CMac benched?

[ravensnhokies]

Both 1300 and 1090 post game shows are reporting it.

CMac has always beat to his own drum. It does piss me off that these guys are not fully onboard with Team Harbaugh.

[Mr OC]

Coaches like Parcells for example have thrived on shitcanning high profile dudes - I don't have a problem sending a message to CMac.

[deuce]

Glad we got the win while sending that message. With Rolle and Landry already out that is a ballsy move. I like it. C-mac is going to have to be on top of his game for us to make the surprising run we want to make.

[TheExtraPoint]

I've been told by someone I trust that there are some fairly serious off-field issues that C-Mac is facing that could have contributed to his not playing much today, and could keep him out for more games in the future.

I'm not willing to elaborate regarding the nature of those right now, but I suspect you'll be hearing the specifics in the next few days through the media.

Point being, this has a lot less to do with players being "on-board" with Harbaugh and, from what I'm hearing, more to do with some off the field stuff.

And this has nothing to do with his on-field performance either - McAllister is undeniably one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and two rough plays with zero pass rush against Marvin Harrison aren't going to change that.

[Brandon]

I've been told by someone I trust that there are some fairly serious off-field issues that C-Mac is facing that could have contributed to his not playing much today, and could keep him out for more games in the future.

I'm not willing to elaborate regarding the nature of those right now, but I suspect you'll be hearing the specifics in the next few days through the media.

Point being, this has a lot less to do with players being "on-board" with Harbaugh and, from what I'm hearing, more to do with some off the field stuff.

And this has nothing to do with his on-field performance either - McAllister is undeniably one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and two rough plays with zero pass rush against Marvin Harrison aren't going to change that.

Wow, that's really bad if it is indeed true. I also thought Cmacs benching had to be due to something off the field, like missing curfew or something down in Miami. I couldn't see him being benched for Frank Walker based on his game last weekend. If so, Harbaugh would lose that locker room quick.

[ravensnhokies]

Well if its an off the field issue and he got benched, then you have to assume that the off the field issue was the reason. If your off the field issue affects the team, then you are not on 'Team Harbaugh', and deserve to be benched.

[Lee Van Cleef]

It'sa hard to know what to say after reading that. Can't really say anything until more info comes out.

[Lee Van Cleef]

I'm starting to think his off-field issues are personal and related to his general attitude, in the past I've seen him described as a loner who enjoys a few drinks/partying... and I can't help but wonder if there's something in his personality which is causing problems for him personally.

[3RDRowRaven]

I've been told by someone I trust that there are some fairly serious off-field issues that C-Mac is facing that could have contributed to his not playing much today, and could keep him out for more games in the future.

Hmmm....interesting. I sure hope that his off-field issues will be put to rest soon because we will need C-MAC playing in the 2nd half of the season. :34853_waah:

[purple bird]

In "Next Man Up", the book which is about the Ravens 2004 season, there are quite a few references to Cmac never really maturing even up to that point (i.e. being drunk at the home game v. Cincy that we gave up 21 points in the 4th quarter to Palmer & co).

It was known before that CMAC was a partier; I even remember Billick benching him for a game IN San Diego I think in 2002 or 2003 because, as Billick said, Cmac "didn't treat the trip as a business trip".

The book says that Deion Sanders told Cmac, after the Cincy debacle, that since he now had the big contract he has to show that he deserves it and to mature up.

I hope I am more than wrong but if this immaturity is still inherent in #21, then I am all for the benching and possibly more. He definitely became more consistent after 2004; prior to that he was not IMOH.

[festivus]

That's a shame, if true. I thought he'd turned a corner for the better a few years ago.

Oh well. Moving on.

[flraven]

Same here Festivus, I thought the same.

I thought his not starting was because of his knee issue. But that could be spin. The announcers also mentioned the fact he was burned a couple times in the Colts game.

who knows what the truth is...

