QB Evaluation

[the_scarecrow3]

This is a tidbit from an article in the Baltimore Sun today. I thought it was very informative and made a lot of sense. Let me know what yall think. Yes, I said yall as any native Marylander should.

"As debate on the future merits of Vince Young and Matt Leinart unfolded two years ago, David Lewin, himself a Division III quarterback at Macalester College, sought more objective answers about the position.

Lewin studied quarterbacks drafted in the first and second rounds and found that two college statistics - games started and completion percentage - correlated strongly with pro success. He wasn't sure why at first.

But he figured starts were significant because scouts are more likely to be right about a player they've watched for four years than one they've inspected for two. Completion percentage, he decided, was the best measure of a quarterback's ability to execute a system efficiently.

Lewin thinks his system might overrate players from exotic offenses or those who attempt few passes. But he said he's corresponded with an NFL team that studied the same issue and reached similar conclusions.

The method would have red-flagged players such as Akili Smith and Leaf, who didn't start many games, and Boller, who wasn't accurate in college. (His completion percentage in 42 games at California was .478.)

"In the modern era, there has never been a successful NFL quarterback with a college completion percentage that low," Lewin wrote of the Ravens' quarterback in Pro Football Prospectus 2006.

This year, he's less high on Ryan than many, because Ryan started for 2 1/2 seasons.

He thinks Michigan's Chad Henne, who started for four years, and Louisville's Brian Brohm, a supremely accurate passer, are safer bets, though they lack Ryan's athletic upside.

"Brohm was the presumptive No. 1 pick after last year and then he went out and had his best collegiate season," Lewin said. "So it's puzzling to me that his stock has dropped, basically because his team couldn't stop anybody."

Kiper might employ different methods than Lewin, but he's also quite fond of the second- and third-tier quarterback options.

"This might be a year," the draft expert said, "when you can wait and hope to catch lightning in the bottle."

Any thoughts?

[jonboy79]

The Raven's are said to consider mostly 4 stats, which they kept under wraps, I wouldn't be surprised if these were two of them.

That said, this philosophy would drive home the chances that Derek Anderson will not continue his success, as he had a lwo pct in college, and if i remember correctly didn't start many games either.

[purplepoe]

Im sorry, but you must look at the system and receiving corps and give those areas just as much weight when determining who you will take.

I bet Danny Wuerfful and every Texas Tech QB over the past decade fit this guys criteria very well.

PP

[the_scarecrow3]

Im sorry, but you must look at the system and receiving corps and give those areas just as much weight when determining who you will take.


I think I'm going to have to somewhat disagree with that statement for a number of reasons. First, though certain offensive schemes and/or systems give certain QB's an advantage in college that may not translate into pro success, it's not fair to say that because a QB came from a system that none of his skills/abilities are transferable.

Case and point: Colt Brennan.

There are those who would say that the lopsided debacle that was the Sugar Bowl proved that Colt Brennan was overrated and couldn't perform against elite talent. I, on the other hand, would have to argue that it was the team around him that made his performance piss poor, as opposed to his own ability. Colt completed over 70% of his passes for the three years he started in Hawaii. If you watch highlights on him, you would have to agree that the system wasn't the one thowing those passes. Yes, the system helps, but the QB is either accurate or he's not. His offensive line was not up to the task of protecting him from the onslaught of Georgia's defensive line.

Along the same lines, one could argue that because Colt's team was filled with 2nd tier receivers that it's possible his numbers would be far better with elite talent at the WR position. If he puts the ball on the money, and his receiver drops the ball, it counts against his stats even when it's not his fault.

So yes, it's possible that a certain system can inflate a QB's stats, but when it's all said and done, he has to make the pass. I think if given the right opportunity, someone like Colt would translate into a pretty good pro.

[purplepoe]

I think I'm going to have to somewhat disagree with that statement for a number of reasons. First, though certain offensive schemes and/or systems give certain QB's an advantage in college that may not translate into pro success, it's not fair to say that because a QB came from a system that none of his skills/abilities are transferable.

Case and point: Colt Brennan.

