OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- Mired in the worst skid in franchise
history, the last-place Baltimore Ravens have little left to play
for this season.
The playoffs are out of reach, reaching .500 is a long shot and
there are few attainable personal goals left for those healthy
enough to go full tilt.
It's a sad situation for a team that expected to be playing well
into January. At this point, the Ravens' final significant game is
their next one, at home against the unbeaten New England Patriots.
"Monday night against the best team -- not even arguably -- in
the league right now," coach Brian Billick said Monday.
"Everybody wants to be the team that knocks off New England.
That's a worthy goal. It will be a great opportunity for us in
front of fans to show we're better than what we've shown."
The Ravens (4-7) haven't given their fans much to cheer about
during a five-game losing streak in which they've been outscored
143-72. In a 32-14 defeat at San Diego on Sunday, Baltimore managed
only 210 yards and committed two turnovers.
Baltimore quarterbacks have lost 10 fumbles and the team has a
minus-11 turnover differential. Billick and his coaching staff has
tried various techniques designed to cut down on the giveaways, but
nothing has worked.
"It's frustrating because there's always something you want to
do more. You want to be able to fix it as a coach," he said. "You
can't always, except to try and bring the appropriate focus to it
and give the players an opportunity to practice not doing it."
Even if he could fix the turnover problem, Billick would be
helpless to lessen the inordinate amount of injuries that have
occurred on offense, defense and special teams. Linebacker Jarret
Johnson fractured his thumb at San Diego, and Billick said Monday
that quarterback Steve McNair (shoulder) won't be healthy enough to
suit up against New England.
Those able to play, however, should be eager to take on the
Patriots.
"The sad part is Monday night is probably our Super Bowl, and
it's the 12th game of the season," cornerback Samari Rolle said.
Getting the Ravens motivated to play New England shouldn't be
difficult. But what can Billick do to inspire them for
Indianapolis, Miami, Seattle and Pittsburgh?
"I'm looking forward to the challenges we have ahead of us, and
they are challenges," he said. "There are times they seem
overwhelming, but that's why I love this."
Given a preference, Billick would have a chosen a season like
the last one, when Baltimore went 13-3 and got a first-round bye in
the playoffs. But this is what he's got, and he's going to make the
best of it.
"This is not easy," he said. "It's just something you deal
with."
The Ravens' swoon has made it easier for the team to cope with
the possibility of losing offensive coordinator Rick Neuheisel, who
is expected to be approached by colleges looking for a new head
coach.
"Rick Neuheisel has been, and will make, an outstanding college
coach," Billick declared. "The college game needs coaches like
Rick Neuheisel. ... I would be very surprised if a number of
schools weren't interested in Rick Neuheisel, and we'll support
that in every way."
Billick said he that if Neuheisel gets a head coaching job, the
Ravens would allow him to leave the team before the completion of
the NFL season.