[ravensfan1996]

I thought he was just benched because of his sore knee....at least thats what i heard on the telecast i thought...

[purplepoe]

McAlister is a great player and a great talent that has never been fully realized cause he's an alcoholic.

PP

[PARavensJeff]

It was known before that CMAC was a partier; I even remember Billick benching him for a game IN San Diego I think in 2002 or 2003 because, as Billick said, Cmac "didn't treat the trip as a business trip".


I remember that, but he wasn't benched, I think he missed curfew & Billick deactivated him & sent him back to Baltimore before the game was played. I hope he didn't get in legal trouble again!

[The Fanatic]

Preston apparently started snooping around after the game regarding this issue.

Nothing real revealing Here (http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-preston1019,0,2094958.column), but certainly seems like there's some merit that something isn't right over there right now with C-mac.

Not a good thing at all!!!

[yeahravens]

I played golf with this guy who had just recently played with Chris MacAllister just before training camp started, and the kid said that after nine holes CMac asked for 6 shots ( I was thinking he was talking about a bet ), which turned out to be vodka. He put all 6 shots down and went out and played the back nine.

I didn't see it, but it was confirmed by the people who work at the course, so unless everybody is lying, that is pretty scary. Had he gotten six beers I wouldn't even mention it, but to slam 6 shots of vodka reeks of alcoholism.

Again, I didn't see it, but it was repeated to me by 3 people.

[Dave Lap]

I thought the reason might be due to the fact that he let Marvin Harrison get behind him in Indy. I've heard Harbaugh say that he has a "no shots" (as in letting the receiver get behind you for long catches) philosophy. After reading this thread, that "no shots" philosophy could have an entirely different meaning. Sorry, bad joke base on nothing but rumor.

Whatever the reason, I'm glad he had a chance to rest the knee and that we pulled out a win without him. We'll need him healthy for the rest of the games.

[RavensDomination]

C-Mac did look a little glassy eyed when Harrison was streaking past him all game.

Seriously though, Walker is pathetic, I don't care how drunk C-Mac is he's gotta be better than that.

[ravenfever_com]

I've been told by someone I trust that there are some fairly serious off-field issues that C-Mac is facing that could have contributed to his not playing much today, and could keep him out for more games in the future.

I'm not willing to elaborate regarding the nature of those right now, but I suspect you'll be hearing the specifics in the next few days through the media.


It is never good to believe anything that starts off with ... I was told by someone.....

If the issue was real it would be out on the air by now. However, I just got a kick ass email saying that I was needed by a friend in Africa that is a Goverment Official and he needs help cashing a $2,500,000.00 check. Once I help my new friend out I will be able to keep $1,000,000.00 for my troubles ...

Hey when I get the money .. I will take everyone out for a BEER !!! LOL

C-Mac has a bad knee and will be back ... I trust coach until he proves he lied to us fans!

[Greg]

I did see McAlister in for a few plays.

How can a man gamble on a career that pays him millions? McAlister obviously needs a rehab program, but he has to want to go to make it work.

[bmorebirds_24]

I played golf with this guy who had just recently played with Chris MacAllister just before training camp started, and the kid said that after nine holes CMac asked for 6 shots ( I was thinking he was talking about a bet ), which turned out to be vodka. He put all 6 shots down and went out and played the back nine.

I didn't see it, but it was confirmed by the people who work at the course, so unless everybody is lying, that is pretty scary. Had he gotten six beers I wouldn't even mention it, but to slam 6 shots of vodka reeks of alcoholism.