There are those who would say that the lopsided debacle that was the Sugar Bowl proved that Colt Brennan was overrated and couldn't perform against elite talent. I, on the other hand, would have to argue that it was the team around him that made his performance piss poor, as opposed to his own ability. Colt completed over 70% of his passes for the three years he started in Hawaii. If you watch highlights on him, you would have to agree that the system wasn't the one thowing those passes. Yes, the system helps, but the QB is either accurate or he's not. His offensive line was not up to the task of protecting him from the onslaught of Georgia's defensive line.

Along the same lines, one could argue that because Colt's team was filled with 2nd tier receivers that it's possible his numbers would be far better with elite talent at the WR position. If he puts the ball on the money, and his receiver drops the ball, it counts against his stats even when it's not his fault.

So yes, it's possible that a certain system can inflate a QB's stats, but when it's all said and done, he has to make the pass. I think if given the right opportunity, someone like Colt would translate into a pretty good pro.

Like I said. Look at Danny Wuerfulll or the line of Texas Tech QBs.

All started tons of games and I would bet were close to 70%.

It's all about the individual.

Polian and Reese were both quoted in last weeks ESPN the magazine about the draft.

It's a crap shoot for. Think about all the studies and homework that goes on. All the scouting. All the money that teams pay picks.

They leave no stone unturned. And yet when those 2 GMs basically say you make a pick and pray you are right half the time, it should signal to us all that all of these studies and number crunching is worthless.

These are kids in their early twenties that teams basically take a gamble on. Sometimes the number hits, sometimes it doesn't.

Just look at a guy like Ryan Leaf. Hindsight says it was a horrid pick. Yet an NFL organization used the 2nd overall pick on him. And there were plenty of "experts" etc.... saying they would've taken him over Manning.

The NFL draft isn't a draft. It's a lottery and you hope your number hits.

PP

[Raveninwoodlawn]

College Run and Shoot QB's don't translate well.

That is a fact.

Does it mean none ever will...no.

But I challenge you to find one...one run and shoot QB who has had a productive NFL career.

David Klingler...Andre Ware...Timmy Chang...Kliff Klingsbury...they don't translate well.

At least Klingler and Ware had strong arm...Brennon has a sidearm flinging action with his arm. And it is a pretty mediocre at best arm.

[evade6317]

And let's not forget the "flash in the pan" Tedford lineage.

[factmeister]

I went to the pro football encyclopedia and found that no quarterback under 6'-5" since Kurt Warner who is listed at 6'-4" has won a superbowl.
The 2 most recent late round surprises were Tom Brady at 6'-5" and Derrick Anderson at 6'-6".Matt Hasselbeck also is tall.
Shorter Qbs such as Booty and Henne and Brohm and our own Kyle Boller are not the prototypically 6'5" SB qb winner.
Perhaps one day Drew Brees will win the big one.
However,I would rather take my chances on only working with 6-'5"or taller qbs.such as Ryan,Flacco and Ainge.
Perhaps, extremely athletic qbs such as Donavan McNabb who played well in the SB and Josh Johnson,who completely dominated the East-West Shrine bowl,will prove to be the exception.
Please feel free to poke holes in this theory.
Hwever if you go back in time,you need to adjust the height upwards to allow for the overall height increases.

[Merlin]

Well Flacco is 6 6" and has a completion percentage of 63%. Can't fake those stats. Sounds like there are different perspectives on his leadership and we'll see soon enough.

Looking forward to getting the Boller debates behind us -- just put him in the category of Leftwich, Akili, Alex Smith ; disappointing first rounders and get over it.

Bet some team picks him up on the cheap in 09 and he does well in a post-Billick offense -- not a franchise but a "Dilfer type" QB who stays around until his mid 30s.

[OriAl]

The only real problem Boller has had is lack of protection by his offensive line. Flacco will have the same problem, unless the line improves.

[Raveninwoodlawn]

The only real problem Boller has had is lack of protection by his offensive line.

Now THAT is funny.

You have to be Boller's long lost uncle or something.

Thankfully though, after this year, Boller will be gone and we won't have to talk about him anymore...on to Flacco.

[Mista T]

Thankfully though, after this year, Boller will be gone and we won't have to talk about him anymore....

