Yardbarker: Kyle Boller

Air McNair Dead at 39.

Sat, 04 Jul 2009 22:32:45 -0500

Steve McNair was found dead in his Nashville home last night in an apparent murder-suicide case. In the last two weeks, many notable figures have passed away. Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Ed McMahon and Billy Mays all died, and will be missed. But McNair is a guy who I will remember where I was when I found out he was dead, and not just because he was a quarterback who led the Ravens to a playoff appearance after a 13-3 record. No, I will remember him for other things. When my friend went on his iPhone, and told me the news, it ruined a 4th of July BBQ I had been looking forward to for weeks. Steve McNair will always be known for two things. His leadership and his legs. Anytime Air McNair’s Titan offense stepped onto the field, you could see the players just looking at him, waiting for his word. He commanded leadership, and got it without question. He earned his power by throwing for 3,000+ yards year in, year out and by running all over defenses. He won the co-MVP in 2003 with Peyton Manning and went to a Super Bowl with an unlikely team in 1999, that had been solid all season. He was one of the first QB’s in the late 90s and early 2000s to use his legs as a weapon. From 1997-2002, McNair ran for over 400 yards, and peaked with 674 in the first season of that stretch, also adding 8 rushing touchdowns in that 1997 campaign. McNair will always have the lore about him, whether it’s his career at small Alcorn State in Mississippi, or his drive in Super Bowl XXXIV, there will always be that aura surrounding him. He gained 6,000 total yards in his senior season at ASU (yes, 6 thousand yards) and finished 3rd in Heisman voting that year, the highest ever finish by a Divison 1-AA player, and was drafted #3 overall by the Oilers (soon to be Titans). In that Super Bowl, advancing there from the Music City Miracle, McNair led a drive down the field resulting in Kevin Dyson being taken down at the goal line, and losing his only Super Bowl appearance 23-16. Seeing what he could do on a field awed me, and obviously awed defenses, as he was never able to be stopped. He came to Baltimore in 2006, after an injury-plagued fallout with the Titans, and was exactly what the Ravens needed. A guy who could pass effectively and bring the offense to the same caliber as the famous D. His scrambling skills were basically done, and the team couldn’t afford a season-ending hit to their new QB. He threw for over 3,000 yards, which was incredible for a Ravens passer at that time, and led the team to a 13-3 record. In my opinion, that season was the best to be a Ravens fan. Everything seemed like it was clicking, and McNair was the key. He got them a bye, and maybe, just maybe, he could mentor Kyle Boller to finally have him fulfill the potential that he always had. Well, the team lost the first game and Boller gained nothing noticeable from the experience. McNair was injured the next season, and retired after the season. With career totals of 31,000 passing yards, a 194.4 YPG average, 174 TDs and an 82.8 QB rating, McNair was an incredibly prolific passer, but his impact as a QB has to be shown by his rushing stats. He ran for 3,590 yards and 37 TD and had 41% of his rushes end up in first downs. He led to the acceptance and embracing of scramblers like Donovan McNabb and Michael Vick in an era of big, slow QBs with big arms. He was a great person, donating tons of money to charities, and starting the Steve McNair foundation. He opened a restaurant in Nashville, and had a Ray Lewis-type impact on that city. The Titans fans loved him, we loved him in Baltimore, and it’s a shame that he’s gone. A first ballot hall-of-famer, a guy who will be talked about for a while, and a guy who had a noticeable impact on quarterbacks. His achievements at Alcorn is stuff of legends, and his career will be talked about for a long time. His death made me feel as crappy as I did the day I found out Nick Adenhart was dead. I love being a blogger, especially for my favorite team, but things like this are the worst to write about. When someone like Steve McNair dies, it’s not just an athlete, it’s a great person and a guy who really, really didn’t deserve it. He did so much for so many, and now he deserves our respect. Good night, and happy 4th of July.

