If a 5-and-11 record and the painful firing of a longtime coach weren’t enough humble pie for the Ravens, they seem to have been served another slice in their quest to replace Brian Billick. Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti says his team has the talent to be a Super Bowl contender and that their job vacancy would be at the top of any prospective candidate’s list. Yet, Jason Garrett walked into the Castle on One Winning Drive, and walked out without agreeing to be the Ravens new head coach. Now, Garrett isn’t a 20-year veteran like Marty Schottenheimer or a Super Bowl winner like Bill Cowher. Jason Garrett has a total of three years of experience as an NFL assistant, yet he’s not so blown away by Baltimore as to take the job. (Garrett would not discuss anything in depth nor answer questions in a brief meeting with reporters Tuesday evening).

Bisciotti is a billionaire and a known winner at the negotiating table. I wasn’t in the room for the seven-hour interview with Garrett, but I have to believe the owner went into that meeting (along with Dick Cass and Ozzie Newsome) intent on getting Garrett’s name on a contract. But the kid walked, and boarded a plane to Atlanta to listen to the Falcons. Maybe it’s just part of the process of eventually getting Garrett to sign, or maybe this is a slap in the face, and the next step toward a Ravens defeat.

My thought is not to pile on the Ravens for what appears to be a public embarrassment. But it’s noteworthy to point out that a proud organization that’s been known to puff out its chest (and had earned the right to do so), is getting a taste of life as an NFL “commoner”- maybe not as special a franchise as once perceived to be.

But just like a lousy 5-and-11 record, an apparent rejection (and maybe just one for the moment) can be a shot of reality toward recovery. It’s an on-going process, I know. I’m interested to see how the Ravens negotiate the upcoming twists and turns. Seems this latest twist was unexpected.

Posted on Tuesday, January 15th, 2008 at 9:53 pm.
Categories: Opinion.
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