Qb Issue Closed

[smashmouth82]

after finally seeing troy smith play for the 1st time in the pros, i am just writing to say that all the talk about who the QB should be next year should stop! this is troy's team now and the ravens have a lot to focus on this off-season but quarterback isn't one of them. don't waste time and focus where focus is needed!

[PuppyPuncher]

I agree, I honestly came into this game wondering if Troy really could ever succeed. Now I'm convinced. I really like him and hope he continues to develop.

[smashmouth]

I am hoping to see the #1 QB spot up for grabs, make the guys go out in camp and show who's earning it.It would be a huge fire for all the QB's to perform better.I think if the O-line shows up Boller will be a very good QB, or if Troy Smith progresses like i think he will it will be his job because of his running threat and able to make plays with his feet.

If we get our players healthy and keep it that way next year i think we have a good chance and making the playoffs next year.GO RAVENS!!!

[Troy Smith IS the future..]

after finally seeing troy smith play for the 1st time in the pros, i am just writing to say that all the talk about who the QB should be next year should stop! this is troy's team now and the ravens have a lot to focus on this off-season but quarterback isn't one of them. don't waste time and focus where focus is needed!

I completely agree, against the #1 defense in the league, Troy managed the game, he had a great 2nd start of a career for any quarterback. No turnovers, 1 TD, about %60 completion percentage on 27 attempts, 170 yards in the air, 23 on the ground, getting sacked twice but he also made i believe 2 or 3 first downs soley with his feet, great game. Key stat, no turnovers.

[oldcoltfan]

Bull- he was fair at best. 75% runs. The Oline did block a little like the pats game. But Troy still fumbled on the 20 when it was 3rd down and throw what would have been two picks if it was any other D back other then Taylor. His numbers were no better then Bollers. Man how people see what they want to see.

[thecitythatreeds]

How about Troys preformance today. 16/27 171 yards 1 TD and guess what...NO INTS!!! He also had 5 rushes for 23 yards. Troy better be the starting QB next year. Keep Boller as one of the top backup QB's in the NFL and focus our draft picks on OL's and DB's.

[Ravenator]

You're Welcome

[theFRANCHISE]

Troy played extremely well, BUT...don't rush him if he's not ready.

By that, I mean, if Boller has to start the first two games of next season (both of which are on the road) with Smith getting playing time in the 2nd half, then so be it.

I would definitely be for Smith getting the starting nod in Week 3 at that point, though.

I'm just saying, as excited as we all are about Troy Smith playing well, don't hold your breath. Wait to see how well Smith does in the offseason and in preseason, and if Smith's not ready, don't throw him in the fire ON THE ROAD.

Being at home today made a HUGE difference in Troy's performance, and it certainly helped that he was a lot more comfortable with more experience under his belt.

[Brutus]

Troy is the man. We in Brutus country are proud of our native son. 79.2 rating. Excellent for a rookie. I agree. Let's work on the other positions. This is a done deal.

[justifythegame]

I like Smith, he's playing well. But its not like he was perfect vs the seahawks - and they were actually playing that game. In today's game the steelers didn't seem to really be playing. They are the #1 d, but today they were just out on the field because they had to be. They were nothing like the last time we played them. So i don't think people should think this is how our offense will look all the time if smith is our QB. But he did play very well. IMO if McNair comes back he should start, just because he has a ton of experience and gives us the best shot at the superbowl. He did get us to 13-3 last year while he had some vets on the o line. Only problem is McNair is not really mobile anymore and he just get punished if he stands in the pocket too long. I think big factor will be if there is QB protection next year, that is - if we add some vets in to protect and our team stays healthy. If that doesn't happen, McNair will probably get injured again and Troy Smith will come in. But at least Smith is mobile when the pocket collapses. If we make no changes to the o line this year then it would be cruel to start McNair...he should just retire and we should start Troy Smith.

[thecitythatreeds]

Troy played extremely well, BUT...don't rush him if he's not ready.

By that, I mean, if Boller has to start the first two games of next season (both of which are on the road) with Smith getting playing time in the 2nd half, then so be it.

I would definitely be for Smith getting the starting nod in Week 3 at that point, though.