Best under-the-radar moves of the offseason

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:53:26 -0500

Peter Schrager breaks down some notable and "not-so-notable" offseason moves.........here's a couple of thoughts of my own on his breakdown

- I dont think Zach Thomas has much left (and I'm not just saying that because he isnt in the teal and white anymore) but unless he's in a 4-3 setup or maybe just a passing down backer, he just doesnt have it for 16 games any more. Keith Brooking on the other hand is one of the most versatile and overlooked players, not just LBs, in the league and should help with the Cowboys run defense because he is still an excellent tackler and let's face it, those last couple of games last season, the Cowboys looked like they were trying to catch a greased pig.

- The Julian Peterson signing I thought when it happened was a cost saving move for the Seahawks. I am curious as to how Schwartz and Cunningham will use him though because he is best getting after the QB. Larry Foote basically fits the same description I mentioned about Brooking above......I feel for them though because the trend for footballers going "home" seems to be they are only going there to "die". I hope he's an exception.

- If Orlando Pace is right, the Bears just solidified their left tackle for at least another 2 seasons. I didnt realize the Ravens OL had need of that much help, but when you can get a "fighter" like Matt Birk you take him. No questions asked.

- I think Chris Wells is going to be a good fit for the Cards but if Jason Wright is good enough on 3rd downs, then Hightower may be the odd man out. The bigger issues, in my opinion, would be the play of the OL and Arizona's commitment to the run.

- I said this to a couple of friends when the move happened and they scoffed but I think Dawkins is going to be bothing more than window dressing. I'm high on Goodman but he's going to show he can be consistent again this season.

-If Barnes can stay healthy he solidfies the tackle position for the Raiders. Satele is going to be "beast" for them.

- I think the Rosenfels move was a waste of money since I dont think he can protect the ball any better than Jackson in Minnesota. I wonder if Cam Cameron really can get the most out of Beck or if this is just another so called QB guru missing on a QB (ie Brian Billick - Kyle Boller)

- Both Coles and Houshmandzadeh will help their teams greatly. I think Coles might have slightly better numbers because I think Palmer will have a big year.

The Eagles had the best offseason in terms of moves according to NFL.com's Vic Carrucci so I wonder if that means anything with the OL moves mentioned in this article.

- Jovon Haye will definitely make it easier to move on past Haynesworth. Haynesworth, on the other hand will make Redskin fans sick with his inconsistentcy especially after this big pay day he just got.

Giants Redskins Eagles Cowboys

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:39:09 -0500

Giants 12-4

I dont see any excuses why the Giants wont be the number 1 team in the NFC this year. The only position thy're lacking on is Wide Outs but with one of the best running attacks and with the best offensive line in the league will make up for it. Every season they seem to make they're defense better and younger so they should end up being the second best d after the Steelers. And everyone seems to forget that the G-mens went the entire season without they're best pass rusher in Osi. And Eli just had one of his best seasons, his problem in seasons past was his increasing number of interceptions and he went ahead and cut them in half from 20 to 10.

Redskins 10-6

Top 5 d's in the league last year and they only made it better with adding the face stumping monster that is Albert Haynesworth. I dont have all the confidence in the world in Jason Campbell but if he manages to keep his interceptions down than the D will easily bring this team to the playoffs. How do you think the Ravens have made it to the post season every other season, Kyle Boller is their all time leading passer for **** sakes. DEFENSE!!!!

Eagles 9-7

I'm perdicting that the wild card chase will be between the Eagles Redskins and Cowboys but Washington wins it. Cause as usual the poor fans in Philly are going to get so close but McNabb will throw a late interception in some really important game and end up lossing the spot. Tell me Philly fans haven't heard that one before. Dont let me take anything away from Donovan when hes on there isn't a better complete QB in the league but the trick is getting the man hot. They have a much improved wide out team which has always been a down fall of Philly, not getting McNabb anyone to throw to (apart from he who must not be named in Buffalo)

Cowboys 8-8

I really tried to take my complete hatred of the Cowboys out of this predition and this is what i came up with. A lot like the rest of the NFC east they have a really good defense but i just dont see this offense going anywhere without #81. Jason witten is an incredible Tight end and will see a huge year out of him seeing as hes Romo's favorite target and they touch each other when the lights are out. Roy Williams didn't make any impact on the team last year but will see his numbers improve with you know who not there. He had all of 36 receptions and 2 TD's last seasons, I think Cris Collinsworth could come out of retirment and put up a better year than that. I can't see Barber being healthy all season hes just far to small for the way he runs the ball and will end getting a season ending injury.

