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QB Troy Smith (2006 Heisman Trophy Winner)

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Smith fails to seize job
By AARON WILSON Landmark News Service
Published August 17, 2008
Quarterback spot unresolved after Ravens' loss to Vikings

BALTIMORE - Troy Smith didn't seize control in the Baltimore Ravens' quarterback duel, nor did he relinquish his toehold in a competition that remains unresolved.

Instead of staking an unquestioned claim on the job, Smith was upstaged by the electrifying runs of rookie running back Ray Rice during a 23-15 loss to the Minnesota Vikings last night at M&T Bank Stadium.

The former Heisman Trophy winner had a few positive moments, though, displaying his trademark elusiveness and making the most of a few opportunities to throw.

Smith completed 3 of 5 passes for 25 yards and was sacked twice by Vikings blue-chip defensive end Jared Allen for a 33.3 quarterback rating.

"It felt pretty good, but there were definitely some situations where we could've done better," Smith said. "That's what the preseason is all about, where you go out there and keep learning. You make those mistakes and you iron them out. Then, you come out stronger in the regular season."

The lone interception Smith threw clearly wasn't his fault as wide receiver Mark Clayton allowed the football to glance off his body and into the waiting hands of veteran Viking safety Darren Sharper.
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Smith fails to seize job - Sports - (HometownAnnapolis.com)

Ravens' play a comedy of errors
T. Smith, Boller fail to impress; injured team sluggish in loss
By Jamison Hensley | Sun reporter
August 17, 2008

The Ravens' quarterback race seems more like a comedy than a competition.

In last night's 23-15 preseason loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Troy Smith nor Kyle Boller stumbled at a time when one should have taken control of the battle.

Smith had more yards rushing (35) than passing (25). Boller didn't lead the offense past the Vikings' 38-yard line.

And both threw interceptions on their last passes of the game.

Ravens coach John Harbaugh tried to shine the best light on his murky quarterback situation.

"I think they had some good moments and not so good moments," Harbaugh said. "I think they both showed they can move the football in this league."

In his first start of the preseason, Smith had little production in one half of work, completing three of five passes for 25 yards. The Ravens scored on their first series with Smith, but they were carried by rookie running back Ray Rice (55 yards on drive, including 6-yard touchdown run).

Smith didn't connect on a pass over 10 yards and was intercepted on a pass thrown behind receiver Mark Clayton.

"It felt pretty good, but there were definitely some situations where we could've done better," Smith said. "That's what the preseason is all about, where you go out and keep learning. Then you come out stronger in the regular season."

Starting the second half, Boller failed to capitalize on Smith's subpar performance, going 8-for-12 for 40 yards. He didn't complete a pass over 11 yards and was picked off by rookie Brandon Sumrall.

It's difficult to tell which quarterback is ahead when looking at the ragged ratings of Smith (33.3) and Boller (36.8).

"It's hard to say what kind of separation it was or wasn't," Harbaugh said. "You have to look at the tape."

Asked which quarterback would start the third preseason game next week, Harbaugh said, "We haven't decided yet."
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Ravens' play a comedy of errors -- baltimoresun.com
 
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Best Buckeye;1231773; said:
Troy needed to do better than he did, no way the Ravens could be happy with his performance.
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Raven's site is carrying an article which appears to say they are not too down with the performance:

Smith Flashes Talent in Ravens Loss


Smith played the entire first half, and offered flashes of poise and playmaking ability required of an NFL starter. Seeing the second-year quarterback display those traits behind a patchwork offensive line left the Ravens ?coaching staff focusing on his explosive potential.
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Best Buckeye;1231761; said:
This doesn't sound good for Troy, or Boller for that matter. I think the ravens might look at picking up another qb.
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Flacco has shown nothing this preseason other than he is incredibly green. He isn't ready to start in the league by a longshot. Boller has been Boller...which is to say bad. I doubt they look for another QB this close to the season. I think they're happy with the status quo of Troy or Boller until Flacco is ready. I'd say yesterday Troy didn't do anything to seize the job, but he certainly didn't lose it. He showed playmaking ability playing behind a porous OL. It was a wash.

