Ravens-'Skins
Backup quarterback Kyle Boller has become an easy target for criticism, but you can't blame him for last night's loss. Boller was simply dropping back to pass, got nailed and lost the football, which turned into what proved to be the game-winning touchdown for the Redskins.
Some people suggest that Boller should have protected the ball better, but he didn't have a chance to protect the ball. He had just finished his four-step drop and got crushed. He had no time to do anything.
A lot of bad things seems to happen to Boller, some of which he controls. But the fumble last night was not his fault, just a poorly executed play by the Ravens,
-- I think backup running backs Mike Anderson and Musa Smith are smelling blood. Anderson continued to play well and managed to get some tough yards against the Redskins when there were no holes. Smith is finally showing the acceleration he had before getting injured last year. He has shown good body lean. Meanwhile, starter Willis McGahee continues to struggle. It's going to continue to heat up as long as McGahee lacks consistency.
-- Let's hope quarterback Steve McNair and the Ravens continue to go downfield. In their only scoring drive against the 'Skins, McNair completed several mid-range passes, and the receivers were wide open. I think the Redskins were as surprised as everyone else that the Ravens actually went downfield. My favorite play, though, was receiver Derrick Mason running 35 yards across the field, and then watching McNair throw him a two-yard pass. Now, that's scheming.
Comments
Yeah, it's funny, everyone keeps talking about whether or not the Ravens wil lkeep Boller after this season. Who's to say Boller wants to stick around? The guy has been DOOMED since the Ravens traded up to draft him, then started him as a rookie. It's almost like he's snakebit. If I were him, I'd run as fast as I could to a new team in '08.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying he's going to bet any better than what we've seen. But I can't believe he'd get any worse either.
Posted by: Macadamia | August 26, 2007 8:24 PM
Good post--it looked like Gaither got smoked, but he is so raw I don't mind giving him a pass for a while (assuming JO returns!).
My question is about McGahee: is it generally a good thing or a bad thing for someone who is considered to be a top-tier running back to need to battle for his spot? I usually think competition helps but McGahee has not always proven himself to be a team player (see Buffalo). I guess it's all speculation--just wondering if you had an opinion?
Posted by: JPA | August 26, 2007 9:41 PM
Don't blame BOLLER, just bad things happen to him!!!
Let it happen some where else. This guy has been a major disappointment since day one. I think you Media types are selling him as the best back up for the team. I think it is to get a higher price for this sad sack when they finally dump him.
I have heard this lame excuse several times since saturday. Are you guys getting paid?
The Fans know this guy is done !!
Posted by: Walter S McCabe | August 27, 2007 12:54 AM
watch the tape again.boller held the ball too long. he still needs to do a better job of knowing where he is on the field.. knowing the game situation.. and feeling pressure.
Posted by: TheVoice | August 27, 2007 2:17 AM
Boller is just being Boller, he's done this for the last three year's he has drop the ball like he did on Saturday night
Posted by: rustman58 | August 27, 2007 11:27 AM
HAS ANYONE ELSE NOTICED??? THE OFFENSIVE LINE DOES NOT BLOCK AS WELL FOR BOLLER AS THEY DO FOR MCNAIR.. SEEMS STRANGE
Posted by: JAMES | August 27, 2007 11:51 AM
Mike...its time you and the entire Baltimore press stop making excuses for Boller's inadequacies....Yes, the offensive line was clearly to blame ultimately for that particulalry dropped ball, but how many other times have we seen even less talanted quarterbacks be able to hold onto a ball like that; or have instictive feels for situations like that...Boller never looks like a man hungry enough to want to prove anything out on the field...and the other nights game only highlights that point....Let Boller accept his blame properly; let's push the Ravens to get a more reliable back-up quarterback....and let's move on....JR.
Posted by: John Rezai | August 27, 2007 1:03 PM
Typical Balti-Moron responses. Did any of you see the play? Gaither was beaten badly, Boller had no chance. Presont wasn't making excuses, just telling it like it was.
Posted by: Mark Strand | August 28, 2007 12:04 PM
Good, accurate, fair post Mike. I haven't been all that pleased with Boller's performance so far this pre-season (although I thought he was good in the Philly game), but on that particular play he simply had no chance. In fact, it's fortunate he didn't get hurt.
Posted by: skaybaltimore | August 29, 2007 6:41 PM
I never understood such negative criticism aimed at Boller. All I've seen is his bravery from day one, as a rookie, against all odds, he got his behind kicked by opposing defenses. When did he ever have a chance to execute the plays? And when he did...it was brillant! Also, was he responsible for the defenselessness of the defense? Boller has proven himself as a Raven and as a team player. He deserves better and he'll prove himself worthy with or without the Ravens.
Posted by: Gregory | August 30, 2007 11:56 AM
All the fans will see, Boller will be OK. You can see the difference this pre season. Still not quite enough yet, but he is FINALLY starting to get it. All he needs to do is CALM DOWN!
BOLLER! BOLLER! BOLLER!
Posted by: Tony S | September 1, 2007 9:15 AM