Joe Flacco, the man who we are all indeed whacko for, has a firm iron man grip on the starting quarterback position. And if that is news to anybody, I’m sorry for ruining the surprise.

A sound question to ask, however, would be one that delves into the emergence of a backup quarterback for Mr. Whacko Flacco. The Ravens, who have dealt with post season/off season issues with Troy Smith’s sudden urge to leave town, as well as a quiet exclamation from fans for John Beck to be held in higher esteem than the former Heisman Trophy winner, will be left with a decision. Should they name a guy who has made it apparent that he wants to leave Baltimore (and very possibly go to Cleveland… of all places. Really, Troy?) as the best option for a fall back plan, or a former 2nd round pick that hasn’t been given the best of looks since arriving in Charm City? Interpret this.

Troy Smith

Smith’s playbook is quite possibly leather-bound, and his locker may or may not smell of rich mahogany. The former Ohio State QB, who had the best shot of his career as becoming the starting QB for the Ravens as the 2008 season began, fell short due to an illness that sidelined him and his chances. However, judging from his comments (through his agent, of course), Mr. Buckeye doesn’t feel as if he was given a fair chance. I can’t blame him; There’s nothing to take the wind out of your sails then to get sick and lose an opportunity to make several million dollars. It happens to me all the time. But, I get over it.

This year, Smith will find himself on the outside looking in. The competition from John Beck will be extremely tough, as the guy has had high expectations since the day he was drafted. The Dolphins took him in 2007 (not very long ago) in the second round, and a lot of talk about potential surrounded him.

Much like a man in need of a friend, Smith, without a doubt, is looking for a team to latch onto. Whether his requests of being traded are true, or a facade to get Baltimore to sign him to a new contract, nobody is sure. One thing is for certain however; Smith’s best interests are vested in the success of the team he plays for. It seems to me that he’d be better off sticking around town, fighting for his role as a backup to Flacco, and letting his talents and skills do all the talking if given a chance. The end would be faster than Ryan Leaf’s career if he were to go to Cleveland and fall flat on his face.

Speaking of Ryan Leaf, why pass up this opportunity to bring joy to the lives of others?

What a douche. I can’t blame him though… I’d probably go to Vegas, too.

Troy Smith’s quick agility, along with his tiny little knives, makes him an apparent tool if the Ravens were to continue to use their form of the Wildcat offense. He can line up as a receiver if needed, or be used as a quarterback with the ability to scramble. Despite those talents, however, Smith may be better suited for third string, leaving the tactic of surprise off of the table even further. Under the radar he’d go, leaving the opposing defenses unaware of his involvement in the game plan, not to mention, a good use of resources on the part of the Ravens.

And now, the other option. A round of applause for Troy.

But, it’s too difficult to jump right in without following a TMNT clip with another TMNT clip. If you’re not a fan of repeats, I apologize. But seriously, without anything to do with the blog whatsoever, here you go. Consider it a bonus. My thanks to you for continuing to read this far.

John Beck

Want to see and hear something really dumb?

If I was the person that put that together, knowing I have all kinds of time, I think I’d make the definite decision of throwing myself in front of a tractor trailer. While I can’t take credit for such a compelling collection of video clips and awesome music, I can say that I believe John Beck should be given a chance as a second string quarterback for the Ravens. There are several reasons as to why, the overlying being that he hasn’t really been given a chance in his career since his rookie season.

Earth to Meekus, Troy Smith, with his Heisman and his stardom at Ohio State, and his ego, serves easily as the male model who only concerns himself with being ridiculously good looking. John “Zoolander” Beck understands that his role on this team is going to take some hard work, dedication, and the true ability to overcome Smith’s drive for attention as well as second string. While Smith is still working on how to become an ambi-turner, Beck will be showing off his raw talent as a quarterback, and not wasting away on proving his value towards a weird, barely successful Wildcat scheme.

It’s been a while since Beck has had a chance to prove himself in the NFL. While we’re only talking backup quarterback, Beck understands that the position is important when it comes to a sport that involves the pounding and heavy hits that a starting QB takes throughout games. Once given the chance to move on from Miami, Beck has stationed himself in a great position to prove to the entire NFL fan base that he is a completely capable leader on the gridiron. While it would chap my ass if Flacco was taken out via injury, having John Beck to replace him should make us all feel comfortable.

Then again, the Ravens have made this second string competition easy on the nerves of the fans.

Yeah, a little TOO easy…

Who do you think the Ravens should name as a second stringer? Leave your comments below, or email me at Ravens_GUFS@yahoo.com. Facebook knows me too, just search The Bird’s Nest- Baltimore Ravens and Orioles News. Do you Twitter? Weird. TysonHeck_GUFS is where you can get updates via the Tweety thing.