Funny ...... that's the same tune the Boller haters were singing a year ago, after Smith - the next coming of the Messiah - was drafted. Surprise: Boller got extended instead of cut. Maybe Oz knows a little about how to run an NFL team.

Wouldn't it great if Boller had a break-out season under Cam's new offense, and we were faced with the same type QB "problem" facing the Browns?

[highwater]

Wouldn't it great if Boller had a break-out season under Cam's new offense, and we were faced with the same type QB "problem" facing the Browns?

I would not be shocked if that actually happens.

[Raveninwoodlawn]

Funny ...... that's the same tune the Boller haters were singing a year ago, after Smith - the next coming of the Messiah - was drafted. Surprise: Boller got extended instead of cut. Maybe Oz knows a little about how to run an NFL team.

Wouldn't it great if Boller had a break-out season under Cam's new offense, and we were faced with the same type QB "problem" facing the Browns?

Yeah because we all know that taking a flyer on a 5th round QB is the same as trading up in the first round for a QB.

Boller is done here after this year unless he is content to be a back up.

[RustonRifle]

Yeah because we all know that taking a flyer on a 5th round QB is the same as trading up in the first round for a QB.



:word



Boller is done here after this year unless he is content to be a back up
THANK GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Maybe he can do Billicks makeup for FOX.

[the_scarecrow3]

The only real problem Boller has had is lack of protection by his offensive line. Flacco will have the same problem, unless the line improves.

Ohhhh, I see. So when Boller was rolling out of the pocket against Denver 3 years ago and tripped over his own feet and proceeded to fumble and cost us the game, it was the offensive line's fault? The same offensive line that only allowed McNair to be sacked 17 times in 2006, 1 more than the NFL record that year set by the Colts? Yeah, you're right, Boller's good it's just the line that sucks. Looks like you've been drinking the Billick Kool-Aid for too long, my friend.

[jonboy79]

Boller is done here after this year unless he is content to be a back up.


He might be.

As well, I would wager that the FO believes that it is more likely that Smith is unable to be a backup, then able to be a starter. I think the most likely scenario is that he is a hopefully long term backup here.

I mean to say that likely we'll head into next year with Flacco and Smith and a Vet... I think it is VERY HIGHLY unlikely that Smith enters the '09 camp as the favorite for the starters job. I would be less surprised to see us enter camp with Flacco and Boller, with Smith cut.

[evade6317]

Boller was supposed ot have a break out year in 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007. I guess everyone has moved on from the "It takes a QB 3 years to develop," rationale to the "It took Rich Ganon 11 years to break in to Pro Bowl form" logic when PROVING Boller's climb to elite status. Is that right?

[f7eleven]

Wouldn't it great if Boller had a break-out season under Cam's new offense, and we were faced with the same type QB "problem" facing the Browns?

wasn't Cam the OC in SD when Brees did it?...

[4G63]

Wouldn't it great if SMITH had a break-out season under Cam's new offense, and we were faced with the same type QB "problem" facing the Browns?

Fixed......:thumbup:

[jonboy79]

Fixed......:thumbup:

Ok... You made me laugh... As bad as KB has been, He has 10 times the chance of being a star that Troy Has...

[darb72]

Ohhhh, I see. So when Boller was rolling out of the pocket against Denver 3 years ago and tripped over his own feet and proceeded to fumble and cost us the game, it was the offensive line's fault? The same offensive line that only allowed McNair to be sacked 17 times in 2006, 1 more than the NFL record that year set by the Colts? Yeah, you're right, Boller's good it's just the line that sucks. Looks like you've been drinking the Billick Kool-Aid for too long, my friend.

Yeah, the same offensive line that allowed Boller to be saked three times in 55 attempts in 2006, the year Boller put up a QB rating of 104. All of Boller's problems can't be put on the (very) offensive line, but some of them can.

This line has been so horrible at pass blocking for so long people just come to accept it.

[jonboy79]

Yeah, the same offensive line that allowed Boller to be saked three times in 55 attempts in 2006, the year Boller put up a QB rating of 104. All of Boller's problems can't be put on the (very) offensive line, but some of them can.

