ATLANTA — Troy Smith spoke in slow, measured tones late Friday night, and it was impossible for the Heisman Trophy winner to hide his disappointment at how he performed during a prime opportunity to impress the Baltimore Ravens prior to today’s final roster cutdown.

Troy Smith played the entire second half of the Ravens’ 13-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome, and the former Ohio State star’s last pass of the night was intercepted by rookie cornerback Chris Houston on a desperation heave on 4th-and-25 with the clock running down.

"Anytime you get a substantial amount of playing time, you have to come through," Troy Smith said. "I didn’t come through. It wasn’t a good look for the rest of my team. I’ve got to do nothing but get better.

"I take pride in winning. I take pride in being a team player in every portion of the game. Anytime you don’t win, it’s upsetting, preseason or not. That’s what I take pride in."

After completing 11 of 18 passes for 86 yards and being sacked four times, now the rookie has to wait until late this afternoon to learn whether he’ll be a member of the active roster as the third quarterback or if he’ll be exposed to the waiver wire before the Ravens try to sign him to the practice squad as soon as Sunday.

"This is my first time going through it, so I can’t tell you whether it’s nerve-wracking or not," Troy Smith said. "I’m anxious to see how the process is going to be."

During the second half, Troy Smith clearly demonstrated a case of nerves. He badly overthrew Matt Willis on his first throw and was sacked on his first drive, too.

Yet, Troy Smith rallied impressively during his second crack against the Falcons’ defense. He moved around smoothly in the pocket, connecting with Romby Bryant twice for 11 and 17 yards and Willis for 12 more.

"He did some good things," Ravens coach Brian Billick said. "He did some things he’s got to get better at."

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