And why shouldn't Terrell Suggs have an opinion on the Ravens' quarterback situation. He's the unofficial spokesman for the team, recently regaling us with bounty-rific tales of maiming opposing players (except, well, Suggs apparently doesn't know what "bounty" means). Now we learn that Suggs proclaimed Troy Smith the "better man for the [quarterback] job," before later suggesting that the former Heisman Trophy winner should share time with rookie incumbent Joe Flacco.
From the Baltimore Sun and PFT:
In a recent interview with an Atlanta radio station, linebacker Terrell Suggs said twice that Troy Smith should be the Ravens' starting quarterback over Joe Flacco.Suggs added: "[Flacco] started out hot ... We played two teams who were in the bottom of the league in defense [Cleveland and Cincinnati]. So, everybody was going all crazy about him."
"Right now, I think [Flacco is] all right," Suggs told 2 Live Stews, a nationally syndicated radio show that is not aired in Baltimore. "But like I said, in the end, Troy should be the starter [because he's] the better man for the job."
I can't disagree with that last point, but Flacco also isn't my teammate, and I didn't make those thoughts known on the radio. A day later, Suggs clarified his remarks, something he's been doing a lot lately:
"That's not what I said," Suggs said. "When he asked me, I said there should be multiple packages. I think both should get a chance to play." ...Hey, neither was Brian Billick, but that didn't slow him up any. (I'll show myself out.)
"I think it would better if we had both of them playing," Suggs said. "Then again, I ain't no damn offensive coordinator."
Should Smith get more playing time? Maybe. Flacco has struggled, but he's also been in the league for seven weeks. And of all the quarterbacks the Ravens have had since relocating from Ohio 12 years ago, he's certainly got the most upside.
Maybe Smith is better in the short term, but Baltimore is 3-2 with Flacco, and he should only get better with experience. At least that's what head coach John Harbaugh is banking on since he named Flacco the starter for the rest of the season.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-23-2008 @ 1:53PM
Joshua Hayes said...
Honestly... the Ravens outside of their lone Super-run have been all talk and little walk. Whether its the offense averaging 2.5 points per game or the defense's incapability to make like Tampa and play into the 4th qtr despite fatigue, they're all talk.
They always lose the big game to Pittsburgh, and December will be no different if it matters. Seriously....
They ran their mouths in '01 and Pitt embarassed them at then-PSI Net Coliseum. Now, they want to call a bounty.
They should focus on becoming a good team, then their attempts at contraversy might by worth the front-page they're getting.
Reply
10-23-2008 @ 1:54PM
nick said...
Joe Flacco will never be a good NFL quarterback. He reminds me a lot of JP Losman. Which sucks for Baltimore fans because the team will waste the next 3 to 4 years trying to develope him only to find out he's Alex Smith.
Reply
10-23-2008 @ 1:54PM
ted said...
Suggs sounds a lottle racist on this one.
Reply
10-24-2008 @ 3:58PM
Tony said...
Seems to me a 2 years ago when the Ravens were 13-3 they crushed the Steelers 27-0 and 31-7 so no the Steelers don't always beat the Ravens.. As for Flacco not being a good QB you have no idea after 6 games what Flacco is going to be.
Reply
10-27-2008 @ 2:14PM
Zack said...
haha, sounds like some raider fans. I think the Raven's answered all the questions against the raiders.
Remember Manning's first season, then take a look at that beautiful pass-catch combo between Smith and Flacco. Sick. Keep in mind that a perfectly good touchdown catch by Mason was nullified unfairly in that Steelers game.
Reply