Are You Comfortable With Kyle Boller As A Capable Back-Up?

[r8rh8rmike]

There's already been a lot of discussion on this subject scattered throughout the forums, but I can't help thinking about just how effective Boller might be if called upon.

I like the guy, but I don't think he'll be any different from his days as a Raven. I wasn't thrilled when we signed him, but I thought as a back-up, he might be serviceable. He certainly hasn't given me much confidence so far.

He's always had the tools. Great arm, good mobility, nice size and strength. The problem is, while he has at times translated all those positives into success on the field, he eventually exposes a lack of poise, inconsistency and questionable decision making, as he did against Atlanta. His center in Baltimore and now with the Rams, Jason Brown, made a statement to that effect when he (Brown) was first signed.

We could do worse than Boller and I realize that he is still getting used to a new system, but I hope we don't have to find out how effective Boller can be during the regular season.

That said, he still has two games to make me feel a little more comfortable with him.

[maineram]

Re: Are You Comfortable With Kyle Boller As A Capable Back-Up?

He did have the time in Baltimore to show what he could do and didn't. Second time around he is a veteran and looks at things a bit different now. It is tough for any QB to come in and run a new system with all new players on offense. He didn't play with the ONES much if at all in camp, now he must show in a short period of time if he is the man to take over for Marc if he goes down in the regular season. I'll wait to hold judgment until the preseason is over and see how he does.

He can't do any worse than Gus, who they were begging to sign !!!!

If he does stink up the joint in the next two preseason games, why not just promote whomever wins the third QB spot, what would we have to lose ??? At least they know the system, instead of bringing someone else in the would be starting from the beginning.

Null, Null, Null !!

Maineram -

[NJ Ramsfan1]

Re: Are You Comfortable With Kyle Boller As A Capable Back-Up?

Both of you guys make good observations. The 2nd string QB position has become very important over the past 10-15 years, and a team must have a capable guy in place if tragedy befalls your starter. I think Boller is good enough to do OK for the short term. Heaven forbid, but if he starts due to injury, look for the Rams to have Boller throw 15-17 times a game and Steven Jackson to run the ball about 30 times.

[AvengerRam_old]

Re: Are You Comfortable With Kyle Boller As A Capable Back-Up?

I view Boller as a mere stopgap. This year's QB class was pretty shallow, so the Rams had the choice of either devoting their first pick to a QB or waiting until 2010 to get the "QB of the future." I'm fine with the choice the team made for 2009. I doubt we'll see Boller back in 2010.

[maineram]

Re: Are You Comfortable With Kyle Boller As A Capable Back-Up?

Good point AV, clearly looking to the future !!

The question is, how much better is Boller than Berlin or Null at this point in the preseason !!!

Maineram -

[Ramer]

Re: Are You Comfortable With Kyle Boller As A Capable Back-Up?

I view Boller as a mere stopgap. This year's QB class was pretty shallow, so the Rams had the choice of either devoting their first pick to a QB or waiting until 2010 to get the "QB of the future." I'm fine with the choice the team made for 2009. I doubt we'll see Boller back in 2010.

I totally agree, great response!

[RealRam]

Re: Are You Comfortable With Kyle Boller As A Capable Back-Up?

Good question Mike and Maine. :ram:

The question is, how much better is Boller than Berlin or Null at this point in the preseason !!! -- Mainram

Of course, a mild fear of the unknown might play a role here regarding Boller (as a Rams QB). So far I agree with all the above observations, thus my feeling and reply: YES, at this point I feel KB is a good fit as a backup-in-progress that should be ready by 1st game.

[r8rh8rmike]

Re: Are You Comfortable With Kyle Boller As A Capable Back-Up?

I'd be interested to hear what a Baltimore fan might have to say on the subject. I've seen plenty of Ravens games with Boller at QB and I'll admit that he can be very exciting to watch and can carry a team down the field, but too often he let things slip away at the end in crunch time with a bad decision.