This line has been so horrible at pass blocking for so long people just come to accept it.

The QB position has been that PATHETIC, for the last DECADE that the few games that Boller really excelled are enough for some devout fans to cling to 5 years in the making... move on bro, it's over...

[4G63]

The QB position has been that PATHETIC, for the last DECADE that the few games that Boller really excelled are enough for some devout fans to cling to 5 years in the making... move on bro, it's over...

Yeah, its over..........Boller's days are numbered. He just hasn't lived up to his starter status.

[MrPoeJangles]

He might be.

As well, I would wager that the FO believes that it is more likely that Smith is unable to be a backup, then able to be a starter. I think the most likely scenario is that he is a hopefully long term backup here.

I mean to say that likely we'll head into next year with Flacco and Smith and a Vet... I think it is VERY HIGHLY unlikely that Smith enters the '09 camp as the favorite for the starters job. I would be less surprised to see us enter camp with Flacco and Boller, with Smith cut.

I agree with this 100%. Kyle signing the deal he did last year shows me he likes playing in Baltimore, and he is willing to accept that he is a backup in the NFL. I see no way, baring a catastrophe, Smith enters camp as the starter in 2009.

[Mista T]

I agree with this 100%. Kyle signing the deal he did last year shows me he likes playing in Baltimore, and he is willing to accept that he is a backup in the NFL. I see no way, baring a catastrophe, Smith enters camp as the starter in 2009.

Like Balttimore or not, Kyle is under contract. As our best player at the position, Boller will start on opening day. If he falters, Flacco would be thrown in. I don't see a role for Smith ..... if there is a need for another special teamer (esp. kicker), or OL, or OT, Smith would be cut. He is superfluos - too short to ever start in the NFL.

You read it here 1st!!!!!!!!!

[jonboy79]

I think Boller plans onleavign for a starters job, thus Smith shoud stick around and see if he canlock down that job though we could get a retread for that role next year and i wouldn't be upset.

[ravenwoman]

No one knows for sure how all of this plays out until the preseason is over. I say we will keep all (3) QB's this year, just for insurance. At some point, Joe Flacco will be the starter. They are not paying him to be a backup or a protege for long. Depending on how the season plays out will determine his starting date. If he has an unbelievable pre-season, I do see him starting. The coach will decide who gives us the best chance to win.

[darb72]

The QB position has been that PATHETIC, for the last DECADE that the few games that Boller really excelled are enough for some devout fans to cling to 5 years in the making... move on bro, it's over...

First off, I'm not your "bro".

Secondly, I was talking to someone who was claiming the offensive line had no bearing on Boller playing like crap. The line played surprisingly well that year (2006) and McNair put up the highest QB rating a Ravens QB has had under Billick. Boller played much better that year than he has before or since.

2007 rolls around, the line sucks again and both QBs play terribly. Gee, maybe I'm talking about the line's problems in pass blocking being a problem for all of our QBs. I don't claim they're the cause of all Boller's problems, but they certainly contributed.

Now before you tell me to, "move on", again, perhaps you would like to actually consider the entire argument instead of focusing in on Boller all the time. Maybe you should go ahead and get over it?

[evade6317]

Boller has never been good. Not in college and not as a pro. He's just another fluke QB to come to the NFL through Jeff Tedford's School of Bondo Quarterbacking.

Just add him to the list of letdowns from the same program.

Here's some evidence http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9n4DlmibDQ

Make sure to read the comments to see what the general football fant thinks of Boller.

Troy Smith was a playmaker in college and he even won an award. His only knock is his height.

Flacco, in college, was pretty much always the best player on the field. His knock is that he didn't play against top competition. The common argument is that some very good QBs didn't play against top competition in college. A lot of people, including myself, say he reminds them of Derek Anderson. Hopefully he can show that at the pro level.

[Mista T]

Troy Smith was a playmaker in college and he even won an award. His only knock is his height.


Regretfully, while good coaching can perhaps help Boller overcome his freneticism and can help Flacco learn to play the game by leaning on the Center's asshole instead of waiting for the ball to be hiked to him from the shotgun, coaching cannot help Troy Smith overcome his height disability.

