Why so much blind love for Boller?

As I was doing my show this weekend (Saturdays and Sundays 3-7, unless pre-empted on 105.7), I got to talking about the Ravens QB situation. I have long contended that of the three QB's on the roster, only Troy Smith should return next season (and only as a backup, I don’t see this guy as the club's QB of the future).

I think Steve McNair looked way too much like Willie Mays with the Mets, and not at all like the guy who was once an NFL co-MVP. Kyle Boller on the other hand, has never looked like either. He has just been consistently inconsistent (unless you count the part that he hasn't won a road game since ‘04—that’s consistency?).

He's given you rare glimpses of brilliance (the nationally televised games at home against Green Bay and Minnesota at the end of the ‘05 season, the 4th down pass he threw to Mason in the back of the end zone at Buffalo this season that got the club back in the game), but more often than not, he has stunk the place up.

This is no longer a rookie or second year player. He's had 5 yrs to show us SOMETHING. I'll give you that Brian Billick didn’t give quarterbacks a chance to succeed in Baltimore, but at least give us Grbac in ‘01 or McNair in 06. Give us a reason to hope. He has given us nothing on the football field but frustration. I understand that he's a fantastic human being. I know that every fan that has ever met him loves the guy. Think about this though, Ghandi and the Dhali Llama were/are considered fantastic human beings. How good a QB would they have been? I'd bet they'd stink too.

Maybe in Baltimore, we need a QB with a bit of a mean streak because the ultimate nice guy has bombed worse than Ishtar.

Is There a Ryan Curse?

Why is it that Rex Ryan can’t seem to get over the hump and get an NFL head coaching job? For that matter, why are guys like Garrett and Spagnuolo getting deals that pay them 3 million and over two million respectively after only one season as coordinators and Rex has had a top 6 defense for three years and is reportedly making around $1.5 million?

In my opinion, the answer is simple, his dad!!!

Buddy Ryan was a legend as a defensive coordinator. He won a ring in Super Bowl III as part of the coaching staff of the Jets team that defeated our Colts, and he was the architect of the 46 defense in Chicago that dominated opponents as the Bears steamrolled their way to the 86 title.

As a head coach, things weren't as easy. He was head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles from 86-90, and of the Arizona Cardinals from 94-95. During both those tenures, Ryan showed the uncanny ability to find talent (guys like Byron Evans, Seth Joyner and Clyde Simmons were amongst his later round draft finds). He was also beloved by the majority of his players at all his coaching stops and nothing reinforced that loyalty more then Ryan's decision to ostracize himself from the "Scab" players in 1987. Buddy told his temporary troops, and I’m paraphrasing here, “I don't know who you are, I don't want to get to know you, and I don't care who you are. I'm only coaching you because the NFL says I have to. This is only temporary so don't get too comfortable.”

Yet despite field tons of talent (in Philly), he never won a playoff game. The fact that Buddy couldn't win big games by itself wouldn't hurt Rex, but add to that the fact that to say Buddy was politically incorrect (that’s putting it mildly) and then problems begin to rear their ugly heads.

Buddy’s pro players union stand during the ‘87 strike did not win him any friends in management. Buddy Ryan has never been one to bite his tongue to save someone's feelings. He even had a much publicized feud with Bears coach Mike Ditka during the club's run to the Super Bowl.

Ryan is a man's man who did things on his terms, but in doing so burned more than a few bridges – which brings us to Rex…

There still is an "Old Boys" network of sorts amongst NFL front offices. These guys have long memories, and they remember some of Buddy's words and actions (including punching offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride on the sidelines when both coached for the Houston Oilers). In my opinion, a lot of these guys are reminded of Buddy when interviewing Rex. I feel that Buddy's past is held against Rex, especially when interviewing for Head Coaching positions (how else can you really explain Atlanta's decision to hire Mike Smith over Rex Ryan).

This is a terrible injustice to Rex Ryan, and I for one hope that Rex will be able to remove himself from his father's vast shadow in the future.

Belichick shows his true colors

One second... That's all the time Patriots coach Bill Belichick had to wait to cross the field and congratulate supposed friend Tom Coughlin on one of the biggest upsets in NFL history, and on being Super Bowl Champs. Bill couldn't wait. In showing his impatience, he also showed his true colors. Coach Belichick showed himself to be a pompous, classless, sore loser, who thinks he is more important then the game. I hope he is fined for this display. I hope that former Pats employee Matt Walsh has that tape of the Rams walk through before Super Bowl 36. I hope Roger Goddell has no choice but to suspend Bellichick for this. I hope this is a one year suspension. I hope Belichick's legacy has been harmed irreparably. I hope the water in the Pacific is just as Andy described it. I hope....

Congrats also go to new Redskins coach Jim Zorn -- winner of the "Only man left willing to be a head coach under Dan Snyder" award.

A game for the ages

Just finished watching Super Bowl 42 and all I can say is WOW!! Seriously though, who really thought the G-men could pull this one out (show of hands please). What a performance from Osi, Strahan, Tuck, Pierce and the entire Giants Defense. These guys could probably tell you what kind of gum Mr. Brady was chewing. They were on him on almost every pass the Pats’ QB threw. A fantastic effort! To hold that team to 14 pts is an amazing accomplishment in itself (held them to 7pts for most of the game), but add to that the effort of Eli Manning and the Giants offense and you get a game for the ages.

Eli & Co. didn't take advantage of early red zone opportunities, but because of the defense, they were in the game late, paving the way for Eli to officially become "the man". Two TD passes, great decision making abilities, and some Vick-like escapability. Eli was the MVP of this game, and sorry New England, but the Giants are the BEST in the NFL for this season.

How great must Archie Manning feel right now? His sons win back to back Super Bowls and both times his kid takes home the MVP hardware. As a father his heart has to be swelling with pride right now. On the flip side, what must be going through Bill "MR Personality" Belichick's mind right now. Most "experts" are already calling the 18-0 start a waste because they didn't finish the job. Now, he has to worry about another "spygate" tape – this one of the Rams’ Friday walkthrough before Super Bowl 36. If the Commish gets his hands on this tape, it could be a one year suspension for the Pats head man.

Finally, a report has come from ESPN that says the Ravens are giving serious consideration to trading their #1 pick to Philly for Donovan McNabb. When I first heard this news I was against it for many reasons, but if the Ravens were planning to use that pick to take someone like Brian Brohm, I'd much rather get McNabb. If healthy (I know big if) McNabb is part of that 2nd tier of QBs in the NFL (Palmer, Romo, Big Ben, McNabb, this year’s Favre) below Brady and Peyton but guys who can win you games and put up big numbers. If they can figure out the cap issues, it may not be so bad after all. They can still draft a QB later and that guy and Troy Smith can learn under Donovan. Plus, with him the team is right back in the hunt. In today's NFL you need a good QB to win, and a healthy McNabb would give the franchise the best QB they've ever had.

PS--Congrats to Willis MaGahee for making his first trip to the Pro Bowl. If Willis stays on the field in the coming seasons it will be the first of many. Cam Cameron will see to that…