Again, I like him and I like watching him, but he hasn't done anything to change my opinion of his play.

[Ramer]

Re: Are You Comfortable With Kyle Boller As A Capable Back-Up?

I'd be interested to hear what a Baltimore fan might have to say on the subject. I've seen plenty of Ravens games with Boller at QB and I'll admit that he can be very exciting to watch and can carry a team down the field, but too often he let things slip away at the end in crunch time with a bad decision.

Again, I like him and I like watching him, but he hasn't done anything to change my opinion of his play.

I agree, being from Maryland, I have been to a few Ravens games, & he is very up & down. He will look really good on a drive and then the wheels come off. In his entire career, he has never been consistent.

[Varg6]

Re: Are You Comfortable With Kyle Boller As A Capable Back-Up?

I view Boller as a mere stopgap. This year's QB class was pretty shallow, so the Rams had the choice of either devoting their first pick to a QB or waiting until 2010 to get the "QB of the future." I'm fine with the choice the team made for 2009. I doubt we'll see Boller back in 2010.

And when the time comes when we do draft a QB of the future (I wouldn't be surprised if it's in 2010.), at least Bulger and Null will have a year under this system and they can help out the rookie.

[rams#1]

Re: Are You Comfortable With Kyle Boller As A Capable Back-Up?

I really believe that Keith null will be our starter in 3 years.. I just have a feeling.. as for boller... nahhh not so much

[39thebeast]

Re: Are You Comfortable With Kyle Boller As A Capable Back-Up?

If a guy like Tavaris Jackson were to become a available I would definately take a long look. If Bulger were to go down with an even more significant injury (God forbid) I have verry little confidence in Boller

[blood85]

Re: Are You Comfortable With Kyle Boller As A Capable Back-Up?

Sorry, I don't have an faith in Boeller, not even as a good backup.

[RAMFANRAIDERHATER]

Re: Are You Comfortable With Kyle Boller As A Capable Back-Up?

I really believe that Keith null will be our starter in 3 years.. I just have a feeling.. as for boller... nahhh not so much

Ya know, I have that same feeling that Null has "it". I don't know why, but I think the kid can get it done. Did he bag groceries at one time?

I am sure that Null will win out the number three quarterback position because of his youth. With Berlin, you know what you get, and what you now get, is about all you will get. With Null, there is a chance he can become more than a #3 QB, and he has a few years to prove it. That will make the difference in him winning the #3 position.

...as for Boller. I agree with Av in that the guy was brought in as a stop-gap and his time in Stl. will last exactly, ...one season. I've watched a few of his games, and he is as Mike said, "up and down". One series he looks great, big arm, blah, blah blah. But then he does something stupid that makes you go... hmmm?

[Azul e Oro]

Re: Are You Comfortable With Kyle Boller As A Capable Back-Up?

Boller is a talented guy with a lack of focus.Apart from the injuries and playing in the QB blackhole of Baltimore, he has been a bit of a playboy a la Leinart. I think his lack of commitment in a league where all are super-talented and hardwork separates the Tom Bradys from the rest at crunchtime is a big problem. If Spags can change that, I think he will be a very solid back-up. I also like the added mobility and arm strength that he brings to the table.

His first start in forever last week was hardly a disaster.He was getting a rhythm ,I thought, when Gado fumbled. With a run game, I'm much more comfortable with him managing the offense than Green last year or the prospect of Null thrown in the deep end this season.

I also think he's a good example of a common profile on this team; disappointing career to date because of maturity, injuries, bad support, personnel shuffles/team politics.

The 2009 Rams are becoming a little like a kind of G-rated version of the 70s Raiders. Second chances galore.Since we already had a passel of underachievers to begin with...lol...let the bonding begin!


Obviously,for The Rams to have a successful season ,I think a bunch of these guys need to come through for DeSpags. I'd say Boller could well be a key retread.