Vick or Favre? Which Will Help a Team Most?

Wed, 20 May 2009 10:34:17 -0500

Neither option is ideal. But desperate times breed desperate decisions, and even at this juncture, NFL teams without a talented, proven quarterback they trust are indeed desperate. So much so that their best options for the upcoming season may be either a QB who's way over the hill or one who's waaaay controversial. The Minnesota Vikings have apparently already decided they're going with Option A, 39-year-old Brett Favre, if the gunslinging icon can fix the pain choking the tendons in his throwing arm. Conflicting stories this week had him meeting with noted sports/knife Dr. James Andrews Tuesday and deciding whether to opt for surgery or a non-invasive option. If either procedure sacks the pain, Favre is expected to don purple for his 19th season. But is he the best option for the Vikings, or any other team looking for a talented quarterback. Or is there a better call to make for the Denver Broncos, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cleveland Browns, St. Louis Rams, Kansas City Chiefs and other teams with less-than-stirring QB options on their roster? Let's just briefly put aside the "issues" with Michael Vick. Depending on myriad factors, not the least of which would be how gracious and forgiving Roger Goodell is feeling these days, Vick, a three-time Pro Bowler, could be available for next season. Not likely all of next season but for much of it. He'll be 29 years old. He'll be younger than Chad Pennington, Kurt Warner (okay, everbody's younger than Kurt Warner), Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Donovan McNabb, Kerry Collins and even slightly younger than Tony Romo – all guys considering to be still playing at our near their peak. And he's just a few months older than Eli Manning. He hasn't played since the 2006 season, of course. And when he did, Vick didn't exactly stir confidence with his play. His talent was unquestioned, but decision-making often unnerving. He was the game's most exciting QB, one capable of breaking a game with his legs or arm (more likely in that order; only Randall Cunningham and Steve Young have more rushing yards among quarterbacks). But he was also the most aggravating, at least to Falcons' fans. He was all promise with little payoff, going 2-2 in playoff games. That said, if you're looking at Chris Simms, Kyle Orton and Tom Brandstater on the QB depth chart, as the Broncos are doing; or Marc Bulger, Kyle Boller and Keith Null (really, it's Null), as the Rams are, Option B starts to look pretty good. Based on what we saw in the second half of last season with the Jets, Favre is done. Whether eliminating the pain in his arm changes that, I'm pessimistic. Based on what we last saw of Vick, my bet is that, in time, he'll be close to the same game-changer he was, for better or not. Of course, the "issues" are real with Vick. You can assess two years away from the game two ways: 1) He's rusty and his skills have no doubt deteriorated; or 2) his body is healthy because he hasn't been pummelled by any angry, 260-pound defensive ends in two years. That's easy, though, compared with the baggage Vick will carry onto any NFL field, no matter how much remorse he shows, how much he apologizes, how much he pays for his transgressions. But just as some fans will never forgive him, at least as many will see that he has paid his debt and deserves to move on with his life. And if he can help some team to the playoffs, at least one team's fans will cheer like they're doing in the Bronx when A-Rod smashes another game-winner. If Vick gets Goodell's blessing, some owner will choose Option B. If you're an NFL GM and the option is Favre or Vick, which call do you make?

Headlines: Kyle Boller, Barry Sanders Impress Beer Cart Girls At Happy Gilmore Open

Tue, 12 May 2009 10:07:04 -0500

Quick, name Kyle Boller’s employer. Same here. No idea. So how is it that beer cart girls even comprehend Boller’s celebrity status? Is there some sort of underground network of marginally cute beer cart girls that send word via texts that semi-famous football players are on the course? The cart girls were out at the Happy Gilmore Open [...]

