Insight to the Limelight - Black Monday
by Patrick Gleason
Nov 28, 2007, 7:22PM
Nov 28, 2007, 7:22PM
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Yep, you read correctly…
I have appropriately titled this week’s blog entry “Black Monday.” This isn’t in reference to the infamous stock market crash of 1929. What I’m talking about is this coming Monday, Dec. 3, 2007 when the 11-0 New England Patriots march into M&T Bank Stadium for a primetime TV battle against the 4-7 Baltimore Ravens.
Now, if you give any credence to the majority of media reports swirling around, then indeed, you may think Monday spells trouble for the Ravens. Or, perhaps you agree with the Las Vegas spread (we are currently a 20½-point underdog), and believe Monday could be a dismal day in Baltimore.
Whatever you may think, I am not here to write figuratively. I’m writing literally…
Monday actually is going to be dark for the Ravens because for the second time this year – and sixth in team history – we will don our all-black uniforms. Earlier in the preseason, our team sported its trademark black pants and jerseys against the New York Giants. In regular season play, we last wore our popular alternate threads in the 2006 finale/win over Buffalo. We've won two other times wearing all-black at home: on Monday Night Football vs. Green Bay in 2005 and vs. Cleveland in 2004. The Ravens have only dropped one regular season game when wearing black, a tough loss to the Colts that kicked off ‘05.
But enough of this uniform business. Let’s get back to us playing New England and being underdogs…
The NFL’s best record? Patriots have it. The NFL’s top-ranked offense and No. 3 defense? Patriots have both. A quarterback on pace to post the best season ever? Patriots have him. Deadly wideout who leads the league with 16 touchdowns? Um yeah, Patriots have him, too. In fact, there isn’t much the Patriots don’t have.
“We’re playing Monday night against the best team, not even arguably, the best team in the league right now,” head coach Brian Billick stated earlier this week.
So, that begs another question: How are we – as a team – approaching this game, knowing darn well that New England presents the most formidable challenge we’ve faced in a season that’s already been difficult?
To find some answers, I asked the people who are closest to both coach Billick and our players: the assistant coaches. Our coaching team is a dynamic group that over the years has been compiled by Ozzie Newsome and coach Billick. We have some who have coached professionally for 20-plus years (i.e. Vic Fangio, 22 seasons) and we have others who are fairly new to the NFL coaching scene but had All-Pro playing careers (i.e. Mark Carrier, two seasons coaching and 11 playing). Either way, our assistants are intelligent, extremely hard-working and very much tapped into the respective players they coach.
So back to the question: How are we approaching this week?
“You throw out the records. Nothing matters except for Monday,” special teams assistant John Fassel told me Tuesday afternoon. “I remember when my dad [Jim Fassel] was coaching the Giants in 1998. They were 5-8 going into a game with Denver, who was 13-0 and had won the Super Bowl the previous season. The Broncos were going for perfection. I was standing on the sideline holding the challenge flag for my dad, and we were looking for a way to get a win. Well, we were at home and ended up shocking Denver. We won 20-16 and spoiled their perfect season. We also won the rest of our games to finish the year. Are we going to beat New England? Can’t say for sure, but we’re definitely going to try.”
“If you’re not excited for this game and can’t get up to play a team like the Patriots, then you need to get another profession,” said our running backs coach Tony Nathan, who played nine years for the Miami Dolphins. “This is an opportunity for us to put a crack in their armor. It’s a chance for us to get our pride back. Why would you not want to compete against the best and redeem yourself against the best?”
I asked coach Nathan if he had a similar story to coach Fassel’s, a memorable experience in the underdog role. He replied: “In 1985, we played the Bears when they won the Super Bowl and went 15-1. They had that one loss, and it was to us in the 13th game of the season – in Miami. We were pretty good that year, too, but we were still the only team to knock Chicago off.”
Greg Roman, our assistant O-line coach, also had a similar story: “I remember when I was coaching in Carolina in 2000," he stated. "We were 3-5 and had to play St. Louis – 'The Greatest Show on Turf' – to try and get back on track. I’ll never forget that it was Reggie White’s last season in the NFL, and some of the Rams had come out in the media before the game and said he was washed up. What did Reggie do that week? He went out and had two sacks, leading us to a 27-24 win. Anything is possible when you’re motivated. What better game to prove yourself and be motivated than this one?”
