My cousin Dewey is a Native of Baltimore and also a big Ravens fan. He writes his own Ravens blog and so we decided to exchange a Q & A about each others teams in preparation for this Sunday’s game. Below is our discussion about the Ravens. Stay tuned to BlogimoreRavens.com to see what I had to say about the Dolphins.
Ted: What has been the biggest reason for the Ravens lack of success this year and more specifically the current seven game losing streak?
Dewey: Baltimore's disappointing season started with the team's success last year. They overachieved with 13-3. They avoided injuries, caught some lucky breaks, and won a few games they had no business winning. Add Willis McGahee to the mix, and everyone starts talking Super Bowl.
But the injury bug hit hard, starting with DE Trevor Pryce. Without him, there is no pass rush, and with both of Baltimore's starting corners (Rolle and McAlister) missing significant time this year, no pass rush = bad news.
Also, Billick is terrible at play calling and clock management, and the Ravens schedule this year was more challenging than it was last year. Back-to-back-to-back featuring San Diego, New England and Indianapolis.
Ted: What are the attitudes of the team and fans going into this game? Do they feel somewhat nervous trying to avoid being labeled, "That team that lost to the 0-13 Dolphins or are they just confident they will go about their business and end their losing streak.
Dewey: The fact that owner Steve Bisciotti today leaked word that Billick will be back next year is not good news. Fans and players like Billick personally, but no one has any faith in him as a head coach.
Neither the team nor its fans are confident. Everyone is embarrassed. That said, I don't expect them to lay down and die. They will play hard this weekend and for the rest of the season. Maybe they'll take a week off when they're on the road against the Seahawks next week, but they don't want to lose to Miami, and they definitely don't ever want to lose to Pittsburgh.
Ted: Is their a possibility of seeing Troy Smith in this game, regardless of the score? How do fans feel about him and Boller and should they be drafting a QB in April?
Dewey: Now that Billick can breathe more easily knowing that he'll be back next year, I would be shocked if we don't see Troy Smith for a series or two (or more) this weekend.
Many fans love Boller as a backup in Baltimore, but very few of us think he is a starter (and there are certainly plenty of people who loathe him no matter what his role is). But I'm comfortable going into next season with Boller at the helm. I don't want Baltimore to draft a QB in April, at least not in the first round. I'd rather have them draft defense (CB, DE).
Ted: Finally, How do you think this game will go, and who will win?
Dewey: Baltimore's secondary is out. Todd Heap is out. The pass rush is gone. The confidence is shot. The coach is terrible. But Willis McGahee is still pretty good. Unfortunately, I don't think it will be enough. Dolphins win.
Wow, I’m surprised that he picked Miami to win, but I do know what it is like to lack confidence in your favorite team. I would have to agree that the tough schedule and Billick’s bad game management are the most to blame for the slide. Also, they have been unlucky (the Browns’ field goal that may have been illegally reviewed and the Patriots last drive with the 4th down stops nullified). We’ll see what is in store Sunday afternoon. I think whichever team ends up with the +2 or better turnover margin will win.
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