The Baltimore Ravens choked and NEED a franchise QB
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by E-ROC
The Baltimore Ravens versus the New England Patriots was one of the best games on Monday Night Football in recent memory. It was competitive throughout with a little drama at the end. You couldn't have asked for more. Though overtime would've probably been nice.
The Ravens were dominating for 58 minutes. Willis MaGahee ran the football with authority for 138 yards and a TD. Kyle Boller made sound decisions with the football throughout the game. He was 15/23 for 210 yards with 2 TDs and a pick. Even Billick opened up the playbook with screens and spread formations. The defense pressured Tom Brady all night that resulted in 3 sacks and an interception. The Ravens played physical with a little bit of a swagger. Believing they could upset the Patriots. Well.....that didn't quite happen.
The offense for the Ravens became non-existent in the 4th quarter. The Patriots defense stepped up their game and the Ravens didn't have an answer for it. Couldn't run or pass. But the Ravens did sustain a drive that got them into Patriots. There was a feeling that a Matt Stover FG could seal the deal and end the Patriots run at history. That feeling went away disappeared quickly once Boller explicably threw the ball into a sea of Patriots. Alas, this is the Kyle Boller, the Ravens are used to seeing. Having a brain freeze at critical moments in ball games. There is that inconsistency we know and love.
It's not all on Kyle. The Ravens defense could get it done. The Patriots had to go 73 yards for a TD. That's exactly what Tom Brady and company did. Pass after pass, the inevitable was going to happen. Brady has broken the hearts of many opposing teams. Just ask the Colts and Eagles. Jabar Gaffney's catch was reviewed and subsequently stood as a catch. The evidence wasn't indisputable for the officials to overturn it. So the Patriots run at history continues and Ravens are going back to the drawing board.
For most Ravens fans, the NFL draft cannot get here any sooner. The Ravens NEED a franchise QB. Obviously, Steve McNair isn't one anymore and Kyle Boller is a tease at best. The Ravens do have a need at CB but it's not more pressing than the QB position. If available, the Ravens should draft Matt Ryan or Brian Brohm in that order. Nobody is a sure thing, but these two QBs are the best of the bunch and one could emerge as a franchise QB. Andre Woodson could be lumped with that bunch, but his wind up throwing motion is a bit discouraging. Also, his decision making has been erratic at times and is somewhat statuesque in the pocket, meaning he would be a hittable target in the NFL.
The Ravens showed some fight and grit. Their next opponent is the Indianapolis Colts. Can the Ravens snap their losing streak against the Colts