One of our secondary coaches, Dennis Thurman, who played in the NFL for nine seasons had a different perspective: “I’ve never really been in this situation before,” he told me, when I asked him about being an underdog. “I played for the Cowboys and at USC. We were usually the ones on the other end. I can tell you this, though: [The Patriots] are going to be ready to play and they are going to be prepared. And, they know whoever they play is going to give nothing but their best. We have to make sure we do just that.”
Added linebackers coach Jeff FitzGerald, who never played professionally but has 14 seasons of NFL coaching under his belt: “You know what this is? This is a walk-down-the-alley game. This is when you say, ‘Who’s coming with me? Who’s fighting with me?’ We have one heck of a challenge in front of us, but it’s also a beautiful opportunity. It’s presented to us in an amazing forum. There is not a better place and better time to come together and give everything we have.”
Are our coaches saying they expect to win Monday? No, not necessarily. Are they embracing the challenge on the horizon and preparing our players to be successful? Absolutely. That being said, bring on Black Monday.
CAN’T MISS
Over the past several years, the NFL has made a push to expand its audience on a global scale. This season alone, one particular Raven is doing his part to help the cause.
Wideout Devard Darling, who was born in the Bahamas and had a breakout performance two weeks ago against the Browns, has recently been a top news story in his homeland country. A third-round pick by the Ravens in 2004, Darling entered the Nov. 18 game having totaled four catches for 31 yards in his career. Against the Browns, however, he stepped in for an injured Demetrius Williams (ankle) and racked up four receptions for 107 yards and one touchdown.
Here’s what helps make this a good story: Last year, Eddie Carter, who is the program director for radio station Island 102.9 in the Bahamas, flew to Baltimore to meet and do a feature piece on Devard. Eddie made the trip in Week 2 for our tilt against Oakland. After talking to Devard and taking several pictures at our training facility the Friday before game day, Eddie was excited to finally see his country’s “NFL star” play in-person. But when Sunday arrived, the Ravens decided to deactivate Devard from the 53-man roster (the NFL only allows teams to dress 45 players each game). Because of that, Eddie wasn’t able to watch Devard take the field, and he returned to the islands somewhat unfulfilled.
I’ve kept in touch with Eddie since he visited Baltimore. A gracious and friendly man with tremendous knowledge of American sports, he is just one of many Bahamians who are elated about Devard’s recent success – both on and off the field. On numerous occasions this year, Eddie has checked in to see what’s going on with the Ravens. We’ve also talked about the free youth football camp Devard holds during the offseason in the Bahamas.
Anyway, following Devard’s stellar day against Cleveland, Eddie shot me an email. In it, he sent his condolences regarding the overtime loss, but also expressed his excitement about Devard’s performance. Here is an excerpt from what Eddie had to say:
“All of our local media ran Devard stories all week. The best themes have been that he is a great example for our kids to keep working hard, and how if you don’t give up good things can happen. People wrote into the local papers singing his praise. We are very proud of the fact that he is also one of the good guys. Also, with Devard’s touchdown and Alex Smith’s touchdown (the tight end for Tampa Bay) last Sunday, it was the first time ever that two Bahamians scored touchdowns on the same day. Devard is the second-ever Bahamian to score a touchdown in the NFL. I can assure you that even traditionally non-football fans will be watching the Ravens play this weekend… By the way, we do get the Sunday NFL Ticket package, so we follow every game!”
Personally, I hope Devard – one of the nicest guys on our team – will continue to step up and give fans everywhere something to cheer about. It’s been great seeing him make plays on the field. Even more importantly, it’s amazing to see the waves he’s created in his homeland. (On a side note, Devard hasn’t traveled the easiest path to the NFL. Last week, the Baltimore Sun ran a feature on him written by Don Markus. Don did a nice job illustrating some obstacles Devard has overcome. Click here to scope the story.)
THIS WEEK’S MEDIA PREVIEW
Jim Wyatt of the Daily Tennessean interviewed Matt Stover on Wednesday. Wyatt is writing a piece about kickers on a hot streak, focusing specifically on their mentality and approach to staying perfect. And who better to talk about hot streaks than Stover? The 18-year NFL veteran holds the league’s third-longest record for consecutive field goals made, connecting on a perfect 36 of 36 between 10/31/05 and 11/19/06. This season, Stover has nailed 21 of his 24 attempts.
