Ravens Insider: Troy Smith steps up - The inside scoop and analysis on the team from The Baltimore Sun's Ravens columnist and Ravens beat writer.

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Troy Smith steps up

I just watched Saturday afternoon practice, and for the first time I saw Troy Smith separate himself from the other quarterbacks. He made some really good throws, two in particular in very tight windows. When he had to make a play, he scrambled out of the pockets to gain some time. You get a little nervous watching these quarterbacks because none of the three competing for the job had played well.

But, it's only the second day. In particular, you have to give Smith and rookie Joe Flacco some time. Plus, it's hard grading these guys because the offensive line has performed so poorly. There have been times when the quarterbacks don't have enough time to even carry out a play fake.

If you get out to training camp, watch tight end Adam Bergen. He hasn't been flashy, but has hung onto everything thrown his way. He has been in the two tight end offense with Sugar Ray Leonard -- oops -- I mean Todd Heap.

Posted by Mike Preston on July 26, 2008 4:50 PM | Permalink

Comments

In other words, Boller still looks the best and that's a problem for a lot of people.

Posted by: pete | July 26, 2008 10:00 PM

If you want Testaverde as your QB by all means let Flacco start now. He is a target behind that line.

Posted by: derek | July 27, 2008 9:52 AM

Pete, re-read Mike's post, b/c you missed the point. He wrote that it's excusable for Smith and Flacco to be making certain mistakes because of their greenness. It's inexcusable for Boller to be making mistakes that an inexperienced QB would.

I really question people's reasoning and judgment abilities if they think Boller can still be a legit NFL starting QB. I think the people who believe that he is or can be one struggle with basic human functions like knowing when to use the restroom. I honestly believe this.

I like Boller as a backup. I like Boller as a teammate. But I don't want him to be my favorite team's starter.

Posted by: J | July 27, 2008 12:17 PM

"Plus, it's hard grading these guys because the offensive line has performed so poorly"

Funny you never give Boller that excuse....

Posted by: Nick | July 27, 2008 1:49 PM

whats with everyone sticking up for boller now... no boller doesn't get that excuse because McNair's success do with nearly the same line that Boller has consistently failed with.

Posted by: Dave | July 28, 2008 12:11 PM

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About the bloggers

Mike Preston has been with The Baltimore Sun since 1983. Prior to becoming a columnist in 2000, he covered the Ravens for four years. Preston will appear every Monday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Fox Sports Radio (1370-AM) to answer any questions about the Ravens. Preston is a native of Essex and a graduate of Towson State University, where he played football. E-mail Mike.

Jamison Hensley has been The Baltimore Sun’s Ravens beat reporter since the 2000 Super Bowl season. He is a regular contributor to WBAL radio and ESPN2’s First Take. Hensley is a Baltimore City native and a graduate of the University of Maryland.