a David Copperfield act if it isn't for father time or a change in line coaching.

And as for Jason Brown, Keydrick Vincent and Tony Pashos, when have these guys ever proven to be good NFL starters? Perhaps Brown has hope, but just because they're younger doesn't mean they're any good. At least Flynn, Mulitalo and Ogden used to be good - or even dominant. But we're supposed to believe these younger guys aren't executing, despite the fact that a once-dominant threesome of Ogden, Mulitalo and Flynn also can't execute?


1. Ogden, Mulitalo, and Flynn helped Jamal to the "second highest rushing output" how many years ago? It is called getting older.

2. How many passes have McNair overthrown or underthrown to Mason, Heap and Clayton?

3. Getting back to Jamal, when he rushed for over 2,000 yards, many of his yards came after the initial point of contact. In other words, Jamal would break tackles and in some instances just run over defenders. He is no longer doing this.

Is the offense as vanilla as ice cream? Of course it is, however it was good enough for us to score over 20 offensive points in each of our first two games. It is the lack of execution that causes that TD pass to bounce off of Mason's chest in the endzone. McNair underthrowing Clayton in that Denver game that led to an INT is lack of execution. The OL not opening holes and not pass protecting has nothing to do with "systems or schemes." It has to do with execution (and yes, talent which you pointed out).

Bottomline, you guys lean on schemes and systems, as an excuse, so much that some of you don't understand what you are saying. The Colts may have various looks, but you know what they are going to do most often: pass the ball. The thing is that very few teams can stop Manning and his offense, bcause he and Harrison are difficult to stop due to their excellence in execution.

Teams not respecting our ability to deep pass has zero to do with the system. It has to do with McNair not being able to pass the ball for more than 30 yards, and Boller being so erratic with his deep passes. It has to do with Jamal Lewis "dancing with the stars" instead of running them over as well as the OL not giving time nor holes to set anything up.

Very simple.

[RavenDavey]

I think the difference with Billick directly behind the controls will be our propensity to go for the deep pass at unpredictable moments, not necessarily dictated by down and distance...Jamal WILL have a big day as well, IMHO...

I agree with this statement. What is even better is that the Saints can't even study any game film with BB's offense other than the basics. With the players having "input" and a rejuvenated mindset for the offense, I look for a big game from the O, and I'm extremely optimistic about our RAVENS!

[52decleetzu]

I'll go on record as saying that the offense is going to take a SIGNIFICANT step up due to Billick taking over -- minimum of 25% points more a game if not more. We end up being in the middle tier of offenses -- can't get in the upper tier with this o-line. Major cause is execution and Billick being willing to do what it takes -- read bench Jamal if he doesn't produce.

I think everyone underestimates Billick and we'll see the difference starting this Sunday .

I right with you,I think all the Billick haters are going to be eating some crow real soon.