The Las Vegas Sun will talk with Jonathan Ogden Thursday. Ogden, who lives in Sin City during the offseason, is being featured in a story written by Rob Miech. Miech covered J.O. in college, when the 6-foot-9, 345-pounder dominated opponents at UCLA. Ogden, a certain Hall of Famer and perhaps the best tackle to ever play the game, was the Ravens’ first-ever draft pick in 1996.
Sports Illustrated’s S.L. Price will be at our facility Thursday to speak with Samari Rolle. Price is doing a feature on the Rolle family and its football heritage. Currently, Samari’s cousin, Antrel, also plays cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals.
STAT OF THE WEEK
The Ravens’ defense currently owns the NFL's longest streak of games played without allowing a 100-yard rusher. Baltimore has not permitted a back to hit the century mark in 14 contests. Here are the top three current NFL streaks:
Games Not Allowing 100-Yard Rusher / Current NFL Streak
Teams, Games, Last 100 (Date)
Baltimore, 14, Larry Johnson (12/10/06)
Dallas, 12, Brian Westbrook (12/25/06)
St. Louis, 12, Ladell Betts (12/24/06)
Note: In their last 37 home games, the Ravens have only allowed two 100-yard rushers: Houston’s Domanick Williams (formerly Davis) on 12/4/05 and Kansas City’s Priest Holmes 10/4/04.
STAT OF THE WEEK II
Monday’s Ravens-Patriots showdown presents a matchup between two teams that have regularly experienced success down the stretch. Under head coach Brian Billick, Baltimore has compiled the NFL’s third-best record (tied with Philly) in the month of December. Who sports the best? None other than New England.
NFL’s Top Records in December (Since 1999)
Rk. Team, Record
1. New England, 24-9
2. Pittsburgh, 25-10
3. Baltimore, 22-10
3. Philadelphia, 22-10
5. Indianapolis, 22-13
Note: The Ravens have won six consecutive games in the month of December and seven of their last eight. At M&T Bank Stadium, the Ravens have won six straight contests in December and eight of their last nine.
NUMBERS TO RAVE ABOUT
6
Consecutive games in which Willis McGahee has rushed for a touchdown. McGahee leads the Ravens with seven total (six rushing and one receiving) TDs this season. McGahee’s current streak of six straight games with a TD ties for the NFL’s longest. (Dallas’ Terrell Owens also has at least one TD in his past six games.)
44
Total games missed by nine different Ravens starters this season, six of whom are Pro Bowl performers. (OK, this really isn’t something to “Rave” about, but it’s a telling fact in our 4-7 season.)
That’s it for this edition of the Limelight. If you'd like to add a comment about this week's entry, or just the Limelight Blog in general, please feel free to post your response by clicking on the comment link below. As always, thank you for reading. Until next time…
(Patrick "Baltimore" Gleason is the Ravens' public relations coordinator. He is in his third season with the team.)
I have appropriately titled this week’s blog entry “Black Monday.” This isn’t in reference to the infamous stock market crash of 1929. What I’m talking about is this coming Monday, Dec. 3, 2007 when the 11-0 New England Patriots march into M&T Bank Stadium for a primetime TV battle against the 4-7 Baltimore Ravens.
Now, if you give any credence to the majority of media reports swirling around, then indeed, you may think Monday spells trouble for the Ravens. Or, perhaps you agree with the Las Vegas spread (we are currently a 20½-point underdog), and believe Monday could be a dismal day in Baltimore.
Whatever you may think, I am not here to write figuratively. I’m writing literally…
 |
But enough of this uniform business. Let’s get back to us playing New England and being underdogs…
The NFL’s best record? Patriots have it. The NFL’s top-ranked offense and No. 3 defense? Patriots have both. A quarterback on pace to post the best season ever? Patriots have him. Deadly wideout who leads the league with 16 touchdowns? Um yeah, Patriots have him, too. In fact, there isn’t much the Patriots don’t have.
“We’re playing Monday night against the best team, not even arguably, the best team in the league right now,” head coach Brian Billick stated earlier this week.
So, that begs another question: How are we – as a team – approaching this game, knowing darn well that New England presents the most formidable challenge we’ve faced in a season that’s already been difficult?
To find some answers, I asked the people who are closest to both coach Billick and our players: the assistant coaches. Our coaching team is a dynamic group that over the years has been compiled by Ozzie Newsome and coach Billick. We have some who have coached professionally for 20-plus years (i.e. Vic Fangio, 22 seasons) and we have others who are fairly new to the NFL coaching scene but had All-Pro playing careers (i.e. Mark Carrier, two seasons coaching and 11 playing). Either way, our assistants are intelligent, extremely hard-working and very much tapped into the respective players they coach.
