Ravens coach Brian Billick and many players reiterated their support for Steve McNair to remain the team’s starting quarterback even after the offense has scored just 28 points during a three-game losing streak.
McNair completed 17-of-26 passes for 128 yards and an interception. He also lost two fumbles before being replaced by Kyle Boller in the fourth quarter.
“As of right now, yes,” said Billick on McNair status as a starter. “Obviously, we’ll make our adjustments going forward.”
Ravens offensive lineman Jason Brown said McNair?s track record speaks for itself and is confident he can turn his season around.
“Steve was a great quarterback, is a great quarterback and will continue to be a moving force in this league,” Brown said.
HOME SWEET HOME NO MORE: Sunday’s loss proved even the friendly confines of M&T Bank Stadium are no longer safe for the Ravens.
The defeat was just the second in the Ravens? last 16 games in Baltimore dating to 2005. Entering the game, the Ravens allowed an average of 13.5 points per game as the home team, which was tops in the NFL during that span.
The Ravens? ineffectiveness on offense also led many of the 71,131 fans in attendance to boo before cheering when backup quarterback Kyle Boller replaced McNair in the fourth quarter.
“The fans are entitled to display their affection to the team any way they choose to,” Ravens receiver Derrick Mason said. “It hurt to take it. They want a good product and we just didn’t go out there. It’s tough out there and I don’t think it makes it any better to boo the offense each and every time they go out there on the playing field.”
INJURIES GALORE: Cornerback Corey Ivy left the game with six minutes, 47 seconds left in the first quarter after suffering a concussion trying to tackle guard Bobbie Williams. Williams had picked up a fumble by Cincinnati quarterback Carson Palmer after being sacked by linebacker Ray Lewis. Williams’ recovery was negated because only the player who fumbles can recover it on fourth down. However, Ivy said after the game he expects to play against Cleveland on Sunday. Also for the Ravens, wide receiver Demetrius Williams and linebacker Prescott Burgess left the game with ankle and hip injuries, and their status for next week is uncertain.
ON THE SIDELINES: The Ravens? secondary was thin against the Bengals, as Chris McAlister, Samari Rolle, David Pittman and safety Gerome Sapp were inactive. Other inactive Ravens were quarterback Troy Smith, return specialist Yamon Figurs, tackle Jared Gaither and tight end Daniel Wilcox.
