OWINGS MILLS – Jimmy Smith has already learned one of the most important aspects of his job as a starting NFL cornerback: how to forget.
The Baltimore Ravens’ prize rookie first-round draft pick had a rough sequence last week during the end of the first half of a 34-31 win over the Washington Redskins.
Due to a miscommunication with All-Pro free safety Ed Reed and not reacting quickly enough to bump outside against a trips package, Smith found himself trailing Santana Moss as the wide receiver scooted into the end zone for a touchdown.
Instead of dwelling on that mistake, Smith has already moved on.
“You definitely forget about it,” Smith said. “You don’t live in the past. I think I’m getting gradually better. Each game, I learn something new. At this point, I’m not exactly where I want to be. I just play full-speed with no thoughts or worries about making a mistake.”
The Ravens are preparing Smith to be an immediate starter in his first NFL game Sept. 11 against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium.
If Smith builds on a mostly encouraging preseason and sharpens his technique, then he’ll play a significant role all season.
“If I was starting the first game, I would feel comfortable,” Smith said. “Just the level of trust the coaches have in me, the amount of effort I put out on the practice field, the number of plays getting them corrected and making sure I don’t mess up any calls. I just play full-speed with no thoughts or worries."
As the Ravens get ready for their preseason finale Thursday night against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome, Smith won’t have the luxury of sitting out a meaningless contest.
Due to the NFL lockout, immediate rookie contributors like Smith need all the work they can get.
“I don’t really have any expectations,” Smith said. “I know I’m going to go out there and play. I expect myself to go out there and not make any mistakes and try not to have anybody catch any balls on me.”
Big, fast and strong at 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, Smith still needs to improve his football awareness.
He had Kansas City Chiefs Pro Bowl wide receiver Dwayne Bowe closely guarded earlier this month, but allowed a long reception because he failed to make a play on the football.
It’s unclear if Smith will be able to test himself Thursday night against Falcons star wide receiver Roddy White or rookie standout Julio Jones.
“Whoever lines up ahead of me is who I look forward to playing against,” Smith said.
Where Smith’s game is today is unlikely where he’ll finish the season in terms of performance.
“I think I’ve progressed,” Smith said. “I’m definitely making strides. I feel comfortable, period, knowing the defense like the back of my hand. Not making any mental errors.”
Smith is already getting indoctrinated into the AFC North blood rivalry between the Ravens and the Steelers.
“I know that they hate each other,” Smith said. “Ray Lewis tells me every day that if you never hated somebody so much, hate the Steelers. I know it’s one of the best rivalries in the NFL. There’s going to be blood.”
And Smith already knows that he needs to have his helmet on a swivel when lined up against combative Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward, one of the most devastating downfield blockers in the league.
The rookie from Colorado is downright savvy.
“I knew about Hines Ward before I even got up here,” Smith said. “I know how he plays. I know he’s like rated the worst in the NFL. You definitely have to keep your eyes peeled when you’re dealing with a player like that.”
