Baltimore Ravens

Ravens hope for some home cooking....

as they host the Cincinnati Bengals for what will be the first of two straight home games and four out of the next five games in Baltimore. However, the next two (Bengals, Browns) are must wins (aren't they all at this time?) as the following three are: @ Chargers, vs. Patriots, vs. Colts (ouch, ouch, ouch!). The Ravens are a completely different team at home as opposed to the "Road Ravens." They average 10+ points more in their own crib and their opponents score 10 less points as visitors. Their turnovers change from a minus into a plus, which has led to a 3-0 home record versus a 1-4 record as a visitor.

Cincinnati poses a big threat to Baltimore this week, as the Ravens are still bruised and battered, both physically and emotionally from this past Monday night's debacle in Pittsburgh. However, the Bengals are angry as well from their loss in Buffalo last weekend. The Ravens fans will be very impatient if the Ravens do not get off to a good start against the Bengals, with coach Brian Billick and QB Steve McNair sure to shoulder the majority of the fans' wrath.

Cincinnati, despite its disappointing season and 2-6 record, still has the offensvie weapons to score in one play. Chad Johnson always seems to make one big play each game against Baltimore and TJ Whosyourmomma kills the Ravens every time he lines up. While the Ravens will most likely stuff the Bengals running game, it must put a strong pass rush on Carson Palmer or, well...you saw what happened with the Steelers passing game this past Monday night.

The Ravens, behind the rushing of Willis McGahee, should have a lot of success against the poor Bengals run defense. This should open up the passing attack (what passing attack!?), which is sorely needed by the Ravens and especially Steve McNair.

Some (actually, most) Baltimore fans think Kyle Boller should take over the play calling duties from McNair for the remaining eight games. McNair is 34 years old, but has played like an 80 year old this season. One year removed from a 13-3 playoff season, the physical toll has caught up with McNair's body. He is slow, cannot escape the pass rush and does not seem to have the arm strength or confidence to throw downfield. On the other hand, Boller is younger, has a live, strong arm and good enough legs to scramble when flushed out of the pocket. He's not overly accurate, but not afraid to go vertical with his throws. Most importantly, he at least has a possibility of improving, while McNair is on his last legs (literally and actually).

In summary, the Ravens need to find out if Kyle Boller has learned anything from McNair over the past two years and receive an extended look for the rest of the season. If he seems to be the future QB for this franchise, then the next eight games will tell the tale. Move Troy Smith into Boller's backup slot and if Boller falters, then start Smith to see if he was worth the 5th round draft pick they used for him. Relegate McNair to what I call the "Vinny Testeverde-clipboard-carrying-while-wearing-a-visor" role. The time to see what the Ravens future is NOW!

Either way, the Ravens should rebound and beat the Bengals this Sunday.

Ravens: 23-17

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