John Clayton on McNair's outlook for PIT

**Ravens'N'Hoos** · 12-18-2006, 02:26 PM

FWIW:

"The Ravens consider Steve McNair questionable for Sunday's game against the Steelers. He suffered a cut on his right hand when a Browns defender stepped on it. He could have returned to the game if the Ravens really needed him, but they decided not to risk making the cut worse. If the Bengals lose the Monday night game and give the AFC North to the Ravens, Brian Billick might consider resting McNair and giving him a chance to let the injury heal."

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/lastca...astcall/week15

That doesn't sound like the Billick who was going on and on about the importance of momentum into the playoffs. I guess if McNair's cut/bruise doesn't heal quickly that changes the equation.

**Losac** · 12-18-2006, 02:39 PM

Speculation from Clayton. The Sun reported that McNair would be considered probable if they had to classify him after Sunday.

**F Angelos** · 12-18-2006, 03:09 PM

That's nonsense. The Bengals losing does nothing for us. We still have SD at Sea and Mia at Ind to worry about. A loss by either team gives us the 2 seed so don't believe the Billick is going to rest McNair nonsense.

**ClericBlackDave** · 12-18-2006, 04:13 PM

The bengals losing means that we clinch AFC North.

That means, at least one home game. While I'm sure several of you have that as a forgone conclusion, it isn't until we clinch it.

Therefore, that does effect the way we play or don't play McNair/Boller.

You want McNair for the playoffs.

If he has a cut on HIS THROWING HAND that needs to heal, then you dont rush him back if its not 100% necessary.

Unlike some people who hate Boller and are afraid of his taking over, I think Steve and Billick know at this point that McNair is the guy no matter what, and won't lose it to Boller because of injury, so . . .

It would not be an altogether bad idea to let McNair rest and have the cut on his hand heal.

Suppose he plays next week and it busts back open. Then it becomes a nagging injury.

You dont' want McNair with a nagging injury going into the playoff.

Shit, half the reason we should want a bye week is that McNair should be healthy for the playoffs.

**highwater** · 12-18-2006, 05:35 PM

I can believe that Billick might sit McNair one more game, but I don't think it would have anything to do with the outcome of tonight's game. It would only be because McNair's hand isn't sufficiently healed. And McNair seems to be confident that he'll be good to go, so I see no reason to disbelieve him. But if they do hold him back, it will be because he's not healed, not because of the MNF game.

**BlackSunday** · 12-18-2006, 05:41 PM

Two points:

1) Pop quiz - what is the bigger sign of disrespect:

a) flashing the upside-down "dynasty" sign?

b) spitting in an opponent's face?

c) stepping on a helmetless opponent's head? or,

d) starting Kyle Boller when you could start Steve McNair?

Pont 2:
If we sit out McNair this week, is it possible (note - this question is probably better asked tomorrow morning) that we might sit him out against Buffalo as well, thus giving him at least 2 (possibly 3) weeks rest before playing in postseason?

BS

**Ravens'N'Hoos** · 12-18-2006, 07:34 PM

"Billick optimistic McNair will play Sunday"

I am not at all confident about Kyle playing at Pittsburgh against a resurgent team with a slim hope for the playoffs, not to mention a division rival that would like nothing better than to spoil our Festivus party.

At home vs. Buffalo, maybe. But not at Pittsburgh.

On another issue, if McNair rests in the Pittsburgh and Buffalo games, could the rest change from an asset to a liability at some point in terms of McNair getting a little out of sync and rusty? Some rest is great and needed, but too much can be a bad thing. Presumably if there's nothing for us to gain in the Buffalo game, McNair would probably be in there for a quarter or a half, kind of like a preseason game.

**Mista T** · 12-18-2006, 08:30 PM

[QUOTE=Ravens'N'Hoos;22045 Some rest is great and needed, but too much can be a bad thing. Presumably if there's nothing for us to gain in the Buffalo game, McNair would probably be in there for a quarter or a half, kind of like a preseason game.[/QUOTE]

Both guys should get some work in the next two games.

**Jggjaron** · 12-18-2006, 11:52 PM

Gotta agree with Mista T, Best bet for the superbowl is give both some time

**StingerNLG** · 12-19-2006, 12:06 AM

The Bengals, barring a 4th quarter miracle, are going to lose to the Colts. So now you have to decide how you want this.

What is more important? Simply clinching the division or getting home field advantage?

If the Pittsburgh game means anything to us, then our starter has to play. If Boller was the starter and McNair the backup, then Boller plays that game.

McNair is the starter, and if Pittsburgh is an important game, he has to play it unless his hand is legitimately injured. No question.

**Sephy** · 12-19-2006, 12:26 AM

Tough call. Almost zero chance Indy loses a game now. SD MIGHT drop one at Seattle, but unlikely.

Looking like no bye for the Ravens :(

**StingerNLG** · 12-19-2006, 12:41 AM

Yeah. Indy has Houston and Miami, San Diego has Seattle and Arizona.

Ravens have Pittsburgh and Buffalo.

I think we're going to have to settle for the #3 spot and a home game.

The only consolation is that I'd like to see the Bengals not get in the playoffs now. They still have Denver and Pittsburgh. It is not out of the realm of possiblity that the Bengals go 9-7.