Again, I didn't see it, but it was repeated to me by 3 people.


you have got to be kidding me....are you really making a deal out of the man taking some shots playing golf when he had no plans the next day?it was before training camp so maybe he was letting loose before preparing for the long season.damn,he is human cant he live a little????me and my buddies golf i hope you never step on the course with us you will really think we are some serious drunks.we down beers for whoever has best drives we play for beers on holes we have fun and make it an entertaining but a competitive time.



though i do have a story about C-mac down power plant.i wanna say it was 2004 when we played the cowboys here.k.johnson was still on the cowboys.it was a saturday night and it was around 230 am and the ravens had a 1 o clock game on that sunday v.s. the cowboys.we talked to chris for about an hour just outside power plant he was standing outside his limo. he said the reason he was out was because he was told he couldnt play because he had a stinger.he told us he wanted to play but they(ravens trainers) wouldnt let him.he was telling us that t.owens and k.johnson "aint shit to him" even some guys from pittsburgh started yelling calling him a bitch his brother who he was with him went to go after the guys and jaw back but cmac stopped him and laughed.we all sat there i even gave him a slice of pizza.i had an extra so i hooked c-mac up.personally i am a big fan of his and he is down to earth and is cool as they come from meeting him that night.but i did get in his case about being out at 3 am with a game the next day but he said there was no chance he would play.though its not right he was not very drunk or even at all.i was shit faced and only 21 so i couldnt really tell.

i dont know what the deal was on sunday why he didnt play but i dont think we have to worry he is an alcoholic now if he didnt make it through the whole back 9 then maybe i would question it....:beer1:

[yeahravens]

It is never good to believe anything that starts off with ... I was told by someone.....

If the issue was real it would be out on the air by now. However, I just got a kick ass email saying that I was needed by a friend in Africa that is a Goverment Official and he needs help cashing a $2,500,000.00 check. Once I help my new friend out I will be able to keep $1,000,000.00 for my troubles ...

Hey when I get the money .. I will take everyone out for a BEER !!! LOL

C-Mac has a bad knee and will be back ... I trust coach until he proves he lied to us fans!

I hope you know that you will recieve a cashiers check that looks real, but it is a common scam where they get your address, and once you deposit that check, your banking information will go back to them and you will be wide open for identity fraud. (I am sure you know that but just in case...)

[yeahravens]

you have got to be kidding me....are you really making a deal out of the man taking some shots playing golf when he had no plans the next day?it was before training camp so maybe he was letting loose before preparing for the long season.damn,he is human cant he live a little????me and my buddies golf i hope you never step on the course with us you will really think we are some serious drunks.we down beers for whoever has best drives we play for beers on holes we have fun and make it an entertaining but a competitive time.



though i do have a story about C-mac down power plant.i wanna say it was 2004 when we played the cowboys here.k.johnson was still on the cowboys.it was a saturday night and it was around 230 am and the ravens had a 1 o clock game on that sunday v.s. the cowboys.we talked to chris for about an hour just outside power plant he was standing outside his limo. he said the reason he was out was because he was told he couldnt play because he had a stinger.he told us he wanted to play but they(ravens trainers) wouldnt let him.he was telling us that t.owens and k.johnson "aint shit to him" even some guys from pittsburgh started yelling calling him a bitch his brother who he was with him went to go after the guys and jaw back but cmac stopped him and laughed.we all sat there i even gave him a slice of pizza.i had an extra so i hooked c-mac up.personally i am a big fan of his and he is down to earth and is cool as they come from meeting him that night.but i did get in his case about being out at 3 am with a game the next day but he said there was no chance he would play.though its not right he was not very drunk or even at all.i was shit faced and only 21 so i couldnt really tell.

i dont know what the deal was on sunday why he didnt play but i dont think we have to worry he is an alcoholic now if he didnt make it through the whole back 9 then maybe i would question it....:beer1:

Dude, anyone who drinks SIX SHOTS one after another HAS a drinking problem, not 6 shots over the course of an evening, six shots in 5 minutes.

[HoustonRaven]

He got torched in two straight games. Until these rumors are confirmed, that's what I am going with.

Get torched = Get benched.

[Fcowher]

His problems and his benching are defintely booze related. I have confirmed this from within the organization.

