Dropped Pass
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by Falcon02520
Kyle Boller came into the game in the 4th quarter of tonight's game to relieve Steve McNair who couldn't get the job done against what is supposed to be a well below average defense. McNair lead the team in the turnover department; 3 fumbles lost with one pick. Le'Ron McLain added a fumble of his own in which all together lost the ball six times on turnovers. Yet, some how, within the last two minutes of the game, Boller had a chance to shine. McNair seemingly took himself out after he over threw a wide open Derrick Mason out on the sideline in first down territory.
Kyle Boller threw a touchdown pass to Todd Heap on one last drive which was set up by a fumble recovery by Ed Reed (who also returned a punt for a touchdown). The 4th and goal touchdown was called back on a penalty. While gaining position, the ref missed a call; it was defensive pass interference on the Bengals, but it was called against Heap who was actually held on the play. The Ravens fail on a final attempt on a replayed 4th and goal. But... a "make-up" call was made by the same ref who missed the first play. Defensive holding gave a whole new set of downs to Kyle. On third down, under 2 minutes in the game, no time outs, Boller hits Heap with a rocket on the money, between the numbers. Just Boller's luck... it bounces of the shoulder pads of Todd, into the arms of a diving defensive lineman Michael Myers.
It didn't take long for Boller to get yet another chance to lead this Baltimore team. He has shown a great deal of persistance through the years; dealing with all the failure and critism. Baltimore as a team turned the ball over SIX times, and yet they still had a chance to win the game. I am not sure whether or not to credit the Bengals (who played very well) with the win, or credit Baltimore with losing the game. Turning the ball over that many times and still having a chance to win is either impressive or disturbing. The Bengals are supposed to have an inept defense this year, but they looked good against what was supposed to be a decent offensive unit.
All in all, the Bengals looked good defensivly... the Ravens looked like the Bears (great defense, with an offensive that hurts more than helps)... and Boller missed another oppertunity (although to no fault of his own) to take over what could be one of the best teams in the league. If I were a Bengals fan, I am exciting about what the team could do this year. If I am a Ravens fan, I would be extremly worried.
