AOL's Ryan Wilson today posted an article with the title, "It looks like Joe Flacco will be the Ravens starter at some point in '08," and he proceeds to offer no evidence that I could see other than the fact that Flacco took most of his mini-camp snaps from the shotgun formation. There might be other evidence hiding in there somewhere. I only read the post once. And even that was a struggle. It physically pains me to read anything that suggests someone other than Troy Smith as the starter for the 2008 Baltimore Ravens.
If anything, I think Flacco taking shotgun snaps is strong evidence that the team doesn't plan to start Flacco this year. Baltimore will be pounding the ball between the tackles, not running a shotgun offense. Besides, Flacco's "advantage" is his strong arm, but to whom exactly do you suggest he throw the ball? Who does Baltimore have that is capable of stretching the field? Derrick Mason? No. Mark Clayton? No. Demetrius Williams? Sorry, but I'm not drinking the Kool-Aid quite yet.
If Flacco is to be the future starter of the Baltimore Ravens, it's in everyone's best interest that it not happen this year. Give Troy Smith a chance to fail, and give Flacco time to improve his footwork and decision making. He also needs to learn how to play out of a formation other than shotgun, and the front office needs to pull the trigger on a wide receiver who can better complement our strong-armed, gulp, future.
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29 minutes ago
2 comments:
I don't think it's ridiculous to think Flacco could start at SOME point this year. There is no evidence out there to show that Troy Smith is "the answer". There are different reports out there, and some (ESPN's James Walker) who think that Flacco has already begun to outplay both Smith and Boller.
Troy Smith has also looked inaccurate at times (according to Mike Preston). There's been no indication that Flacco has played badly at all - it's just the idea of throwing a rookie starter that's offputting. There's also more to arm strength than just stretching the field. I agree, Smith starting this year could be a breath of fresh air (also, I believe the team doesn't have much confidence in Boller), but to say that Smith NEEDS to be the the starter is a little extreme. The veteran mentorship is likely going to come from Boller, not from second-year Troy Smith. I trust the coaching staff and whatever they decide. Don't be too quick to criticize.
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/hashmarks/0-7-237/Boller--Smith-get-an-assist.html
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/blog/2008/06/joe_flacco.html
I have watched Flacco in 12 games over the past 2 years. The guy doesn't need to sit a year to practice his footwork or learn to take the ball behind the center. These two things are not areas of concern. What you do have is a Big Ben with a brain and more quickness. He IS the real deal and don't discount his starting from the beginning. The worst thing for him is to sit him because you don't want to rush him. He is ready.
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