Baltimore Ravens Rumormill: News, predictions and the inside skinny

The Ravens are one of two teams in the NFL with an open three man race to take the reigns at starting quarterback, the other being the Miami Dolphins.  To date no one has stepped up to take a controlling lead.  Kyle Boller, Troy Smith and Joe Flacco have all had their share of highlights and lowlights although lately Smith has taken a slight edge. 

Smith is a natural leader and offers intangibles that Boller doesn’t.  While Boller has gained the respect of the other players as a solid teammate and a tough competitor, he lacks the charisma and presence in the huddle that Smith brings. Some inside the organization believe that they already know what they’ve got with Boller and they’d like to see Smith step up and not only win the job outright, but hold on to it throughout the season.  Ideally the team would like to give Flacco the Carson Palmer rookie treatment and let him soak in a season from the sidelines.  That said the team will not hesitate to play Flacco at any point during the season if in fact he gives the Ravens the best chance to win football games. 

Flacco isn’t the only Ravens’ rookie drawing praise this summer. The team’s second round pick RB Ray Rice (a pick which on draft day was questioned by many) has been the best player in camp so far.  Not only has he shown a great acceleration and change of direction skills, he’s also been a workhorse.  With Willis McGahee, Cory Ross, P.J. Daniels and Allen Patrick all slowed by injuries, Rice has had to carry the load.  He’s a natural pass catcher and a linebacker’s worst nightmare in open spaces.  McGahee has a nagging sore left knee and although the club publicly supports the Pro Bowler’s recovery, quietly some in the organization have questioned his commitment.  Others are thankful that the team selected Rice, a kid with great character.  The team may carry only three running backs and the third back will be Ross, Patrick or newly acquired RB Alex Haynes.  Ross’ size prevents him from contributing on special teams.  He is only useful as a return specialist but the team has other and more productive options besides Ross.  Patrick is a tough north and south runner with average speed.  In his two year career Haynes has 3 carries for 3 yards to go with 3 catches for 14 yards.  

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