[bmorebirds_24]

Dude, anyone who drinks SIX SHOTS one after another HAS a drinking problem, not 6 shots over the course of an evening, six shots in 5 minutes.

then i better go seek help.....:beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer:

[HoustonRaven]

The fact he had no information to give Preston and was surprised by the benching tells me this was performance related.

Alcohol Related would have got Preston a "no comment" or something of the like.

Many posters here have commented on his sloppy tackling, blown coverages, etc.

WAY too early to suggest this was anything other then performance.

[FellsPointRaven]

then i better go seek help.....:beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer: :beer:

Yes, you should. Seriously.

[purplepoe]

The fact he had no information to give Preston and was surprised by the benching tells me this was performance related.

Alcohol Related would have got Preston a "no comment" or something of the like.

Many poster here have commented on his sloppy tackling, blown coverages, etc.

WAY too early to suggest this was anything other then performance.

Are you serious?

Don't hold your breath for a truthful comment about this situation.

The dude has had a drinking problem for years and it's no secret. You think McAlister got benched because he had a bad game vs Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison?

Umm, no.

It might not have been alchol related per se but it was something else besides play on the field. Harbaugh stated that McAlister wasn't involved in many defensive packages this week.

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.

PP

[TheExtraPoint]

There is no level of performance at which Chris McAllister has EVER played or WILL ever play that would warrant Frank Walker taking over the overwhelming majority of his snaps, period.

I suspect Asante Samuel would have had similar problems if in McAllister's shoes last week against the Colts. One error that cost him dearly (a mistake Ed Reed makes religiously but is rarely held accountable for granted at a different position), and one impossible to defend play that led to another touchdown against the most prolific TD combination perhaps in NFL history. Shocking.

I think the media will do a good job of detailing this situation as the week unfolds - given Preston's column in the Sun today, it's evident that there are still some lingering questions in the media about what exactly is up with McAllister. I expect some of the suspicions on this board will be confirmed in the near future.

[HoustonRaven]

PP,

Why am I not shocked that you take the conspiracy route?

So in one post you say it's the alcohol then now it "may not have been the alcohol per se" and that no matter the cause, it isnt the truth because this team is so untruthful. Got it. And I am quite sure at some point you will blame Bisciotti as well.

That's my whole point in both of my posts.

ALL of us are just guessing at this point.

[purplepoe]

PP,

Why am I not shocked that you take the conspiracy route?

So in one post you say it's the alcohol then now it "may not have been the alcohol per se" and that no matter the cause, it isnt the truth because this team is so untruthful. Got it. And I am quite sure at some point you will blame Bisciotti as well.

That's my whole point in both of my posts.

ALL of us are just guessing at this point.

Whatever Houston.

Keep your head in the sand and pretend McAlister was suddenly benched out of the blue on Sunday morning because of his performance on the field a week earlier.

I mentioned the alcohol earlier because some others brought it up. I then said that I believe something else besides on the field stuff caused his benching and that it might not necessarily be alcohol related. What part don't you understand?

PP

[Ravenswarrior19]

His problems and his benching are defintely booze related. I have confirmed this from within the organization.

How come I don't have personal "sources" within the organization? I need to make some higher profile friends.

It certainly seems like off-the-field stuff caused the benching. We've all heard various rumors of Chris out around town. If alcohol's a real problem for him, I hope he gets some help.

[HoustonRaven]

Keep your head in the sand and pretend McAlister was suddenly benched out of the blue on Sunday morning because of his performance on the field a week earlier.

When did I say it was one specific thing? Go back and read and tell me where I said it was something specific without a qualifier. I will wait.

Performance is certainly valid if combined with injury, bad practice, etc. It's one of many things (including alcohol) that it could be at this point. That's my whole point. None of us, including yourself, have no clue. Because of that, to suggest its something as serious as alcohol abuse is just irresponsible.


I mentioned the alcohol earlier because some others brought it up. I then said that I believe something else besides on the field stuff caused his benching and that it might not necessarily be alcohol related. What part don't you understand?

