Halftime observations
Looks like the youth movement is under way along the Ravens' offensive line. The team replaced 25-year-old Adam Terry at right tackle with 22-year-old Marshal Yanda at the start of today’s contest against the San Diego Chargers.
On Thursday, the team reported that Terry -- who had started four games each at left and right tackle this season -- had an ankle injury and listed him as probable for today’s game. Privately, however, there were grumblings that Yanda, a third-round pick in April’s NFL draft, had proven himself as a more capable right tackle than Terry.
I guess the only thing left to ponder is when Chris Chester will replace Mike Flynn at center and if the team will pull the trigger and replace cornerstone Jonathan Ogden with Terry at left tackle. Ogden, by the way, was beaten by Chargers linebacker Shawne Merriman, who sacked and stripped quarterback Kyle Boller in the first half.
Other notes:
• Boller’s fixation with wide receiver Derrick Mason was bordering on ridiculous as eight of the quarterback’s first 10 passes were directed at Mason, the team’s leading receiver. But Boller’s last pass was pretty as he lofted a 23-yarder to Mason, who nestled himself into a pocket between the cornerback and safety along the right sideline at the Chargers' 1-yard line. Running back Willis McGahee scored his team-leading seventh touchdown a play later.
• It’s difficult to determine who was at fault on Antonio Gates’ 35-yard touchdown catch, but linebackers Jarret Johnson and Bart Scott appeared to be having an animated talk after the score. One of them probably was expecting the other to shadow Gates.
• I thought Ravens fans were fickle, but Chargers fans take the cake. After running back LaDainian Tomlinson took a handoff for a gain of zero yards, boos rained down from every area of Qualcomm Stadium. While that might sound innocuous, it was only the second play of the Chargers' possession. Unofficially, the fans have booed the offense seven times.
• The offense has been unable to capitalize on a couple of gift calls by the officials. Quentin Jammer’s supposed pass interference was a mystery since Jammer didn’t appear to touch wide receiver Devard Darling and Boller’s pass was uncatchable. Antonio Cromartie’s illegal contact of Mason had a little more merit, but there have been more egregious calls that have gone unwhistled. Both penalties, however, led to Sam Koch punts.
Comments
Put a fork in them. They are done.
Even the defense doesn't look like it wants to play.
No change in the offense because the line stinks, regardless of who is playing or who they are playing.
Boller's fixation with Mason is because no one else is getting open.
2 lost fumbles, 3 dropped passes and 6-8 missed blocking assignments.
Does anyone actually practice during the week?
McGahee is the only guy who looks like he wants to play week in and week out.
Posted by: Ed D | November 25, 2007 6:14 PM
What game is Preston watching? The Merriman play wasn't Ogden's fault, obviously on that play Boller held the ball too long. How long is a guy to block someone? The O line needs help but let's not get crazy. Preston needs a reality check time to time.
Posted by: Jeff | November 25, 2007 6:51 PM
Ogden wasn't beaten by Merriman on that play. Ogden had pushed him wide, actually past Boller, who, instead of stepping up, rolled right into Merriman. That's Boller's lack of pocket presence that so many like to harp on.
Posted by: Scott | November 25, 2007 7:47 PM
Comparing the time each quarterback had to pass, it appeared that either A) the other team's O-line are much better than the Ravens or B) the Ravens cannot mount a coordinated pass rush. Is it A, B or both?
Also, is Bart Scott injured or is he missing AD? His level of play appears to be substandard compared to last year.
Posted by: Ed | November 25, 2007 8:57 PM
I am a loyal Raven fan BUT; yesterday's lack luster performance is sure testing my mettle. Gee whiz - the Ravens just looked bad. No offense and now the defense is going into self destruct. I watched the Pats game - what a difference. Brady just gets rid of the ball so quickly you can see these guys PRACTICE a lot.
The Ravens just seem to have NO clue. Now its offense and defense. They say the darkest hour is just before dawn CAN IT GET ANY DARKER??
Posted by: Grey32 | November 26, 2007 8:20 AM
Knowing their season is over, the Dolphins are using the rest of this year to give their 3rd string rookie quarterback game experience. Shouldn't the Ravens do the same?
Posted by: Barry Levin | November 26, 2007 10:06 AM
Our offensive problems are the result of a poor offensive line - period.
Protect Boller and I have no doubt he will be successful. Put Brady or P. Manning behind this offsensive line and they would struggle too. And for the record, J.O. did not push Merriman wide, he pushed him right into Boller; I don't know what game Jeff was watching; unless of course, he just wants to jump on the bash Boller bandwagon.
Posted by: Dave | November 26, 2007 10:31 AM
Anyone else think we should see what Troy Smith can do? I mean Boller obviously isn't the quarterback Billick thought he was coming out of college, although he has made a few improvements in his game. But he still throws some really wild passes and makes some flat out dumb decisions. He is never going to lead us to a Super Bowl. I mean how much time does this guy need to develop??!! I think Billick should swallow his pride, admit he was wrong the whole time about Boller, and give Troy Smith a chance... Maybe he'll be terrible, or maybe he'll guide us to a few victories. But who knows at this point? And I mean, what do we have to lose? I say that as soon as we are eliminated from the playoffs, we let Troy Smith start and see what he can do. He might be able to ignite some kind of spark in the offense. No one else has been able to do it this year. If not, it seems like a waste of a draft pick, and it looks like we'll have to draft another QB in the first round in 2008 because like I said, Boller is not the kind of guy you build a franchise around.
And I'm tired of hearing the "Pro-Bollers" out there blaming all the problems on everyone but Boller... What did you think he was gonna come in and lead us to the playoffs? Yea, the O-Line has been beaten up, and yea, our d hasn't played as well as it has in the past, but Kyle Boller just seems scared and lost most of the time. Definately not a guy capeable of running an efficent offense or even a decent offense at that... BENCH BOLLER!!!
Posted by: Steve O | November 26, 2007 11:09 AM
mike i was wondering if you could give us a article with the list of of all the top offensive coordinators that the ravens could potentially hire next season
Posted by: bazard | November 26, 2007 12:37 PM