Competitors put best face on Ravens QB race

Smith, Boller, Flacco begin battle for starting job as team kicks off training camp

By Jamison Hensley | Sun reporter

July 23, 2008

Troy Smith struggled. Kyle Boller played it safe. And Joe Flacco fell somewhere in the middle.

All three quarterbacks took different first steps as the Ravens began training camp today, but each took the same approach after practice.

One by one, Smith, Boller and Flacco spoke to reporters, essentially saying the exact lines:

They want to be friends. They want to help each other learn the offense. And they just want to help the team win.

So, can this quarterback battle really be heated if the competitors lack fire?

"The fact that they're friends and they're good guys, that's just being good sports," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. "But make no mistake about it -- every one of those three guys want the job. It's really not a 'nice guy contest.' We're all nice guys, but it's a quarterback contest."

Smith was given the first snaps in the red-zone drill but didn't live up to that honor.

The former Heisman Trophy winner was 1-for-5 passing, throwing three interceptions and fumbling the first snap. One of Smith's passes was picked off by 47-year-old secondary coach Chuck Pagano, who was filling in as a defensive back.

Boller completed all four of his passes, but none went beyond 10 yards. And Flacco was 1-for-3 in his first training-camp practice, but his one completion was threaded in between tight coverage 15 yards downfield.

Still, it's dangerous to draw conclusions after one practice. Harbaugh initially said the decision-making process wouldn't begin until full-team workouts later in the week before couching his remark.

"We say it doesn't start today and you say it's hard to evaluate, but of course, you're standing there and evaluating," he said. "You're watching guys make throws and watching them handle the offense. But you certainly aren't making any decisions yet."

Here's how the quarterbacks stack up against each other at the start of camp:

TROY SMITH

Accuracy: This is the biggest question mark surrounding Smith, who uses an overhand delivery. He had a career completion rate of 62.7 percent at Ohio State but completed just 52.6 percent of his passes as an NFL rookie last season.

Arm strength: His ability to throw the ball deep is overshadowed by Boller and Flacco, two of the biggest arms in the league. But Smith's 79-yard touchdown heave to Derrick Mason in Seattle last year proves he can throw downfield.

Poise: The most impressive part of Smith's two starts last season was he didn't blink. His composure in the huddle immediately drew praise from the veterans.

Size and athleticism: Smith has repeatedly heard that he doesn't have prototypical NFL size (6 feet) for a quarterback. That can be offset by Smith's ability to move out of the pocket.

Leadership: Smith has the most confidence of any Ravens quarterback, perhaps too much at times. Still, the veterans seem to respond to his cocky demeanor.

Overall: Smith has a solid chance to be the Ravens' starter this season, but he seems destined to be the team's long-term answer at backup quarterback.

KYLE BOLLER

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Competitors put best face on Ravens QB race

Smith, Boller, Flacco begin battle for starting job as team kicks off training camp

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Competitors put best face on Ravens QB race

Smith, Boller, Flacco begin battle for starting job as team kicks off training camp

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