The second half success

[Sports Guy]

I am hoping the Ravens learned something today....They spread the field and allowed Boller to work in a 2 minute type offense.

I have been calling for this for a few weeks. It is a smart way of running the offense for us, especially with Boller back there because he thinks less in this type offense and he plays much better in that scenario.

We also ran the ball effectively in this offense, which allowed the passing game to open up some.

I hope they continue to run this, not just this year, but next year as well.

[The Wedge]

I was just happy to see passes to WR's caught in stride.

[Old#5fan]

I am hoping the Ravens learned something today....They spread the field and allowed Boller to work in a 2 minute type offense.

I have been calling for this for a few weeks. It is a smart way of running the offense for us, especially with Boller back there because he thinks less in this type offense and he plays much better in that scenario.

We also ran the ball effectively in this offense, which allowed the passing game to open up some.

I hope they continue to run this, not just this year, but next year as well.

It worked because the Browns have one of the worst pass defenses in the league bar none plus one of their starting corners got hurt and went out. I sure wasn't impressed by anything Boller did. He was clearly outplayed by his 6th round counterpart on the Browns who was facing a top tier defense on the road whereas Boller was facing a terrible defense at home. Nuff said!

[birdsfan4ever]

It worked because the Browns have one of the worst pass defenses in the league bar none plus one of their starting corners got hurt and went out. I sure wasn't impressed by anything Boller did. He was clearly outplayed by his 6th round counterpart on the Browns who was facing a top tier defense on the road whereas Boller was facing a terrible defense at home. Nuff said!

Just think how good that Browns pass defense wouldve looked if we had McNair out their throwing 3 yard passes all game.

[BaltimoreTerp]

It worked because the Browns have one of the worst pass defenses in the league bar none plus one of their starting corners got hurt and went out. I sure wasn't impressed by anything Boller did. He was clearly outplayed by his 6th round counterpart on the Browns who was facing a top tier defense on the road whereas Boller was facing a terrible defense at home. Nuff said!

You know, for all the crap you like to toss about excuses...

[Sports Guy]

It worked because the Browns have one of the worst pass defenses in the league bar none plus one of their starting corners got hurt and went out. I sure wasn't impressed by anything Boller did. He was clearly outplayed by his 6th round counterpart on the Browns who was facing a top tier defense on the road whereas Boller was facing a terrible defense at home. Nuff said!

Well McNair was going against an equally bad pass defense last week and did nothing.

BTW, Boller has always performed better in this type of offense than your "normal" offense.

[Burg]

It worked because the Browns have one of the worst pass defenses in the league bar none plus one of their starting corners got hurt and went out. I sure wasn't impressed by anything Boller did. He was clearly outplayed by his 6th round counterpart on the Browns who was facing a top tier defense on the road whereas Boller was facing a terrible defense at home. Nuff said!


Did Boller steal your girl? Kill your pet? Something has to explain your irrational hatred. Boller played about 20 times better than McNair and you can't even acknowledge that he had a decent game.

Your opinions amaze me.

[ChaosLex]

Well McNair was going against an equally bad pass defense last week and did nothing.

BTW, Boller has always performed better in this type of offense than your "normal" offense.

Didn't you get the memo? Last week was all Boller's fault too. :rolleyes:

[birdsfan4ever]

Didn't you get the memo? Last week was all Boller's fault too. :rolleyes:

I heard the Orioles stink because of Boller also.

[ccbird]

Did Boller steal your girl? Kill your pet? Something has to explain your irrational hatred. Boller played about 20 times better than McNair and you can't even acknowledge that he had a decent game.

Your opinions amaze me.

Correction, he played a decent 2nd half. Numbers still not good overall at all and the 3 turnovers he had really hurt this team today. And again the bottom line is he didn't get a win. That is always going to be the bottom line with Boller. The only thing I disagree with is that Anderson played better. He and Boller both had subpar overall games.

[Sports Guy]

Correction, he played a decent 2nd half. Numbers still not good overall at all and the 3 turnovers he had really hurt this team today. And again the bottom line is he didn't get a win. That is always going to be the bottom line with Boller. The only thing I disagree with is that Anderson played better. He and Boller both had subpar overall games.

Boller was the reason this team ended up having a chance to win at the end of the game. In no way do we have a chance of winning this game with McNair back there.

