QB Troy Smith (2006 Heisman Trophy Winner)

[OregonBuckeye]

Troy went back to his senior year facemask.

 

[matcar]

I don't think so, everybody is subjected to random drug testing. I'm pretty sure that's all it was.

Seems like Troy didn't drink enough water the night before...was too dry

 

[Mike80]

Just from glancing at the Ravens forums, the general gist of thing seems to point more to Troy starting than Boller at the moment.

It likely won't be decided until the pre-season games are going on though...

 

[Buckskin86]

Camp update
By Don Markus
August 2, 2008

QUARTERBACK DERBY
It was an interesting day, with Troy Smith missing more than the first hour of the morning practice while being drug-tested. Neither Kyle Boller nor rookie Joe Flacco took advantage of the extra work until Smith arrived. Boller got picked off twice by Ray Lewis - one went through tight end Todd Heap's hands - and Flacco watched as Chris McAlister stepped in front of one of his intended targets. McAlister would have had a 30-yard uncontested touchdown if it were a real game. Playing only in a couple of seven-on-seven drills and one full-team drill, Smith looked sharp, connecting on two throws in tight space to Derrick Mason and nearly hooking up with Yamon Figurs for a 60-yard touchdown in the end zone that the second-year receiver bobbled twice and ultimately dropped.

Camp update -- baltimoresun.com

Ravens QB misses time, Washington suspended
Originally published August 02, 2008
By Stan Goldberg
News-Post Staff

WESTMINSTER -- Troy Smith was missing for the first hour of Ravens practice on Friday morning, leading to speculation that the quarterback might have joined the long list of injured players or maybe just overslept.
But at 10 a.m., he was on the sidelines and 10 minutes later was on the field. He looked pretty sharp at times.

It turned out his early absence had nothing to do with an injury or a failure to get out of bed. Ravens coach John Harbaugh said Smith was late because of the NFL's new strict drug testing policy.

"Sometimes it takes a little longer to get it done," Harbaugh said. "It took Troy a while today to get that taken care of."

The Frederick News-Post Online - Frederick County Maryland Daily Newspaper

 

[NJ-Buckeye]

finally something Troy can't do.... can't pee on command

 

[BB73]

I believe a vBet on whether Troy is the starter opening week or not is in order.

A modified version of this has ben created. It's for the most starts over the course of the regular season.

bp.Which-QB-gets-most-starts-for-Baltimore

You have 1 week. Govern yourselves accordingly.

 

[Brutus1]

According to Peter King, he fully expects Troy Smith to be the starter when week one rolls around. Very nice.

 

[matcar]

Harbaugh mum on Ravens starting QB

Coach declines to name a starter for Thursday's preseason opener at New England

By Jamison Hensley | Sun reporter 12:22 PM EDT, August 4, 2008 Ravens coach John Harbaugh continued to keep fans and reporters guessing for another day, declining today to announce his starting quarterback for Thursday's preseason opener.

It is difficult to decipher whether Kyle Boller, Troy Smith or Joe Flacco has the edge in running the first team against the New England Patriots. Each quarterback took turns rotating with the starting offense throughout Monday's practice.

Asked if he knew who would start at quarterback, Boller said, "I wish I could tell you, but I have no idea. I come out here every day to practice and never know who is going to be the 1, the 2 or the 3."

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/football/bal-ravensqb0804,0,3913894.story


And from their blog:

Other observations:
* The offense was guilty of three penalties – false starts on right offensive tackle Mike Kracalik and wide receiver Mark Clayton and pass interference on rookie wide receiver Marcus Smith. The defense, on the other hand, went flag-free.
* The defense also would have registered three sacks except that the quarterbacks are wearing their non-contact red jerseys. Linebacker Jarret Johnson got to Troy Smith, defensive tackle Kelly Talavou would have wrapped up Kyle Boller, and Johnson and defensive tackle Dwan Edwards combined to surround Smith.
* Rookie Joe Flacco was the only quarterback to throw for a touchdown during a red-zone drill. Flacco lobbed a floater to wide receiver Derrick Mason, who leaped over cornerback Derrick Martin in the rear left portion of the end zone.
* Safety Jim Leonhard nearly intercepted Flacco, and linebacker Robert McCune dropped an errant pass from Boller. Afterwards, both Leonhard and McCune dropped to the turf and punched out 10 push-ups each.

 

[Rookie]

The Ravens line is not strong at all, especially since they lost Ogden.

I expect to see Troy starting on Thursday versus New England. I know I'll be watching.

 

[Buckin Crazy]

Baltimore Ravens | News | 08/04 Notebook

Troy Smith is biding his time at Ravens training camp.

Cool, calm and collected, the former Heisman Trophy winner isn?t letting the media hype surrounding the quarterback competition in Baltimore get to him.

Speaking to the media after Monday?s morning practice, Smith?s chilled-out demeanor came through when he was asked about the possibility of starting the Ravens? preseason opener against the New England Patriots Thursday.

