Ah, if only playing quarterback in the NFL were that easy. Instead of pumping his fist or showing any outward sign of pleasure, Baltimore's first-round pick simply walked away from the line of scrimmage and awaited another opportunity.

"I'm just moving onto the next play. The last thing I'm thinking about is the play I just completed," said Flacco, a South Jersey native from Audubon High. "This is a new offense for me, and I'm worried about the next play and making sure I know what to do."

Flacco endured a steady rain during his first day on the job at the team's mandatory minicamp yesterday. Wearing a red jersey with the No. 5, the 6-6 rookie from Delaware set out to prove he's worthy of the 18th overall pick in the NFL draft and capable of starting in his first season.

Meanwhile, the Falcons will have their eyes on another local rookie looking to make his mark.

Matt Ryan will have his first chance to prove he can be more than just another clipboard-toting observer when the new Atlanta quarterback participates in a 3-day minicamp beginning today.

Ryan, a Penn Charter product, was the No. 3 overall selection in last month's draft and the Falcons' quarterback of the future.

First-year Falcons coach Mike Smith says he's open to the idea of a rookie starting at any position.

"I want them to have the mind-set that they're going to come in here and compete to play from Day 1," Smith said. "I think it's very, very important as a football player that you compete to be the starter."

Noteworthy

* Green Bay released Koren Robinson, the wide receiver whose struggles with alcohol led to an NFL suspicion and jail time. The Packers gave him an opportunity, and he responded with 21 catches for 241 yards and one touchdown in nine games last season. He was also second on the team with 25 kickoff returns for 596 yards. *