Mystery of Brian Billick

In 1998, Brian Billick was the offensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings, who scored more points in a season than anyother team in NFL history. The high flying Vikes had Randall Cunningham throwing bombs all over the place to Cris Carter, Jake Reed, and some rookie named Randy Moss. Billick was heralded as an offensive genious, and was quickly hired as the Baltimore Ravens' head coach that offseason. Despite winning a Super Bowl in his second year, Billick has never brought his offensive prowess to Baltimore. Even that Super Bowl team had a stretch of five games in which they were unable to score a touchdown. That team won because it had one of the best defenses of all-time.

Last night's performance vs. Pittsburgh was symbolic of how the Ravens' offense has been under Billick. They cannot move the ball a lick in the big spot, and have become a turnover factory. The defense has clearly taken a step backward, and cannot overcome big offensive mistakes. Clearly Steve McNair is aged, and not the MVP type quarterback he was all those years in Tennessee. You can blame his injuries if you want, but got hurt a lot during his best years. The quarterback position has been a big problem for Baltimore. Tony Banks, Trent Dilfer, Elvis Grbac, Jeff Blake, and Kyle Boller are the other starters Billick has had during his tenure. McNair is the best quarterback Baltimore has had under Billick, and even he could only muster up 6 points in the AFC Divisional Game vs. Indianapolis last year.

But is it really the quarterback position? Billick's Vikings scored 556 points in 1998, but over his eight years in Baltimore none of his teams have been able to reach 400 (average 25pts a game). That includes the 2003 season when Jamal Lewis ran for 2,066 yards (2nd alltime). So fans can blame the quarterback all they want, but Billick's offensive mind has been exposed for what it really is in Baltimore. He clearly got lucky in Minnesota having a strong armed Cunningham who could carve up defenses hurling ropes to Moss and co. In my opinion, Billick will be on the hot seat if this team doesn't turn it around. After a 13-3 season, they have been a huge disappointment this season. He has had great defenses to cover up his inept offenses, but this year, Billick is being exposed for what he really is.

By the way, is there any coach in football with a bigger ego? The man clearly loves himself too much.

Pat Morgan