Billick: No downside doing 'Hard Knocks'

Former Baltimore Ravens head coach, and current Fox Sports analyst, Brian Billick weighed in on the latest edition of HBO's 'Hard Knocks' featuring the New York Jets, saying, "I don't think there is a big downside for them." Billick's Ravens team was the first to participate in the network's show, which follows one NFL team each season through the preseason. (For a running diary of the latest episode of 'Hard Knocks' click here.)

Billick also touched on how what the Patriots' mind-set might be heading into their final preseason game, Thursday night against the Giants. The former coach noted that he isn't surprised by the insinuation by Pats' head coach Bill Belichick that he might play his starters, including Tom Brady, more than usual for a fourth preseason game. "He's sending a message, probably," Billick said, "trying to get a little more done with his team."

Billick added regarding what an NFL coach is thinking heading into the first game of the season, "There are still things you're concerned about and usually that has to do with depth ... That's probably the biggest thing that concerns you."

Billick, who also noted that the Jets' defense could have a problem in the sense they don't have a dominant pass-rusher, talked about the challenges of transitioning from a veteran team to a younger squad, citing two years after his Baltimore team won the Super Bowl when the Ravens boasted the youngest team (19 rookies) in the NFL.

Billick finished by analyzing the dynamic of the Patriots' first regular season foe, the Bengals, saying Chad Ochocinco is probably viewed as the "silly, little brother" and he will make teammate Terrell Owens look like the "Rock of Gibraltar." He identified the Atlanta Falcons and Miami Dolphins as his dark-horse teams.

To listen to the entire interview click here.