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There’s scuttlebutt in Baltimore that, even though rookie first-round quarterback Joe Flacco ready to hit the ground running from the start of training camp, Flacco won’t be the starter to start the season.
Instead, the grapevine is pointing to 2006 Heisman winner Troy Smith, a fifth-round pick in 2007 who saw very limited action as a rookie.
As we hear it, there are concerns that the offensive line isn’t ready to protect the signal-caller on a consistent basis, and that the team doesn’t want to expose Flacco to a consistent pounding.
Still, the risk is that, if Smith plays well and the team is in the hunt for the playoffs come November, the Ravens could find themselves in a Browns-style pickle, with Smith playing the role of Derek Anderson and Flacco starring as Brady Quinn.
So we think the better approach is to get Flacco ready, and to let him play, sooner rather than later.
July 19th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
This is assuming, of course, that Troy Smith is really an NFL-calibre starting QB, which he isn’t. Think of it this way, at his best Smith is comparable to Shaun King, at worst Joe Hamilton, either way it won’t be enough to hold off Flacco if he turns out to be decent.
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Rating: 1.6 / 5 with 5 rating(s)
July 19th, 2008 at 5:35 pm
Why is a “Browns-style pickle” a bad thing? I can name 20+ teams in the league who would love to have that problem.
And why is it so critical to “get Flacco ready, and to let him play, sooner rather than later”? Because he was picked in the first round? Because he’s making a lot of money? That’s insane. If Smith starts and plays well, you keep him in. Hopefully he develops into a franchise starter, and you name your price in a Flacco trade. If Smith struggles, you send in Flacco and keep Smith on as a backup.
I just don’t see why you’d rush a guy who played 1-AA ball and has little experience with a pro-style offense, or why sitting him a year because the incumbent plays well is some sort of “risk” or “problem.”
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Rating: 4.7 / 5 with 12 rating(s)
July 19th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Hey Mr. Mike,
I have thought that, due to his physical stature (smallish for a QB if I recall) and his option-style skills from O-State…
it is unclear if Smith is a legitimate NFL starter.
(Those Theisman and Flutie days seem to be gone.)
So maybe the Ravens just wanna warm up the offensive engine before they put Flacco behind the wheel.
F2B
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Rating: 1 / 5 with 4 rating(s)
July 19th, 2008 at 5:51 pm
You’re right, there is nothing worse then having an overabundance of quality quarterbacks.
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Rating: 5 / 5 with 6 rating(s)
July 19th, 2008 at 5:59 pm
“…option-style skills…”? He did not run one option play at Ohio State.
Ever.
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Rating: 3.8 / 5 with 5 rating(s)
July 19th, 2008 at 6:28 pm
Great plan - it worked awesome when they started Future Hall of Famer Kyle Boller as a rookie…
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Rating: 2.75 / 5 with 4 rating(s)
July 19th, 2008 at 6:30 pm
The only thing bad about the “Browns-style pickle”,is that if your player that you selected in the later round does very well and makes your team very good, it means you wasted a pick drafting a 1st round quarterback. I mean if Smith does what Anderson did last year and does it again the following year, you just wasted money on someone you didn’t need.
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Rating: 3 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
July 19th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
WOW, after seeing what the browns did last year, and in a similar situation leaving the rookie on the bench for a year or two in Green Bay, Cincy etc… why wouldn’t you want to have the same problems as the Browns?
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Rating: 4.35 / 5 with 3 rating(s)
July 19th, 2008 at 7:05 pm
There is no reason at all to think that a 5th round pick from a year ago with little experience will come out and play at any where near a pro bowl level like Anderson did. It would be crazy to throw Flacco out to the wolves immediately.
Let him be backup for a year or two until he gets used to the nfl system, then send him out. The Ravens won’t be winning the super bowl any time soon, there is no reason to risk the future of the franchise.
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Rating: 2 / 5 with 3 rating(s)
July 19th, 2008 at 7:12 pm
I say good for the Ravens. Think of the potential in this situation. You start Smith, if he succeeds at the position, you trade him for a number 2 and 3. If he sucks, no big loss. If he is to good to trade, then give up Flacco for a second and third and life moves on. Can’t seem to go wrong unless both qb’s just plain suck. Can’t argue with that.
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Rating: 4 / 5 with 3 rating(s)
July 19th, 2008 at 7:22 pm
Ok..I’m going to have to disagree. Baltimore’s elite defense is getting old. All three pro-bowl linebackers are free agents after this season. Both starting corners are in their 30s. The best thing for Baltimore is to give Troy a fair shot and try to win before they have to rebuild the defense not hand the team over to Flacco, who has nothing going for him but a first round pedigree and a big arm and go through his growing pains, why replay the boller situation again? If having two QBs that are viewed as starter quality is a problem, I hope my team always has plenty of problems.
