Falcons’ George Catches the Eye of Raven Coach

The suspension of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Jeff George and rumors swirling about his possible trade have caught the attention of Baltimore Ravens Coach Ted Marchibroda.

Marchibroda coached George in 1992 and 1993 when both were with the Indianapolis Colts. George completed 234 of 407 passes for 2,526 and eight touchdowns in 1993, and 167 of 306 passes for 1,963 yards and seven touchdowns in 1992. He was one of only four quarterbacks who passed for more than 4,000 yards in 1995. “I’m watching that situation, sure,” Marchibroda said. “I haven’t talked to Ozzie Newsome (Ravens vice president of football personnel) about it yet, but the guy has a tremendous arm. He’s a great talent and we’ve always had a good relationship.”

George got into a sideline screaming match with coach June Jones after being replaced during the third quarter of Sunday’s 33-18 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

Jones suspended George on Monday and said he would determine George’s future with the club within the next two days.

A trade is a possibility but it may be difficult considering the one-year, $3.6 million contract George signed in August. The Oakland Raiders are interested.

The shouting match between George and Jones was not their first. They had another confrontation during a game against the Dallas Cowboys last Oct. 29.

Marchibroda has not expressed dissatisfaction publicly with Vinny Testaverde, who has completed 57 of 97 passes for 630 yards and three touchdowns. But Testaverde has thrown four interceptions, and all led to touchdowns.

Testaverde will make $640,000 in base salary this season, and $1.5 million in ’97.

“I am aware of Jeff George’s situation, but I have not and do not plan to talk with Atlanta,” Newsome said.