Ravens could benefit from McNabb's slump, gaffe
If Ravens fans are disappointed in the 30-10 loss to the New York Giants, they can take some consolation in the fact that followers of Baltimore’s next opponent, the Eagles, are frothing at the mouth over quarterback Donovan McNabb.
Fans up there can't even decide what upsets them more -- McNabb's horrible performance against the lowly Bengals in a 13-13 tie Sunday or the quarterback's post-game admission that he didn't know it was possible for the game to end in a tie after one overtime period. That revelation has fans wondering if McNabb would have played any differently if he did know the rules.
Eagles coach Andy Reid said McNabb's misunderstanding did not have an impact but still, for a 10-year veteran who has been in at least nine overtime games during his pro career -- and the team leader at that -- to not know that there can be a tie ...
Frankly, it's stunning. Although former Ravens coach Brian Billick says otherwise.
On the radio show, FOX GameTime Live, Billick said, "Yeah, I’ll wager... I have no way to quantify it, but half the coaches and administrators in the league didn’t know that you ended it with one overtime. It’s one of those things that you’re aware of it, you don’t focus on it, yeah, you probably heard it, but when was the last time you saw it. Typically it gets resolved in the overtime so, it’s one of those things that just never comes up. It’s probably a little surprising."
But what Ravens fans care about is this -- how does any of this affect Sunday's game at M&T Bank Stadium. More to the point is that McNabb has been slumping of late. He has had two straight games in which he completed less than 50 percent of his passes. Against Cincinnati, he was 28-of-58 with three interceptions and a lost fumble. Expectedly, there's a cry for McNabb to be replaced with second-year QB Kevin Kolb.
McNabb can go into these tailspins and despite putting up a good front, the criticism wears on him. Sports writers in Philadelphia are saying that McNabb may be looking at his last two months in an Eagles uniform. All of which could be good for the Ravens as they catch McNabb at a point when he's struggling with his passing and has to deal with the distractions of his overtime comments.
Comments
I be more upset at the idiot refs. They blew the review of the forward lateral pass and cost the Eagle the game.
Posted by: Captain Jack | November 18, 2008 12:33 PM
always the refs fault eh?
Posted by: Anonymous | November 18, 2008 1:49 PM
Hey, umm i loved this game n i wanna come 2 see one but i just wanna go to see my McNabb
Posted by: DeAnna | November 18, 2008 2:20 PM
As a Eagle's Fan I can say this.
If you want to beat the Eagles, expect the following.
HB Draw on third down if under 3 yards.
On fourth down, some type of pass, so just blitz everyone at Mcnabb. He'll throw up and fall down. Also, don't worry about defending the receivers. They'll drop the pass anyway.
Oh, and if the game goes into overtime, get someone to dress up as a ref and tell Mcnabb that the OT period is ongoing. He'll believe anything since apparently he does not know what the rule is anyway
Posted by: Eric | November 18, 2008 2:39 PM
The sad part is that McNabb has become the fall guy for a chubby, drug addicted coach in Andy Reid. He has never been treated very well for all his years of service to the racist eagles fans. Every year these fans are calling for the "white" pocket passer. McNabb should blossom in a new uniform next year!
Posted by: WalterBailey | November 18, 2008 3:01 PM
McNabb will not have a bad day against the Ravens defense. He has always performed well against the Ravens and will Sunday. The only way to insure a bad day for Donovan is to put a ton of pressure on him and the Ravens have been having trouble doing that as of late. The corners will have a long day, and Ed Reed has not had anything other than an ordinary performance at best in quite some time. Let's hope I am wrong and the defense shows some pride Sunday and plays to it's capabilities . If they don't it will be anohter long day for the Ravens.
Posted by: Mike B | November 18, 2008 3:58 PM
Unfortunately I think after the Beating by NY, the Eagles will spend a lot of time studying film of the Giants successful techniques on taking us apart.
Our offense is still one dimensional....We have no Power backs and only a one Cam approved receiver. Todd Heap is now an offensive blocker so we are left with no tight end either.