I'm just saying, as excited as we all are about Troy Smith playing well, don't hold your breath. Wait to see how well Smith does in the offseason and in preseason, and if Smith's not ready, don't throw him in the fire ON THE ROAD.

Being at home today made a HUGE difference in Troy's performance, and it certainly helped that he was a lot more comfortable with more experience under his belt.

I aggree 100%. Let Troy and Boller battle for the spot in the offseason and switch them up in the road games. I think Troy gets a boost at home because the fans love him...and that helps alot!

[oldcoltfan]

Well first Boller most likely won

[justifythegame]

Troy played extremely well, BUT...don't rush him if he's not ready.

By that, I mean, if Boller has to start the first two games of next season (both of which are on the road) with Smith getting playing time in the 2nd half, then so be it.

I would definitely be for Smith getting the starting nod in Week 3 at that point, though.

I'm just saying, as excited as we all are about Troy Smith playing well, don't hold your breath. Wait to see how well Smith does in the offseason and in preseason, and if Smith's not ready, don't throw him in the fire ON THE ROAD.

Being at home today made a HUGE difference in Troy's performance, and it certainly helped that he was a lot more comfortable with more experience under his belt.

Completely agree with you. Thats why i think McNair should start, if smith can learn from McNair (who are both similar), he will be a great QB in the future. If we throw him to the wolves we will have another Boller. Smith was ready to scramble at the right times because he watched both QBs struggling, getting sacked, injured etc. Learning the offense and watching vets on the sidelines is invaluable.

[Brutus]

We have ourselves a quarterback and he is Troy Smith. I agree, however, that he has a lot of work to do. I just don't think I would waste any time splitting attention between the two. Evaluate them quickly and go with the future.

[theFRANCHISE]

Well first Boller most likely won't be here. But you guys are worse then a bunch of fickled young girls. OK let him start next year and when he falls on his face, we will see how many are still on the bandwagon. All yea ave you all for gotten McNair??????

Boller signed a one-year extension earlier this season. He'll be here at least 'til the end of next season.

Secondly, McNair likely will not want to come back next season, should he not be healthy enough in the offseason after recovering from his injuries. Even if he is healthy, Billick is not so stubborn to where he'll name McNair the starter without there being any competition.

His stubbornness in the decision to bench McNair earlier this season was understandable, because McNair had been playing hurt, and was not "healthy" until the Steelers game, which was his first game in a month. The Bengals game was only his 2nd game back, which NORMALLY is the concession a coach will give any returning starter from injury before making a decision on their spot on the depth chart. The timing was just unfortunate for these decisions to be made, therefore, that's where the miscues happened in the QB carousel.

Troy Smith is the SLATED QB of the future. He only deserves a shot to live up to that billing after how he's played, given the circumstances. If he fails, he can be benched and/or released with little financial consequence, since he's only a low-round pick. Basically, no harm in testing the waters with him. But it MUST BE DONE CAUTIOUSLY.

Again, don't want a repeat of what happened with Kyle Boller's development; Boller had the physical skills, but never developed the mental skills because of his rushed development.

[Troy Smith IS the future..]

Bull- he was fair at best. 75% runs. The Oline did block a little like the pats game. But Troy still fumbled on the 20 when it was 3rd down and throw what would have been two picks if it was any other D back other then Taylor. His numbers were no better then Bollers. Man how people see what they want to see.

Let's blame "shoulda coulda woulda" picks on a couple of pro bowlers (Taylor and Foote)...that's laughable. They're all proffesionals. Troy did fumble, but he didn't panic, where others would. I forgot, who rceovered that fumble? I'm pretty sure it wasn't the #1 defense. If McNair comes back, Troy probably shouldn't automatically be the number 1 quarterback, but imo he should have all but locked his position as the #2 quarterback with this game against, again, the #1 defense in the league.

[bigmacattack2123]

How about Troys preformance today. 16/27 171 yards 1 TD and guess what...NO INTS!!! He also had 5 rushes for 23 yards. Troy better be the starting QB next year. Keep Boller as one of the top backup QB's in the NFL and focus our draft picks on OL's and DB's.

Amen on keeping Boller as a BACKUP! Lose McNair he's no good in a wheelchair...and we don't have the money to throw around with our cap issues. Also, it was really 3 carries for 25 yards - those two knees contributed to the final 5/23 stat. Go Troy!

