![How are Maryland COVID cases, vaccinations and other metrics trending? Here are the latest numbers. [GRAPHICS]](https://www.baltimoresun.com/resizer/T758QAl8tDG98DQAZ9EnRwV202w=/64x64/top/www.baltimoresun.com/resizer/lkG6GxUsy1l0DfbxYJhacJfGBEM=/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/tronc/ZEIXQERJ7FBS7GEQTZR2DII5SY.jpg)
 | Mike Preston has been with The Sun since 1983. Prior to becoming a columnist this past July, he has covered the Major Indoor Soccer League, college football and lacrosse, two Olympics and seven Super Bowls. He also covered the Baltimore Ravens for four years. Preston is a native of Essex and a graduate of Towson State University where he played football. |
SunSpot: Mike Preston will be joining us at noon on Tuesday.
SunSpot: Thanks for stopping by, Mike. We received a lot of questions in advance and hope to answer many of them as well as the live requests. We've consolidated similar questions, so we can cover a variety of topics and take as many live questions as possible.
For starters, a number of readers seem to think for a local columnist, you are too harsh on the Ravens, who have a 5-1 record. You covered the team for four years. What expectations should people have for this team by now?
Mike Preston:A columnist's job is to challenge or raise issues about the team. The Ravens are currently having offensive problems which I have pointed out in the past 2 weeks, and Billick acknowledged them Monday. I expect the team to make the playoffs, but struggle if the offense doesn't come around.
Paul, Baltimore: What do you think of the Ravens going to an occasional set with Jamal Lewis as fullback and Priest Holmes as halfback - sort of a Dunn/Alstott situation. Holmes is a capable blocker so he might be able to handle those duties when Lewis runs, but I don't know about Lewis' blocking ability for Holmes.
Mike Preston: It's a great formation as far as deception, but there will be questions about Lewis as a lead blocker. The Ravens are using them very efficiently now with Lewis as the primary halfback and Holmes on third-down situations.
Chris, Hagerstown:Why are the Ravens having so much difficulty getting the passing game going downfield to their wideouts? It seems like all of their completions are dump offs.
Mike Preston:One is because the teams are taking the long ball threat away and playing a lot of zone coverage. Two, cornerbacks are physically challenging the receivers on press coverage and the Ravens can't get off the line of scrimmage. Tony Banks is having problems estimating the speed of his receivers.
Terp fan, Severna Park:Maryland basketball is returning all of its starters this year, and once again, there are high expectations for Williams' team. It's my belief that Maryland's first trip to the Elite Eight and beyond (since the NCAA expanded to 64+ teams), lies within Steve Blake's ability to protect, penetrate and pass the ball to this loaded team? What are your thoughts?
Mike Preston: Steve Blake is adequate at his position. He has a tendency to push the ball when it's not needed. He also gets exposed on the defensive end. Gary Williams will be the key for this team and how far they go in the tournament.
Chris, Harrisburg, Pa.:Do you consider the Titans to be a better team at the current time than the Ravens? Their offense does not put away opponents either.
Mike Preston:Tennessee struggled early in the season but their offense has jelled in the last 2 games. Until the Ravens beat them, the Titans are still the favorites to win the AFC Central.
Bob, Marriottsville:Why aren't the Ravens blitzing much?
Mike Preston: They haven't blitzed as much as last year, but there is no need to. You don't necessarily need sacks as long as you can get pressure or make a QB move. Ends Michael McCrary, Rob Burnett and Sam Adams have put a lot of pressure on the QBs this season.
Gauss, Baltimore:Sunday night the Ravens were moving tentatively and in slow motion, just like at Miami. And just like Joe Robbie Stadium, ALLTEL was sopping wet. Can it be a coincidence that the Ravens' two worst games this year came on soaked fields? Can we expect FedEx Field to be, shall we say, well watered this week?
Mike Preston: Actually, the field in Jacksonville wasn't wet. It did not rain. But the Ravens defensively are a fast team and wet conditions will neutralize that. If I were the Redskins, I'd soak the field.
Rosey, Baltimore:I'm not a coach, but does Tony Banks know how to roll out to escape the blitz? Why not trying out an pass-option play with Jamal Lewis sometime?
Mike Preston:Banks rolled out several times against Jacksonville. But this is a West Coast Offense built for short to mid-range passes. It's quick-release stuff.
SunSpot: Speaking of Tony Banks, we've also received several reader comments about him. Some feel he is too inconsistent, yet wonder if the Ravens can win without him as the starter? Another reader feels that Banks doesn't perform well as the play runs down and tends to panic. Is Banks the Ravens' best option? Your take?
