QB Crisis

Steve Mcnair planned to complete the final three years of his contract. How exactly would he have managed that? At the end of year two it may have resembled Thing from the Adams family. It is indicative of the Ravens desperation at QB that Mcnair can present the image of being allowed to walk away from the game at the highest level through his own choice . Despite the fact that two years ago he was locked out of the Titans work out facility, in what I imagine was essentially a fear of Mcnair’s contract having a “you break it, you buy it” clause.

His production will be missed by the Ravens. It’s a rickety time, as Kyle Boller will have to step up and prove he can out-do Mcnair’s daunting, 2 TD, 4 interception, 7 fumble season. The Ravens QB situation is in disarray as there is a threat that the Ravens will have to sign a competent quarterback, which would really screw up their dynamic of a disastrous offence and good defence.

With rumours that Matt Ryan may fall to the Ravens if Atlanta decide to build from elsewhere, the very principles of the draft will be displayed in the Ravens QB carousel. Troy Smith will play the part of the late round draft pick being groomed without the expectation and financial risk of a high round draft pick, versus, Kyle Boller, the QB who dazzled with his physical skills in the combine to jump up the draft boards, versus Matt Ryan, the QB who’s draft stock dipped on account of his less dazzling skills, but is still a worthy investment due to his “intangibles”. Intangibles v. Physical Specimen v. Building through late picks, Pretty much sums up the debate in all draft rooms next weekend.

What the Ravens need to do to fulfil the scenario, is to sign another makeshift veteran quarterback to steady the ship, who never really steadies the ship. I don’t think Boller is in that role yet but Kurt Warner, Vinny Testaverde and Gus Frerotte are waiting by the phone with baited breath.