The worst thing for Troy is that Baltimore is gonna be BAD this year. I wouldn't be surprised to see him start several games, but if they are sitting at 3-9, 4-8 the calls for the rookie will be loud so that he can get experience for '09.
 
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NFBuck;1231907; said:
Flacco has shown nothing this preseason other than he is incredibly green. He isn't ready to start in the league by a longshot. Boller has been Boller...which is to say bad. I doubt they look for another QB this close to the season. I think they're happy with the status quo of Troy or Boller until Flacco is ready. I'd say yesterday Troy didn't do anything to seize the job, but he certainly didn't lose it. He showed playmaking ability playing behind a porous OL. It was a wash.

The worst thing for Troy is that Baltimore is gonna be BAD this year. I wouldn't be surprised to see him start several games, but if they are sitting at 3-9, 4-8 the calls for the rookie will be loud so that he can get experience for '09.
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Am I the the only that remembers that Joe Flacco transferred from Pitt to Delaware b/c he couldn't beat out Tyler Palko?
 
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3-5 in the first half......nearly every called throw was a quick slant or screen. The offensive playpcalling was brutal.

At one point Troy threw 3 straight slants....on his 3rd and 21, he actually pumped on his slan tthrow because the CB was sitting on it. After the CB cleared, he hit his target...great improv on Troy's part, as most QB;s would have rifled it into coverage.

The Clayton route was aslo sit on, and Troy through it behind Clayton where only Clayton could catch it. Unfortunately, Clayton knocked the ball up into the air. It was a bad throw in the sens ethat it was a 1oo mph fastball on a 10 yard thorw. I think the idea behind the placement was correct though. If he leads him on tha throw he gets Clayton killed or the defender steps in front for a pick.

All in all, Troy looks confiedent and seems to make good decesions. Boller and Flacco both panic and hold the ball too long, or throw into coverage. At least Troy's pick bounced off his receiver.

Also as everyone has stated, with as bad as their O-line is, you'd think they'd want some mobility back there.
 
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Minnesota has one of, if not the best, defenses in the league this season. I wouldnt look too much into that performance. Troy was running for his life and made the most out of nothing last night. The INT wasnt his fault so even though he didnt excel, he really didnt do awful. Ray Rice looked awesome though. The Ravens still dont have any WR's worth a crap so Troy's numbers arent going to look very good no matter what they do offensively.
 
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Ya...kind of shaky.

You have to think as a Ravens fan/coach, they'd be content with a QB who doesn;t turn the ball over and can create several plays a game. That is Troy. He isn;t going to get you beat, and he'll keep you in games.

The Ravens Defense is old, but it's still good enough to keep them around until the 4th quarter, as long as the QB doesn't continually put them in bad positions.

Boller will make their season a nightmare, his trak record has proven it. I really think Troy is capable of contolling the gameplan, and limiting turnovers. It'd be nice if the Ravens offensive coaching staff gave him a chance to prove it (as oppossed to 5 first half throwing chances, that were all slants and screens).
 
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billmac91;1232034; said:
3-5 in the first half......nearly every called throw was a quick slant or screen. The offensive playpcalling was brutal.

At one point Troy threw 3 straight slants....on his 3rd and 21, he actually pumped on his slan tthrow because the CB was sitting on it. After the CB cleared, he hit his target...great improv on Troy's part, as most QB;s would have rifled it into coverage.

The Clayton route was aslo sit on, and Troy through it behind Clayton where only Clayton could catch it. Unfortunately, Clayton knocked the ball up into the air. It was a bad throw in the sens ethat it was a 1oo mph fastball on a 10 yard thorw. I think the idea behind the placement was correct though. If he leads him on tha throw he gets Clayton killed or the defender steps in front for a pick.

All in all, Troy looks confiedent and seems to make good decesions. Boller and Flacco both panic and hold the ball too long, or throw into coverage. At least Troy's pick bounced off his receiver.

Also as everyone has stated, with as bad as their O-line is, you'd think they'd want some mobility back there.
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Exactly my observations. I think he got to drop back twice in the pocket to throw downfield, once on third and long and once of third and very long. I think he performed well considering the circumstances. It is kind of troubling however that the Ravens were running so much with him under center. I got the impression that he passed more against the Patriots than he did against the Vikings. It makes me question what the coaching staff sees in Troy.
 
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