Ask the Ravens

You asked, and the Ravens answered. BR.com took a collection of questions from Ravens fans and got the answers from Dawan Landry, Kyle Boller and other players. If you want to submit your question for next week's "Ask the Ravens," go to the Ravens' Official Message Boards by clicking here.

BSIZZLES to quarterback Kyle Boller: "How does it feel to be starting for at least the next three weeks and being the one to come in and take over the offense when Steve [McNair] was hurt. I ask this because it was just two years ago that a lot of the fans in Baltimore wanted you gone, but you re-signed and you've been a constant for the offense."

Landry thinks the communication in the secondary helps with all the players shuffling in and out.

Boller: "It's definitely weird, but that's the way it is with this position in the NFL. You can't get too high or too low, and can't pay attention to what everyone else is saying about you. You just have to keep doing your job and keep battling. If you stay focused on yourself and the game, good things will eventually happen. I'm excited for the chance to start."

Jochen Czihlarz (Austria) to head coach Brian Billick: I'd like to ask coach Billick, if there are any chance that Troy Smith will be playing this season?

Billick: "Obviously, Kyle is the guy we're going to go with. What it does present, unlike before, when Troy was in the third position and could not see the game until the fourth quarter when you could still put the starter back in, Troy offers some resources to us that now as a second quarterback, you could put him in for a play – and out – without any penalty in that regard. And, he does some things [athletically] that might be worth capitalizing on."

Ravengirl43 to BR.com's Mike Duffy: My question is why don't the Ravens select players to wear the C for captain on their jerseys for each game. I know there are teams that each week someone different is wearing the C. I just wanted to know why the Ravens dont do that.

Duffy: "Those boxy ‘C' patches you see on some teams' jerseys were an optional addition passed down from the league. The Ravens typically change captains each week, giving guys like Corey Ivy, Derrick Martin and David Pittman the chance to take midfield for the coin toss like the young defensive backs did in Pittsburgh a few weeks ago."

Jesse Conroy (Baltimore, Md.) to kicker Rhys Lloyd: You have been one of my favorite players for the future of our Ravens. I wanted to know if you really want to be the future kicker of the Ravens? If any team wanted you, would you pick us? If so, why?

Lloyd: "Obviously, the way the NFL works, you're never settled in one place, especially being a kicker. But, I'd love to stay here. I'm settled and I love my surroundings, the guys on the team and the organization. If I had a decision, I would absolutely stay here. Unfortunately, it doesn't always work out that way, and we all know that Matt Stover is still here. Right now though, it's comfortable.

"Matt's been great for me, as he was my first time around [training camp, 2005]. He and I are completely different when it comes to technique, but he's been able to teach me a lot about what it takes to prepare for a game and life off the field."

Justin (Jarrettsville, Md.) to safety Dawan Landry: I was a huge fan of yours last year and this year. You are a gifted safety. How well do you feel you are progressing being able to work with the Ravens talented secondary, like Rolle and McAlister and one of the best safeties to play the game, Ed Reed? Is there good chemistry between these veterans and promising up-and-comers?

Landry: "Actually, it's been pretty second-nature, even with all the guys that have been in and out because of injuries. We are all in the meeting rooms together, so we are always together. It's really no different. The biggest thing for me as a safety is that I have to communicate more with the new corners that come in the game. When it's Chris and Samari, we know what's up almost without saying it, but you really have to communicate when a sub comes in."

#1 D (Glen Burnie, Md.) to quarterback Kyle Boller: What's up with the beard, man? You look a bit like [Arizona quarterback Matt] Leinart with that beard. Do you plan on keeping it?

Boller: "Ha ha. Does he have a beard now? Well, I guess it's a quarterback thing. No, really I just wanted to try something different. It's cold out here in Baltimore. Of course, now that I say I'm going to keep it, watch me shave it next week."