So back to the question: How are we approaching this week?
“You throw out the records. Nothing matters except for Monday,” special teams assistant John Fassel told me Tuesday afternoon. “I remember when my dad [Jim Fassel] was coaching the Giants in 1998. They were 5-8 going into a game with Denver, who was 13-0 and had won the Super Bowl the previous season. The Broncos were going for perfection. I was standing on the sideline holding the challenge flag for my dad, and we were looking for a way to get a win. Well, we were at home and ended up shocking Denver. We won 20-16 and spoiled their perfect season. We also won the rest of our games to finish the year. Are we going to beat New England? Can’t say for sure, but we’re definitely going to try.”
“If you’re not excited for this game and can’t get up to play a team like the Patriots, then you need to get another profession,” said our running backs coach Tony Nathan, who played nine years for the Miami Dolphins. “This is an opportunity for us to put a crack in their armor. It’s a chance for us to get our pride back. Why would you not want to compete against the best and redeem yourself against the best?”
I asked coach Nathan if he had a similar story to coach Fassel’s, a memorable experience in the underdog role. He replied: “In 1985, we played the Bears when they won the Super Bowl and went 15-1. They had that one loss, and it was to us in the 13th game of the season – in Miami. We were pretty good that year, too, but we were still the only team to knock Chicago off.”
Greg Roman, our assistant O-line coach, also had a similar story: “I remember when I was coaching in Carolina in 2000," he stated. "We were 3-5 and had to play St. Louis – 'The Greatest Show on Turf' – to try and get back on track. I’ll never forget that it was Reggie White’s last season in the NFL, and some of the Rams had come out in the media before the game and said he was washed up. What did Reggie do that week? He went out and had two sacks, leading us to a 27-24 win. Anything is possible when you’re motivated. What better game to prove yourself and be motivated than this one?”
One of our secondary coaches, Dennis Thurman, who played in the NFL for nine seasons had a different perspective: “I’ve never really been in this situation before,” he told me, when I asked him about being an underdog. “I played for the Cowboys and at USC. We were usually the ones on the other end. I can tell you this, though: [The Patriots] are going to be ready to play and they are going to be prepared. And, they know whoever they play is going to give nothing but their best. We have to make sure we do just that.”
Added linebackers coach Jeff FitzGerald, who never played professionally but has 14 seasons of NFL coaching under his belt: “You know what this is? This is a walk-down-the-alley game. This is when you say, ‘Who’s coming with me? Who’s fighting with me?’ We have one heck of a challenge in front of us, but it’s also a beautiful opportunity. It’s presented to us in an amazing forum. There is not a better place and better time to come together and give everything we have.”
Are our coaches saying they expect to win Monday? No, not necessarily. Are they embracing the challenge on the horizon and preparing our players to be successful? Absolutely. That being said, bring on Black Monday.
CAN’T MISS
Over the past several years, the NFL has made a push to expand its audience on a global scale. This season alone, one particular Raven is doing his part to help the cause.
 |
Here’s what helps make this a good story: Last year, Eddie Carter, who is the program director for radio station Island 102.9 in the Bahamas, flew to Baltimore to meet and do a feature piece on Devard. Eddie made the trip in Week 2 for our tilt against Oakland. After talking to Devard and taking several pictures at our training facility the Friday before game day, Eddie was excited to finally see his country’s “NFL star” play in-person. But when Sunday arrived, the Ravens decided to deactivate Devard from the 53-man roster (the NFL only allows teams to dress 45 players each game). Because of that, Eddie wasn’t able to watch Devard take the field, and he returned to the islands somewhat unfulfilled.
I’ve kept in touch with Eddie since he visited Baltimore. A gracious and friendly man with tremendous knowledge of American sports, he is just one of many Bahamians who are elated about Devard’s recent success – both on and off the field. On numerous occasions this year, Eddie has checked in to see what’s going on with the Ravens. We’ve also talked about the free youth football camp Devard holds during the offseason in the Bahamas.