Mike Preston:Right now, Banks is their only option. Chris Redman is a rookie and wouldn't perform well right now. No. 2 QB Trent Dilfer didn't run the offense effectively in training camp. Banks hasn't played well, but the Ravens don't want to damage his psyche and have him go in the tank this early in the season.
Edward, Jefferson: When will the Ravens realize their offensive line is the hole in their team? Banks is an OK QB, but bounce him off the grass a few times and he loses focus. With the cast of recievers he has and Lewis and Holmes as RBs, the only excuse is the line. It's been that way for several years. Can someone tell the front office GET US A LINE (and no, two players out is NOT an excuse).
Mike Preston: The offensive line is just one of several problems with the offense. They don't have a go-to receiver in the red zone, Billick can't decide if this is a run-oriented or passing team, and they have no long-ball threats. As for the offensive line, they are still weak in the middle and they have a fragile right tackle in Harry Swayne.
Matt, Baltimore:Explain to me how Angelos can get rid of a pitcher like Mussina when our pitching is so weak? Can the Orioles ever be a championship team with Angelos calling the shots?
Mike Preston:Mussina wants Pedro Martinez-type money but is far from being Pedro Martinez. He is just the best that the Orioles have. At the end of the season, there were questions concerning his health and his desire to stay in Baltimore. When that happens, it might be best to part ways. As for Angelos, until he can maintain a relationship with a quality GM, the franchise will struggle.
Richard, Las Vegas:When will the Modells realize Banks definitely isn't the answer? Neither is Billick despite the team record.
Mike Preston:I think Billick is a quality coach and will become a big winner in Baltimore. Banks seems to be more of a stop-gap answer until Redman can develop.
Matt, Baltimore:I agree that a columinsts job is to raise or challenge issues about the team but will you ever right a positive column about the team? You seem to gloss over the excellent defense and special teams play on Sunday as well. I agree with most of your points but it's hard to keep listening when its always negative.
Mike Preston:There were 3 issues coming out of the Jacksonville victory Sunday night. Sun reporter Ken Murray covered the Ravens winning on national TV, their defense playing well and Matt Stover kicking a career-high 5 field goals. Sun staff reporter Jamison Hensley wrote a sidebar on CB Chris McAlister covering receiver Jimmy Smith. The third issue was the lackluster offense, which I wrote about. Again, the issue now being discussed by ESPN's Joe Theisman, CBS Jerry Glanville and it's not going away until the Ravens resolve it. Defense gets teams to the playoffs. Offense wins games in them.
Jim, Essex:Compare covering the winter olympics and Super Bowls to covering Essex Day in the good old days. From your old photographer from "The Times" Congratulations in all your success. Great column.
Mike Preston:Essex Day was more fun. The people were real and I enjoyed the fishkill smell from Back River Bridge. You know what I mean.
Mike, Gaithersburg:What will be the key for the Ravens to accomplish to beat the Redskins? Me, I think it may be won or lost by special teams play.
Mike Preston:That could happen. Redskins defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes will crowd the line of scrimmage and force Banks to beat the Redskins with his arm. Defensively, the Ravens have to do the same thing to Brad Johnson, who lacks a bona-fide deep threat.
Joseph, Dundalk:Do you think the Ravens will use their first round draft pick to draft an offensive lineman?
Mike Preston: Depends on what happens with Jamie Sharper. If they don't re-sign him, they might draft an outside linebacker. If they do re-sign him, the Ravens will take a right offensive tackle.
Will, Pikesville:Do we have too many offensive stars for one football team? How has Patrick Johnson been lost -- or, what can be done to have a better blending plays?
Mike Preston:The key to the West Coast Offense is to get everyone involved in the offense. Part of the Ravens' problem is they still have a lot of new faces and Banks has regressed in the past 2 weeks.
Brian, College Park:Will Maryland ever be decent in football?
Mike Preston: I don't believe Ron Vanderlinden is the answer. His teams never seem prepared to play in the first quarter and his play calling, especially on offense, is extremely suspect. He feels as though the Terps will make their move in 2 years, but I don't know if he'll be around that long.
David, Westminster:With Ogden and Mitchell out and the rest of the line either aging or green, how do you think they should block the Skins? Washington's pounds look rather blockable. Do you think anyone on the line other than Mulitalo has the ability to pull and handle them on the corners?
Mike Preston:Ogden should be ready for this game and if possible, Mitchell will play. The Ravens' problem won't be pulling, it will be their guards handling the Redskins' tackles inside. Also, expect the Redskins to blitz a lot up the middle and off the weak side perimeter.
Woody, Saratoga, N.Y.:Should Billick keep with Banks hoping he will "work it out" or try Dilfer/Redman if he sputters at Washington?
Mike Preston:As long as the Ravens keep winning, Billick will probably stay with Banks. Right now, there are no other options.