Rams QB Kyle Boller Says His Shoulder Is 100%

Tue, 05 May 2009 05:22:47 -0500

Rams quarterback Kyle Boller said his surgically repaired throwing shoulder is ?100%?, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Boller said his shoulder,...

Rams QB Kyle Boller Says His Shoulder Is 100%

Tue, 05 May 2009 03:44:41 -0500

Rams quarterback Kyle Boller said his surgically repaired throwing shoulder is ?100%?, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports. Boller said his shoulder,...

What’s Next For Troy Smith?

Mon, 04 May 2009 11:54:35 -0500

The world may never know what would’ve been of Troy Smith. Last year, Kyle Boller was injured and maligned, Joe Flacco was newly drafted and unready for the pressures NFL stardom, and Troy Smith was the second-year player with a Heisman Trophy and some manageable expectations from Ravens faithful. Then he got sick, Flacco stepped in [...]

Rams QB Kyle Boller Happy With Backup Role

Sun, 03 May 2009 13:51:13 -0500

Rams QB Kyle Boller seems happy with being Marc Bulger's backup for the Rams. "I am the backup to Marc Bulger," Boller said. "Marc is a great player,...

Rams QB Kyle Boller Happy With Backup Role

Sun, 03 May 2009 12:46:39 -0500

Rams QB Kyle Boller seems happy with being Marc Bulger's backup for the Rams. "I am the backup to Marc Bulger," Boller said. "Marc is a great player,...

Rams QB Kyle Boller Happy With Back Up Role

Sun, 03 May 2009 09:25:03 -0500

Rams QB Kyle Boller seems happy with being Marc Bulger's backup for the Rams. "I am the backup to Marc Bulger," Boller said. "Marc is a great player,...

Don't take either one!

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 09:34:46 -0500

I'm really not feeling all of this hoopla over Matt Stafford or Mark Sanchez right now, and if you ask me I wouldn't take either one. Especially not for $30 million-plus guaranteed. You see, there's two kinds of draft hype: 1) On the field hype, where the draft gurus/GMs/etc get amped over what guys actually did on the field and the physical traits they displayed there (accuracy, explosiveness, hands, etc.). 2) Draft season hype, where people get all worked up over 40 times, interviews, wonderlic scores, and the like, but don't have any on field basis for their sudden increase or decrease in enthusiasm for certain players. Now from my experience paying attention to all this stuff, the first brand of hype is usually more reliable than the second. The first brand is what gave us Peyton Manning, Donovan McNabb, LaDanian Tomlinson, Dwight Freeney, and many others. The second leads you to Matt Jones, Mike Mamula, Ryan Leaf, and Kyle Boller. Now of course you get exceptions to each rule every year but I just don't think you should increase a guy's grade because he ran a good 40 or exuded confidence in an interview if his game film suggests he's not all that. At the same time, downgrading a guy who clearly showed and proved on the field because he ran a bad 40 or hada bad interview isn't a good idea either. What's really crazy, if you remember, is that a lot of people were honestly believing at one point that Leaf was a better choice than Manning. Despite years of game film and his pedigree a lot of people fell for one year of Leaf highlights and his superior arm strength and would have made him their choice if they were picking first. Written By Robert Bonnette

