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Twelve Ravens thoughts on Steve Bisciotti's press conference

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With Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti holding his season-review press conference on Friday, Iโ€™ve offered a dozen thoughts, each in 50 words or less:
1. The news of the day was Bisciotti revealing Ozzie Newsome would step down as general manager after 2018 with Eric DeCosta then taking over. Newsome doesnโ€™t like the limelight and did release a statement confirming heโ€™d retain a โ€œsignificantโ€ role, but he should have been the one to announce this.
2. Meanwhile, Bisciotti admitted firing John Harbaugh was a โ€œconsiderationโ€ after the season, but the owner refused to give a โ€œplayoffs or bustโ€ edict for 2018. I respect that, but youโ€™d think it would take some extreme circumstances to preserve Harbaughโ€™s job if Baltimore misses the postseason again.
3. Itโ€™s telling that Bisciotti remains steadfast to the long-term plan of DeCosta taking over as general manager while Harbaughโ€™s seat appears so warm, especially when looking at the lack of playmakers and underwhelming drafts in recent years that havenโ€™t exactly helped the 53-man roster.
4. Beyond the Newsome news, Bisciotti acknowledging the loss of heralded scouts like Joe Douglas having a harmful effect was arguably the most significant nugget. The Ravens have developed many great scouts over the years, but infusing some experienced eyes from outside the organization wouldnโ€™t hurt.
5. I havenโ€™t put much stock into the narrative of the coaching staff having too much influence on recent drafts, but Bisciottiโ€™s theory that the Ravens have โ€œover-analyzedโ€ their top 60 prospects in recent drafts with too many opinions is interesting. Is he talking about the scouts, the coaches, or both?
6. Bisciotti saying he has โ€œbigger fish to fryโ€ than finding Joe Flaccoโ€™s successor should squash notions of the Ravens drafting a quarterback early. Itโ€™s the only logical way to proceed now, but the clock is ticking before it becomes possible to cut him starting next year and especially after 2019.
7. I buy Flaccoโ€™s injured back being a major detriment to his play early in the season, but color me skeptical hearing Bisciotti say the offseason focus will be on acquiring weapons for the quarterback. Perhaps itโ€™s fitting this presser took place on Groundhog Day since weโ€™ve heard that one before.
8. Bisciotti comparing the losses to Pittsburgh and Cincinnati the last two seasons to Jacoby Jonesโ€™ touchdown against Denver falls flat when considering these defeats occurred in the regular season โ€” not the divisional round. The โ€œweโ€™re closeโ€ narrative conveniently overlooks all the mediocrity leading up to those defining moments.
9. As the owner noted, the Ravens arenโ€™t going 4-12 every season and remain competitive, but I couldnโ€™t help but recall the days when Bisciotti would dwell on his team not securing enough home playoff games. In that context, itโ€™s difficult not to feel the standard has diminished recently.
10. Baltimore is again tight against the salary cap, but the mention of restructuring Brandon Williamsโ€™ contract isnโ€™t ideal when the 29-year-old already has scheduled cap figures north of $12 million from 2019-21. This practice typically results in diminished value from otherwise-still-productive veterans having cap numbers that are too expensive.
11. Bisciotti bristled at questions about the Ravens being stagnant and at a crossroads, but missing the playoffs four out of five years, a pending general manager change, a coach on the hot seat, an under-producing quarterback with recent health concerns, and declining attendance pretty much speak for themselves, donโ€™t they?
12. Bisciotti deserves credit for answering questions and reaffirmed his passion for owning the Ravens. Thereโ€™s work to do on and off the field, but fans should be encouraged to hear heโ€™ll be around for the โ€œforeseeable futureโ€ as owner. Old Colts fans can remind you the grass isnโ€™t always greener.

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