That "only knock" is a big one that cannot be overcome. Sorry ....

[evade6317]

Regretfully, while good coaching can perhaps help Boller overcome his freneticism and can help Flacco learn to play the game by leaning on the Center's asshole instead of waiting for the ball to be hiked to him from the shotgun, coaching cannot help Troy Smith overcome his height disability.

That "only knock" is a big one that cannot be overcome. Sorry ....

Lack of height didn't keep Jeff Garcia, Drew Brees, Michael Vick and Doug Flutie from playing well. Or did they play with short linemen? I'd take there production over Hightower Boller's any day.

QBs can either play, or they can't. If measurables were proportional to a QBs ability on the field, Boller would have been a time Pro Bowler by now.

[festivus]

No one knows for sure how all of this plays out until the preseason is over. I say we will keep all (3) QB's this year, just for insurance. At some point, Joe Flacco will be the starter. They are not paying him to be a backup or a protege for long. Depending on how the season plays out will determine his starting date. If he has an unbelievable pre-season, I do see him starting. The coach will decide who gives us the best chance to win.

Well, I don't see him starting, but I pretty much agree with Ravenwoman.

I would not be at all surprised for the depth chart to look like Boller/Flacco/Smith, because the #1 backup would be getting more reps with the #1 offense.

In years past we have sometimes carried two quarterbacks on the roster, but I suspect this year we go to three, as Ravenwoman says.

Check in again half way through the season, and we can talk again about who should be starting. But if the team is doing well, or the QB is doing well, obviously a change is unlikely.

[4G63]

Regretfully, while good coaching can perhaps help Boller overcome his freneticism and can help Flacco learn to play the game by leaning on the Center's asshole instead of waiting for the ball to be hiked to him from the shotgun, coaching cannot help Troy Smith overcome his height disability.

That "only knock" is a big one that cannot be overcome. Sorry ....

The average height of his O-Line at Ohio State was around 6'6". Wasn't a problem for him in college?

[jonboy79]

The average height of his O-Line at Ohio State was around 6'6". Wasn't a problem for him in college?


What does that have to do with the price of Tea in China?.

There are many other reasons that miniature people don't play NFL QB then to "see over their OL." What you cannot refute however, is that his perspective of the field is altered(for the worse) as compared to a taller QB. The field that is visible to him is CERTAINLY and factually SMALLER.

[4G63]

What does that have to do with the price of Tea in China?.

There are many other reasons that miniature people don't play NFL QB then to "see over their OL." What you cannot refute however, is that his perspective of the field is altered(for the worse) as compared to a taller QB. The field that is visible to him is CERTAINLY and factually SMALLER.

We'll certainly see won't we?

I, for one, don't think it is a problem if he is utilized properly. I'm rooting for him because Boller sucks and I don't want to see Flacco during the regular season.

No matter what any of us say here I do know one thing: We will have a dramatically different offense this year vs. the Billick years. I think if Boller ends up being the starter, he will look different than his previous years' of ineptitude.

I also think McGahee and Rice are gonna do the real damage on offense. anyway

[jonboy79]

I also think McGahee and Rice are gonna do the real damage on offense. anyway

I think most should have no problem agreeing with this part....

[Mista T]

I, for one, don't think it is a problem if he is utilized properly.

"If he is utilized properly", the entire offensive scheme would have to change. Away from defending the tall guys (Boller, then Flacco) who can stand back in the pocket and actually see their receivers downfield.

That is a major reason why Smith will not start. Along with his inaccuracy and being fumble-prone.

[jonboy79]

I agree, to be utilized properly includes a VERY bootleg heavy system, and I haven't seen much From Smith actually throwing the ball once out of the pocket. I haven't seen him even look downfield when out of the pocket, he looks at the ground, tucks the bal and runs for his life.

[4G63]

I agree, to be utilized properly includes a VERY bootleg heavy system, and I haven't seen much From Smith actually throwing the ball once out of the pocket. I haven't seen him even look downfield when out of the pocket, he looks at the ground, tucks the bal and runs for his life.

