Steve McNair, former Tennessee Titans QB, was traded to Baltimore in 2006. Coach Brian Billick declared McNair the starter instead of having the two compete for the job, citing McNair's credentials, including 2003 NFL Co-MVP, and Boller's propensity to turn over the ball. In Week 6 of the 2006 NFL season, McNair was sacked by Carolina Panthers defenders Mike Rucker and Chris Draft. The result of that play was a mild concussion and a neck injury. McNair left the game and would not return. Boller came in to replace him in the final seconds of the first quarter, and completed 17 of 31 passes for a 58% completion percentage, 3 touchdowns, 226 yards, and one interception. Faced with a 9-point deficit with 5:10 remaining, Boller connected with Mark Clayton for a 62-yard touchdown pass to start a comeback attempt. When the Ravens defense gave up their second touchdown of the day, Boller was called upon to score again. This time, he faced 68 yards and was given 4:08 to score a touchdown, to still be behind in the game. He drove down the field and capped off his drive with a 7-yard touchdown pass to tight end Todd Heap. The Panthers were then able to run out the clock before the Raven's offense could get back on the field, and Baltimore lost 23 – 21. Then, after McNair's throwing hand was stepped on against Cleveland on Dec 17, Boller led the Ravens to victory with a 13-of-21, 238-yard and two-touchdown performance (112.3 passer rating), one touchdown being the game highlight, when he connected with explosive rookie receiver Demetrius Williams for the 77 yard score. That victory clinched a playoff berth for the Ravens, who had already all but locked up their division. With McNair as the starting quarterback the Ravens improved to a franchise best mark of 13–3 on the season, as compared to only going 6–10 the previous year with Boller at the helm.