Flacco didn't get a ringing endorsement from Harbaugh yesterday. It was just opportunity thrown his way.
"Everybody gets an opportunity, and you take it and run with it," Harbaugh said. "You can definitely envision a scenario where it could be Joe's job through the year. You can envision a scenario where it's Kyle's job again. You can envision that it's Troy's job, or even the new quarterback."
What?
Yes, the Ravens are in such dire need of a quarterback that they worked out three yesterday: Chris Simms, Todd Bouman and Joey Harrington.
"If anyone wrote this in a movie script, no one would believe it," Harbaugh said.
Actually, we all knew the script. It just unfolded faster than anyone expected. We all knew what Boller could do. In his six years here, he has been the big tease. On some days, he looks great. But sometime during the game, he is going to make the costly, boneheaded mistake.
It's highly likely that his career here in Baltimore ended with that thunderous hit he took against the Minnesota Vikings in preseason game No. 2.
Smith lost his major opportunity in preseason game No. 3 when he came down with the illness. Most thought he would return in several days, but Smith didn't practice yesterday.
As he sat on his stool outside his locker answering questions from reporters, he looked like he had lost 15 to 25 pounds. His jaws had sunken in.
He appeared to be in high spirits and was more content in being with the guys again yesterday instead of providing answers.
The Ravens had a few days to entertain bringing in another quarterback before naming Flacco the starter. But deep down inside, they know they are not going far this season. When Boller and Smith were not available, they figured some of the alternatives were not much better than Flacco, so they might as well give him some on-the-job training.
Let's just hope he survives.
