So freakin' predictable!

To the surprise of no one at this blog, the Ravens weren't ready for tonight's opener. By the time they finally woke up, the Ravens had lost 3 fumbles, Jonathan Ogden, and BJ Sams. And I'm afraid by the time I wake up tomorrow morning, the Ravens will have lost Ray Lewis (possibly for the season) and Steve McNair (at least a couple of weeks) for significant stretches.

Here are my questions for Mr. Billick, a GREAT coach when he's the underdog and a LOUSY coach when he's the favorite.

• Why did McNair and McGahee look so out of synch in the first quarter on basic handoffs? Why wasn't more time spent getting the running game ready in training camp given the new running back and new offensive linemen? One fumble leading to a TD was a result of this lack of preparation.
• Why has the team prepared as if Ogden would magically heal just before the opener when 6 months of rest couldn't heal his toe? Marshall Yanda didn't start playing right tackle until 2 weeks ago. He got beat in the 3rd quarter, leading to a McNair fumble taken back for a TD. Again, lack of preparation.
• Why wasn't the team ready for the intensity of this game, leading to a ridiculous number of injuries, including Ray Lewis, Jonathan Ogden, and Steve McNair? Could it be the Club Med "training camp"?
• Why did the team throw 2 passes with a new QB after getting 2nd and goal at the 2 with 2:00 left in the game?
• Why are you 3-6 in season openers, including losses of 27-10, 34-15, and 24-7, not to mention the '04 embarrassment to the horrible Cleveland Browns?

Anyone who has followed this team over the years could see this happening from a mile away. It's not the loss, it's the way they lost. Cincinnati did not beat the Ravens tonight, Brian Billick's unprepared Ravens beat themselves. On top of that, this unprepared team has now lost 3 key players for a significant stretch because they weren't ready.

Hey Kirk Ferentz, would you like to move back to Baltimore? Charm City would love to have you back!

P.S. Mr. Goodell, you should be ashamed of your officials tonight. They didn't cost the Ravens the game by any stretch, but that lack of reversal on the interception challenge and the offensive pass interference were just awful.