In this era of blanket media coverage in the NFL, it is truly rare for a team to successfully keep a secret for long.
Much of the Baltimore media was caught by surprise when Ravens head coach Brian Billick let it slip Thursday that Vic Fangio, a former defensive coordinator for the Houston Texans and New Orleans Saints, had been working for the team.
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Billick was addressing how he would handle his dual role as head coach and offensive coordinator in Sunday?s game in New Orleans when he said, “It takes a certain orchestration, but I still have to keep my focus on the game. I think I alluded to it ? that?s where Vic Fangio will help me out a great deal now, to make sure that my attention is where it needs to be at critical times.”
The team?s Web site does not list Fangio as a member of the organization, and Billick did not elaborate on Fangio?s title or exact role.
The injury report
Quarterback Steve McNair is still listed as questionable for the Saints game after suffering a concussion in a loss to the Panthers two weeks ago. McNair said he fully expects to start.
Rookie starting safety Dawan Landry is also listed as questionable with a knee sprain. Landry has 33 tackles on the season and has become a surprise success.
Both Billick and Landry are optimistic that he will play. If his status changes, Gerome Sapp would likely replace him. Sapp is also listed as questionable with a thigh injury.
“It?s feeling pretty good right now,” Landry said. “There?s a lot of range of motion in there right now.”
Ravens cornerback Corey Ivy remains out for this week?s game. Ivy, who was injured in a loss to the Broncos three weeks ago, has been around the team, but the Ravens have not provided any timetable for a potential return. However, Billick said Thursday the team is not planning to put Ivy on injured reserve because he is progressing well.
The Saints will play without tight end Ernie Conwell, who has a knee injury. Tackle Zach Strief (finger) and Willie Whitehead (elbow) are questionable. Star running back Deuce McAllister (hamstring) is probable.
