Smith asserting himself in Ravens' QB race

OWINGS MILLS - With his helmet on a swivel, Troy Smith identified his target, planted his cleats and delivered a tight spiral into the waiting fingertips of rookie wide receiver Justin Harper for a touchdown.

As the Baltimore Ravens' quarterback lofted the football behind two defensive backs to hit Harper in stride during a Wednesday passing camp, it was a prime example of the improvement the former Heisman Trophy winner has displayed this offseason in making a viable bid for the starting job.

With first-round draft pick Joe Flacco absent due to an NFL-NCAA rule and former starter Kyle Boller having a rough day with batted...