The Ravens have many questions heading into the 2008 season, including a three-way quarterback competition.

“Impressive” and “very poised “ were the words used by new head coach John Harbaugh is describing the play of Baltimore’s starting quarterback Kyle Boller in his team’s 16-15 preseason victory over the AFC champion New England Patriots on Thursday night.

Boller, Troy Smith and rookie Joe Flacco all received playing time with varying results, as an all-out quarterback showdown takes form.

Despite Harbaugh’s words of praise, Boller’s performance was a cocktail of impressive throws and unforgivable miscues, such as his second quarter interception by rookie Shawn Crable, who stepped in front of the intended receiver, Adam Bergen, and picked off the unsuspecting sixth-year veteran caught staring down his target.

The former first-round pick was also responsible for an ill-advised fumble midway through the first quarter that saw him fail to properly secure the football.

Smith was by no means lights-out amazing, but he did complete some nice passes and didn’t commit any turnovers.

Last night’s game was the continuation of the former Buckeye’s progress as a pro-level quarterback. Smith has, by far, been the best of the trio in camp and presently looks like the odds-on favorite to win the starting job in week one.

The 6’0” signal caller not only brings exceptional mobility to the position, but he possesses a legitimate arm as well, as evidenced by a 60-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Kerry Reed in practice.

Neophyte Joe Flacco, on the other hand, is still very raw, although he has already begun calling audibles in practice. The small-school phenom is nothing more than a work in progress until further notice.

But amid all the quarterback talk this summer, rookie running back Ray Rice is quietly going about his business.

With feature back Willis McGahee on the shelf with knee problems, the former Rutgers standout has shown promising toughness and durability for a 5’8” 205-pound back. In addition to showcasing his acceleration, Rice also utilizes his superior vision in searching for creases in the defense and does a nice job of catching the football as well.

The native New Yorker’s debut versus the Pats was a rather inauspicious one, however, with only six carries for 12 yards. McGahee’s job as the number one back is safe—for now.

The Raven offensive line is very young and untested, but it certainly doesn’t lack talent.

The soon-to-be 26-year-old right tackle Adam Terry is the elder statesman of the group, which struggled in developing any sort of cohesiveness during the early part of training camp, but really picked up its play once the linemen began communicating more at the line of scrimmage.

The only concern along the o-line remains the health status of left tackle Jared Gaither, who finds himself with big shoes to fill as he replaces the recently-retired great Jonathan Ogden.

The 6’9” 350-pound Gaither reportedly suffered a sprained ankle three or four days into camp, and hasn’t seen much action since.

Next week’s report will feature the state of Baltimore’s offense during the first half of the preseason.