Several Dominoes Must Fall for Boldin to Fly to Baltimore

Sat, 18 Apr 2009 09:01:05 -0500

In the months leading to the NFL Draft, talk has persisted over the Ravens’ need to select a receiver in the first round. But now with the draft only a week away, could Pro Bowl wide receiver Anquan Boldin be heading to Baltimore? The Arizona Cardinals have officially placed Boldin on the trading block, and the Ravens are interested in the 28-year-old wideout according to numerous media outlets. Boldin would certainly be the playmaker the Ravens’ offense needs, but there are several barriers to overcome before the three-time Pro Bowl selection can begin reining in passes from quarterback Joe Flacco. The Cardinals are reportedly seeking a first- and third-round pick, a likely sticking point for the Ravens who have only six picks in the draft. General manager Ozzie Newsome has not traded out of the first round since 2003 when the Ravens traded their 2004 first-round pick to the New England Patriots in order to select quarterback Kyle Boller. The fact that the Ravens are even discussing the possibility of trading picks for Boldin suggests a lack of enthusiasm for the group of receivers that could be available with the 26th overall pick. Maryland’s Darrius Heyward-Bey, Rutgers’ Kenny Britt, and North Carolina’s Hakeem Nicks have been mentioned as potential first-round choices, but all have weaknesses and would likely struggle to make an impact in their rookie season. Director of player personnel Eric DeCosta mentioned earlier in the week that more failed picks have come at the wide receiver position than any other between picks 24 through 32. And despite Newsome’s immense success on draft day, wide receiver is not a position on which the Ravens typically hit a home run. Past early-round picks include Patrick Johnson, Travis Taylor, Devard Darling, Mark Clayton, and Yamon Figurs–not exactly a group that strikes fear in a secondary’s heart. If the Ravens are truly serious about getting better at the wide receiver position immediately, Boldin is a far better option than anyone in the draft, including top-rated receiver Michael Crabtree from Texas Tech. While a young receiver could become a threat in the future, none would transform the Ravens into a legitimate Super Bowl contender like Boldin. Even the asking price of a first- and third-round pick is not a steep one when solely considering the value of the picks. Using the NFL draft-pick value chart, a point system used by general managers to consider potential trades, the Ravens’ first-round pick (26th overall) is worth 700 points and the third-round pick (88th overall) is worth 150 for a total of 850 points. This is roughly equivalent to the 20th overall pick. The chart is only used as a tool for evaluating potential trades, but the surrendered picks would be worth no more than the value of a mid-first-round pick. In return, the Ravens would receive one of the best receivers in the NFL. Despite the possibility of only having four remaining picks, the decision is a no-brainer from this standpoint. And remember, the Cardinals are asking for a first- and third-round pick; that doesn’t mean they will get them. The bigger issue working against a potential deal is obviously the money. Boldin wants out of Arizona, because he wants a new, lucrative contract to replace the current one with two years remaining. Any team acquiring the wideout would unquestionably have to sign him to a new deal with a huge signing bonus, a proposition far more costly than signing the draft picks that would be surrendered. The reality is the Ravens have very little salary-cap room. Even the possibility of restructuring existing deals and releasing one or two average veterans would not clear enough room to sign Boldin. The only way the trade happens would be the signing of Terrell Suggs to a long-term deal, something Newsome has been unable to do after designating the linebacker with the franchise tag for the second straight season. Suggs’ 2009 salary is $10.2 million, eating up a large chunk of cap room. Signing Suggs to a long-term extension would create several million dollars of cap room, leaving the flexibility to complete a Boldin deal. Suggs discussed the possibility of providing a hometown discount to re-sign linebackers Ray Lewis and Bart Scott earlier in the offseason. It would be interesting to see if he would be more flexible in signing a deal, if it meant the Ravens could add an elite receiver to the offense. Even if Suggs agrees to an extension, Newsome will have to assess whether Boldin’s production is worth the much larger financial commitment than the modest investments that would go into the draft selections. Considering any deal for Boldin would involve an expensive contract, Arizona may not find a team willing to trade the draft picks they desire. It’s possible the Ravens could offer a first-round pick and a conditional 2010 selection, perhaps a third- or fourth-rounder, to get the deal done. It’s always a risk trading early draft picks for a veteran player, but Boldin is the receiving threat that could push Flacco to become an elite quarterback in the NFL. The combination of Boldin and Derrick Mason would become one of the best receiving duos in the league. It would also allow Mark Clayton or Demetrius Williams to compete against the third or fourth defensive back on the field, creating favorable matchups in Cam Cameron’s offense. But what about critics suggesting Boldin cannot put up the big numbers without fellow receiver Larry Fitzgerald in the same offense? Boldin caught 101 passes for 1,377 yards and eight touchdowns in his rookie season in 2003 while Fitzgerald was making acrobatic catches–at the University of Pittsburgh. I’d say he’s an elite receiver. The need for an improved offense is more apparent when considering the age of the defense. Mainstays such as Lewis and Trevor Pryce are in the twilight of their careers (both will be 34 at the start of the season) and cannot be expected to play at the same level that they have over the past few seasons. Even the dynamic Ed Reed will be 31 in September and has an impingement in his neck and shoulder that could potentially shorten his career. The defense can still play at a championship level, but for how long? The window for the veterans on the team is small, so Boldin could be viewed as the missing piece for a trip to the Super Bowl. Keep in mind, this team was a fourth-quarter touchdown drive away from advancing to the Super Bowl last January. Boldin could be the difference in simply being a playoff contender in 2009 versus becoming a legitimate Super Bowl contender right there with Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, and New England. They’re close. Trading for Boldin is certainly a risk, both financially and to future player development by surrendering draft picks, but it just might be enough to get the Ravens to the Super Bowl. With great risk, comes great reward. Trading for Boldin is a chance worth taking to seize the Lombardi Trophy next February.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='http://res1.blogblog.com/tracker/4055477232016038916-4146257027203293892?l=baltimoreluke.blogspot.com'/></div>

