Once the most criticized man in Baltimore, Kyle Boller has been anointed the Ravens? savior.
The 2003 first-round draft pick will start at quarterback for the injured and struggling Steve McNair Sunday against the Cleveland Browns with the hope of reversing the fortunes of the disappointing Ravens (4-5) at M&T Bank Stadium.
Boller, once pinpointed as the reason for the team?s stagnant offense from the 2003 to 2005 seasons, takes over a unit that has scored just 28 points in the past three games, all of which were losses.
Boller has started three games this season, guiding the team to victories over the Jets and Rams. He has thrown for 772 yards with three touchdown passes. Meantime, McNair has just two touchdown passes against four interceptions and has lost a league-leading seven fumbles in six starts.
“I?d be lying if I said it wasn?t weird,” Boller said. “But I think that?s life in the NFL. I?ve talked to guys like Phil Simms and a couple different guys who said ?It?s not always going to be great. As long as you stay right in the middle and not get too down on yourself or too high on yourself during the good times, that?s how you have to be.? It?s an interesting occupation. There are only 32 guys that really get to do it. You got to keep battling keep fighting, keep going and good things will happen.”
McNair officially was ruled out for Sunday?s game Wednesday with an injury to his left shoulder ? his non-throwing arm ? and is expected to miss at least two or three games. Ravens coach Brian Billick said McNair had substantial soreness in his shoulder Monday, but the quarterback made no mention of the injury after a 21-7 loss to the Bengals on Sunday.
McNair did not practice Wednesday and was unavailable to talk to the media. Cornerback Samari Rolle (undisclosed illness) and receiver Demetrius Williams (ankle) also were ruled out for Sunday?s game. Billick was noncommittal about McNair?s long-term status with the team.
“We?ll see how Kyle goes andwhere we are in the season,” Billick said. “We?re in the point in the season now where you?ve got to judge what?s going on with the team.”
Pressed further, Billick almost acknowledged the job could be Boller?s to lose.
“It?s always a possibility and it has to do with Steve?s strength as well,” Billick said. “There?s always that possibility.”
Players inside the team?s locker room were supportive of Boller.
“Kyle will be fine,” left offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden said. “Kyle has done well for us in the past. This year he?s been playing well and he?ll do fine this week.”
Join the discussion and take our poll in today’s examiNation Baltimore: What do you think of Kyle Boller’s chance to lead the Ravens?