[oldcoltfan]

McNair will be here and Boller will most likely ask to be traded, which they will do. As for the comp. For the number one spot. Bawahahahaha Yea just like how fair it was when they brought in McNair. Well here goes. I knew I wouldn

[itlstl7]

It's all about turnovers...

Look at today's game... Pittsburgh immediately turned the ball over and we scored... they fought an uphill battle all game because of turnovers!...oh wait doesnt this sound familiar...

you can't expect to be a competative team in the NFL if you turn the ball over (everyone knows this)... thats why we went 13-3 last season and 5-11 this season... Troy Smith in 4 appearances including 2 starts agaisnt good teams, has not thrown a single pick...

I know not all of our turnovers were Boller's or McNairs fault... but alot of them were... and it's just hard to regain any momentum after a turnover...

With this being said... I would gladly give up a couple completions and yards for less turnovers... therefor I think Troy should definately be considered as #1 and given a lot more credit...

[Black&Purple]

I think it's absolutely absurd to say Troy needs to be our QB after 1 decent game. I wasn't impressed from what I saw in Seattle, and frankly he didn't do TOO much in this game. He played okay, but the fact he didn't have 2 INT was sheer luck of the D players dropping the ball. (Or was that 3?)

The bottom line is you cannot have such confidence as naming Troy our STARTING QB after 2 games, we need to see CONSISTENCY. Boller himself has played good games, but his issue is he is not consistent. Personally I wouldn't mind him being the starting QB and them trying him out at the position, because he would have potential to improve as he is only a rookie. But that would mean in the off season, and over the summer he would need to improve and show the team in practice he is capable. Yea, he played okay, but come on... naming him our QB already?

[bigmacattack2123]

I like Smith, he's playing well. But its not like he was perfect vs the seahawks - and they were actually playing that game. In today's game the steelers didn't seem to really be playing. They are the #1 d, but today they were just out on the field because they had to be. They were nothing like the last time we played them. So i don't think people should think this is how our offense will look all the time if smith is our QB. But he did play very well. IMO if McNair comes back he should start, just because he has a ton of experience and gives us the best shot at the superbowl. He did get us to 13-3 last year while he had some vets on the o line. Only problem is McNair is not really mobile anymore and he just get punished if he stands in the pocket too long. I think big factor will be if there is QB protection next year, that is - if we add some vets in to protect and our team stays healthy. If that doesn't happen, McNair will probably get injured again and Troy Smith will come in. But at least Smith is mobile when the pocket collapses. If we make no changes to the o line this year then it would be cruel to start McNair...he should just retire and we should start Troy Smith.

Oooooh the steelers were playing that game. That 3 seed was HUGE for them even though Tomlin didn't feel it was. IMO Tomlin though t was huge too but he wants to sound cool "oh i don't care who we face! hoo-rah!" ummm sure ya don't....and the players were definately more worried about that than he was. Yea McNair has the experience but so does Namath - also at least Namath would prob show more passion for the game. McNair just couldn't give a flying #### anymore...same long expressionless face whether he scored a td, threw a pick, or lost a fumble, win or lose. There are a lot of young guys coming in and that's not the way to show them how to play. Troy is a leader...notice how everyone steps up their game when he's behind center? I'm not just talking today ya know last game of the season its the steelers gotta get a win. I'm talking Colts. I'm talking Dophins. I'm talking Seattle (we were down by about a million and our offense was still fired up). I'm also of course talking Steelers. We actually had an offense today. None of that 3 n out, 3 n out, 3 n out, 6 n out! Sweet..damn...3 n out.

