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Chat Reel: Brian Billick
Ravens coach looks to keep team on top of mountain
Posted: Monday August 20, 2001 2:12 PM
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Brian Billick won't have it easy defending his title without one of his few offensive stars, Jamal Lewis. Doug Pensinger/Allsport |
CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's chat with Ravens head coach Brian Billick. Thanks for joining us today.
Brian Billick: Great, I'm happy to be here.
CNNSI Host: From Rita Sanford in Aptos, Calif.: What positive things did you see during the Ravens-Jets game? Could the team view this loss as a wake-up call?
Brian Billick: I don't think I like using the term wake-up call. There are a number of things we need to do better, but we did do a number of good things individually.
CNNSI Host: From David in Myrtle Beach, S.C.: Coach Billick, other than winning the Super Bowl, what has been your greatest moment as a coach?
Brian Billick: Well obviously, there are any number of moments in a coaching career that you can appreciate. I think winning the AFC Championship, because of what it meant -- going to the Super Bowl and the experience of the media circus that the Super Bowl has become -- was very gratifying.
CNNSI Host: From Gavin: Brian, in a league where coaches are sometime so paranoid they won't let anyone see their practice, it's great to get the inside look the Ravens offer the fan on HBO. Have you ever had to stop yourself from saying something this preseason you may have in the past, because you don't want it ending up on TV?
Brian Billick: Certainly, HBO has added a perspective to the everyday life of training camp that very few had have to deal with. It has created a very energetic and creative atmosphere, that makes everyone a little more aware of what they are doing. I view that as a positive. At the very least I had to clean my language up a little.
CNNSI Host: From Carm: How has Elvis Grbac's progress been thus far in training camp?
Brian Billick: Elvis has had and outstanding training camp, with every practice this offense becomes more his offense. His physical skills are evident and he has assumed a strong leadership position with the club.
CNNSI Host: From BigJ: Coach B., which rookies have a chance to play (besides Todd Heap) and make a difference?
Brian Billick: We have a number of good young players that should impact our season. Gary Baxter has shown excellent signs of being able to contribute on defense and special teams as has Edgerrin Hartwell.
CNNSI Host: From Jason in Elizabethton, Tenn.: What is the major difference heading into this year, after winning the championship, compared to last year?
Brian Billick: Clearly, staying on top of the mountain presents a different challenge than climbing the mountain. Teams will be very geared up to play us. The cumulative fatigue of facing that type of onslaught is something we will have to address.
CNNSI Host: From Christopher Michael Brown in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada: With the loss of Jamal Lewis, will you go after someone like Rashaan Salaam in free agency since he's looking for a job thanks the demise of the XFL?
Brian Billick: There are a number of backs that we are considering, both on the streets and on existing teams, and we will explore all possibilities.
CNNSI Host: From Kevin Pine in Mt. Laurel, N.J.: We have been Eagles season-ticket holders for years. As you know, the Vet has always has had that bad reputation for the turf. Do you think anything could have been done in advance to prevent the cancellation of that game and do you think Philadelphia handled it in the correct manner?
Brian Billick: I think the Eagles had done everything in their power to mediate a very tough situation with regards to the stadium in Philly. It was very disappointing that the grounds crew in charge of the field was not more vigilant in regards to the playing condition of the field.
CNNSI Host: From RavensLand - Miles in Owings Mills, Md.: We are hearing conflicting stories on Robert Smith. The Baltimore Sun reports no interest from Smith and Peter King suggests there may be some interest. What would you say the odds are of Robert Smith being a Raven on Sept. 9 at 1 p.m.?
Brian Billick: Robert Smith has made it clear that it is his intention to stay retired. We would love to have the opportunity to present our situation to Robert, but he has made it clear that his desire is to not play. As usual it is impossible for me to explain why some media report what they do.
CNNSI Host: From dose: How was your relationship with Korey Stringer? And how do you feel his death will affect training camps around the world?
Brian Billick: Korey was an outstanding young man who I was fortunate to work with for four years. Tragically, the circumstances leading to his death were impossible to avoid. The NFL has first-rate medical attention and I'm positive that everything that could have been done was done.
CNNSI Host: From Eric in Chicago: I've really enjoyed watching how you've been bringing the Ravens together as a team in the HBO series, Hard Knocks. Who would you say inspired your leadership style the most, and what's the primary message you're trying to instill in your players during training camp?
Brian Billick: I've been very fortunate to be around some very dynamic leaders in my career. Bill Walsh, Tom Landry, Denny Green and Lavell Edwards have all impacted my coaching style. The main focus for this team going into the 2001 season is to recognize that winning a Super Bowl is in itself a challenge, regardless if it is a repeat. It is a true clichè that we must take one game at a time and not get ahead and think about the Super Bowl before it is time.
CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Ravens head coach Brian Billick. Thanks and good luck this season!
Brian Billick: Thank you -- goodbye.
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