McAlister’s benching a disciplinary action

By Neal Coolong  |   Tuesday, October 21, 2008  |  Comments( 7 )

Baltimore Ravens
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Baltimore Sun writer Mike Preston is speculating in his blog that Ravens cornerback Chris McAlister's benching in the team's Week 7 win over the Miami Dolphins was thanks to a conflict with coach John Harbaugh.

Preston writes that McAlister has a "lethargic, 'I don't care' attitude," and that isn't sitting well with the first-year head coach. The Ravens are one of the league's best defensive teams, but their pass 'D' is showing an increase in yards allowed in each of their past three games. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning shredded Baltimore's defense in Week 6 for 271 yards, while the Dolphins' Chad Pennington threw for 295 yards in a loss.

Commentary: If McAlister is dragging the team down, benching him is a bold but effective way to send a message to the rest of the Ravens. The question is: Can the Ravens afford to thin their already maligned secondary? With CB Samari Rolle out with a neck injury, they aren't left with many options.

The Ravens may get some help, though. Preston writes that Rolle may be available for their Week 8 showdown with the Oakland Raiders, meaning the team wouldn't have to start Frank Walker -- who's been a liability in coverage.

More importantly, what will McAlister's role on the team be moving forward? With two of their top three CBs injured (Rolle and Fabian Washington), as well as safety Dawan Landry, Harbaugh may have no choice but to play McAlister consistently. Both McAlister and Rolle were out for significant portions of the 2007 season, and the team was torched through the air en route to a 5-11 finish.

Fan Pulse: Fans on Extreme Ravens are wondering what caused McAlister to get sent to the pine.

Fantasy Football Impact: The Ravens have been giving up more passing yards in the last few games, but their run defense is still top-notch. Expect them to largely limit Oakland's offense in Week 8, also forcing a few turnovers.

Injury Watch: Harbaugh said offensive tackle Adam Terry is having arthroscopic surgery Tuesday on his knee for a slight meniscus tear. Harbaugh said they hope to have him back for the Nov. 9 game against Houston.
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About Neal Coolong

Neal Coolong is a freelance sports writer with contributions to Scout.com, AOL and Steelers Live. He lives with his fiance in St. Paul, Minn., and saves every dime (that she knows about) for their wedding next June. He's already made the prediction that the Steelers 2007 draft class will be one ...
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