Boller

[Sports Steve]

Looks like Steve McNair has already improved Kyle Boller. I know Kyle is not going against the starting line up but he looks like a player with some hope for the future. They both seem to be talking on the side lines. Maybe Kyle is learning something.

:jester: :jester:

[RavenScallywag]

I was so ready to rip my old Boller jersey off on his first snap though. Redskin defender charged right up the middle and he got an 11 yard sack. It was painful.

But he improved, definitley a more relaxed QB now.

[Purpleguy]

I'd of ripped my Keydrick Vincent jersey up after that play before i ripped up my Boller jersey. The skins weren't even blitzing on that play. Keydrick just let the routine pass rush blow right by him.

[Mobtown]

Boller is looking excellent in preseason. Good reads, not staring his receivers down as much and he looks to have a little attitude going for him.

[braven98]

Give Boller a break remember he plays behind our stellar oline

[highwater]

Vincent worries me, but I agree about Boller. He just seems more composed and less jumpy when he goes back to pass. Maybe it's because he's not the starter, maybe he's already learned something from McNair, or maybe it's just that he's finally hitting his stride in his fourth season, but he looks pretty good.

[GreenWave52]

I'm getting comfortable with Kyle coming in and playing if McNair is out for a couple of games. He's looking better every week.

[FellsPointRaven]

Yes he looks better but there's room for improvement. His poise looks a lot better, and it was nice to see him check down, find the open man and get handsomely rewarded for it.

His deep ball still needs work and he could do with getting less air underneath his passes. He needs to learn from McNair how to better anticipate the rush and pressure - even though the line suck, that 11 yard loss was on him as he simply held on to the ball for too long.

Overall though, I'm fairly encouraged by Kyle's progress this pre-season.

[RavenScallywag]

He did seem to throw a lot of passes into obvious double coverage to non-jump ball receivers though. That nearly caused me to rip my hair out a couple times.

[Dabruise]

I will give Kyle and the FO some props (finally). Boller has always played better pissed and he seems to have a huge log on his shoulder now. I love it. I just hope he can keep that focus when we need him this year. Those bombs although they were scripted were really scary. For a guy with a gun, he seems to underthrow his long passes.

BTW, he does have a gun and I don't mind him threading a needle now and again (ala Favre).

[FellsPointRaven]

For a guy with a gun, he seems to underthrow his long passes.

I think he underthrew Bryant because he'd 'overthrown' Moore, albeit by about half a yard. Moore could have got that had he kept going at full speed and made an attempt at grabbing it.

[Greg]

... even though the line suck, that 11 yard loss was on him as he simply held on to the ball for too long.
That was my first reaction, but after watching the replay and re-running the TiVo a few times, it appeared it was a very deep out he was trying to throw. That takes time to develop and just as his WR was making the cut he tried to step up and throw. That's when the rush got him. A little more pocket presence and he should be able to move into a position where Vincent could have pushed him by and gotten the other half second is what he needs to learn. I think he is getting that as he gets more composed. A few times this pre-season he has moved a little left or right to help his blocking buy another second. He could have helped, but I don't think he held the ball too long.

It was his first snap, once he got into the flow he seemed more pocket aware. He does need to work on the deep ball, I don't know if he will ever get more accurate but at least the threat is there. He throws deep about every 5th or 6th pass. When he comes in that should help keep the 8th guy out of the box.

[RavenFanatic2k6]

He still seems to rely on the jump ball a little too much, but he has improved alot just over the course of the preseason. I am not as worried as I was about him coming in should McNair get hurt.


When he comes in that should help keep the 8th guy out of the box.

I disagree. That threat of the deep ball has always been there with Boller but it hasn't stopped defenses from stacking the box before. He'll have to start completing them if you want that to happen.

[RavensDomination]

Boller has a cannon, despite what Preston initially said when he got here. When proven wrong he would just try to save face and constantly bring up the one knee throw through the goal post.

Anyway, I think Kyle is definitely more calm in the pocket but he still needs to work on his pocket presence. That throw McNair made to DVD that kept the TD drive alive would have been a sack for Kyle.

[Raveninwoodlawn]

Kyle definately has played a lot better after that terrible first game.

Wherever he ends up, I wish the kid the best.

Keydrick Vincent needs to be cut ASAP.