Joe, Baltimore:Why don't the Ravens throw the ball to Ben Coates?
Mike Preston:Chris Berman calls Coates Ben "Winter" Coates. They should change his name to Ben "Clear" Coates because most of the times, he is a decoy in pass routes for either Taylor or Ismail. He does block very well.
Jim, Parkville:Have the Ravens designated any player as their franchise player? Wouldn't this be a good way to at least temporarily keep Jamie Sharper?
Mike Preston:After the problems the team had with Wally Williams as the franchise player, they have stayed away from that designation. My feeling is, that the Ravens are paying Ray Lewis and Peter Boulware big salaries, and can't afford to pay Sharper another high salary at that position. I think Sharper becomes a free agent at the end of the season. Most teams are backing away from designating players as franchise players because it causes ill feelings among the franchise and that player.
Richard, Towson:Do you think that the O's have a chance to pick up some key free agents? I am a big O's fan but I belive that the direction that they are heading to is a younger team but they need some leadership. I hope that they can resign Mike Mussina but can they afford to lose him and get Alex Rodriguez?
Mike Preston:If the Orioles allow Mussina to leave, they really don't have a centerpiece to build around. Quality free agents want to go and play for contenders. Right now the Mussina situation is in limbo and the Orioles probably won't contend for at least another 2 years. A-Rod may be the best player in baseball, but this team needs pitching help immediately.
Chris, Baltimore:You seem ready to criticize the Ravens when they have little scoring, even though they win the game. Where were you when they scored 37 and 39 pts?
Mike Preston:When they scored 39 against Jacksonville, I recognized the team as a legitimate playoff contender and the city of Baltimore for finally becoming a big-time player in the NFL again. Where were you then? As for the 37 against the Bengals, they are the Bengals.
Avid reader, Eldersburg: Are we missing out on one of the most prolific defensive performances in the last 20 years, and arguably the history, by scrutinizing the Ravens offense and its inability to score? What happens to the defensive unit when Marvin Lewis gets his chance to be a head coach?
Mike Preston:Before we use the term "great," let's see how the Ravens do over the course of this season. That's a challenge put forth by safety Rod Woodson himself. As for Lewis, linebackers coach Jack Del Rio will fit in nicely if Lewis leaves. If Lewis stays, Del Rio will become a defensive coordinator candidate throughout the league if the Ravens continue to play well.
Gene, Balitmore:From what you have seen of Chris Redman, what are his prosepcts of being a quality starter in the NFL?
Mike Preston:He has excellent potential. His father is a football coach and Redman has a solid knowledge of the game. He is football smart. Forget all the criticism about his speed, the guy moves well and has good pocket awareness.
Matt, Parkville:When will the Terps realize that they will never get to the next level with Gary Williams? His "Flex" offense is out of the 50's and is not suited to his personnel. He did a great job bringing the program back to respectablity but if they want to go further they need someone else.
Mike Preston:It's Debbie Yow's call. If she's comfortable with the status of the program, then Gary stays. If she wants to take it a step further, then Gary goes. With the talent the Terps have this season, this could be a key year for Williams at Maryland.
Paul, England:Has Coach Billick impressed you with the direction the Ravens are headed? How he has handled himself and the team over the last few seasons?
Mike Preston:Overall everything has been positive. He has shown firm leadership and discipline when needed. The players seem to respect him in the locker room. They are willing to sacrifice and play for him on the field. He is great at organizing and has met all the requirements of a sound football coach.
Steve, Saugus, Mass.:What is your sense with the Orioles' front office right now? Is Syd Thrift ready to call it a career and if so, who do you see as possible candidates to replace him?
Mike Preston:Since I became a columnist in July, I have only met with Syd Thrift one time. I was not impressed with his leadership. He seems to avoid certain topics with one-liners and humor, but lacks any real substance or direction. I don't anticipate him leaving the organization any time soon. Until then, it's a potluck situation with the Orioles.
Paul, Frederick:Thanks for meeting with our group a few months ago. Why has it taken the Ravens so long to figure out that they have one of the best running back tandems in the league? Are they too in love with the pass play?
Mike Preston: Last year Billick admitted that sometimes he gets too wrapped up in the passing game. He threw way too much earlier this season, but has gone to the running game in the last couple weeks. The problem now is that teams are putting a lot of players in the box and forcing the Ravens to win on the strength of Banks' arm.
F. Brice, Parkville:If and when we get a new arena, what should it be named?
Mike Preston:The Ken Rosenthal Arena. :)
Dan, Baltimore:What do you think about Gilman now that they have become a nationally recognized program?
Mike Preston:I admire the Gilman program. I think very highly of Biff Poggi, Stan White and Joe Ehrmann, who are solid Christian people. Poggi has done everything he has needed to elevate the program. It's a shame that the program is surrounded by a lot of innuendo and rumors.