Then we're saying the same thing. But to bring up alcoholism during the thread is not some innocent comment or an "oh by the way".

[Dade]

When did I say it was one specific thing? Go back and read and tell me where I said it was something specific without a qualifier. I will wait.

Performance is certainly valid if combined with injury, bad practice, etc. It's one of many things (including alcohol) that it could be at this point. That's my whole point. None of us, including yourself, have no clue. Because of that, to suggest its something as serious as alcohol abuse is just irresponsible.



Then we're saying the same thing. But to bring up alcoholism during the thread is not some innocent comment or an "oh by the way".

I agree with Houston here. Without even a rumour coming out of the BMore camp of the benching being alcohol related is irresponsible. I do think something is afoot but until more details come out (probably won't) its not right to play the guessing game.

A fishy situation all the way around. Here's what CMac said when asked:

McAlister emphatically denied that his knee was why he wasn’t playing.

Asked to specify the reason behind him not starting, McAlister had a terse answer: "Go ask the coach."

[purplepoe]

We've got a banged up secondary and you think performance is a valid reason for his benching? LOL. The Extra Point already laid it out perfectly. You bench Cmac for performance? Why haven't they benched the many other players who have underperformed this year and who aren't nearly as critical to the team's success as Cmac?

I think it was an off the field issue and there is a history to suggest that could easily be the reason.

I think it has ZERO to do with on field performance. Dude practiced all week, wasn't listed on the injury report, and suddenly Frank Walker is starting yesterday.

As far as the alcohol issue. It's an issue Houston. It has been for years. Does it have to do with what's going on now? Possibly. It's certainly not a stretch to think it does.

PP

[HoustonRaven]

PP, please read my posts.

I am not saying it IS performance or it IS alcohol. Yes, TEP makes a great point and it adds to the situation. Not denying that or anything you say either.

EDIT: Dade makes my point perfectly.

[purplepoe]

I need a drink..................

PP

[HoustonRaven]

I need a drink..................

PP

:laugh:

Now THAT I can agree on! :)

[yeahravens]

I could care less what the benching was for, I just want him to play and keep Walker and Ivy off the field.

I have heard a lot of CMac stories, I just mentioned that one because it applied. If my friend, or girl or relative drank 6 straight shots of vodka, I probably would have posted that some where on this site because I cannot imagine what I would be like drinking like that, and most people consider me a drunk. Not that there's anything wrong with that

[camdenyard]

It's not performance-related. Any idiot can see that. When you replace your Pro-Bowl CB who had one bad day against Manning (who hasn't) with Frank Freaking Walker, it's not performance-related.

If it was injury, it would have had to happen during warm-ups or it would have been on the injury report...and CMac wouldn't have been so agitated and evasive about it as Preston reported.

So it was a team rule issue or an off the field issue of some kind. Whatever happened, happened late in the week, maybe while they were in Miami.

[Merlin]

I don't know what the truth is on CMac.

But it certainly is clear that it is NOT what Harbaugh said -- "a bad knee" because the organization would have reported him on the NFL injury list.

Very concerning -- if our secondary could rebuild its strength (e.g., if Rolle comes back this week, Landry in a few weeks) we could really make a reasonable run.

Got to imagine that the truth will come out sometime this week

[bmorebirds_24]

Yes, you should. Seriously.

hey,im 25 single and go to work everyday so its not interfereing with my life.my bills are paid and my house is lit up.not to mention the great steak dinner i had lastnight.


from what i am getting you maybe a recovering so congrats to you my man.and if you dont drink shame on you.drinking is a good time.


as for cmac you see him as a high priced football player so you judge him a little harder.im sure anyone who parties has drank a few shots in a row.the man was golfing and i seen plenty of people drink shot after shot.now if he got into a fight ot threw a club at someone then worry but if the man likes to drink get off his case.if that is the reason he doesnt play then shame on his ass and he needs to be corrected.but if the man is having shots drinking and enjoying life and its not affecting his work then leave him and me alone........:beer1: :beer: :beer1: :beer: :beer1: :beer: :banana:

[camdenyard]

Anyone who orders six shots of hard liquor at once and downs them all immediately...has a problem.