2 of the TO's were partially the Oline's fault.

[MikeAD]

Boller was the reason this team ended up having a chance to win at the end of the game. In no way do we have a chance of winning this game with McNair back there.

2 of the TO's were partially the Oline's fault.

And Clayton/Darling didn't give Boller much help on the two INTs either.

[Sports Guy]

And Clayton/Darling didn't give Boller much help on the two INTs either.

Right...Clayton has to come back on that ball...He has to look for it, not keep running.

He didn't have Heap either.

[MikeAD]

He didn't have Heap either.

Yeah, and Sypniewski can't block nearly as well as Heap/Wilcox. Hes doing a good job filling in, but at least three times heavy pressure was his fault.

[orioles119]

I heard the Orioles stink because of Boller also.
I thought the Ravens stink because of Miguel Tejada??

I'm cornfused now. :eek:

[ChaosLex]

I thought the Ravens stink because of Miguel Tejada??

I'm cornfused now. :eek:

Nicely played. ;)

[Old#5fan]

In the first half Boller was every bit as McNair has been. He did look better in the second half but again he was facing a lousy defense missing possibly their best corner. How anyone can laud Boller for this game is unbelievable. The bar for QB play for the Ravens has reached a new low, and yes Derek Anderson played a better game. He was facing the Ravens defense on the road which is a much more difficult task than Boller facing the Brownies defense at home no less. If Boller continues to play this way the rest of the season he is playing himself out of a job as they will be able to draft a top QB prospect finally based on their lousy W-L record that will be crafted by boller.

[Sports Guy]

In the first half Boller was every bit as McNair has been. He did look better in the second half but again he was facing a lousy defense missing possibly their best corner. How anyone can laud Boller for this game is unbelievable. The bar for QB play for the Ravens has reached a new low, and yes Derek Anderson played a better game. He was facing the Ravens defense on the road which is a much more difficult task than Boller facing the Brownies defense at home no less. If Boller continues to play this way the rest of the season he is playing himself out of a job as they will be able to draft a top QB prospect finally based on their lousy W-L record that will be crafted by boller.
I never knew that someone could watch the game as long as you have and be as clueless as you are.

For the record, I do agree that Anderson played better under the circumstances(of course, who cares? he also had a better supporting cast and better health around him) and I do agree that Boller struggled mightily in the first half.

However, Boller was very good in the second half and, as was pointed out, more help by his receivers and his stats end up looking better.

It was a typical Boller game...Lots of ups and downs. He doesn't have the consistency but the offense is much better with him than any other QB on this staff and anyone who doubts that is flat out wrong.

[MikeAD]

Old #5, you like to clarify everything and downgrade everything that Boller does, so lets play aroudn a bit. Can you imagine what Boller could do with Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow? Boller is down to 4th string WRs and a third string TE that really should only be used on TEs. He was pressured the entire game.

Come on!

I don't even think you are serious half the time, Oldfan, but then again half the time that I think you are serious it just baffles me.

[Miller192]

The only thing that gets me with Boller is I seem to ask my friend, at the end of a Kyle Boller perfomance, "Well how did you think he did?" I want to see him have an unarguable good performance.

I need to see two good halfs instead of football instead of one. But he's getting his fair look this season so I guess the jury is still out on whether he has improved as a QB. I've already stated in a previous thread of what my expectations of him are.

I really, though, had to question the scheme in the first half. I didn't see too many plays utilize the middle of the field. There was a lot of short runs, then a 3rd and long, then a long pass atempt to the sidelines. Once they started using more of the field, they were able to find success.

The Browns had 6 offensive possessions alone in the 1st quarter. That is unbelievable.

[The Wedge]

You know, last year McNair would have horrible first halfs, come on late and get the Ravens back in it, or even win, and he was praised for it.

Makes you think.

[BaltiJo]

The only thing that gets me with Boller is I seem to ask my friend, at the end of a Kyle Boller perfomance, "Well how did you think he did?" I want to see him have an unarguable good performance.

I need to see two good halfs instead of football instead of one. But he's getting his fair look this season so I guess the jury is still out on whether he has improved as a QB. I've already stated in a previous thread of what my expectations of him are.

I really, though, had to question the scheme in the first half. I didn't see too many plays utilize the middle of the field. There was a lot of short runs, then a 3rd and long, then a long pass atempt to the sidelines. Once they started using more of the field, they were able to find success.

