Ravens' QB competition is wide open ~ July 19, 2008
Without a returning starter Boller, Smith and Flacco prepare to compete
By Aaron Wilson
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OWINGS MILLS -- Every crisp spiral carries the weight of a potential statement. An audible can feel like a speech. Each fumble, interception or wobbly throw is heavily scrutinized.
Such is the current existence of Troy Smith, Kyle Boller and Joe Flacco as they duke it out for the right to pledge an elite fraternity: becoming one of the NFL's 32 starting quarterbacks.
As the Ravens stage a rare three-man quarterback competition, the pressure figures to be intense with each candidate making his case for why he should hold the most pivotal position on a team coming off a dreadful season.
Smith, the swaggering former Heisman Trophy winner, seems to be entering the race with a slight edge over Boller, an inconsistent former starter, and Flacco, the towering first-round draft pick with a powerful arm.
Team officials have marveled over Smith's improved accuracy and field presence. By the close of minicamps, he was taking the majority of the snaps with the first-team offense ahead of Boller.
Smith's improved confidence, conditioning and streamlined mechanics are obvious, but he's far from a lock to be the season-opening starter Sept. 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals.
?I think he did an admirable job last year, he?s just trying take the next step forward," linebacker Bart Scott said. "I think this thing is wide open and he has a tremendous opportunity to start at quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens.?
Smith rates highly for his elusiveness and ability to throw on the run. As a rookie, he filled in decently when a since-retired Steve McNair and Boller were out with injuries. He completed 40 of 76 passes for 452 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions and went 1-1 as a starter.
With his teammates believing in him, Smith has to increase the coaches' confidence as he tries to hold off Boller and Flacco.
?At all times, I?m going to be a leader," Smith said. "I?m going to control the things that I know how to control and I don?t worry about, ?May the best man win.? I just worry about the things that I can perfect, within my day-to-day actions.?
However, the former Ohio State star lacks ideal size at 6-foot, 225 pounds.
"A lot of people try to discredit Troy because he doesn?t have the height of a stereotypical quarterback, but he pulls it off," offensive guard Jason Brown said
It's clear that Smith's bid is being taken very seriously by the coaching staff, but it's early.
"I think you can see that he can play quarterback in the NFL, without a question," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "He?s got the arm strength, he can move around and he can operate the offense.
?Under pressure, proving himself in games is going to be up to him. He?s got the ability, without question, to be a starting quarterback in this league.?