The fact that you don't see this leads me to believe that you have the same problem.

Just sayin'.

[bmoreravengirl]

if the man is having shots drinking and enjoying life and its not affecting his work then leave him and me alone........:beer1: :beer: :beer1: :beer: :beer1: :beer: :banana:

That's the problem, it IS affecting his work, otherwise he wouldn't have been benched in the 1st place.

There's a difference between having an occasional drink and being an alcoholic. I enjoy an occasional drink every now and then, not six shots of vodka at one setting. Most of us would be fired on the spot if we came to work wasted.

[HoustonRaven]

Another Sun reporter seems to favor the performance angle ...

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/schmuck/2008/10/ravens_whats_up_with_mcalister.html

But I am sure people will still think it's alcohol related.

[WxKevin]

Anyone who orders six shots of hard liquor at once and downs them all immediately...has a problem.

The fact that you don't see this leads me to believe that you have the same problem.

Just sayin'.

I have an alcohol problem...I can't drink at work. I could use 6 shots.

Just to reiterate what someone else already mentioned...If CMac was held out due to "knee issues" than the Ravens are in serious trouble with the NFL for not putting him on the injury list.

Second, you don't bench an All-Pro because he got beat by a future Hall of Famer. Somehow, Harrison and the Colts are in his head.

Third, it has to be off the field issues. It is the only logical reason for why he was benched. The Ravens will "spin" this for as long as they can just like every other team in the NFL would.

[ravenjoe]

My guess, for what it's worth, is that Cmac and Rex had a Mega dispute/altercation regarding Rex's defense schemes....just a thought.

[psuasskicker]

Why do we think this isn't just giving him some extra rest against an opponent that doesn't have really good receivers? We don't have a bye anymore...some of these guys could really use it. He certainly could, he always misses time cause of injury these days.

- C -

[bmorebirds_24]

That's the problem, it IS affecting his work, otherwise he wouldn't have been benched in the 1st place.

There's a difference between having an occasional drink and being an alcoholic. I enjoy an occasional drink every now and then, not six shots of vodka at one setting. Most of us would be fired on the spot if we came to work wasted.

Can you confirm that that is the real reason as to why he was benched? NO! If so, where is your source?

[highwater]

I'm not going to speculate on why CMac was riding the pine on Sunday, because none of us know for sure, but I will point out that anyone who read John Feinstein's insightful book "Next Man Up" might come away with a clue that CMac just might have a drinking problem. That doesn't mean he's an alcoholic, it might just mean he likes to party a little too much, but either way, it's not irresponsible of us to wonder about it. It's not like we're going out on a limb here.

Whatever the problem is, I hope it gets straightened out, because the Ravens need a healthy CMac.

[ravenfever_com]

Ok everyone .. the TRUTH is OUT .... http://www.baltimoreravens.com/News/Articles/2008/10/Harbaugh_Comments_on_McAlister_Status.aspx

We now also know that the so called TRUSTED Friend and the Best Friend That GOLFS with C-MAC are both wrong....

Dayummm it and I was hoping that the guy that wanted to give me $1,000,000.00 was not lying as well but I am sure now that that will also be proven wrong ....!!!!

[bmoreravengirl]

Can you confirm that that is the real reason as to why he was benched? NO! If so, where is your source?

Pardon me because I choose to have a different view of the situation and don't follow along with your thinking. I'm not obligated to confirm anything to you.

[OwingsMillsAlex]

Honestly I could care less the reason why. This was an issue between the coach and the player. The coach has given his answers in his way as the issue should stay private between the organizational staff. Why do we care why C Mac wasn't in the game and why make a big press piece out of it?

