Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco understands this season for him is more about learning than getting on the field.
Even as Coach John Harbaugh has indicated the battle for the Ravens starting quarterback job is now between Kyle Boller and Troy Smith, Flacco is pushing himself even harder to prove he is worthy of the 18th overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft.
“I would say Joe is more determined than ever,” Harbaugh said. “We saw it in him [Tuesday]. He’s nursing a little throwing issue in his side and he goes out there and throws the extra 7-on-7, throws extra ball with Demetrius [Williams] after. He just goes harder. And that’s what we thought when we drafted him.”
Harbaugh said Flacco could come in relief of Smith against the St. Louis Rams on Saturday. The former University of Delaware star has completed 10-of-18 passes for 74 yards during the preseason.
Flacco said he has learned a great deal in the preseason, especially during the last two minutes of a 23-15 loss to Minnesota this past Saturday. Against the Vikings, he drove the team down the field before overthrowing a pass to wide receiver Justin Harper for a potential game-tying touchdown on the final play of the game.
“There’s a lot of things [I need to improve],” Flacco said. “The best way to do that is to get the experience, go to practice every day and try to get better each day.”
LINE SHIFT: Offensive lineman Marshal Yanda continues to show he’s one of the Ravens most versatile players. The 2007 second-round pick started 12 games at right tackle last season and is the projected starting right guard this year. However, that has not stopped the coaching staff from getting in some practice at center, including Wednesday when he spent time snapping the ball to the quarterbacks.
“We’ve just got to keep moving forward,” Yanda said. “We’re gelling well at the offensive line even with the injuries we’ve had. It’s just important that we keep on working together as a unit.”
INS AND OUTS: Defensive tackle Lorenzo Williams and defensive end Trevor Pryce each returned to practice Wednesday. At the same time cornerback Derrick Martin (right shoulder) remained on the sidelines.
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