The Browns had 6 offensive possessions alone in the 1st quarter. That is unbelievable.

I too applaud Kyle Boller for his performance today. The important piece to consider about it, to me, is that he was able to adjust his playing at halftime. He did not come out with the same attitude, presence, or imprecision in the third quarter. Without his perfect tosses to Darling and others, we would not have had a chance in the game.

In terms of Kyle having a performance that is unarguably good, he has had a few. They just seem so distant apart because of how sporadic his starts have been since McNair flew into town. One that sticks out off the top of my head was that Monday Night Green Bay game two years ago.

The Sun did an interesting piece recently that charts Kyle's "top five" and "bottom five" performances.

I really wish he were more reliable, but I have no qualms about today's great transition and leadership that he exuded in the second half.

[BaltimoreTerp]

You know, last year McNair would have horrible first halfs, come on late and get the Ravens back in it, or even win, and he was praised for it.

Makes you think.

Well, he's a "veteran" who has "been there before" and "knows how to win" and "doesn't overuse quote marks", all of which don't apply to Boller :rolleyes:

[Hank Scorpio]

It worked because the Browns have one of the worst pass defenses in the league bar none plus one of their starting corners got hurt and went out. I sure wasn't impressed by anything Boller did. He was clearly outplayed by his 6th round counterpart on the Browns who was facing a top tier defense on the road whereas Boller was facing a terrible defense at home. Nuff said!

Shocker!!! :D

I think an objective onlooker would see that D.A. is just as erratic as Boller and less mobile. He just has legitimate weapons to throw the ball to.

Devard Darling? Sypnewski? Are you kidding me?

If D.A. was our quarterback, you'd be spouting the exact same stuff because anyone that has seen this team over the past couple years can clearly see that it is the SCHEME, not the quarterback. Just ask Steve McNair - I did!!!

[Sports Guy]

Shocker!!! :D

I think an objective onlooker would see that D.A. is just as erratic as Boller and less mobile. He just has legitimate weapons to throw the ball to.

Devard Darling? Sypnewski? Are you kidding me?

If D.A. was our quarterback, you'd be spouting the exact same stuff because anyone that has seen this team over the past couple years can clearly see that it is the SCHEME, not the quarterback. Just ask Steve McNair - I did!!!

Bingo!

Well said...

[square634]

Shocker!!! :D

I think an objective onlooker would see that D.A. is just as erratic as Boller and less mobile. He just has legitimate weapons to throw the ball to.

Devard Darling? Sypnewski? Are you kidding me?

If D.A. was our quarterback, you'd be spouting the exact same stuff because anyone that has seen this team over the past couple years can clearly see that it is the SCHEME, not the quarterback. Just ask Steve McNair - I did!!!

Has Steve McNair perhaps suggested to Billick that he change the system?

[Hank Scorpio]

Has Steve McNair perhaps suggested to Billick that he change the system?

Nooooooo, he just works there.

Really, it boils down to the personell not jiving with the scheme. If Billick sticks around, he's going to have to make some fundamental changes... and we need to go out and get a BIG receiver.

[ccbird]

The excuses never end for Boller. Always somebody elses fault. I'm not suggesting that you guys are excusing Boller from any blame but there is still too many excuses being used. He had a subpar game and if you guys can use the "poor" receivers(which I totally disagree with BTW) and bad pass blocking excuse than it should certainly be brought up how bad his 1st half and overall numbers were against a very poor defensive team.

[MikeAD]

The excuses never end for Boller. Always somebody elses fault. I'm not suggesting that you guys are excusing Boller from any blame but there is still too many excuses being used. He had a subpar game and if you guys can use the "poor" receivers(which I totally disagree with BTW) and bad pass blocking excuse than it should certainly be brought up how bad his 1st half and overall numbers were against a very poor defensive team.

But it also shows alot about his character development that he was able to rebound from one of the wors first halfs in Ravens' history.

[AgentOrange]

You know, last year McNair would have horrible first halfs, come on late and get the Ravens back in it, or even win, and he was praised for it.

Makes you think.

When was he praised when he brought us back in it and we lost?

Most of the times he was "praised" was when he put together a last minute TD drive to win the game. A little different there.

And none of those comebacks were against the 31st rated passing team in the league.