Greg, Baltimore: Would you care to comment on who may win the World Series? Will we have to see the Yanks take it yet again?
Mike Preston:I always take Florida State in football, North Carolina in college basketball, the Lakers in pro basketball and the Yankees in baseball. Those teams know how to win and have an aura about them. Never bet against the champs.
Gerard, Narbeth, Pa.:Would the Ravens have been better off drafting Daunte Culpepper in the first round in 1999 instead of Chris McAlister?
Mike Preston:If you want to use hindsight, yes. But at that time, McAlister was highly rated by more pro scouts than Culpepper. Also, the Ravens had more of the need at CB than QB.
The Messenger, Baltimore:I think the Ravens should be in the NFC East conference. What do you think?
Mike Preston:I agree. They should be in the same division with the Redskins, Eagles and Giants. Those are natural rivalries, but there will be a lot of complaints from other owners to keep traditional rivalries such as Dallas-Washington, Green Bay-Chicago, Jets-Dolphins. Realignment will be the source of much discussion for the 2002 season.
Jim, Baltimore:I think we're all happy with Stover, but what will it take for this team to get in the end zone? Last I heard, they give you 6 points for touchdowns.
Mike Preston: Better run blocking up the middle from the offensive line. Qadry Ismail needs to become more consistent in the red zone (has dropped 2 TD passes). Also, the Ravens have to get more production out of their tight ends inside the 20.
Dennis, Womissing, Pa.:Mike, I have read your articles and see that you refer to coach Billick as "Compu Coach" What is the reason for this? It appears to be a negative reference.
Mike Preston: Just a standard joke between myself and Billick. He likes computers. His nickname in Minnesota was "Stat Boy." I just gave him a new moniker.
Steve, Alexandria, Va.: Do you think there could be value for Billick to sit Banks out for a series if he has trouble getting the offense going -like the Jets did with Testaverde against Tampa Bay?
Mike Preston:No. The Ravens can't afford for Tony to pout, which he is prone to do. He's the starter for them. That's it.
Steve, Smithville, N.J.:It amazes me that Brian Billick is always talking about how fast Jamal Lewis is, but I have yet to see them call a play for a quick toss or any type of wide run to utillize this speed. Every run play with Lewis was between the tackles against the Jags. Your thoughts please.
Mike Preston:That's not true. He's run a couple tosses and gotten outside. He doesn't look fast because he's usually had to break tackles to get outside. This guy could be a force in the future.
Bob, Eastern Shore:Doesn't the Offensive Coordinator bear the brunt of responsibility for recognizing the other team's repeated blitz's and modifying the game plan accordingly. The QB can only see and react one play at a time.
Mike Preston:In this situation, the full responsibility is on Billick. He has the reputation as an offensive-minded coach and participates in more offensive meetings than defensive or special teams. The Ravens got taken to school a little bit by Jacksonville defensive coordinator Dom Capers Sunday night. They weren't prepared for some of the blitzes.
Miles, Owings Mills:Mike, it appears you have a problem with Coach Billick. Do you?
Mike Preston:No. Actually Brian and I get along extremely well. He understands the nature of the business and enjoys good sparring sessions with reporters. In the 17 years I've been in this business, he easily the most accessible and the most enjoyable coach I've been around. A lot of times readers mistake our jabs at each other for bitterness, but we have a very solid relationship.
John, Mt. Airy:Mike, It seems that this year the Ravens offense only seems to step up with big numbers when the defense has had a hard time, such as in the first Jacksonville game when the defense had a harder time containing Brunell, Smith, and McCardell. Do you think that the offense is too complacent and is not pushing hard enough all of the time, either consciously or unconsciously, knowing that the defense can usually bail them out if they don't produce?
Mike Preston:No. Since Billick has been here the Ravens' offense has been streaky. They are either very hot or very cold and it varies from game to game and quarter to quarter at times. For this team to be successful in the playoffs, they have to reach a certain level of consistency.
Doug, Baltimore:Why do you grade the Ravens so harshly on the the postgame scorecard? If you look at the other journalists in the Sporting News, you'll see that you are out of balance with their scorecards. You are so negative that it makes Ken Rosenthal look like he was an optimist.
Mike Preston:Thank you.
Greg, Baltimore:In your opinion, will there ever be any limit to the salaries of professional athletes? I'm asking about baseball primarily - where else can someone like Belle make $13M/year for lackluster performance?
Mike Preston:You can't really stop it. There seems to be no end in sight. The owners can't get together and stop it because it's called collusion. Baseball is killing itself. At least in football, there's a salary cap and the teams are competitive. In baseball it's usually the same high-salary teams competing for the championship.
SunSpot:Thanks for joining us Mike.