Funny thing about that comment was it could apply to Boller too.

[jonboy79]

Funny thing about that comment was it could apply to Boller too.

To a much lesser extent. Funny thing is, now that I think about it, most of my "venom" agasint Smith comes from comparing him with Matt Ryan when I was championing him. To me they are pretty much Polar opposites. What I saw from Ryan that make me feel he has "IT" is the same stuff Troy is missing.

[RustonRifle]

"If he is utilized properly", the entire offensive scheme would have to change. Away from defending the tall guys (Boller, then Flacco) who can stand back in the pocket and actually see their receivers downfield. .

LMAO , you make it sound as though boller is some down field gunslinger. His YPA was horrible last year but then again Boller is horrible.




That is a major reason why Smith will not start. Along with his inaccuracy and being fumble-prone.

Boller is accurate and not fumble prone? You're clueless or pulling the fanbases leg.


Thank God the Ravens front office has come to the conclusion that Boller is in over his head as a starter in this league and has made moves that will eventually sever ties with this guy.. Boller is nothing more than 2 blown first day picks.

[4G63]

To a much lesser extent. Funny thing is, now that I think about it, most of my "venom" agasint Smith comes from comparing him with Matt Ryan when I was championing him. To me they are pretty much Polar opposites. What I saw from Ryan that make me feel he has "IT" is the same stuff Troy is missing.

There's no need for "venom" against Smith. He was a 5th round pick and there wasn't much to expect out of him anyway. Basically, he can only go "up" and if the team decides to keep him this year (which I hope they do) he'll have even more experience.

Do you think that if Boller is named the starter that Smith or Flacco should be the #2 man? I personally think it should be Smith simply because he's got more experience in big games (college and pro) and I'd like to see Flacco sit for most the year, if not all of it. Plus, our last 6 teams on the schedule are pretty good this year.

[jonboy79]

There's no need for "venom" against Smith. He was a 5th round pick and there wasn't much to expect out of him anyway. Basically, he can only go "up" and if the team decides to keep him this year (which I hope they do) he'll have even more experience.

Do you think that if Boller is named the starter that Smith or Flacco should be the #2 man? I personally think it should be Smith simply because he's got more experience in big games (college and pro) and I'd like to see Flacco sit for most the year, if not all of it. Plus, our last 6 teams on the schedule are pretty good this year.

I put "Venom" in quotes because I have to defend the fact that I think he isn't likely to be a Pro-bowler...

I think Flacco should be the number three until after the bye week, but should be taking the snaps of the number 2 QB in practice from day 1, no matter who is the starter. He will be our QB next year, and maybe even later this year, he needs the practice more then anyone.

[RustonRifle]

Not piling on Jonboy because I like most of what he posts....



There's no need for "venom" against Smith. He was a 5th round pick and there wasn't much to expect out of him anyway. Basically, he can only go "up" and if the team decides to keep him this year (which I hope they do) he'll have even more experience. .

I hear you 4G, Smith cost the ravens a 5th round compensitory pick. The Ravens have virtually nothing invested in him on the other hand there's another quarterback in town the team has...
- wasted this team um-teen million dollars
-hundreds of hours of trying to coach him up
-god knows how many coaches he's been through trying to make him a contributer instead of a liability
-a first and second round draft pick
more than likely atleast one quality player and contributer to this team that would have been picked with one of those two picks
-atleast one Pro Bowl quarterback.
countless games, stellar defense and seasons wasted.



I personally think it should be Smith simply because he's got more experience in big games (college and pro) and I'd like to see Flacco sit for most the year, if not all of it. Plus, our last 6 teams on the schedule are pretty good this year. Again I agree. In Smiths short audition last season he's shown more promise than boller ever has. Boller would have put up horrible stats against both teams in the rain, not to mention Boller has trouble putting up pedestrian numbers against some of the NFLs worst defenses.

On the road??? The Ravens have no chance to win with Kyle Boller unless the defense carries the day and scores points, more than likely two scores.

This November 14 will be 4 friggin years since Boller won on the road and that was against a backup quarterback.... get real........

[4G63]

I put "Venom" in quotes because I have to defend the fact that I think he isn't likely to be a Pro-bowler...

