Troy Smith to Start Ravens Second Exhibition Game

The Ravens have been searching for an identity at the quarterback position for quite a while. Next Saturday, ex-Buckeye and Heisman Trophy winner Troy Smith will have his opportunity to fill that void for the Ravens if his performance on the field is solid.

By Eric Geier

Boller’s Loss Gives Smith a Shot

    The Baltimore Ravens coaches were less than thrilled with Kyle Boller’s performance against New England in which he fumbled and threw an interception, leading to points for the Patriots. Despite going 11 of 15 for 102 yards, Troy Smith entered the game and led two scoring drives while showing off his mobility to avoid collapsing pockets. One of Smith’s highlights included a 30-yard strike to Darnerian McCants in traffic.  After his showing, he was named the starter for next Saturday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings. Troy Smith says that he’s excited to play against an assertive Minnesota defense that will surely test his mobility and passing abilities under pressure.

    “I thought Troy was poised,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “He threw some NFL balls in there. That ball across the middle in the fourth quarter was a heck of a throw. He scrambled around and did a nice job.”

Joe Flacco In the Mix

    The open quarterback competition for the Ravens still includes first year Deleware quarterback Joe Flacco, despite being abused by New England’s second and third team defense. Harbaugh elaborated, “In the end, we just have to go with the guy that we feel is going to give us the best chance to win the next game. If that’s a gut decision, then that’s what it is.”