Perspective.

[ChaosLex]

The excuses never end for Boller. Always somebody elses fault. I'm not suggesting that you guys are excusing Boller from any blame but there is still too many excuses being used. He had a subpar game and if you guys can use the "poor" receivers(which I totally disagree with BTW) and bad pass blocking excuse than it should certainly be brought up how bad his 1st half and overall numbers were against a very poor defensive team.

I'm sorry, but Boller's receivers aren't doing him any favors out there. Notice how Clayton didn't even try to break up the interception in the first half?

[The Wedge]

When was he praised when he brought us back in it and we lost?

Most of the times he was "praised" was when he put together a last minute TD drive to win the game. A little different there.

And none of those comebacks were against the 31st rated passing team in the league.

Perspective.

He was praised for being able to bring us back at all, the winning was the icing.

[AgentOrange]

He was praised for being able to bring us back at all, the winning was the icing.

No, the winning was not the icing. The winning was the reason he was getting the praise.

[Dr. FLK]

He was praised for being able to bring us back at all, the winning was the icing.

Didn't they win 13 games last year? I'd say that most of his 2nd half comebacks resulted in wins. Being praised for "almost winning" is something that teams who can't "actually win" do...it's like a moral victory. "Well, we almost were able to outscore a team with no defense."

[The Wedge]

No, the winning was not the icing. The winning was the reason he was getting the praise.

I distinctly remember people gushing simply because he had the confidence and poise and veteranocity and all that simply because he was getting us back in it. It's hard to say how people would have reacted had he come up short in those instances, but I'm telling you, there was definitely people who were like 'it's nice to have a QB who can get us back in the game' and the like. In that sense, the winning was the icing.

I'm not heralding Boller as the future, but McNair got a lot of praise because of his track record where Boller would get criticism in the same kinds of situations, and vice versa. I just don't like how the kid had a pretty gutsy game, was getting creamed, kept his head in it, got it going, did some good in the second half, and the same ol' same ol'ers are going to jump on him because we didn't win.

[The Wedge]

Didn't they win 13 games last year? I'd say that most of his 2nd half comebacks resulted in wins. Being praised for "almost winning" is something that teams who can't "actually win" do...it's like a moral victory. "Well, we almost were able to outscore a team with no defense."

I'm looking at this solely in the "individual player performance and criticism thereof" vein. Yeah, the wins made it much easier to ignore the negatives and accentuate the positives. But I'm trying to look past the wins, really. All I was saying is that basically, for most fans, Boller is completely screwed.

[Hank Scorpio]

This may give our buddy Old#5fan a heart attack, but entirely too much credit and too much blame is laid at the feet of quarterbacks. All quarterbacks. Tom Brady is the second coming because he's thrown 38 touchdown passes. Great. Did anyone watch the game last night? Did you see how much freakin' time the guy has to throw the ball? Oh, and by the way, when he DOES throw the ball, he throws it to Randy Moss.

Heard an interview with Jim Fassel last week who said the exact same thing. Too much credit, too much blame. I know Fassel hasn't watched football as long as some of us ;), but I'll take his opinion, thanks.

If you put Derek Anderson behind our offense, you'd all be saying the same things about him, I promise.

You give Kyle Boller some time and some options and he's a pretty good quarterback.

[Dr. FLK]

I'm looking at this solely in the "individual player performance and criticism thereof" vein. Yeah, the wins made it much easier to ignore the negatives and accentuate the positives. But I'm trying to look past the wins, really. All I was saying is that basically, for most fans, Boller is completely screwed.

But Boller has never done anything. Ever. McNair has a track record of being successful, so he gets the benefit of the doubt. Boller in no way deserves the benefit of the doubt. As a result, "almost winning" isn't going to change people's mind about his ability. He contributed to a disastrous first half, and then came up short in a comeback attempt in a game that should have been an easy win. Nothing too impressive IMO. Basically, he had 3 good drives in a game against a team with a horrid defense (The defense was terrible with all their starters. And, they were without a starting LB all game and lost a starting DB early).

[The Wedge]

But Boller has never done anything. Ever. McNair has a track record of being successful, so he gets the benefit of the doubt. Boller in no way deserves the benefit of the doubt. As a result, "almost winning" isn't going to change people's mind about his ability. He contributed to a disastrous first half, and then came up short in a comeback attempt in a game that should have been an easy win. Nothing too impressive IMO. Basically, he had 3 good drives in a game against a team with a horrid defense (The defense was terrible with all their starters. And, they were without a starting LB all game and lost a starting DB early).