[itlstl7]

Oooooh the steelers were playing that game. That 3 seed was HUGE for them even though Tomlin didn't feel it was. IMO Tomlin though t was huge too but he wants to sound cool "oh i don't care who we face! hoo-rah!" ummm sure ya don't....and the players were definately more worried about that than he was. Yea McNair has the experience but so does Namath - also at least Namath would prob show more passion for the game. McNair just couldn't give a flying #### anymore...same long expressionless face whether he scored a td, threw a pick, or lost a fumble, win or lose. There are a lot of young guys coming in and that's not the way to show them how to play. Troy is a leader...notice how everyone steps up their game when he's behind center? I'm not just talking today ya know last game of the season its the steelers gotta get a win. I'm talking Colts. I'm talking Dophins. I'm talking Seattle (we were down by about a million and our offense was still fired up). I'm also of course talking Steelers. We actually had an offense today. None of that 3 n out, 3 n out, 3 n out, 6 n out! Sweet..damn...3 n out.

haha I agree and I've been saying the same thing about McNair and his lifeless emotions... and sleeping before games! Did anyone else notice how much our offense was smiling and having fun with Troy under center?? Mason seemed to be smiling after every catch...

[Cartoon_Cartooon]

Mcnair is a better leader than boller so i think we should give him 1 more chance on this team....he was injured most of the season..... plus iit will give troy smith more time to learn from one of the best steve mcnair

[bigmacattack2123]

I think it's absolutely absurd to say Troy needs to be our QB after 1 decent game. I wasn't impressed from what I saw in Seattle, and frankly he didn't do TOO much in this game. He played okay, but the fact he didn't have 2 INT was sheer luck of the D players dropping the ball. (Or was that 3?)

The bottom line is you cannot have such confidence as naming Troy our STARTING QB after 2 games, we need to see CONSISTENCY. Boller himself has played good games, but his issue is he is not consistent. Personally I wouldn't mind him being the starting QB and them trying him out at the position, because he would have potential to improve as he is only a rookie. But that would mean in the off season, and over the summer he would need to improve and show the team in practice he is capable. Yea, he played okay, but come on... naming him our QB already?

He played quite well in both appearences. His numbers were phenominal last week for having to run for his life on every down given useless field position 90% of the time. Today he gave us our first win against the STEELERS #1 defense of all teams. And you wanna talk dropped balls? How about the astrounomical amount of balls our receivers have dropped in the past two games! He could have easily thrown for over 300 yards last week provided that SOOOO many balls were right on the money and quite a few this week as well. Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda...hmm yea theres no such thing in the NFL, sorry. Back to the performance from last week...that was the UGLIEST way a rookie could EVER be introduced to the nfl for his first start. No croud is more obnoxious...no pass rush is more potent...it was pouring as usual...rookie o-line...you have a dl for a te...u lose ur big role guy mcgahee which the entire gameplan was based around...he did great and kept the offense pumped...if boller's first start was like that he would have ran out of the stadium crying im sorry but he just gets his panties in a bunch way too easily. First touch yea 2nd string whatever he takes us down the field gets his first nfl td. Following week 1:53 on the clock no timeouts takes us down the field and puts it into overtime when boller couldn't move us an inch the entire second half. Then we win the toss in get into stover range who made a RARE pull to the left. His first start I went over...and today was just fun to watch. When Boller is behind center i find myself grinding my teeth like pleeeeaaase don't f#$% this up. And usually can't wait till the defense gets on the field cuz they are known for scoring more points and making bigger plays than our offense. Today I found myself watching an OFFENSE...who can say it wasn't orgasmic to see us march down field on almost every possession. I'm fine with Boller starting the first two games and letting Troy take over at home to finish out the year n take us to the playoffs...and YES I believe Troy could LEAD us to the playoffs whether he comes up with a 90.2 qb rating with 25 yds rushing on 3 carries or BETTER or WORSE he can LEAD this team back to prosperity.

[justifythegame]

Oooooh the steelers were playing that game. That 3 seed was HUGE for them even though Tomlin didn't feel it was. IMO Tomlin though t was huge too but he wants to sound cool "oh i don't care who we face! hoo-rah!" ummm sure ya don't....and the players were definately more worried about that than he was. Yea McNair has the experience but so does Namath - also at least Namath would prob show more passion for the game. McNair just couldn't give a flying #### anymore...same long expressionless face whether he scored a td, threw a pick, or lost a fumble, win or lose. There are a lot of young guys coming in and that's not the way to show them how to play. Troy is a leader...notice how everyone steps up their game when he's behind center? I'm not just talking today ya know last game of the season its the steelers gotta get a win. I'm talking Colts. I'm talking Dophins. I'm talking Seattle (we were down by about a million and our offense was still fired up). I'm also of course talking Steelers. We actually had an offense today. None of that 3 n out, 3 n out, 3 n out, 6 n out! Sweet..damn...3 n out.

