The latest bad news out of Baltimore is that quarterback Kyle Boller might have a serious shoulder injury and might miss the season. With Troy Smith recovering from tonsillitis, rookie Joe Flacco might be pressed into starting Week 1.

Is this the best thing for the Ravens? Surely, not having Boller might be a plus, but does Flacco need to be thrown into the fire right away? Some rookie quarterbacks on struggling teams impress in such situations, others flail and never recover (think Alex Smith and David Carr). Flacco has average receivers (at best) to target, a featured running back who’s not that healthy, and a division with teams that can put up a lot of points. Smith theoretically was the transition guy, and he may return rather soon.

At some point, Flacco will need to get that experience, whether it’s later this season or next year. But if the Ravens are going to struggle, let them struggle with someone else at quarterback.