Source: Baltimoresun.com The possibility of the Ravens bouncing back from a disappointing 4-4 start and reaching the playoffs seems slim at this point. But what gives the Ravens the best chance to do so, Steve McNair as their starting quarterback or sitting on the bench? With his performance in Monday night's 38-7 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, McNair has created a quarterback controversy among the Ravens' fan base. His statistics are among the worst of any NFL quarterback this season, as his 75.8 passer rating puts him behind the likes of Damon Huard, Joey Harrington and Brian Griese. In a span of a season, McNair has gone from a quarterback who led the Ravens to the playoffs to one who is keeping them from going there. Whether it's his age (34) or the cumulative effect of injuries, the four-time Pro Bowl quarterback's decline has been a rapid one. McNair doesn't seem to have the arm to make the big throws. He doesn't seem to make the right decisions anymore. He doesn't seem to avoid the pass rush and make plays with his legs. And he doesn't seem to command the same leadership. Ravens coach Brian Billick backed McNair as his starter after the game and reiterated his support when asked about changing quarterbacks on his WBAL radio show. "Steve wasn't alone in not playing well," Billick said. "We got a lot of faith in Steve. It would have to be a dramatic circumstance. ... We got a lot of faith in Kyle [Boller], but we have great faith in Steve McNair that he's going to do the things that he's done for us before." .....
Think the O-line for the Ravens has something to do with it? Watched Mark Schlereth talk about it on ESPN. The Ravens have invested a lot in players for the offense including Mason and McNair and Magahee etc...etc... but what have they done for the o-line?
I've always liked McNair for his toughness, determination and leadership. I thought he should've won the MVP by himself the year he co-won with Manning. However, its clear the injuries throughout his career have taken their toll + his age and declining skills. I don't blame the entire offenses' lack of production on him. I put most of that blame on Billick who's done nothing to warrant the offensive genuis title since coming to Baltimore.
