Fansided
Fansided

The Gutsiest Decision Of Every NFL Franchise In History

By Erik Lambert

Jan 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks punter Jon Ryan (9) throws a 19 yard touchdown pass on a fake field goal past Green Bay Packers defensive end Datone Jones (95) and Davon House (31) during the third quarter in the NFC Championship Game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks punter Jon Ryan (9) throws a 19 yard touchdown pass on a fake field goal past Green Bay Packers defensive end Datone Jones (95) and Davon House (31) during the third quarter in the NFC Championship Game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 33
Next
Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Television personality Trent Dilfer looks on prior to the game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Television personality Trent Dilfer looks on prior to the game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Baltimore Ravens:  Letting Trent Dilfer walk

There are many critics of former quarterback Trent Dilfer out there who believe he was nothing more than a game manager who never lived up to his billing as a high 1st round pick in 1995.  At the same time his Pro Bowl nod in 1997 and Super Bowl ring in 2000 would seem to poke a few holes in that argument.  At least that’s what some of his former teammates continues to say even to this day when thinking back on that memorable season.

Dilfer began as a backup that year but after starter Tony Banks struggled, going through a five-game stretch at one point where the offense failed to score a touchdown, head coach Brian Billick made the switch to him.  Dilfer didn’t light the world on fire.  In fact there were five games he played where his quarterback rating was under 60.  Even so, he demonstrated a keen understanding of the team he had around him including a Pro Bowl running back in Jamal Lewis and a history-making defense that would set the NFL record for fewest points allowed that year.

More from NFL Mocks

So Dilfer played within the system, limiting his mistakes, giving the team early leads and making plays when he absolutely had to.  The result was a 7-1 regular season finish and a run to the Lombardi trophy.  Were the Ravens grateful?  Apparently not because after the season ended the team chose to not sign him to a new contract, allowing him to hit free agency.  It was a stunning decision both to teammates and the media.

No quarterback in NFL history had ever been let go by a team that had just won the Super Bowl.  It seems they paid the price for it too.  Baltimore would win just one playoff game for the next seven seasons, with a big part of their problems being at quarterback.

Next: BUF

Home/NFL Hot Takes