The Ravens Quarterback Situation Just Keeps Getting More Complicated

With less than two weeks until opening day, the Baltimore Ravens quarterback situation couldn't be more fuzzy. The big question now is if a rookie could really be taking the snaps when they run out of the tunnel September 7.

After Troy Smith came down with a freak stomach virus before Saturday's game against the Steelers, rookie Joe Flacco took the snaps and after the game had head coach John Harbaugh leaving open the idea of a first year behind center.

Asked whether the competition might now include three quarterbacks instead of two, Harbaugh said: "We'll see. That's a fair question. I just don't know the answer."

"I think he's moving pretty quickly up the [learning] curve," Harbaugh said. "You saw it from the first quarter to the fourth quarter. So he's making a lot of progress."

The 18th overall pick in last year's draft had a respectable game, going 18 for 37 with 152 yards and a touchdown after learning he'd start just hours before taking the field. With Smith missing time in the preseason to strut his stuff and Kyle Boller being Kyle Boller, it isn't that crazy of a thought to think Flacco could earn this starting spot.

"I thought he did OK," Harbaugh said. "I thought he made some good plays. He had a chance to make a couple of big plays. I think when he looks at it on tape, he's going to feel like, 'If I just put the ball on the money, we got a chance to win the game.' Big plays are the difference in this league. And those are throws that he can make."

If there is one thing the Ravens have been missing over the years, it's the big offensive play. He might be young and inexperienced but if Baltimore could get a quarterback that could step up when they have the ball, it sure would be a breath of fresh air.

This Thursday's preseason finale, where Smith said he should be able to play, will give everyone a better idea of who will initially be the man. If Flacco earns this position, I will be the first to buy him a Cafe Hon cup of coffee.