So, basically, it's the "you need experience to get this job" "But how do I get the experience until I have the job?" argument. Gotcha. Like I said, Boller is screwed, even though he's showing the signs that he's getting it, which was one of the selling points of McNair. To be a mentor that Boller never had.

[NewMarketSean]

Let me say this. The Ravens should look for another QB next year. Keep Boller as the back-up or release him and start over.

That said, people who bash Boller fail to see that football, like most sports, is a team game. And if Boller plays poorly (or any QB for that matter) chances are the rest of the team plays a part in the poor performance too.

I just don't understand how some people don't understand that. They think that getting a different QB and keeping the rest of the surrounding cast is going to change things. Well it's not. If Manning doesn't get protection he's as bad as Boller. If Manning's WR's don't fight for passes, he's as bad as Boller. If Manning has 3rd and 4th string receivers to throw to, he's as bad as Boller.

No QB short of someone like Mike Vick or Vince Young can elude pressure on their own. And even those QB's are vastly overrated. So unless you can get consistent protection and have some talent around you on offense, we are going to have Kyle Boller at QB for a long time, even long after he is gone.

[Hank Scorpio]

Let me say this. The Ravens should look for another QB next year. Keep Boller as the back-up or release him and start over.

That said, people who bash Boller fail to see that football, like most sports, is a team game. And if Boller plays poorly (or any QB for that matter) chances are the rest of the team plays a part in the poor performance too.

I just don't understand how some people don't understand that. They think that getting a different QB and keeping the rest of the surrounding cast is going to change things. Well it's not. If Manning doesn't get protection he's as bad as Boller. If Manning's WR's don't fight for passes, he's as bad as Boller.

No QB short of someone like Mike Vick or Vince Young can elude pressure on their own. And even those QB's are vastly overrated. So unless you can get consistent protection and have some talent around you on offense, we are going to have Kyle Boller at QB for a long time, even long after he is gone.

Ding ding f'ing ding.

This post is spot on.

[Dr. FLK]

So, basically, it's the "you need experience to get this job" "But how do I get the experience until I have the job?" argument. Gotcha. Like I said, Boller is screwed, even though he's showing the signs that he's getting it, which was one of the selling points of McNair. To be a mentor that Boller never had.

No, you don't "got me". When did I say that? Was yesterday is first chance? He has had chances, and he has NEVER done anything with them. he doesn't "have the job" because he has "had the job" for years and punted it away every time. So, pardon me for not getting excited about an "almost win." He's not a rookie. He's not in his second year. He's not even a first time starter. Maybe he's getting it. But, maybe he isn't. I'd like to see a lot more than a few decent drives against a defense of girl scouts before I get excited.

It's kind of like Luis Hernandez. Lots of people got excited about a few ABs of decent offense. But, all the prior stats point to him being terrible. I'd like to see a little more before I believe that the "new Luis" is the "real Luis."

I didn't expect the sarcastic mocking from you over this.

[Dr. FLK]

L
I just don't understand how some people don't understand that. They think that getting a different QB and keeping the rest of the surrounding cast is going to change things. Well it's not. If Manning doesn't get protection he's as bad as Boller. If Manning's WR's don't fight for passes, he's as bad as Boller. If Manning has 3rd and 4th string receivers to throw to, he's as bad as Boller.


I agree with this too. I'm not saying this is all his fault at all. And, I'm sure he'd be better with a better supporting cast. How much better? I don't know. But, it certainly wouldn't hurt.

[The Wedge]

No, you don't "got me". When did I say that? Was yesterday is first chance? He has had chances, and he has NEVER done anything with them. he doesn't "have the job" because he has "had the job" for years and punted it away every time. So, pardon me for not getting excited about an "almost win." He's not a rookie. He's not in his second year. He's not even a first time starter. Maybe he's getting it. But, maybe he isn't. I'd like to see a lot more than a few decent drives against a defense of girl scouts before I get excited.

It's kind of like Luis Hernandez. Lots of people got excited about a few ABs of decent offense. But, all the prior stats point to him being terrible. I'd like to see a little more before I believe that the "new Luis" is the "real Luis."