We have no more then a Semi-Improved offense..... Meaning we now have a credible QB. Trade the rest of those guy's !.......I wonder if T-O could help us ?????
Seems the teams we have left to play will now use the Manning files to disintegrate Rex's bag of Tricks.
Besides, the Eagles usually don't lose 2 in a row and a tied score = no win.....so, don't look forward to a redeeming win fellow Ravens fans.....Better off showing up in Eagles Fan Wear !!!!! At least we'll go home with a win !!
Posted by: Steve G | November 18, 2008 4:04 PM
Any chance that the Commissioner's office will investigate and report about the end of the Steelers vs. Chargers game which was awash in poor officiating, poor game management, poor public information afterwards, and gave a foothold to conspiracy theorists everywhere?
The Zebras are supposed to be like Caesar's wife!
Posted by: Drewdy | November 18, 2008 4:19 PM
No respect no surprise the Eagles are ok but have no running game a problem against the Ravens at home.The Eagles are not the Giants Ravens should win this game at home they need this game It Is a must win at home.
Posted by: Donta | November 18, 2008 4:53 PM
Drewdy, You sound like another whiny Steelers fan!!!!
Posted by: dallastowndave | November 18, 2008 5:05 PM
If this was in Philly I'd be more concerned but it's thankfully at home. The Eagles are an inconsistent team, not like the Giants at all. Westbrook, great player that he is, is not Jacobs he's easier to bring down and they won't be as overagressive as they were against the Giants running game. Plus, the Eagles D is much easier to run on than the Giants, that's definitely gonna help at home. I'm not saying it's a lock and it'll probably be an ugly win but I think they'll pull it off.
I'm gonna guess that this will be the game where Reed makes more of an impact in the secondary, at least I hope so.
Posted by: Marcus | November 18, 2008 5:14 PM
Eagles tied with the Bengals, there is nothing more to say, I think the Ravens will win by 10 since we are at home, 26-16 ravens
Posted by: John | November 18, 2008 7:45 PM
No , Donta, I'm an integrity and accuracy fan. I bleed purple.
Posted by: drewdy | November 19, 2008 7:59 AM
Bill , I have a question for you and your colleagues . Has the reccessionist ecomony having any impact on NBA , NHL , and other leagues yet ?
Do you picture any leagues folding or teams abolished ?
-------------------------------------------
Allan,
Great question and sorry about getting it posted so late. You may have noticed that the LPGA cancelled some events for next year. I think that more vulnerable sports teams, leagues, events, especially ones tied to immediate sponsorship, are going to be in trouble. That includes auto racing.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Allan | November 19, 2008 9:22 AM
It is Donovan McNabb. I am not going to think about any of this prior to the game. I will expect him to play like the excellent QB that he has been in the past.
Posted by: Randy | November 19, 2008 10:52 AM
The Ravens always have problems with a spread/West Coast offense. Especially with our secondary so banged up. Don't be surprised if Philly rolls up 28 points on them. Can a Philly fan bring me a Gino's and Pat's Steak? I want to do a taste test.
Posted by: ebe | November 19, 2008 1:28 PM
I am a die-hard Ravens fan. I believe this is a must win game for the home team. If the Ravens are going to make the playoffs, they have to have this game. Unfortunately, with O-line and secondary issues, I feel this could be a long day for the guys in purple. McNabb is capable of picking the Defense apart. As far as Philly defense, I can see them applying an abundant amount of pressure on Flacco. The Ravens will have to run the ball effectively to neutralize Philly's offense. Nevertheless, the future is bright with Flacco and Harbaugh regardless how the remaining season plays out.
Posted by: Charles Lee | November 19, 2008 6:33 PM
Yes the refs blew the game. Even the darn offical, Scott Green admitted as such. They misinterpreted the rules. There is even talk now of the NFL redoing the replay rules to cover this type of situation.
Posted by: Captain Jack | November 20, 2008 9:43 AM