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OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- The Baltimore Ravens have waited patiently for Kyle Boller to take charge of the offense and justify his stature as the 19th overall pick in the 2003 NFL draft.
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Now, as Boller prepares for his third NFL season, the Ravens are prepared to pattern their entire offense around his right arm. During the four-day mandatory minicamp that ends Thursday, the focus has centered on getting Boller comfortable with the concept of supplanting star running back Jamal Lewis as the main man in the Baltimore attack.
"This is all orchestrated for Kyle: this playbook, this offense," coach Brian Billick said. "He has to be successful, and we have every confidence he can be -- not only with the people we brought in, but the structure we've wrapped around him. I think he's very comfortable with what we're doing right now."
In an effort to improve a passing attack that last year ranked 31st in the NFL, the Ravens made Jim Fassel their new offensive coordinator, hired Rick Neuheisel as quarterbacks coach, signed free agent wide receiver Derrick Mason and made wide receiver Mark Clayton of Oklahoma their top draft pick in 2005.
All that remains is making sure that Boller does his part. He flashed his potential at times last season, especially in a December game against the New York Giants, when he threw four touchdown passes in a 37-14 rout.
"I know I'm a big chunk of it. This year we have the talent around me," Boller said. "I'll put the ball in their hands and let them make the plays."
A year ago, Boller became the first Baltimore quarterback to start all 16 games since Vinny Testaverde in 1996. He threw 13 touchdown passes, 11 interceptions and had a mediocre 70.9 quarterback rating.
If the Ravens are to return to the playoffs, Boller must improve upon those numbers and assert himself in the huddle. At this minicamp and in passing drills earlier this spring, the former Cal star displayed the kind of poise and leadership that indicate he's ready to take the next step in furthering his pro career.
"Look at his confidence, his demeanor, his understanding. He's in total control out there," Billick said. "That's how it should be in his third season."
The time for learning and making excuses is over. Boller is a veteran now, and he's got to act like one.
"Year 3 at the quarterback position, you have to be a leader out there. You have to take charge," he said. "The first couple years you earn your stripes; now I feel like the players respect me and I respect them. If something needs to be said, I'm going to say it. I'm not going to hold back."
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