He also has to take the blame for anointing Jim Fassel, the former coach of the Giants, as the Ravens’ offensive coordinator. Fassel had one good year in New York — the one in which he went to the Super Bowl and got crushed by Billick’s Ravens — and a lot of disappointing ones. Like Billick, he’s an engaging guy. Also like Billick, he’s not getting the job done.

When the Ravens won, they reveled in a sort of outlaw image. They were the toughest players on the block, and they didn’t mind letting you know. Ray Lewis, one of the best inside linebackers the game has ever seen, led the way, a mean customer who was once accused — but not convicted — of obstruction of justice in a murder investigation.

Offensively, they relied on another Lewis — Jamal — who spent his summer paying his debt to society for being involved in a drug deal. As with the Ray Lewis affair, the Ravens — and Billick — seemed to see no shame in what had happened, but rather fed off the notoriety, as if there were nothing to apologize for.

The us-against-the-world mentality worked in 2001, but it’s been wearing thinner every year. The meltdown in the 35-17 Week 5 loss to the Lions was the low point in a season whose sole high points have been wins over the lowly Jets and Browns.

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Billick picked these players. He’s the one who doesn’t need no stinking quarterback. He’s the one who fostered the arrogance and siege mentality that led to the debacle against Detroit. He’s the architect of a 2-4 team that began the season touted as a Super Bowl contender and comes into Monday Night needing a win, not to get closer to the playoffs, but to get a game ahead of the woeful Browns.

Billick won the 2001 Super Bowl, and Baltimore will forever be grateful for that. But if the poor performances go on much longer, they’ll be even more grateful to see the last of him.

For Billick, Monday night in Pittsburgh wasn't a case of saving a season, it was a case of saving his career.

NFL game stories Quick look at Week 4 games STEELERS 23, RAVENS 20, OT: Baltimore loses first game of season REDSKINS 26, COWBOYS 24: Dallas can't contain Portis in 1st loss BEARS 24, EAGLES 20: Goal-line stand boosts Chicago JETS 56, CARDINALS 35: Favre throws career-high 6 TDs BUCS 30, PACKERS 21: Ryan's 3 FGs lift Tampa CHARGERS 28, RAIDERS 18: San Diego tops rival 10th straight time BILLS 31, RAMS 14: Buffalo 4-0 for first time since 1992 CHIEFS 33, BRONCOS 19: Johnson rushes for 198 yards for K.C. BROWNS 20, BENGALS 12: Anderson throws TD TITANS 30, VIKINGS 17: Tennessee 4-0 for first time ever PANTHERS 24, FALCONS 9: Smith honors Lucas after TD JAGUARS 30, TEXANS 27, OT: Scobey kicks game winner SAINTS 31, 49ERS 17: McAlister scores first TD of year

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