Former Ohio State QB Troy Smith heads back home as the Ravens' new X-factor
Troy Smith's coming out party last week was a pleasant surprise to Ravens fans and gratifying to the second-year quarterback who was dealt a rotten hand when it seemed the starting quarterback job was his as training camp neared an end.
But by now the story of Smith's illness that robbed him of muscle mass, strength and the starting job is well-known and it was only over the last few weeks that he's really been in a position to contribute on the field.
However, head coach John Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Cam Cameron apparently believe that for the Ravens' attack to be successful, it has to use the entire roster of offensive players, drawing on the strengths each player brings to the game plan. As a result, Smith's snaps at quarterback in the win over the Raiders included an option play with rookie running back Ray Rice that went for 21 yards and a perfect downfield pass to fellow QB Joe Flacco good for 43 yards.
This week, Smith and the Ravens head to Cleveland, Smith's hometown, where he had to work his way through some rough times before battling his way to become Ohio State's starting quarterback and winning the Heisman Trophy. It's unclear whether Smith will ever get to be the starting quarterback here in Baltimore -- although the bumps in the NFL road change depth charts in a heartbeat -- but at the moment, he's become another arrow in Cam Cameron's offensive quiver. And, an extremely effective one.
Comments
Cam Cameron is one smart coach. He knows how to use his players and he is not afraid to mix things up -- making things very exciting to watch. I love the 'Suggs Package' and I love watching these new coaches at work (and I like their sense of humor).
Posted by: David P. | October 31, 2008 2:25 PM
worst column in this paper.
Posted by: BOB BOTH | November 2, 2008 12:50 AM
This isn't aimed at you but just an opinion of the poor sports coverage in the Sun. I left Maryland about 6 years ago but like to stay in touch with what is going on back east, especially sports, so I generally view the web page several times a day.
The last month or so the number of stories seem to have diminished greatly and the timeliness of them is very poor, especially in the internet age. I just checked the Sun for any stories on the Ravens game today and the only thing I found was an AP story. Geez, I had already read that on yahoo sports.
I just wonder what the future of the Sun is, and local newspapers in general. From what I see, it isn't good and certainly not something I would pay for.
As someone who has worked in the industry, I wonder what your views are, if you can bluntly state them.
Thanks
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Rich,
You don't have the time to read my views but if you worked in the business and want to start getting caught up, I recommend the Poynter Institute's Web site. One of the twists has been that readership, when you combine print and digital, has never been higher. But obviously, that's just one piece of a very complex puzzle. You mention you left Maryland a while aho. Where do you live now and how would you assess the situation there.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Rich | November 2, 2008 5:42 PM