SPORTS WEEKEND : AROUND THE AFC / CENTRAL : A Case of Stupidity

Brian Billick was offensive coordinator of the Vikings, and Minnesota hasn’t been the same since he left. Baltimore hasn’t been the same since he arrived. The Ravens have lost two in succession and Billick has blundered in picking a quarterback. He didn’t go after Brad Johnson, figuring Johnson would always be hurt, but dealt four draft picks for Scott Mitchell and Tony Banks. And now he’s going to start Stoney Case. Case, dumped by Arizona and Indianapolis, has one NFL start, which makes him good enough to play ahead of Mitchell.

Sunday’s game is supposed to be a big one in Baltimore because the Browns will be there seeking revenge against former owner Art Modell. The Browns, however, are defenseless, besides having no offense.

“Back in training camp I remember fans saying, ‘If you don’t win any games, just beat Baltimore,’ ” said rookie Cleveland quarterback Tim Couch. The Browns, however, are expected to just not win any games.

The Jaguars’ next three games are against Tennessee, Pittsburgh and the New York Jets. Jacksonville has lost at home only three times since the beginning of 1996, but twice to the Titans. They are 0-4 in Pittsburgh, and Coach Tom Coughlin is 0-3 against Bill Parcells. Time to find out if the Jaguars really are a lock to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.