Troy Smith to Start Saturday Against St. Louis

In news that shouldn't surprise anyone, the Ravens have decided when you have a former Heisman Trophy winner at your disposal, maybe you should keep him in the starting rotation.

Second year quarterback Troy Smith will be the starter this Saturday against the St. Louis Rams, dethroning, at least for now, that other guy, Kyle Boller. Smith, THE former Ohio State standout, started two games last season for the Ravens as a rookie, completing 40 of his 76 attempts for an eerily similar percentage as Boller.

Head coach John Harbaugh said you better get used to seeing both quarterbacks out there this season and starting Smith gives them an opportunity to see how much he's improved in year two.

Harbaugh's explanation was simple and very logical. He said the Ravens were already aware of what veteran Kyle Boller could do at the position, and the coaching staff wanted to see more of Smith.
Boller has been fairly steady throughout training camp and the preseason, and everyone is aware of his strengths and weaknesses. We also know something about Smith, but really haven't seen enough. Smith didn't get the chance to throw a lot last week against the Minnesota Vikings because the Ravens ran the ball so well. Like many of us, it seems that Harbaugh has come to the conclusion that throughout the season we're probably going to see both quarterbacks, because there will be a lot of ups and downs between the two of them.

Yep, we know what we'll get. With Boller you have a guy that has one more career touchdown than interception and with Smith you get a guy that pretty much defines an elite collegiate quarterback that struggles to translate in the NFL, but seems to earn the respect of his teammates.

I think for Ravens fans, a strong showing by Smith could at least bring hope to 2008. It isn't like Boller is lighting up fantasy draft boards or anything.

These two better watch out. Next up on the menu, the young and extremely talented Joe Flacco.