I say if the coach had his reasons then so be it.

[HoustonRaven]

I had to go pull out my copy of Next Man Up this morning ....

So two scenarios seem to dominate the thread ... booze or performance combined with a crappy attitude.

The booze angle, which seems to dominate the thread, has literally zero backing in the media yet "people who know people" have posted here, claiming they have the answers.

OR .....

He played like ass for a couple of weeks, Harbs called him out, sat his ass on the bench for a game to wake as up. McCalister gets pissed and practices like crap for the week leading up to the game. Everyone over at 1 Winning Drive doesnt want to create a public controversy so it becomes a "Best 11 Men" story. Numerous media outlets report the same, to include the loathed Mike Preston.

Choice seems clear to me.

[4G63]

If CMac is a drunk, he needs one of these in the worst way!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r3/dkr624/ot/interlock.jpg


I'm completely serious!!! If he has a drinking problem and crashes into someone and kills them it won't matter that he's an athlete. He'll be just like all the other piece of shit drunks on the road that kill other drivers all the time!!!

Plus, he drives one of these:

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r3/dkr624/ot/mcallister_f650.jpg

Do you realize what that would do to your average Accord or Camry?

[Ravenswarrior19]

Harbaugh made a comment at the press conference about how Ted Ginn runs a 4.3 40, so Fabian had to slow down a bit to cover him.

Maybe that really is all it is. Ted Ginn is really super fast. CMac (with bum knee) can't run with him. Use Fabian to cover Ginn and Cmac as the nickel. As an added bonus, less stress on knee for next week.

Now, I don't know why they'd choose Frank Walker over Chris as the #2, but I'm also not a coach. I will say that IMHO Walker has been better than people are giving him credit for. He seems like a walking taunting penalty, but I think coverage-wise he's been pretty good.

[4G63]

Now, I don't know why they'd choose Frank Walker over Chris as the #2, but I'm also not a coach.

I'll agree with you on this.....



I will say that IMHO Walker has been better than people are giving him credit for. He seems like a walking taunting penalty, but I think coverage-wise he's been pretty good.

...but not on this!?! Frank Walker is terrible at coverage and to tell you the truth, if he's on the team next year, I'll be very surprised!!! I don't know if you've watched the games recently, but Walker gets beat on easy runs by WR's.....

[bmorebirds_24]

Pardon me because I choose to have a different view of the situation and don't follow along with your thinking. I'm not obligated to confirm anything to you.

no,your right,you dont have to confirm a thing.but you said that his drinking is affecting his work.explain how.....do you know what your talking about?im trying to help you here make your point.it seems that drinking is not the reason for his benching.i was just asking if you had a source to confirm that you knew it was affecting his play/work.once again i am RIGHT.....:happyanim

[Khaine]

Well... My wife works with a guy who grew up with Cmac out here in California (no, really!) and he has absolutely no insight on why he was benched.

So, that gives me about as much insight as the rest of ya.

But, whatever it was, I hope he gets it hammered out and with the apparently return of Rolle and DLan hopefully we can climb out of the 20's in passing D.
I'd hate to be out here and lose to the Raiders... It'll be hell for the rest of the year.

[festivus]

On NST this morning, Nestor and Drew both suggested this had to do with off the field behavior issues involving stuff like blowing off meetings and showing up team officials in public.

[purplepoe]

From Preston's Q and A:

Ben, Baltimore: Please elaborate on the Chris McAlister situation. Were you surprised by his lack of playing time, will it be the same next week and was it the right decision?

