Ravens coach John Harbaugh announced after this morning’s practice that Kyle Boller will start at quarterback for the Ravens’ preseason opener against the Patriots on Thursday.

Harbaugh called the decision “a nod to experience and seniority.”

That doesn’t mean Boller will win his competition with second-year player Troy Smith and rookie Joe Flacco, but it does mean that he’s the safest bet and the leader in the quarterback battle for now.

“I’m pleased with how I’ve done,” Boller said. “I feel like each day gets a little bit easier. My main thing is the things I learn in each practice. I’m not going to be perfect. There are going to be balls that I throw that maybe I don’t want to throw there. But as long as I can correct them after practice … then I’ll be going in the right direction.”

Boller started eight games last season, completing 61.1 percent of his passes, with nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Smith started two games, completing 52.6 percent of his passes, with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Flacco was chosen out of Delaware in the first round of April’s draft.