Okay McNair only played a few games this year so you must be referring to only those few games. Because last year our team was FIRED UP. Everyone was so excited that STEVE MCNAIR was our QB. Everyone stepped up their game when McNair joined the team. Every player stepped up because they felt we had a shot at the superbowl. The Defense played spectacular, they just wanted to get the ball back to their new QB. All i heard last year was Steve McNair bringing confidence, leadership and experience to the ravens offense...something they have desperately needed for years. And now what? What happened to all that? The man suffers numerous injuries and you are ready to bash him without even giving him a chance? He trusted his O line to protect him and they let him down. This guy is a possible HOF, who made the pro bowl (gave his spot to vince young probably because he felt so horrible after losing in the playoffs), and led the Ravens to their best record and best offense ever.

How do you know McNair didn't care about the losses or turnovers? Are you him? Did he speak with you? You have no idea what he is thinking or feeling. What do you want him to do, get on his knees and cry like a baby? Thats how McNair has always been, he is not going to think about his turnover...he is thinking about clearing his mind and leading that team the next drive. It is fans like you, ready to boo your QB off the field the minute they start to play bad that make our QB situation worse. No wonder Kyle Boller has no confidence. But even Kyle Boller, horrible season after horrible season, was given the opportunity to redeem himself.

McNair's face may be expressionless to you....or just maybe, he is feeling really guilty, sad about letting his team down, watching his hopes for a ring before retiring slipping away. At least he wasn't like Donovan McNabb, smiling/laughing while he was losing at the superbowl. I'm not saying Troy Smith is not a leader, i'm not saying he sucks, and i'm not saying he is not our future. But we said the same things about Kyle Boller and we threw him to the wolves and look what we did to him. Troy Smith deserves a chance to sit and learn, and whats more perfect than learning from a veteran scrambling QB just like him.

[Raven07]

from what i saw of Troy tonight, only clarified our future for this team...Troy really showed how far he has come and what he has learned so far and his progress is well thought of. I mean yes he did comit a few rookie mistakes, but we couldnt expect him to aviod those rookie like mistakes whenever he took the field. its better that he commit them now, get them out, learn/evaluate them and build off the experience....and he mosr certainly has done just that =)....once again, the future looks bright for this Young man

[thecitythatreeds]

I think everyone aggrees on one thing...that Troy Smith is the future QB of the Baltimore Ravens. If Boller gets traded he is only going to be a back-up any where ealse, so I don't know why we would want that hassle. If McNair is healthy next season, keep him around to teach Troy some things and let him grow as a QB. Did you watch the press confrence after the game? Derrick Mason said that Troy showed the poise of a 10 year vet of the NFL. That coming from the #2 reciever (receptions) in the NFL means alot.

We are so quick to put Troy as #1 because we see how much he has accomplished in 1 season. He is both athletic and smart, not to mention he has a great mentor. I just hope we don't rush it and he dosen't end up like Boller.

[Raven07]

yes i would also agree with that Fact of Troy being the future of this team...i mean the kid has shown ALL of his skills we drafted him for and done so on a consistant week to week basis. (and proven that he can play well against the Starting Defense of another team) yes he made a few Rookie type errors but he bounced right back and learned from them and built off them....a great sign for us in the future...as for Boller, i think we'll keep him at least for a few more seasons for the whole insurance factor and stability issue, while McNair......i feel he can Benefit this team by Mentoring Troy to keep developing further and further and who knows....maybe Next season McNair will play well for us, only time will tell us for sure. what'll happen

[Drkraven]

We got a mudder in Troy Smith--we actually won a game in the cold driving rain! Yes Troy fumbled, and he fell on his fumble and yes it was a 9 yard loss, but he protected the ball. I would like to see open competition for the qb's in training camp.

[Raven07]

and in which is why i said in my post "yes he did make some mistakes" but he overcame that and was able to move forward and not let it bother him and/or affect his overall performance..and he kept at it and never gave up on anything he was doing and it showed out there. with the way the Entire Offense Looked sharper than the whole season w.o Troy in there