In line with his stoic pocket presence, Smith took a team-first stance.

?It doesn?t matter,? he said. ?This is preseason. There?s a lot still to come out of this. I know that we?re pretty much going to get about the same amount of playing time. The cards will fall whichever way they do, and hopefully our preparation will get us a win.?
continued...

 

[Buckskin86]

Ravens' quarterback job up for grabs ~ August 5, 2008
By Aaron Wilson
( [email protected] )

WESTMINSTER -- The Baltimore Ravens remain cryptic about their quarterback situation, closely guarding their secret about who will start the preseason opener Thursday night against the New England Patriots.

Although former Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith arrived at training camp regarded as the clubhouse leader for the job and remains a strong contender to start the season opener Sept. 7 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Ravens coach John Harbaugh has yet to declare whether Smith, veteran Kyle Boller or rookie first-round draft pick Joe Flacco will open the game under center at Gillette Stadium.

"We'll let you know," Harbaugh said with a smile Monday morning.

It's believed that Harbaugh could make an announcement as soon as today following the Ravens' morning practice at McDaniel College. Behind the scenes, Smith is considered the favorite to start with Boller being the next alternative.

Smith has opened practice running the first offense more often than the other two dueling quarterbacks. He also has the best mobility to elude pass rushers, which is an important asset considering the injury-riddled state of the Ravens' offensive line.

Plus, Smith carries an infectious swagger into the huddle. He has drawn high marks from teammates looking for leadership at the NFL's most pivotal position.

At least outwardly, Smith seems unconcerned about whether he starts the first preseason game.

"It doesn't matter," Smith said. "This is preseason. There's a lot still to come out of this. I know that we're pretty much going to get about the same amount of playing time. The cards will fall whichever way they do, and, hopefully, our preparation will get us a win."

All three quarterbacks have had their moments, but all three have alternately generated their share of interceptions, fumbles and poor decisions.

Smith has definitely impressed with his ability to throw on the run. However, he had the worst day of any quarterback since camp started with three interceptions, including one tossed to secondary coach Chuck Pagano, during a red-zone drill on the first day of practice.

Since that rocky start, the former Ohio State star has calmed down and cut down on his turnovers.

"We, as a team and as an offense, have so far to go," Smith said. "My development is coming along still. I've got a long way to go. This is an incredible offense and an incredible opportunity for this city. We're looking to win some games."

Baltimore Ravens News - Ravens' quarterback job up for grabs

Ravens' QB spot up in air
Originally published August 05, 2008
By Stan Goldberg
Sports Editor

WESTMINSTER -- It's been an unusual training camp for the three Ravens quarterbacks.
After two weeks, none of them knows who will be the starter this year as the Ravens prepare for their first preseason game Thursday at New England.

Kyle Boller, Troy Smith and Joe Flacco are all getting the same amount of reps and all seeing action with the first team.

"We're just balancing it out," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "Everybody's taking equal reps. It's hard to imagine because it's not done very often, but we are truly in a situation where everybody gets equal reps."

As of Monday morning, he wouldn't even say who was going to start the New England game.

The Frederick News-Post Online - Frederick County Maryland Daily Newspaper

 

[Dryden]

"It doesn't matter," Smith said. "This is preseason. There's a lot still to come out of this. I know that we're pretty much going to get about the same amount of playing time. The cards will fall whichever way they do, and, hopefully, our preparation will get us a win."

Troy's done a lot of growing up since his RS Soph year at Ohio State.

Jim Tressel and Joe Daniels did good.

 

[matcar]

Troy's done a lot of growing up since his RS Soph year at Ohio State.

Jim Tressel and Joe Daniels did good.

And, of course, massive credit to Troy...who did good to willfully make some changes.

 

[Rookie]

If you look at the interviews of him and compare them to the other qb's its night and day. Troy rarely discusses himself, and includes the entire team when discussing anything great. He truly is selfless.... no wonder the veterans respect him.

 

[Buckskin86]

Boller will start preseason opener
QB gets nod over Smith, Flacco for Thursday's game at New England
By Jamison Hensley | Sun reporter
11:09 AM EDT, August 5, 2008
Kyle Boller will be the Ravens' starting quarterback in Thursday's preseason opener, coach John Harbaugh announced after today's practice.

The former first-round pick will get the first shot at running the first team at the New England Patriots, getting the nod over Troy Smith and Joe Flacco.

After struggling throughout the offseason camps this spring, Boller has been the most consistent quarterback in training camp, making the high-percentage passes instead of forcing deep throws.

Boller will start preseason opener -- baltimoresun.com

Harbaugh called the decision "a nod to experience and seniority."

Harbaugh said Boller will play much of the first half against New England, and Smith and Flacco would likely see equal time thereafter.

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/football/2008-08-05-2781712504_x.htm