Late word is Michael Vick will play in Thursday night’s preseason opener against the Ravens… and he will start the game, probably running at least three or four series of plays. That fact adds a lot more drama to the game in Philadelphia… could we be seeing a preview of a potential Super Bowl encounter between John Harbaugh and Andy Reid, and between Joe Flacco and Mike Vick?
I’m getting way ahead of myself…
I expect Flacco will start and run as many offensive sets as the first quarter allows…
But from there, be prepared to witness Tyrod Taylor’s opportunity of a lifetime on a semi-national stage…
Tyrod Taylor will get the majority of snaps from center in the preseason matchup with the Eagles… the rookie QB, 6-0 and 200, 6th round-pick out of Virginia Tech, will get his first real chance to prove he’s ready to take the Ravens QB#2 job…
Taylor has been running with the second-team throughout camp. While committing some rookie mistakes, he has thoroughly impressed overall.
The 6-foot-1 Virginia Tech product immediately showed a stronger arm than advertised. His scrambling outside the pocket has turned many a head (and defender’s ankle). Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron has been so captivated with Taylor’s progress that he called him “special.”
Still, Taylor knows there are some who doubt he’ll be far enough along to serve as Baltimore’s backup this season.
“I put more pressure on myself than I think anybody else,” Taylor said. “I want to succeed. Of course there’s a lot of naysayers, a lot of haters, a lot of doubters that think I won’t do well. But at the end of the day, I answer to myself.”
One bonus for Taylor is that he gets to play opposite his idol and a quarterback who mentored him during the draft process, the Eagles’ Michael Vick.
Taylor said he spoke with Vick – another mobile quarterback from Virginia Tech – just three days ago about squaring off.
“It’s definitely fun,” Taylor said. “We talked about it all offseason.”
Starter Joe Flacco is expected to play a quarter or less, meaning Taylor will likely see the second and perhaps entire third quarters. He could see even more than that.
I’m looking forward to the Tyrod Taylor story that comes out of this preseason game almost as much as I’m anticipating how Flacco and his new receivers fare against Philly’s new Cover-2 defense with two superstar cornerbacks in the mix— Nnamdi Asomugha and Asante Samuel.
I’m also anticipating a very interesting first quarter matchup of the Baltimore defensive line and linebackers vs. the Philly revamped O-line with its newest additions, including the “Fireman”, rookie RG Danny Watkins… Should be a real rumble.
Then we’ll all get to relax a little as the starters give way to the 2’s and the 3’s… it’s time to appreciate the guys who are hanging on to every play as their possible last chance to make the Ravens final 53 + Practice Squad…
The game will be televised locally in the Baltimore metro area live at 7:30 pm… and will be rebroadcast by NFLN later at 11:00 pm. Check your local listings… Even though Ricky Williams and Jimmy Smith are not expected to play, it should be extremely entertaining viewing…even if you’re not there for the X’s and O’s…
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