Troy Smith as a leader

[Galen Sevinne]

I have been impressed with Troy Smith over the past 8 days. His play today was solid and confident but I am most curious about what he could do as an offensive leader. When he is talking to other players, there is an interesting dynamic. They seem to want to listen and follow. I could see him saying, "hop on my back and let me lead" a lot like Ray does for the defense. McNair couldn't really do that consistently and Boller has never been about appeal to the offensive players in that manner.

I also paid close attention to all of the radio time Smith got this past week. He speaks intelligently and confidently and in a commanding manner. I think he is that kind of guy that needs to prove himself and actually has the kahunas to do it.

He is so comfortable in the pocket and has such a presence. He even seemed to openly disagree with Billicks field goal attempt to tie the game up. Not that I think Billick was wrong and kicking the field goal was the right thing to do but I like the fire and the confidence that says, "Let me do this, i will come through" I think the defense we call it "swagger".

I think he has shown enough to get the starting nod next week.

[Rayvens52]

couldn't agrre more, though I have to say I think we should have gone for it, it was on the 6 inch line what the hell do we have to lose.

[Purpleguy]

I'm all for giving the kid a shot, but let's not make shit up here. Maybe he's a good leader. he probably is, but you haven't seen anything in his 10 minutes of playing time to convince anyone that this is definitely the case.

[crazyraven]

Troy will be the main reason to keep believing in this team. You're right the offense seemed to listen to him and they seem to play for him like for lewis.

He should start and the next two games should be fun

[Rayvens52]

I'm all for giving the kid a shot, but let's not make shit up here. Maybe he's a good leader. he probably is, but you haven't seen anything in his 10 minutes of playing time to convince anyone that this is definitely the case.


Yea he may have 10 min here in bmore, but he was a leader at ohio state which last time i checked was a major program and he went to a national championship and won some kind of award for best player player in college.

[StingerNLG]

I'm all for giving the kid a shot, but let's not make shit up here. Maybe he's a good leader. he probably is, but you haven't seen anything in his 10 minutes of playing time to convince anyone that this is definitely the case.

I agree. I liked what he did, but let's not call him Johnny U just yet.

Let's see him beat Seattle on the road, AND THEN we can talk about leadership and yadda-yadda.



and won some kind of award for best player player in college.

And so did Chris Weinke and Eric Crouch, and Danny Wurffell and Ty Detmer. That award means almost nothing in the NFL.

[Galen Sevinne]

I agree. I liked what he did, but let's not call him Johnny U just yet.

Let's see him beat Seattle on the road, AND THEN we can talk about leadership and yadda-yadda.

I am not even concerned about a win really. He looks at players and appears to say, "let's do this". There is a certain intangible there. It is not that I am hopping on the bandwagon after a couple drives but listening to him on the radio and then watching his interactions on the field, I think he is the leader that the offense hasn't had in a long time.

[Rayvens52]

And so did Chris Weinke and Eric Crouch, and Danny Wurffell and Ty Detmer. That award means almost nothing in the NFL.

And then some guys named Palmer, Flutie, testerverde, Staubach won it to and had pretty good careers.

[StingerNLG]

And then some guys named Palmer, Flutie, testerverde, Staubach won it to and had pretty good careers.

Where's Carson's SB ring? Other than one year when has Carson Palmer picked up the Bungles and led them past 8-8?

I don't call that a good career.

[Rayvens52]

Where's Carson's SB ring? Other than one year when has Carson Palmer picked up the Bungles and led them past 8-8?

I don't call that a good career.

It is not palmers fault his whole team goes to jail every year and they have no D out there, I would love to have him in Bmore and you would be crazy if you didn't want him.

[ladyraven127]

:34853_lolpoint: "It is not palmers fault his whole team goes to jail every year"

[evade6317]

It is not palmers fault his whole team goes to jail every year and they have no D out there, I would love to have him in Bmore and you would be crazy if you didn't want him.

Well, like every other QB to play here, it won't be long before the OL destroys his poise. Carson would get the will beaten out of him too, and he'll become gunshy like everyone else. And it won't even be his fault.

[StingerNLG]

It is not palmers fault his whole team goes to jail every year and they have no D out there, I would love to have him in Bmore and you would be crazy if you didn't want him.