[Bez513]

The best thing to happen to Boller is McNair. Boller can get the veteren leadership he's lacking since he was here. Boller will be a good #2 and who knows..he may pan out for us eventually. If not he's a capable backup.

[Merlin]

Good to get in a realistic discussion about Boller (unlike the other board)

His preaseason stats were great -- think the QB rating was above 130 for all 4 games, when they flashed his stats at the end of the 3rd quarter.

Things that I saw yesterday that I didn't see before

A couple of short passes with reasonable touch

For some reason, Fassel let him gun it long a number of times. Its always been my contention that Boller is NOT a short pass , ball control, dink and dunk guy but could do much better in a shotgun, let it rip offense. Higher mistake, but higher yards. He's been overmanaged -- taught not to make a mistake rather than how to make a play.

[BirdFan]

For some reason, Fassel let him gun it long a number of times.

I believe that was more of a "receiver audition" than any testing of Boller.

[AZRAVEN]

Boy do I agree with this comment Merlin ~ Boller has been mismanaged and overmanaged to the point of practically destroying his career. I hope he shows enough that when his contract is done here he warrants a shot somplace else and that when he moves on he gets someplace where there is a competent coaching staff that can really develop him. I've never been a big Boller fan but he seems like a decent kid that deserves a real shot.

[Dabruise]

The best thing to happen to Boller is McNair. Boller can get the veteren leadership he's lacking since he was here. Boller will be a good #2 and who knows..he may pan out for us eventually. If not he's a capable backup.

From what I've seen thus far, he could grow into a very fine starting QB. The play calling seems to have grown to him and vice-versa.

[highwater]

His preaseason stats were great -- think the QB rating was above 130 for all 4 games, when they flashed his stats at the end of the 3rd quarter.

He also had no turnovers this preseason, which has been a problem for him in past years. He has better receivers to throw to as well. If he could just get some decent pass protection . . . that 11 yard sack on Boller's first play was all on Vincent.

[Drkraven]

The Happy feet are gone and he looks so much more relaxed. I think Boller needed to ride the pine for a year and a vet to show him how to get it done like Carson Palmer did with Kitna.

[Mobtown]

He also had no turnovers this preseason, which has been a problem for him in past years. He has better receivers to throw to as well.

He is also making much better decisions in general. The other thing I noticed is that he is putting the ball where his receivers have a chance...and where the DBs have none.

[StingerNLG]

I think McNair's effect being here is exactly what the FO was hoping would happen to Kyle. You notice that he's getting more angry on the field. You can tell he's looking better, like the checkdown pass to D-Will. You can see that he's got a different demeanor about him.

And I agree, there's still work to be done. But it is encouraging.

Let's rejoyce in some overall stats guys:

Steve McNair: 35-46, 73% completion, 1TD/1INT, 7.3YPA, 94.1 rating
Kyle Boller: 31-49, 63.3% completion, 2TD/0INT, 8.4 YPA, 103.5 rating.

1) Did you ever think you'd see that from BOTH our #1 and #2 QB?

2) Am I the only one who feels really good about those stats from both our QB's??

[Bez513]

It's still preaseason stats but hopefully its a good sign.

[GreenWave52]

I'm trying not to get too excited but those stats are real compelling and excluding McNairs TD/INT ratio, about the best we can expect from both QBs. McNair has the better completion % while Kyle has more yards per attempt.

Sting, you've got to hook us up with some videos! Please!

[BirdFan]

I can't hook you up with videos, but the WashingtonPost website has some tremendous pictures from last night's game. They are really good action shots.

[JohnDuBS]

You guys realize Boller is playing against backups? He goes from playing against starters last year to backups this year. That's the only reason he looks improved. Let him play against starters and we'll see the old Boller again.

[Mobtown]

That's the only reason he looks improved

No, it's not. If you can't see the improvment then I question your ability to be objective.

[Losac]

Could also be that he's looking better because there's no more pressure on him as the starter to be the man.

[highwater]

You guys realize Boller is playing against backups?

Do you realize he's playing WITH backups? Sorry, but that's a brainless arguement.