I didn't expect the sarcastic mocking from you over this.

I'm so misunderstood. I wasn't mocking at all. I'm saying that it's the football version of that argument. And it's a common argument in many walks of life.

Basically, I'm saying that now that Boller has had a decent mentor over him, he's getting a chance to show what he's learned. But he can't show what he's learned properly because nobody will give him credit when he does do well, because it's all about the negatives because he's Kyle Boller, inexperienced doofus QB.

And it wasn't even remotely aimed at you. In a way, I was agreeing.

[NewMarketSean]

I agree with this too. I'm not saying this is all his fault at all. And, I'm sure he'd be better with a better supporting cast. How much better? I don't know. But, it certainly wouldn't hurt.

Well we saw what McNair did in this offense this year. Nothing. Now he may have some injuries and what not, and he's also an older QB than his age. But he was serviceable last year, so what happened in the 8 months between the end of last year and the start of this year that turned him into a terrible QB? Also, McNair started sucking in the last 2 games of the 06 season so it's not something that is isolated to this season only.

And for all the people calling for Derek Anderson... we might be a little better with him at QB, again we'll never know, but he is less mobile than Kyle. How would he do with the constant pressure that our QB's are dealing with?

Just look at some of the better QB's in the league right now and look at who they've got protecting them, how many times they've been sacked, and who they are throwing to. Think about that for a second and then tell me that another QB would make a much bigger difference over Boller or McNair in this offense.

[Dr. FLK]

I'm so misunderstood. I wasn't mocking at all. I'm saying that it's the football version of that argument. And it's a common argument in many walks of life.

Basically, I'm saying that now that Boller has had a decent mentor over him, he's getting a chance to show what he's learned. But he can't show what he's learned properly because nobody will give him credit when he does do well, because it's all about the negatives because he's Kyle Boller, inexperienced doofus QB.

And it wasn't even remotely aimed at you. In a way, I was agreeing.

Wow. I don't know how I misread it that poorly. My apologies. Perhaps I too am an inexperienced doofus.

[Dr. FLK]

Well we saw what McNair did in this offense this year. Nothing. Now he may have some injuries and what not, and he's also an older QB than his age.

McNair is done. He can't get out of his own way. The game just looks way too fast for him now. I wouldn't let his failures serve as an indictment of the offense. Whether it's his injury, age, or both, he can't handle the NFL right now.

[The Wedge]

Wow. I don't know how I misread it that poorly. My apologies. Perhaps I too am an inexperienced doofus.

No, it's quite okay, it's the boy who cried wolf on my part. I'm so jokey and sarcastic most times it's easier to translate everything I say that way.

[Miller192]

I can buy into the whole supporting cast bit and I have argued that the scheme is primarily my problem with this offense. However, Kyle made some bad decisions and a handfull of bad throws, one that could've ended the game.

That being said, he's probably got 6 more weeks left to improve his situation in Baltimore. Whether he's is going to be a backup, starter or gone, I think you have to be fair and not judge him solely on this week's game. For better or for worse.

It would be unfortunate if this team quits on him at some point.

[NewMarketSean]

I can buy into the whole supporting cast bit and I have argued that the scheme is primarily my problem with this offense. However, Kyle made some bad decisions and a handfull of bad throws, one that could've ended the game.

That being said, he's probably got 6 more weeks left to improve his situation in Baltimore. Whether he's is going to be a backup, starter or gone, I think you have to be fair and not judge him solely on this week's game. For better or for worse.

It would be unfortunate if this team quits on him at some point.

I don't see how they could quit on him. Maybe back in 2005, but the players have been very vocal in supporting Kyle and the way he took the bench for McNair and tried to re-learn the game during that time. Besides, the team doesn't look at stats like we do. They know that other players may be to blame for Kyle's INT's. At least I hope they do because they are not always his fault, or the fault of any other QB who throws picks.

That said, he is still very lacking as a NFL QB. His passes are too erratic and he still doesn't have that pocket awareness that is necessary to be a good QB at this level. Maybe he gets a little better as he plays more but he's got some tough defenses to face in the coming weeks so there is a chance that he doesn't equal this game for the rest of the season.

Definitely try to find another option next season, although it's going to be hard. McNabb is the only valuable guy available and even he could very likely be another Steve McNair as we saw yesterday.