Who Said Byron Left?

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:10:26 -0500

Before this past season, many doubted that Byron Leftwich would ever start or even see playing time for any NFL team. But after starting a couple games in ‘08 for Steelers’ injured quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, a small portion of optimism was served up to myself and other football fans.

ESPN recently announced that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Leftwich have agreed to a 2-year, $7.5 million deal. Leftwich will rake in $2-million this year, $2-million in 2010 and a $3.5 million roster bonus that must be paid by the start of free agency in 2010.

Leftwich was chosen sixth overall in the 2003 NFL draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Other quarterbacks in his class were (and their current contracts):

Byron Leftwich - (6th overall, Jaguars) - 2-year, $7.5 million (signed: 2009, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Carson Palmer - (1st overall, Bengals) - 6-year, $118.75 million extension through 2014 (signed: 2005)
Kyle Boller - (16th overall, Ravens) - 1-year, $1.5 million (signed: 2009, St. Louis Rams)
Rex Grossman - (22nd overall, Bears) - Free Agent (signed: 2009)
Dave Ragone - (88th overall, Texans) - Free Agent (signed: 2009)
Chris Simms - (97th overall, Buccaneers) - 2-year, $6 million (signed: 2009, Denver Broncos)
Seneca Wallace - (110th overall, Seahawks) - 4-year, $6.2 million (signed: 2007)
Brian St. Pierre - (163rd overall, Steelers) - 1-year, $1 million (signed: 2009, Arizona Cardinals)
Drew Henson - (192nd overall, Texans) - 2009: $535,000, 2010: Free agent (Detroit Lions)
Brooks Bollinger - (200th overall, Jets) - 2009: Free agent (Dallas Cowboys)
Kliff Kingsbury - (201st overall, Patriots) - 2009: Free agent (Buffalo Bills)
Gibran Hamdan - (232nd overall, Redskins) - Undisclosed contract (Signed: 2009, Buffalo Bills)
Ken Dorsey - (241st overall, 49ers) - 2009: Free agent (Cleveland Browns)

Leftwich should be a good addition for Tampa. He is a strong armed quarterback with fair accuracy and a huge body.

Anatomy of a Draft Pick

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 13:42:00 -0500

The NFL draft is fast upon us and while fans are trying to figure out who the team should select and more importantly who will actually help the team in the 2009 campaign a major move happened this past week in terms of the club’s ability to draft players. Kyle Boller signed with the St.Louis Rams [...]