Attention Ravens Fans: In case you are thinking...start a Rookie Quarterback, you know better, quoth the Raven: "Nevermore!!!"
The third preseason game was supposed to be decisive for the Ravens. It was to be Troy Smith's shot to nail down the starting quarterback job once and for all. However, Smith was stricken with a stomach virus and not that anyone really wanted to see more of Kyle Boller, he was sidelined with a shoulder injury. It was all up to rookie Joe Flacco to not only make his first start but to survive the whole game.
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The results were much as to be expected. Flacco looked tentative and scared early in the game, but to the delight of the Ravens he settled in and showed more control as the game progressed. While the results were nothing to brag about, that Flacco survived and spoke in a confident, coherent tone after the game is probably reward enough. At very least he showed why the team's brass saw him as the team's quarterback of the future.
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However, the immediate future is supposed to belong to Troy Smith. For those who think what has the team got to lose by starting Flacco on opening day, look no further than the fellow wearing jersey #7 who was thrown to the wolves and has never recovered. This should be Troy Smith's team, at least for now. Smith is a courageous competitor who looked brilliant playing for Ohio State where he won the Heismann Trophy. That the Ravens drafted him so low was indicative of the NFL's perception Smith is not tall enough to (remember Doug Flutie) command an NFL (remember Doug Flutie) offense. Smith is taller than Flutie 6'00" to 5'10". However, when facing 300 plus pound defenders at least a wee bit taller, a few good hits could make any man feel like a midget.
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The dirty little secret for the Ravens has not so much to do with who takes the snaps, but who's up front to keep the quarterback from being ground into the turf. With the retirement of Jonathan Ogden and a cast of question marks left behind, let's hope the kindest description of this unit, "unproven," becomes proven in a hurry.
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Is anybody worried that the Ravens starting defense hasn't looked so murderous so far?
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The Ravens have one last tune up Thursday night againt Atlanta, the team many have written off as the worst team in the NFL for 2008. The Ravens are not where they need to be with one preseason game to play. Welcome to the big show, Mr. Harbaugh. Speaking of a rookie facing trial by fire, this is no easy place for a first year coach to be.
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Knowledgeable fans are looking at 2008 as a "transitional" year. As much as fans like to say "reloaded" not "rebuilding," the way the Ravens collapsed in the last half of 2007 argues there's much work to be done. Is there enough left from the 2006 team that a few breaks and a shortage of injuries could lead to January celebrations? Probably not. Too many things have to be worked out on offense.
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This has been a tough preseason to watch so far. A powerful showing this coming Thursday is a must.
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