Sorry, are you making excuses for Carson Palmer?

[StingerNLG]

Well, like every other QB to play here, it won't be long before the OL destroys his poise. Carson would get the will beaten out of him too, and he'll become gunshy like everyone else. And it won't even be his fault.

Whats the matter little baby? Can't really come up with anything on your own, so you have to pull one of my quotes from another thread?

Does that make you feel cool?

Are you doing it then chuckling to yourself? He he he. I just took Stinger's post from another thread and changed the name because I think it will zing him. He he he.

Since I can't say what I'd like to because I don't want to get another infraction (ooooooo, scary.......), so I'll simply and kindly say you are quite a piece of YBR work Evade.

But hey, thanks for thinking of me. ;)

[ravenjoe]

I have been impressed with Troy Smith over the past 8 days. His play today was solid and confident but I am most curious about what he could do as an offensive leader. When he is talking to other players, there is an interesting dynamic. They seem to want to listen and follow. I could see him saying, "hop on my back and let me lead" a lot like Ray does for the defense. McNair couldn't really do that consistently and Boller has never been about appeal to the offensive players in that manner.

I also paid close attention to all of the radio time Smith got this past week. He speaks intelligently and confidently and in a commanding manner. I think he is that kind of guy that needs to prove himself and actually has the kahunas to do it.

He is so comfortable in the pocket and has such a presence. He even seemed to openly disagree with Billicks field goal attempt to tie the game up. Not that I think Billick was wrong and kicking the field goal was the right thing to do but I like the fire and the confidence that says, "Let me do this, i will come through" I think the defense we call it "swagger".

I think he has shown enough to get the starting nod next week.

You stated my thoughts exactly. Everything you said is right on the mark. I believe this guy is Ray's equivalent on Offense, much like McNair was last year.

[xmradiodave]

Why do so meany people keep twisting the words of people who say "Start Troy Smith" into "Troy Smith is the savior of this team". I do not see people saying that at all. I see them saying "Lets see what the guy has to offer". This whole "Lets not call him Johnny U" and the ilk is tiresome. We just want to see what he can do for four quarters. I for one am not giving Smith a bit of credibility as a strater in this league. I can't in good faith do that because he has not had any significant playing time. I DO want to see what he is capable of during a full 4 quarters though and I think it is time to see just that. Let the guy have a start or two, or at least some decent field time if not a start. At this point in the season, it is okay to experiment.

[13ravenfan]

I just hope that if he gets a start and doesn't perform as well as hoped, that he doesn't get typecast into another "bust".

Remember that he is a rookie, and the biggest thing you can expect from rookie QB's is inconsistency. They need to make mistakes to learn about the NFL game. It is a different game than college. The only way to learn is to make those mistakes yourself, and learn from them.

If he plays "lights out" for a whole game, that will mean he has earned the right to try again next week. It doesn't make him the next No. 19... On the other hand, if he stinks up the joint, that doesn't make him the next Ryan Leaf either...

I love his poise, attitude, everything about his play... let's all be patient. We may not know for sure what we have until week 8 or 9 next year.

Bottom line: This is a marathon, not a sprint. We'll need to see how his body of work stacks up over time to really judge.

[xmradiodave]

I just hope that if he gets a start and doesn't perform as well as hoped, that he doesn't get typecast into another "bust".

Remember that he is a rookie, and the biggest thing you can expect from rookie QB's is inconsistency. They need to make mistakes to learn about the NFL game. It is a different game than college. The only way to learn is to make those mistakes yourself, and learn from them.

If he plays "lights out" for a whole game, that will mean he has earned the right to try again next week. It doesn't make him the next No. 19... On the other hand, if he stinks up the joint, that doesn't make him the next Ryan Leaf either...

I love his poise, attitude, everything about his play... let's all be patient. We may not know for sure what we have until week 8 or 9 next year.

Bottom line: This is a marathon, not a sprint. We'll need to see how his body of work stacks up over time to really judge.

I have hung in there with Boller for five years. A few rough starts from Troy Smith will not force me to verbally trash the guy.

[StingerNLG]

I have hung in there with Boller for five years. A few rough starts from Troy Smith will not force me to verbally trash the guy.

I hope the guy succeeds, because goodness knows SOMEONE has to succeed in this system. But right now I have no expectations other than to see him live through a few games.