[lance1086]

he'd 'overthrown' Moore, albeit by about half a yard. Moore could have got that had he kept going at full speed and made an attempt at grabbing it.
I agree that Boller has looked much improved this pre-season, but that throw was indeed Boller's fault. It was well more than a half yard off-target. And it should have been thrown out in front to lead him atleast a little. Instead it was thrown over Moore's wrong shoulder, causing him to have to rotate his entire body. Then it landed a good 3 to 5 yards in beyond him. I don't think gumby could'v made a diving catch on that one.

But again, that throw aside, I've been real impressed with Boller. He looks much improved, at reading blitzes & remaining calm in the pocket. And for the most part, has been rather accurate. He's also been giving our WR's a chance to make plays. I feel very comfortable with him as our #2 QB.

[Greg]

You guys realize Boller is playing against backups?
As noted, and he is playing WITH backups.

But more importantly, he is more composed and relaxed in the pocket despite tons of pressure. He is finding the open man despite not being as accurate as one would like. That being said, given his yards per attempt and now far he is tossing the rock his completion percentage is actually damn good.

[StingerNLG]

Sting, you've got to hook us up with some videos! Please!



They're coming. Don't worry. :) Probably will be a single video marking McNair and Boller's touchdowns.

And I want to get another look at this throw to Moore while I'm at it. People are talking like there was no way Moore could have reached his hands up into the air and made a play on it. From the replays, Moore didn't even look back to see if the ball was coming his way!

[52decleetzu]

Im watching the replay right now,and the ball to Moore came within a foot of hitting him in the helmet.At first I though he needed to dive to have a chance,but all he had to do was stick his arms out!!! He just looked over his hear and watchwed the ball whizz right by.This guy just puzzles me sometimes,it looks like he is not only scared of other players hitting him but the ground as well.

[FadeToBlack]

I thought Boller turned a corner vs. MIN and GB last year. Then he sucked in CLE. Now he's turning a corner again. I'm seeing a trend here.

I'll reserve being happy until I see the man go 16 games looking GOOD. Might have to wait on that with that McNair guy being here and stuff.

[52decleetzu]

One can only wonder how the last 3 years would have gone for Boller had he been put in the right position,holding a clipboard,after he was drafted.

[RockyMRaven]

I'd of ripped my Keydrick Vincent jersey up after that play before i ripped up my Boller jersey. The skins weren't even blitzing on that play. Keydrick just let the routine pass rush blow right by him.

Exactly. Why would Boller be to blame for a blatant mistake by someone who was supposed to be protecting him? :grbac:

[lance1086]

I thought Boller turned a corner vs. MIN and GB last year. Then he sucked in CLE. Now he's turning a corner again. I'm seeing a trend here.

I'll reserve being happy until I see the man go 16 games looking GOOD. Might have to wait on that with that McNair guy being here and stuff.
Unfortunately we may have already blew it on Boller. I anticipate McNair starting here for 2 to 3 more years. Boller's contract ends before that, and I can't see us extending it.

I hope I'm wrong. Because as everyone else is beginning to see, McNair seems to be helping Boller rapidly progress. Boller could be our future QB, and if he keeps improving under McNair, he could be a good one at that.

[ExiledRaven]

One can only wonder how the last 3 years would have gone for Boller had he been put in the right position,holding a clipboard,after he was drafted.

Rack.

There was no way he could have been prepared to go into the season like that.

Very few have gone in and done alright right away. Peyton Manning is the exception. McNabb started 12 games 1st year, Eli Manning 9...McNair sat for a damn long time. Palmer sat. Hasselbeck didn't start for 3 years. Brady had been on the Pats an entire year.

That was the one thing that has concerned me the whole boller era. He's never had a veteran voice or been able to watch anyone that's remotely successful with this team.

That's the total value McNair brings. You never know what Boller's going to learn or be able to do here. I'm hoping that Kyle can fix his problems and be able to take over the team once McNair retires or becomes injured.

[StingerNLG]

Boller's contract ends before that, and I can't see us extending it.

Honestly, I think depending on how the next 2 years go, that could be up to Boller. If he plays in McNair's absense well and shows he'd learned how to be effective, then other teams are going to want him. Remember there are some guys that are going to be retiring at some point. I could see a scenerio where Boller goes to Kansas City to fight for the starting job since Trent Green is getting up there in years and without looking it up I can't even remember who their backup is. And KC has a killer offensive line.