What is scary about Ravens fans is that I heard more than one say that they'd rather have Vinny back, yesterday. I hope they weren't serious, but at the time they said it, I think they were.

[Hank Scorpio]

I can buy into the whole supporting cast bit and I have argued that the scheme is primarily my problem with this offense. However, Kyle made some bad decisions and a handfull of bad throws, one that could've ended the game.

That being said, he's probably got 6 more weeks left to improve his situation in Baltimore. Whether he's is going to be a backup, starter or gone, I think you have to be fair and not judge him solely on this week's game. For better or for worse.

It would be unfortunate if this team quits on him at some point.

No chance this happens...

[Miller192]

No chance this happens...

I'm suggesting the team quits as a whole, not on Kyle personally. I hope you're right...

[Hank Scorpio]

I'm suggesting the team quits as a whole, not on Kyle personally. I hope you're right...

I doubt they will. This is a professional, veteran group.

[NewMarketSean]

I doubt they will. This is a professional, veteran group.

Well the defense is definitely not happy with Billick, but they were the ones who let the team down yesterday.

[Dr. FLK]

Well the defense is definitely not happy with Billick, but they were the ones who let the team down yesterday.

I'd say the special teams and clock management let them down more. The game tying FG wouldn't have happened if Billick trys to run down the clock instead of throwing. And, on both the tying and winning FGs, the special teams lets the Browns return the kick to almost midfield.

[Miller192]

I doubt they will. This is a professional, veteran group.

That's what worries me. Guys like Corey Ivy and Darling are playing for jobs, not a Ogden or a Chris McCallister.

I think in the past, when this team had more faith in Billick, quitting wouldn't be a worry. I just think it's tough in the NFL to play games that have little meaning on your season; guys don't care about draft picks.

[NewMarketSean]

I'd say the special teams and clock management let them down more. The game tying FG wouldn't have happened if Billick trys to run down the clock instead of throwing. And, on both the tying and winning FGs, the special teams lets the Browns return the kick to almost midfield.

Very true. The team lost the game, that is for sure. I'm just saying that after yesterday, it'd be hard for the defense to have a problem with the offense.

[Dr. FLK]

Very true. The team lost the game, that is for sure. I'm just saying that after yesterday, it'd be hard for the defense to have a problem with the offense.

They shouldn't be mad at being on the field for what seemed like 29 minutes in the first half?;)

(There is always a way to blame this "offense" for something.;) )

[Miller192]

They shouldn't be mad at being on the field for what seemed like 29 minutes in the first half?;)

(There is always a way to blame this "offense" for something.;) )

Man that was a long first quarter! I have to credit the defense for holding Cleveland to 0 points despite getting decent field position and having the ball for 6 possesions.

[Hank Scorpio]

They shouldn't be mad at being on the field for what seemed like 29 minutes in the first half?;)

(There is always a way to blame this "offense" for something.;) )

The offensive line and blitz pickup was just absolutely pathetic in the first half.

Horrid.

[MikeAD]

The offensive line and blitz pickup was just absolutely pathetic in the first half.

Horrid.

Oh it was terrible, and it was still really bad in the second. I was shocked that Willis was able to break through for some nice runs. My girlriend kept asking me how he devil my perfect one was still standing. As if he ever gets knocked down...he choses to make the things interesting :D

[Sports Guy]

The offensive line and blitz pickup was just absolutely pathetic in the first half.

Horrid.
Yes it was...It was funny how everything worked better when you ran a hurry up, 2 minute style offense....Spread the field, keep everyone on their toes.

The Ravens offensive players probably get bored at times...It is like the Orioles fielders when they are in a game where our pitchers are walking 10 guys.

You just aren't into the game as much and aren't on your toes.

But in the second half, everything clicked much better.

[Hank Scorpio]

Yes it was...It was funny how everything worked better when you ran a hurry up, 2 minute style offense....Spread the field, keep everyone on their toes.

The Ravens offensive players probably get bored at times...It is like the Orioles fielders when they are in a game where our pitchers are walking 10 guys.

You just aren't into the game as much and aren't on your toes.

But in the second half, everything clicked much better.

...and one would hope Billick learns something from the success they had running the hurry up.

But I'm not sure we'll see it going forward unless we're down 2 scores late in the game.