“The pitchforks are out. They know it,” said Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti.
Bisciotti wants his organization to know there are plenty of unhappy campers after another non-playoff season. And he sees it at the stadium.
“I’ve noticed it. I’m always concerned. There’s a lot more disappointment than apathy so I don’t think we’re at any critical stage there,” he said.
Bisciotti, team president Dick Cass, general manager Ozzie Newsome and head coach John Harbaugh all fielded questions in Owings Mills on Tuesday.
The annual Ravens season review press conference last a little over an hour. Much of the conversation focused around the owner’s confidence in retaining a head coach that has missed the playoffs in three of the last four years. Bisciotti says handing out pink-slips isn’t the answer to fixing the results of his franchise on the field.
“It’s not the solution,” said Bisciotti. “I didn’t get where I was by just firing people. I think it’s a bad model, especially in this business.”
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As for the business of the roster, Newsome outlined the major holes he wants to fill for 2017.
“We need to add some depth in the secondary. We need to improve in the offensive line. We need to find a complimentary receiver,” said the GM.
You can bet the owner has an opinion on what needs to change next fall.
“Our success still goes back to good defense and balance,” said Bisciotti. “That means a strong running game. I was really disappointed in the lack of a running game, in the lack of a commitment to a running game.”
Bisciotti said he also wants to see more from quarterback Joe Flacco.
“We need to get more out of Joe. Joe would agree with me. Joe’s committed to make that happen,” he said.
President Dick Cass added that the franchise is seriously considering raising ticket prices for next season. However, an announcement on that won’t come for another few weeks.
#Ravens Bisciotti on 8-8 season in a word: "Bewilderment" Says he's frustrated not angry. @ABC2NEWS
— Shawn Stepner (@StepnerABC2) January 10, 2017
#Ravens Bisciotti on Steelers Xmas Day game: "We did what we had to do offensively. The defense gave it up." @ABC2NEWS
— Shawn Stepner (@StepnerABC2) January 10, 2017
GM Ozzie Newsome on what #Ravens need: Help in secondary, offensive line, complimentary receiver." @ABC2NEWS
— Shawn Stepner (@StepnerABC2) January 10, 2017
#Ravens Bisciotti: "I want my fans to know that I think John can coach better, Ozzie and Eric can draft better, Joe can play better......"
— Shawn Stepner (@StepnerABC2) January 10, 2017
#Ravens Bisciotti adds that if all do that they'll be a playoff team next season. @ABC2NEWS
— Shawn Stepner (@StepnerABC2) January 10, 2017
#Ravens Bisciotti: "I think we handled the draft really well last year. I hope one of them turns out to be elite." @ABC2NEWS
— Shawn Stepner (@StepnerABC2) January 10, 2017
#Ravens Bisciotti: "I haven't given up hope that Steve Smith isn't coming in here in September." @89SteveSmith @ABC2NEWS
— Shawn Stepner (@StepnerABC2) January 10, 2017
GM Newsome on getting pass rusher: "Anybody that can affect the passer, that can definitely help us." #Ravens
— Shawn Stepner (@StepnerABC2) January 10, 2017
#Ravens Bisciotti on what identity of offense should be: "I think we're all in agreement, you need a more balanced offense." @ABC2NEWS
— Shawn Stepner (@StepnerABC2) January 10, 2017
#Ravens Bisciotti: "I want to run the ball, control the ball and play good defense." @ABC2NEWS
— Shawn Stepner (@StepnerABC2) January 10, 2017
#Ravens Bisciotti says Flacco is happy with Mornhinweg being retained. @ABC2NEWS
— Shawn Stepner (@StepnerABC2) January 10, 2017
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