Smith still looking for passing grade

BALTIMORE (Map, News) - On one of his very first snaps, quarterback Troy Smith fumbled.

A few snaps later, he was intercepted by Ravens secondary coach Chuck Pagano, who was playing cornerback because the team was short players.

Then, it was Prescott Burgess’ turn to pick off Smith — and the linebacker barely had to move to catch the ball.

Finally, Tom Zbikowski got into the act, as he intercepted a pass that had deflected off the hand of rookie safety Haruki Nakamura. It ended a disastrous day for Smith, whose three interceptions were three times as many passes he completed to a receiver, as Smith went 1-for-5 passing during drills inside the 20-yard line.

And yes, Smith still is very much alive to be the team’s starting quarterback when it takes the field at M&T Bank Stadium against Cincinnati on Sept. 7.

But Smith obviously will have to play much better than he did on Tuesday at McDaniel College in Westminster. As dreadful as he has was during a sweltering, 90-minute morning practice, the 2006 Heisman Trophy winner from Ohio State didn’t lose his cool or appear to get frustrated.

“I learned from an incredible Hall of Fame quarterback, Steve McNair, to stay cool at all times,” Smith said. “I haven’t seen a moment where Steve McNair was rattled. If I want to be half the quarterback that he is, that’s what I need to focus on.”

Overall, Smith mostly has been praised from the Ravens coaching staff on the progress he has made since the end of last season. Smith appeared in four games last season, completing 40-of-76 passes for 452 yards and four touchdowns.

Smith is competing with Kyle Boller and 2008 first-round pick Joe Flacco in a rare, three-man competition for the starting job. Only the Miami Dolphins, who went 1-15 last season, have a similar competition during training camp. Each of the other teams in the AFC North — Pittsburgh, Cleveland and Cincinnati — starts a Pro Bowl quarterback.

“It is unique,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “I don’t know how often it has happened. That would probably be an interesting study. It’s fun. It’s fun watching those three guys battle out.”

Harbaugh said the quarterback competition will officially begin on Friday when the Ravens hold their first full-team workout. The quarterbacks, however, hope their battle makes each one better.

“As a quarterback, I think you understand that at all times, eyes are on you,” Smith said. “To me, I’m used to it by now. The competition is, in essence [within the media]. As teammates, we understand that we may need all three of us. That’s the way we look at it.”

rsnyder@baltimoreexaminer.com

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