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Rating: 4 / 5 with 1 rating(s)
July 19th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
I don´t see the problem here as well. If i had an nfl team to coach and i had the problem of probably choosing between two potential starting quarterbacks i would welcome it anytime…
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Rating: 5 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
July 19th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
Not a surprise here at all.
Troy has heard all of these knocks several times before in his career. When he was at Ohio State he wasnt considered much more than a RB. He even started off as nothing but a kick returner. Tressell favored the big-strong-armed QB (Justin Zwick), but Troy got his opportunity and the rest is history, as they say.
This is no different than what he was facing at Ohio State. The guy may not be the “ideal” height of what you are looking for in an NFL QB, but really, what does that matter? Drew Brees is only 6′ tall and he fares pretty well. With the way some people talk about how Troy isnt going to be an NFL QB because he isn’t between the heights of 6′2″ and 6′5″ you would think that his OL at OSU were only 5′8″ and then magically grew to heights of 6′3″+ when they were drafted into the NFL. Nick Mangold (6′5″), Steve Rehring (6′7″), Kirk Barton (6′6″), Alex Boone (6′8″)…etc etc etc.
Troy is going to start because he picked up Cam’s offense quickly and has been throwing the ball extremely well during practices. He has been there working out with the team, with the coaches, and he has been earning the respect of the entire organization. He knew that he would have to work to be the QB and he is going to have to work to keep the starting job.
The bigger picture here is Flacco was a 1st round pick and he is getting into camp on time. However, he has been considered a project with incredible upside. That being said, it is very likely that we could be looking at a situation like the Browns have, or what the Chargers had with Brees and Rivers. Regardless of how well Troy does, eventually Harbaugh and Cam are going to want to see Flacco out there. Personally, Flacco is going to do nothing but benefit by sitting and watching Troy play. He will get to stand on the sidelines, pick players brains, and be beside Harbaugh during game time. All of those things are going to help him transition from Delaware to the NFL. A lot of Baltimore fans are afraid that he was a man amongst boys at U of Delaware, but now in the NFL he is going to hit a wall of mediocrity.
Personally, I am happy that we potentially have to very good young QB’s on this squad. It’s about time. A situation like the Browns have or like the Chargers had could only be dreamt about in Baltimore considering our leading franchise passer currently is Kyle Boller. The best QB we have had is Trent Dilfer and that is really only because he did a good job at not making too many turnovers. Testaverde, Grbac, Wright, Stoney Case, Redman…the list goes on and on and on…for a franchise that has been around for just over a decade with a Lombardi trophy, we have really never stepped up to the plate in regards to finding and developing a legitimate franchise QB.
Troy is a proven winner, has a strong arm, good pocket awareness, has played and won against top competition, makes good decisions, can make plays with his feet, and he earns the respect of his teammates. He has all of the tools to succeed. As with anything, only time will tell.
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Rating: 3.6 / 5 with 5 rating(s)
July 19th, 2008 at 7:55 pm
Does Kyle Boller get to play the role of Charlie Frye?
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July 19th, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Your logic is a little flawed on this one, Florio. You’re essentially saying that the Ravens would be unhappy to go to the post-season. It matters little if it’s Smith or Flacco that takes them there. If one emerges as the Future of the Franchise, then so be it. All it took were 1st and 5th round picks to find their starter. What does it matter if it’s the 5th rounder or the 1st rounder who emerges? The investment was the same.
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Rating: 3 / 5 with 5 rating(s)
July 19th, 2008 at 8:38 pm
How did you not work Brett Favre’s name into this story? Especially considering the Ravens are one of only a few teams he could logically end up.
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Rating: 2 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
July 19th, 2008 at 8:56 pm
troy has two more pro starts than flacco and is 1-1. and before anyone shouts that he beat pittsburgh, the steelers didnt need the game and still almost won.
they are even.
boller is like 21-23 as a starter. not good either, but he was easily the best qb they had last year and might still be.
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Rating: 1.75 / 5 with 4 rating(s)
July 19th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Smith played behind NFL sized linemen at OSU. I’ve been saying all this time that he should be starting; give him the opening start and take it from there…
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Rating: 5 / 5 with 3 rating(s)
July 19th, 2008 at 9:27 pm
There is an influx of stupidity within these comments. Brasho, since you have a crystal ball and all with you knowing already Troy is not a NFL caliber QB, can you tell me the winning lotto numbers?
Nixon, I agree with everything you said.
Troy Smith was an option QB? LOL. Please watch football then let’s talk.
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Rating: 4.5 / 5 with 6 rating(s)
July 19th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Also, Ravensfan19, I agree with most of what you said except the part with Harbaugh wanting to see Flacco out there. He will let the best man for the job win, point blank. Whether it’s Troy SMith, Joe Flacco, or Aaron Brooks.
empty13, please. THe Steelers had 2 defensive starters out. Not to mention in his first start, in Seattle, at arguably the loudest stadium against one of the best pass rushing teams last year, he faired well consider the circumstances…No McGahee, among other key starters.