Mike Preston: I answered that question directly in a post on the Ravens Insider blog. Personally, I like McAlister and I think he is a good person with a big heart. But I also think McAlister has a problem that only he can deal with and overcome. I think the Ravens and their front office, including the owners Art Modell and Steve Bisciotti, have been very patient with McAlister. He likes to take things to the edge and challenge rules. I suspect he went too far and coach John Harbaugh put him on the bench. It was only a matter of time. As I wrote in the blog, McAlister will get his head on straight and play well the rest of the season. But during the offseason, it might be in the best interest of the team and McAlister to part ways. McAlister is one of the last of the old guard who wants to hold out and not conform to the approach of the new head coach.

PP

[Dave Lap]

no,your right,you dont have to confirm a thing.but you said that his drinking is affecting his work.explain how.....do you know what your talking about?im trying to help you here make your point.it seems that drinking is not the reason for his benching.i was just asking if you had a source to confirm that you knew it was affecting his play/work.once again i am RIGHT.....:happyanim

Right, wrong, indifferent...whatever...people are just expressing opinions. Am I missing something here?

[HoustonRaven]

PP,

Funny how both of us see that and highlight different possible outcomes. I read what you quote and my highlighted portion would have been:

"He likes to take things to the edge and challenge rules. I suspect he went too far and coach John Harbaugh put him on the bench. It was only a matter of time."

That tells me that his performance combined with Harbs letting him have it made the relationship sour and Cmac reverted to his old attitude. In a pissing match, the coach will win every time.

But hey, we're all still guessing at this point.

I just like it that Harbs has some major stones to stand up to any player to tries to test him.

[purplepoe]

PP,

Funny how both of us see that and highlight different possible outcomes. I read what you quote and my highlighted portion would have been:

"He likes to take things to the edge and challenge rules. I suspect he went too far and coach John Harbaugh put him on the bench. It was only a matter of time."

That tells me that his performance combined with Harbs letting him have it made the relationship sour and Cmac reverted to his old attitude. In a pissing match, the coach will win every time.

But hey, we're all still guessing at this point.

I just like it that Harbs has some major stones to stand up to any player to tries to test him.

I've never argued that Cmac doesn't test the limits.

That combined with his off the field issues/behavior led Harbaugh to his decision IMO.

This whole notion of it being "on the field" stuff is such a red herring that it's laughable.

It's stunningly transparent.

PP

[HoustonRaven]

This whole notion of it being "on the field" stuff is such a red herring that it's laughable.

It's stunningly transparent

I dont think anyone is saying its JUST the on field stuff. If it came across that way in argument, it is not what I meant.

Yes, the company line in this as see through as Lindsey Lohan's underwear.

IMHO though, the lack of performance COMBINED with his "tude" seems to me as the logical reason Harbs said no mas and sat his arse on the pine.

[purplepoe]

I dont think anyone is saying its JUST the on field stuff. If it came across that way in argument, it is not what I meant.

Yes, the company line in this as see through as Lindsey Lohan's underwear.

IMHO though, the lack of performance COMBINED with his "tude" seems to me as the logical reason Harbs said no mas and sat his arse on the pine.

Dude, he got torched against Indy. You honestly think that has anything to do with this?

It's a red herring. His on field performance has ZERO to do with this IMO.

Harbs has the nuts to sit up there and tell us that Frank Walker fit into the defensive packages better than Cmac? Ummm, no.

PP

[Dave Lap]

I once heard Harbaugh say in an interview that his defensive philosophy is to allow "no shots." In other words don't gamble uneccessarily and keep the receiver in front of you. In the Indy game CMac clearly tried to jump what he thought was a short route by Harrison that turned out to be a double move and he blew by CMac for a TD.

My guess, and it's just a guess, is that Harbaugh didnt' like that and let CMac know. Maybe CMac's response didn't please Harbaugh?

Is he better than Frank Walker? Well duh, yeah. I think he'll be back on the field full time this Sunday or the next.

[bmorebirds_24]

Right, wrong, indifferent...whatever...people are just expressing opinions. Am I missing something here?

yes,she said drinking was affecting his play...so i was just looking for a confirmed source.i thought maybe she had known something.so i was just trying to get details...is that a bad thing?