If we have to roll Willie Gaston and Cory Ivy out there again against Seattle, there ain't nothing Troy Smith, or Tom Brady will be able to do to win that game. And if our offensive line plays like it has the last couple weeks, Mark Clayton might actually end up taking some snaps behind center before it's all said and done.

And Dave, to your other point. No one at this point is saying don't give Smith the shot. He needs it. The team needs it. All some of us are saying is that while that is great, let's not annoint him "Troy Smith, leader extraordinare". Let's see how he handles Patrick Kerney and company first.

[crazyraven]

All some of us are saying is that while that is great, let's not annoint him "Troy Smith, leader extraordinare".

I dont know, it sure did seem like the offense came alive when he was there. Plus he did look good in college. So lets do annoint "Troy Smith, Leader extrodinare" for the next few games and see what comes of it. We have nothing to lose.

[copenhaggard]

Let's see him beat Seattle on the road, AND THEN we can talk about leadership and yadda-yadda.





This team has problems beating anybody right now, including the worst team in the league.

If team were to lose to Seattle on the road, I'd hardly label Smith as a bust, or decide he lacks leadership skills.

I'm just looking to see how Troy responds to the game in general, because it's tough to expect a win, and I have a little trouble guessing whether or not the team will even show up...

[Galen Sevinne]

It would be nice to see him play well but I am just happy to see players respond to a quarterback in a positive was and as a leader. I haven't seen that is a long while...even with McNair.

[xmradiodave]

I hope the guy succeeds, because goodness knows SOMEONE has to succeed in this system. But right now I have no expectations other than to see him live through a few games.

If we have to roll Willie Gaston and Cory Ivy out there again against Seattle, there ain't nothing Troy Smith, or Tom Brady will be able to do to win that game. And if our offensive line plays like it has the last couple weeks, Mark Clayton might actually end up taking some snaps behind center before it's all said and done.

And Dave, to your other point. No one at this point is saying don't give Smith the shot. He needs it. The team needs it. All some of us are saying is that while that is great, let's not annoint him "Troy Smith, leader extraordinare". Let's see how he handles Patrick Kerney and company first.

I agree with that Stinger. I will reserve judgement for when I see the guy get some quality playing time. Hell, even 2 starts will not be enough of a yard-stick to measure his success by. Like I said, i have stuck by Boller for thick and thin, and I am willing to extend that courtesy to Troy Smith. Let troy play. Lets see what the guy has for four quarters.

[StingerNLG]

This team has problems beating anybody right now, including the worst team in the league.

If team were to lose to Seattle on the road, I'd hardly label Smith as a bust, or decide he lacks leadership skills.

I'm just looking to see how Troy responds to the game in general, because it's tough to expect a win, and I have a little trouble guessing whether or not the team will even show up...

I am in 100 percent agreement with you here.

I'll tell you what I hope we find out Troy Smith is. I hope he can be Michael Vick with legit passing ability. Vick could run, but couldn't pass for shit. If Troy can move like Vick, but show the ability to complete passes out in the open or while on the run, then we may have our answer at QB.

[highwater]

If Troy can move like Vick, but show the ability to complete passes out in the open or while on the run, then we may have our answer at QB.

I think we are expecting way too much out of the guy -- or maybe the more appropriate word is "hoping," not "expecting" -- but either way, at this point, I would like to see him get some playing time too.

But at the same time, I have some reluctance about starting him behind this offensive line, which has flat out sucked in the past couple of games. I'd like to see him get a legit chance, not get shellshocked by the terrible pass protection.

Then again, he did show some poise when being rushed in his limited time on Sunday, and he's been watching our QBs getting killed all season, so he should know what he's getting into.

[evade6317]

I think Boller is the better leader. How many QBs will block down field like he does?

[metro]

We have all seen what Kyle Boller can do. He is a good back-up QB. He is not the long term answer at the QB position for the Ravens. I would like to see what Troy Smith can do against the Seahawks and Steelers. If he plays reasonably well, the Ravens don't have to invest a high draft pick in a QB. If he doesn't, then the Ravens will most likely have to find another solution at QB.