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Rating: 3.35 / 5 with 3 rating(s)
July 19th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
Miz - couldnt agree with you more for almost everything. The reason why I say that Harbaugh is going to want to see Flacco out there eventually is simply because he was the 1st round draft pick of Harbaugh’s first year here. It could be construed as kind of a blunder if Troy Smith comes out guns blazing and wins games for the Ravens. For instance, they could have taken say a cornerback like Antione Cason or the guy from Southern Florida with the 18th pick (which I thought CB was a much bigger need than QB as shocking as it might be to some people to hear) and still been able to pick up Chad Henne or Brian Brohm in the 2nd round. Probably Ray Rice would have been there as well.
This isn’t to say that I didnt like the draft, because I thought we drafted well, but I just think that there was better value at some of the other positions in the 1st and 2nd rounds than QB. To me, Brohm would have been a better choice because he is the most pro-ready out of all of the QB options from this past draft, which there werent many IMO. Flacco could pan out to be excellent, but he has more of a chance of being another 1st round bust.
Harbaugh will be the type of coach to let the best guy win, but he is going to want to see Flacco in there eventually…even if that means benching or trading Troy Smith regardless of how well he is playing.
DeVoodoo - The investment is not the same at all. A few million dollars separate the two. Not too mention that the 18th pick could have been used on several other players that probably could become day one starters and be cornerstones of their respective side of the ball.
For example, these guys were left in the 1st round that, IMO, were of better value for a 1st round pick than Flacco was…
OT - Jeff Otah, OT - Sam Baker, CB - Mike Jenkins, CB - Antione Cason, DE - Lawrence Jackson, DE/DT - Kentawn Balmer, CB - Aqib Talib, (Top of the 2nd round): DE - Philip Merling, CB - Brandon Flowers, WR - Devin Thomas, WR - Jordy Nelson, CB - Tracey Porter, etc, etc, etc.
Now, dont take this post as a “I hate Flacco” post, because I dont. I like Flacco. I just think we could have taken a CB or OL in the 1st and still been able to address the QB spot in the 2nd. Odds are, we could have still gotten Flacco in the 2nd round.
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Rating: 3 / 5 with 5 rating(s)
July 20th, 2008 at 12:51 am
What a dumbazzed thing for Florio to say. I think the Browns are pretty happy they “found something” in Derek Anderson. Florio makes it seem like the Ravens would be screwed if Troy Smith had a good year and actually proved, oh I don’t know, that he’s better than some overrated stiff from Delaware that couldn’t even cut it at Pitt. I am telling everyone right now: We will look back on Joe Flacco as the BUST of the 2008 NFL draft. One-year wonder on the I-AA level. LOL.
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Rating: 4.5 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
July 20th, 2008 at 2:50 am
This was my idea, to start Troy Smith. Let’s see if he can play at the NFL level. He certainly conquered college.
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Rating: 2 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
July 20th, 2008 at 7:34 am
I never cease to be amazed by the people who want to see their rookie QB on the field. You do realize that, no matter what the future holds for Flacco, there’s about a 95% chance that Flacco is gonna suck for his first couple years, right?
Troy Smith playing well would be the best thing that could happen for the Ravens. If he can give them a couple solid years while Flacco learns the ropes, then the team can make a fairly painless transition in a couple years, as the Chargers did going from Drew Brees to Phillip Rivers. (It makes for a tough decision down the line, but it’s a good problem to have).
Throwing Flacco in there too early could ruin him, or at the very least, stunt his growth. QB’s almost always take 3-4 years to fully develop; until they reach that point, you just hope their growing pains don’t lose you too many games.
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Rating: 3 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
July 20th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Crushing Touchdown Run -
The Wolverines may disagree after he ran all over them out of no where at the Big House in ‘04.
In ‘05 Troy sharing time with Zwick cost the Buckeyes the Texas game at the ‘Shoe cause Troy did nothing but run the Cows ragged that day - when he played, while Zwick “Hoovered” every time he was in there. Troy also gave ND all they wanted in the bowl game.
In ‘06 he didn’t need to run so much with all those hoss’ on the squad and he threw for 2542 yards in a Buckeye offense that got away from the spread. Hats off to the Gators for pressuring and containing him with no Ginn on the field and an O line that forgot how to play football in the title game.
Troy can play. What do the Birds of B-more have to lose by giving him a chance? Boller has proved he isn’t the answer and Flecco has no seasoning - he didn’t even play in Div I where most everyone is good. With every player at every position very good in the NFL, Flecco has some work to do before being handed the starting job.
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Rating: 5 / 5 with 1 rating(s)