Musa

Smith

Musa should be Chester Taylor’s backup and have only a small amount of fantasy value. Taylor has 21 carries this season, Smith has none.

Smith, who also had four catches, looked especially good on a 37-yard rumble. Mike Anderson finished with a pedestrian 17 yards on five carries.

“He looked good and strong,” coach Brian Billick said. Smith, who took a year and a half to recover from a leg injury he suffered as a rookie, is having a big training camp. If Mike Anderson falters, he could be Jamal Lewis’ backup.

Considering the money Anderson received, it would be a surprise to see Smith pass him on the depth chart. Anderson owners shouldn’t worry yet. Rookie P.J. Daniels will probably only be used on passing downs.

Smith is probably no longer available in trade talks and appears a better handcuff for Lewis than Mike Anderson at this point. He’s probably got the third-down duties locked up, at least.

Smith led the Ravens in rushing (55 yards) and receptions (four for 15 yards) Thursday night against Philly. His leg appears to be fully recovered after missing the entire 2005 campaign.

Dynasty leaguers take note. Of course, Billick may not be Baltimore’s “coach of the future,” so it may not matter.

The reception went for three yards. Smith’s competition to be Jamal Lewis’ handcuff, Mike Anderson, rushed seven times for 11 yards. Smith attributed his struggles to the offensive line. “When you struggle up front, it’s not a good game for the running backs.”

Smith scored on a 43-yard scamper on Baltimore’s first offensive play of the second half. He’s averaging a cool 14.8 yards per carry in two exhibition games, leading the Ravens in rushing both times. He’ll enter the season behind Jamal Lewis and Mike Anderson in the depth chart though.

With Jamal Lewis out for the rest of the preseason, Smith has apparently passed Mike Anderson on the depth chart. Smith has struggled with injuries during his career but has been excellent in the first two exhibition games. He’s a better handcuff for Lewis than Anderson is at this point.