1. Ravens Offensive Coordinator Marc Trestman Fired
Last week’s game against the Redskins started so promisingly, with an efficient drive down the field that deftly mixed pass plays and the run game—Terrance West was particularly effective—for a quick touchdown. The rest of the first half was characterized by missed opportunities—a trick play that wasn’t; a dropped pass by Breshad Perriman—but the Ravens still held the lead at halftime. From there, it was all downhill, as the Ravens offense completely stagnated, and they abandoned the very run/pass combination that had worked so well in the first quarter.
After the game, when Ravens QB Joe Flacco called the offensive effort “embarrassing” and Coach Harbaugh referenced the offense’s lack of “continuity,” the writing already seemed to be on the wall. On Monday, the Ravens fired Marc Trestman and will replace him with quarterbacks coach Marty Mornhinweg. Was Trestman scapegoated for the tough loss? Possibly. But while one never knows what factors went into the firing of a coach, the players don’t seem too broken up about it. Tight end Dennis Pitta, who called Trestman a “good guy,” also noted the ouster was “something that this offense needed.”
2. So who is Marty Mornhinweg?
We know he has a name like a hero of a Herman Wouk novel, but who is Marty Mornhinweg? He’s a longtime NFL coach, who has served in various rules, including a brief stint as the head coach of the Detroit Lions. His biggest claim to coaching fame was when he was quarterbacks coach for a young, talented QB by the name of Brett Favre. Together, they won Super Bowl XXXI. He also idolizes the late coach Bill Walsh, and famously keeps a notebook of the coach’s plays by his side. While Trestman was a relatively mild-mannered guy, Mornhinweg is known for riding a fast motorcycle (although he insists his speed demon days are behind him) and for his colorful press conferences. As for his expectations this Sunday against the Giants?
“Our expectations are high. Period. Done.”
3. Vote Trumbo!
Today is the last day you can vote for Mark Trumbo for the Hank Aaron award, given to the top offensive player in each league. Trumbo led the American League with 47 home runs. Don’t let Big Papi win the sentimental vote!
4. This “journalist” thinks Zach Britton wasn’t the best reliever in baseball.
Please give him a piece of your mind in the comments section.
5. Jimmy Smith Ain’t Afraid of No Odell Beckham, Jr.
The Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham, Jr. is undoubtedly a talented guy. But another big part of his game is intimidation. He’s notorious for post-whistle skirmishes and what his fellow players call “cheap shots.” Ravens CB Jimmy Smith is having none of it. “All of that extra hitting and talking, that’s not going to fly,” Smith said Wednesday, via ESPN.com. “That’s not my game. I like to line up and play. ‘Give me your best shot, and I’ll give you mine.’ But if you hit me after the whistle, there’s going to be a fight.”
Can’t say Beckham wasn’t warned.