Channeling Brian Billick

The departed voice of Brian Billick must have been echoing through the Castle last week. From the conservative game plan to the quarterback play to the 91 penalty yards, yesterday's 13-10 loss to the Titans reeked of Billick's remains. Blame the ref's all you'd like for the personal foul call on Terrell Suggs in the 4th quarter on 3rd and 10 with 5:53 remaining. Clearly it was a bad call. But the point is that the imploding Titans pulled themselves together long enough to drive down the field for the game winning touchdown. The Ravens defense was nowhere to be found on that last drive. Since none of us are mind readers, we have to assume that the Ravens could not mentally rebound from that horrible call. They got no pressure on the statue known as Kerry Collins. The tight end was open on nearly every play. The Ravens fell apart. Even Frank Walker, Mr. Dumb Penalty himself, can't be the scapegoat for this one. He actually played well once Fabian Washington left the game with an apparent wrist injury. This is the type of loss we've come to expect under former coach Brian Billick. It became clear yesterday that John Harbaugh's brand of discipline, team play concept and mental toughness have not yet undone the years of Brian Billick's anything goes mentality. If this keeps up, expect a roster overhaul in the off season. Harbaugh wants smart football players who won't let their emotions get the best of them. Joe Flacco, Harbaugh's first ever draft pick, exemplifies these qualities. While he showed us all how much of a rookie he truly is, enough can't be said for his poise after making a mistake. Yesterday was the first time he's made the same mistake multiple times in a game. Both of his interceptions (although it should have been three) came on bootlegs to the right. Flacco will learn to throw the ball away in those situations and not try to do too much. Even still, he displayed leadership in the huddle on each and every possession. The Ravens travel to Indianapolis next Sunday in the first must win game of the season, since the Steelers beat Jacksonville last night to improve their division lead. Despite Pittsburgh's multiple injuries, they keep finding ways to win. The same can be said for the Colts who have mastered the 4th quarter comeback this season. This does not bode well for Flacco's flock because giving away games late has been the Ravens m.o. Following the game against the Colts, the Ravens have four potentially winnable games before the schedule gets dangerous: at Miami, home against Oakland, at Cleveland and at Houston. Harbaugh needs to pull this team together and come up with a big win in Indy to keep hope alive for players and fans alike. It's too early to lower expectations? until at least next Sunday afternoon.