Ravens Approach Marty Schottenheimer

It has been reported that the Baltimore Ravens recently spoke with NFL coach Marty Schottenheimer about joining their franchise as head coach. "There's been some discussion but nothing substantive," stated a representative for Schottenheimer. This is an excellent move made by Baltimore. He is definitely the best replacement available for Brian Billick, ex-coach for the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens need a strong coach to lead them. Veteran Schottenheimer fits the bill. He led the San Diego Chargers last season to a 14-2 record. They lost in their first playoff game against the New England Patriots thanks to multiple fumbles as well as other mistakes made on the field. If picked up by Baltimore, Schottenheimer will prove to be an invaluable asset. He has the experience and knowledge of building a team's offense around star running backs (LaDainian Tomlinson for the Chargers) which will prove to be an essential skill for the Ravens. The Ravens' lackluster offense has only one bright side, that being running back Willis McGahee. By applying the techniques and methods he used while at San Diego in making Tomlinson a fearsome weapon, Schottenheimer can similarly turn McGahee into Baltimore's own LT. As coach for the Ravens, Schottenheimer will prove to be the catalyst necessary for restoring a stagnant team and propelling them to the playoffs and beyond.

Teams Shakeup Coaches, Front Office

Yesterday, both the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins fired managers and coaches in their attempt to rebuild their broken teams for next year's season. Coach Brian Billick and defensive coordinator Rex Ryan were dismissed by the Baltimore Ravens who finished this season 5-11. This is a sorry end for Billick who had great success in Baltimore. In his second year coaching for Baltimore in 2001, he led the Ravens to a Super Bowl victory. He also led the Ravens to a franchise best record of 13-3 in 2006. However, these successes were marred by this year's failure. There were great expectations for the Ravens who had arguably the best defense in the league and a potentially powerful offense thanks to the addition of Willis McGahee. However, these expectations proved to be uncalled for as the Ravens ended their season 5-11. It is hard to expect much from the Ravens for next season as the team will be going through a reorganization of the coaching staff. Just look at the Chargers who had their own coaching shakeup this season. The team suffered in the beginning of the season, although they did pick it up towards the end of the regular season. Expect something similar from the Ravens. They will most likely play poorly in the beginning of next season, but will be a stronger contender towards the end of the season.

The Miami Dolphins were also shaken up when new executive vice president of football operations Bill Parcells fired general manager Randy Mueller as well as other members of the player personnel staff. The future of first year coach Carn Cameron is also uncertain. All of this is necessary for the Dolphins, who are the eight team ever to finish 1-15. Expect better things from the Dolphins next season. Miami will have the top draft pick as well as two second round choices. This gives the franchise a huge opportunity to pick up team changing players. Also, with Big Tuna virtually running the Dolphins and cleaning up the staff, Miami will have better, more competent personnel to lead the team. Despite the bright future foreseen for the Dolphins, there will be some growing pains. The Dolphins, however, will come out of this rebuilding process a much stronger team as well as a dangerous playoff contender.

Brian Billick Still Loves Rodney Harrison

According to ESPN:

Brian Billick isn't a kiss-and-tell guy, so fans who watched the exchange between the Baltimore Ravens' coach and Rodney Harrison Monday night may never know exactly what the Patriots veteran strong safety said to provoke one of the funniest moments of the season.

Harrison

Billick

But league officials apparently have some idea.

Lost amid the $70,000 in fines levied against four Ravens players for their actions and comments during and after the Monday night loss to the Patriots -- including a fine of $25,000 for linebacker Bart Scott, who drew two unsportsmanlike conduct fouls, and heaved an official's penalty flag into the stands -- was a fine of $5,000 levied against Harrison.

The 14-year veteran was cited by the NFL for taunting the Ravens following a fourth-quarter interception by Patriots free safety James Sanders on a deep pass by Kyle Boller that quashed a Baltimore scoring drive.

On Sanders' return to near-midfield, Harrison was blocking. When the play ended, he was near the Ravens sideline. Television cameras did not show Harrison saying anything, but they did catch the reaction from Billick, who sarcastically blew three kisses in the direction of the safety.

The replay of Billick was shown repeatedly in the days following the game.

"He said a few things about me, Kyle [Boller], and my team and I just want him to know first, we love you Rodney, and secondly you can kiss my back side," Billick said. "But, I don't take offense to what Rodney did and I hope he doesn't misinterpret my gestures, because he's not that good-looking a guy."

One of the most heavily sanctioned players in recent league history, Harrison has been fined more than a quarter-million dollars in his career. He also forfeited $470,588 of his $2 million base salary this season when he was suspended for the first four games of the year for a violation of the league's steroid and related-substances policy.