Ravens DC Set to Retire?
Following the Ravens 27-24 loss to Mitch Trubisky and the Chicago Bears back on October 15, defensive coordinator Dean Pees took to the podium later that week to defend his unit – one that again failed to get off the field late in a game as the team tried to salvage a victory.
This time Pees’ defense gave up a 53-yard run to Jordan Howard when they had the Bears and their rookie quarterback pinned at the 7-yard line in overtime.
Less than 3 game minutes later it was over.
The Ravens fell to (3-3) and it left Pees a bit testy.
“Our problem is we gave up a big play in overtime. That’s what happened. We gave up a big play. It’s not doom and gloom. It’s not the sky is falling. We’ve got to quit giving up the big plays. That’s it, bottom line. We missed a tackle and gave up a big play, and really not only [strong safety] Eric [Weddle]. We had some other guys that should have been right around the ball, and we weren’t. So that’s our fault. We’ve got to get everybody to the ball. But whenever you win, you look at all of the negatives, and whenever you lose, sometimes you look at what is positive.
“I’m tired of the sky falling around here. I really am,” Pees went on to say.
“I’m really sick of it. You know, our defense last week on a third down-and-1, was that a third-and-critical-1? If they get that first down, is the game over? They’re taking a knee. What did we do? We stopped them. [They] kicked the ball, got the ball forced. Half of the stands are gone, right? Everybody’s going home, and we run a punt back for a touchdown and tie the game up. So that’s a hell of a play, and I’m proud of the defense for doing that. When we went into overtime, what did we do on the first series? They got the ball, and what did we do? Stopped them. We just can’t give up a big play. Still, the bottom line, I’m still not trying to excuse that. I’m just saying I’m not doom and gloom. I’m not going to buy into that crap. We’re a pretty damn good defense, and if we quit giving up big plays, we’ll be damn good statistically. Enough said.’
A few moments later Pees concluded the presser by say, “I’m getting my words in today. So, I’m getting it off my chest. Hey, I’m 68 years old. I could really give you-know-what.”
Those sounded like words from a man who just might be calling it quits.
Over the past week or so, word has surfaced that Pees will retire at the end of the 2017 season. There is no word on a successor nor should the Ravens really be concerned about that for the moment.
It’s an attractive job and the Ravens will have plenty of candidates to consider as the league’s annual Black Monday draws near.
Perhaps the news will be a rallying cry of sorts for the team.
As we are all aware, retirement news has sparked the Ravens before.