He doesn't have to be a Pro-Bowler....just manage the game. I think we can agree to disagree on Smith, right?!? I just like the kid and would like to see him get some games under his belt so we know what he can and can't do. I'd just hate see him not get any regular season game time and we release him and he shows he can play, but with another team. Sort of like the Derek Anderson mistake. Obviously, time will tell!!


I think Flacco should be the number three until after the bye week, but should be taking the snaps of the number 2 QB in practice from day 1, no matter who is the starter. He will be our QB next year, and maybe even later this year, he needs the practice more then anyone.

:iagree: with that statement.

[jonboy79]

He doesn't have to be a Pro-Bowler....just manage the game. I think we can agree to disagree on Smith, right?!? I just like the kid and would like to see him get some games under his belt so we know what he can and can't do. I'd just hate see him not get any regular season game time and we release him and he shows he can play, but with another team. Sort of like the Derek Anderson mistake. Obviously, time will tell!!



:iagree: with that statement.


No he doesn't have to be a pro-bowler. really I'll be happy with solid backup. It's funny, less then a year ago I was a Troy "supporter" because I wanted to see what he had, and last seasn was already beat. We saw a little bit, and I saw some things that led me to believe he might be a backup in this league, which I thought was a positive assessment. After that little, poor to average action I was gettign blasted for not ASSUMING he would be the starter and take this team to the playoffs. I understand we have low expectations around here, but I really DON'T THINK Troy has what it takes to be a starter, but feel that coming in cold off the bench that he has good value to stimulate an offense. I think his game is more suited to play backup, as teams will VERY EASILY be able to scheme him back into the pocket, where his kryptonite is.

Now all of that leads me to an open camp competition. If Troy wins, or is EVEN CLOSE, he should start. He is an unknown quantity signed beyond this year. Kyle is a "somewhat" known quantity, that is scheduled to be purged after this season. That said, i have a hard time believing that Troy will win, and that says what you want it to say. I think of it as a slight endorsement for the inconsistant blunder-boy, and a slight shot at wonder-midget.

I fully believe that Joe Flacco will give us the best chance of winning, before the year is out.

[baltimorebirdgirl198]

"If he is utilized properly", the entire offensive scheme would have to change. Away from defending the tall guys (Boller, then Flacco) who can stand back in the pocket and actually see their receivers downfield.

That is a major reason why Smith will not start. Along with his inaccuracy and being fumble-prone.

But that's Cam's specialty. He excels at adjusting his scheme and playcalling to play to the strengths of the guys on the field. Thats why ,minus his time in Miami, he's been so successful at developing QB. Changing the scheme isnt going to be a big deal because it will change anyway, no matter who starts. Flacco and Boller dont have the exact same strenghts and weaknesses, so the way Cam uses them wont be the same either.

[baltimorebirdgirl198]

I put "Venom" in quotes because I have to defend the fact that I think he isn't likely to be a Pro-bowler...

I think Flacco should be the number three until after the bye week, but should be taking the snaps of the number 2 QB in practice from day 1, no matter who is the starter. He will be our QB next year, and maybe even later this year, he needs the practice more then anyone.

But thats ok. They dont play the game to go to the probowl. They play the game to win. And if we can do that with Smith then I dont think anyone in the Ravens organization will care if he makes the probowl or not. Cam thinks he can be a game manager type of QB, which is what we need.

[jonboy79]

But thats ok. They dont play the game to go to the probowl. They play the game to win. And if we can do that with Smith then I dont think anyone in the Ravens organization will care if he makes the probowl or not. Cam thinks he can be a game manager type of QB, which is what we need.


Oh trust me, I will stand up and cheer for the Ravens to win even with Troy on the field...

You can append my post to saying that I have to defend that fact that we are more likely to make it to the Superbowl with Favre then with Troy, it seems that some want nothign more then Troy to be the Golden Boy to take us back there, I simply think it is unlikely no matter the team around him. I think he's a career backup, that may be an adequate at best starter while we are buying time for Flacco. I think that is a good use of a 5th round pick. For some, that is bashing the guy....