BY DAVID GINSBURG
Associated Press
Nov. 12, 2003 10:25 a.m.
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP)? Anthony Wright will start at quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, jumping from third string to replace the injured Kyle Boller.
Wright's start against the Miami Dolphins will be his first since 2001, when he played in four games with Dallas before a knee injury put him on injured reserve.
Ravens coach Brian Billick said Wednesday that Wright was chosen over Chris Redman because of his mobility in the pocket. Redman, the backup on the depth chart, was sacked five times and fumbled twice Sunday night in relief of Boller in a 33-22 loss to the St. Louis Rams.
"That's a tough situation for Chris, but the reason we're going with Anthony Wright is that right now Anthony's physical attributes fit better with what we're doing," Billick said. "That's not Chris' fault; it's just a matter of Anthony's athleticism. That's the primary thing. He fits more with what we do in both our running and passing game."
Wright or Redman, it makes no difference to the Dolphins, who know the Ravens will depend heavily on the NFL's leading rusher, Jamal Lewis, who heads the league's top-rated running game.
"It's not going to change our preparation a bit," Miami linebacker Junior Seau said. "They have a great running back in Jamal, and he's going to be our focal point."
Wright spent the entire season on the Baltimore bench in 2002. He began the year as the third-stringer behind Jeff Blake and Redman, who started the first six games before a back injury forced him out for the rest of the season.
Boller, a first-round draft pick in April, beat out Redman and Wright for the starting job this summer. The rookie started nine games through Sunday, when a leg injury prompted his exit at halftime.
Boller underwent surgery on a torn quadriceps muscle on Tuesday and is expected to be sidelined at least four weeks.
For now, Ray Lucas, who was signed Tuesday, will be the third-stringer behind Redman.
"Anthony is our starter, Chris will be prepared to come in if called upon - just like any backup has to - and we'll try to get Ray Lucas ready in case disaster hits," Billick said.
Wright has five NFL starts and has played in eight games over a five-year career. He started twice in 2000 for the Cowboys and in three games in 2001.
He's completed 70 of 151 passes for 766 yards and five touchdowns. He threw eight interceptions and has never had a 200-yard passing game.
Associated Press
Nov. 12, 2003 10:25 a.m.
OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP)? Anthony Wright will start at quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, jumping from third string to replace the injured Kyle Boller.
Wright's start against the Miami Dolphins will be his first since 2001, when he played in four games with Dallas before a knee injury put him on injured reserve.
Ravens coach Brian Billick said Wednesday that Wright was chosen over Chris Redman because of his mobility in the pocket. Redman, the backup on the depth chart, was sacked five times and fumbled twice Sunday night in relief of Boller in a 33-22 loss to the St. Louis Rams.
"That's a tough situation for Chris, but the reason we're going with Anthony Wright is that right now Anthony's physical attributes fit better with what we're doing," Billick said. "That's not Chris' fault; it's just a matter of Anthony's athleticism. That's the primary thing. He fits more with what we do in both our running and passing game."
Wright or Redman, it makes no difference to the Dolphins, who know the Ravens will depend heavily on the NFL's leading rusher, Jamal Lewis, who heads the league's top-rated running game.
"It's not going to change our preparation a bit," Miami linebacker Junior Seau said. "They have a great running back in Jamal, and he's going to be our focal point."
Wright spent the entire season on the Baltimore bench in 2002. He began the year as the third-stringer behind Jeff Blake and Redman, who started the first six games before a back injury forced him out for the rest of the season.
Boller, a first-round draft pick in April, beat out Redman and Wright for the starting job this summer. The rookie started nine games through Sunday, when a leg injury prompted his exit at halftime.
Boller underwent surgery on a torn quadriceps muscle on Tuesday and is expected to be sidelined at least four weeks.
For now, Ray Lucas, who was signed Tuesday, will be the third-stringer behind Redman.
"Anthony is our starter, Chris will be prepared to come in if called upon - just like any backup has to - and we'll try to get Ray Lucas ready in case disaster hits," Billick said.
Wright has five NFL starts and has played in eight games over a five-year career. He started twice in 2000 for the Cowboys and in three games in 2001.
He's completed 70 of 151 passes for 766 yards and five touchdowns. He threw eight interceptions and has never had a 200-yard passing game.