Anyway, following Devard’s stellar day against Cleveland, Eddie shot me an email. In it, he sent his condolences regarding the overtime loss, but also expressed his excitement about Devard’s performance. Here is an excerpt from what Eddie had to say:
“All of our local media ran Devard stories all week. The best themes have been that he is a great example for our kids to keep working hard, and how if you don’t give up good things can happen. People wrote into the local papers singing his praise. We are very proud of the fact that he is also one of the good guys. Also, with Devard’s touchdown and Alex Smith’s touchdown (the tight end for Tampa Bay) last Sunday, it was the first time ever that two Bahamians scored touchdowns on the same day. Devard is the second-ever Bahamian to score a touchdown in the NFL. I can assure you that even traditionally non-football fans will be watching the Ravens play this weekend… By the way, we do get the Sunday NFL Ticket package, so we follow every game!”
Personally, I hope Devard – one of the nicest guys on our team – will continue to step up and give fans everywhere something to cheer about. It’s been great seeing him make plays on the field. Even more importantly, it’s amazing to see the waves he’s created in his homeland. (On a side note, Devard hasn’t traveled the easiest path to the NFL. Last week, the Baltimore Sun ran a feature on him written by Don Markus. Don did a nice job illustrating some obstacles Devard has overcome. Click here to scope the story.)
THIS WEEK’S MEDIA PREVIEW
Jim Wyatt of the Daily Tennessean interviewed Matt Stover on Wednesday. Wyatt is writing a piece about kickers on a hot streak, focusing specifically on their mentality and approach to staying perfect. And who better to talk about hot streaks than Stover? The 18-year NFL veteran holds the league’s third-longest record for consecutive field goals made, connecting on a perfect 36 of 36 between 10/31/05 and 11/19/06. This season, Stover has nailed 21 of his 24 attempts.
The Las Vegas Sun will talk with Jonathan Ogden Thursday. Ogden, who lives in Sin City during the offseason, is being featured in a story written by Rob Miech. Miech covered J.O. in college, when the 6-foot-9, 345-pounder dominated opponents at UCLA. Ogden, a certain Hall of Famer and perhaps the best tackle to ever play the game, was the Ravens’ first-ever draft pick in 1996.
Sports Illustrated’s S.L. Price will be at our facility Thursday to speak with Samari Rolle. Price is doing a feature on the Rolle family and its football heritage. Currently, Samari’s cousin, Antrel, also plays cornerback for the Arizona Cardinals.
STAT OF THE WEEK
The Ravens’ defense currently owns the NFL's longest streak of games played without allowing a 100-yard rusher. Baltimore has not permitted a back to hit the century mark in 14 contests. Here are the top three current NFL streaks:
Games Not Allowing 100-Yard Rusher / Current NFL Streak
Teams, Games, Last 100 (Date)
Baltimore, 14, Larry Johnson (12/10/06)
Dallas, 12, Brian Westbrook (12/25/06)
St. Louis, 12, Ladell Betts (12/24/06)
Note: In their last 37 home games, the Ravens have only allowed two 100-yard rushers: Houston’s Domanick Williams (formerly Davis) on 12/4/05 and Kansas City’s Priest Holmes 10/4/04.
STAT OF THE WEEK II
Monday’s Ravens-Patriots showdown presents a matchup between two teams that have regularly experienced success down the stretch. Under head coach Brian Billick, Baltimore has compiled the NFL’s third-best record (tied with Philly) in the month of December. Who sports the best? None other than New England.
NFL’s Top Records in December (Since 1999)
Rk. Team, Record
1. New England, 24-9
2. Pittsburgh, 25-10
3. Baltimore, 22-10
3. Philadelphia, 22-10
5. Indianapolis, 22-13
Note: The Ravens have won six consecutive games in the month of December and seven of their last eight. At M&T Bank Stadium, the Ravens have won six straight contests in December and eight of their last nine.
NUMBERS TO RAVE ABOUT
6
Consecutive games in which Willis McGahee has rushed for a touchdown. McGahee leads the Ravens with seven total (six rushing and one receiving) TDs this season. McGahee’s current streak of six straight games with a TD ties for the NFL’s longest. (Dallas’ Terrell Owens also has at least one TD in his past six games.)
44
Total games missed by nine different Ravens starters this season, six of whom are Pro Bowl performers. (OK, this really isn’t something to “Rave” about, but it’s a telling fact in our 4-7 season.)
That’s it for this edition of the Limelight. If you'd like to add a comment about this week's entry, or just the Limelight Blog in general, please feel free to post your response by clicking on the comment link below. As always, thank you for reading. Until next time…
(Patrick "Baltimore" Gleason is the Ravens' public relations coordinator. He is in his third season with the team.)