[evade6317]

We have all seen what Kyle Boller can do. He is a good back-up QB. He is not the long term answer at the QB position for the Ravens. I would like to see what Troy Smith can do against the Seahawks and Steelers. If he plays reasonably well, the Ravens don't have to invest a high draft pick in a QB. If he doesn't, then the Ravens will most likely have to find another solution at QB.

We have not seen what he can do. Given his shoddy protection, absence of Todd Heap, the lack of a serious threat at WR, and the obsolete offensive system, Boller has not been able to give an honest performance. They need to cut him loose for the remaining games.

Smith should only play from here on out if Boller suffers an injury.

[StingerNLG]

I think we are expecting way too much out of the guy -- or maybe the more appropriate word is "hoping," not "expecting" -- but either way, at this point, I would like to see him get some playing time too.

But at the same time, I have some reluctance about starting him behind this offensive line, which has flat out sucked in the past couple of games. I'd like to see him get a legit chance, not get shellshocked by the terrible pass protection.

Then again, he did show some poise when being rushed in his limited time on Sunday, and he's been watching our QBs getting killed all season, so he should know what he's getting into.

The problem is he has no choice. If Troy wants to play he has to play behind this same line with these same receivers.

And as you can see, they don't really have a preference who they are getting killed. McNair, Boller. Troy had to run for his life in the Colts game, and then from what, the 2nd or 3rd play after coming in to avoid a sack and safety?

I am not "expecting" anything from Troy Smith. I have zero expectations about his play. You can't. It's unfair to ask him to come in and try to shoehorn into this offense like so many others couldn't do. Billick has yet to design an offense to take advantage of any QB's strengths, so asking Troy to come out and run Billick's offense puts him at a disadvantage right from the start. Hopeful is probably the better word.

But hey. I might have to start calling Troy "Optimus". Because on Sunday and the previous Monday he was able to transform and roll-out a lot. :)

[JimBone]

I dont know, it sure did seem like the offense came alive when he was there. Plus he did look good in college. So lets do annoint "Troy Smith, Leader extrodinare" for the next few games and see what comes of it. We have nothing to lose.

The team definitely seemed to respond to him. The only thing that concerned me was starring down recievers. I didn't see him look off his first option. Then again he was out there for a limited time. Hopefully we see him for a fulll game this week. It would be nice to see what he does on the road against a playoff bound team, even if it is the Seahawks. Hopefully he isn't told " just don't lose the game".

[metro]

We have not seen what he can do. Given his shoddy protection, absence of Todd Heap, the lack of a serious threat at WR, and the obsolete offensive system, Boller has not been able to give an honest performance. They need to cut him loose for the remaining games.

Smith should only play from here on out if Boller suffers an injury.

Respectfully, I disagree. Boller has limitations as a QB. His pocket awareness is suspect. He has a strong arm. He just isn't accurate. He doesn't see the whole field. He doesn't look defenders away. On a good team with better protection and better weapons, he could probably be trusted to manage the game much like Trent Dilfer in 2000. I want a QB that can do more than just manage games because the Ravens are not a good team.

[NyGiantz]

Boller and Smith are better than Eli Manning.

[festivus]

Boller and Smith are better than Eli Manning.

:iagree: Doesn't matter. They won't hear you. But hopefully some of the readers will.

:thumbup:

[4G63]

I certainly don't question his leadership......the team had a spark when he was on the field and he chewed into Billick's ass when he came to the sideline when Billick called for the FG.

If THAT doesn't show how he feels and what kind of leader this team NEEDS, then I don't know 2 shits about anything.......

[bmore finest]

I hope he get in at seattle. Crazy road game, then hope billick let him start at home vs the hated rival. For me that would help me. A whole game tryin to be spoilers. Hell yeah start em the last game.

I'm sure everyone will pull for him at home, last game of our worst season. I damn sure would if i had a tix. Plus Maybe let Rick coach him up for that game. I just NEED to beat the sqeelers. I hope they lose at the rams and have to win at BMORE. That would be My personally superbowl for the year

No playoffs for this shitty town. :banana:

[ravenjoe]

I just NEED to beat the sqeelers. I hope they lose at the rams and have to win at BMORE. That would be My personally superbowl for the year

No playoffs for this shitty town.
I'm with you 100%. Nothing would make up for this Horrendous year like a Win over the Squeelers, in a game in which the Squeelers Had to Win! That would be truly awesome!