The Ravens settled their backup quarterback situation on Tuesday, signing 11-year veteran quarterback Matt Schaub.
Schaub, the former Falcon, Texan and Raider inked a one-year, $3 million deal, replacing Tyrod Taylor, who departed to the Buffalo Bills during free agency.
“We are pleased and happy that Matt decided to be a Raven,” stated head coach John Harbaugh about the signing of the proven veteran. “When he and I first talked it was a lot about mutual respect and the tough games we had against each other. I was like “remember that play, how did you see him open? It was a fun conversation.
“The bottom line is that Matt is a very good fit for the Ravens. He knows the basics of the offense we will run, he’s been in it for the bulk of his career. He will complement Joe very well and we know he will be a good fit with Marc Trestman and Joe. When you can add a committed, smart, dedicated, experienced and proven player at quarterback like Matt, it’s a good day for the Ravens.”
Per the Ravens’ press release, Schaub, has seen action in 139 career games including 90 starts. The two-time Pro Bowl honoree, who will turn 34 in June, has thrown for 24,311 yards, 130 touchdowns and 86 interceptions (89.5 passer rating) during his career.
[Related: Ravens Smart to Hire Schaub]
On Wednesday, Schaub spoke via teleconference to media members and expressed his appreciation to the Ravens organization for signing him.
“I am greatly thankful and appreciate this opportunity from Mr. Bisciotti and Ozzie Newsome for making this happen and have me being a Raven,” said Schaub. “In my talks with coach Harbaugh, Marc Trestman and Marty Mornhinweg (quarterback coach), I’m just very thrilled to be a part of this team and for this opportunity to help bring a championship to Baltimore.”
In a move that makes perfect sense for the organization, Schaub, a former Ed Block Courage Award winner, provides the Ravens with the best chance to win if Flacco, who’s never missed a game since coming into the league, goes down with an injury.
Comfortable with a backup role, Schaub understands the importance of being ready to play should the injury bug decide to rear its ugly head.
“In this role as a backup, you have to mentally and physically have to get yourself ready to play because at the drop of a hat that could happen at any moment,” remarked Schaub. “I know Joe has been healthy every game of his career but you never know. You got to prepare each week as if you’re going to be the guy in the huddle and taking those snaps.
“You don’t get all the reps but you’ve got to get those mental reps and be ready because it could happen at the drop of a hat.”
His experience with the offensive scheme installed by Gary Kubiak last season will certainly help. While new offensive coordinator Trestman will be calling the shots, the scheme will remain the same after last season’s successful offensive output.
“A lot of the core principles what Gary put in last year will remain in place because it was so successful and that to me is something huge because it’s something I know really well,” said Schaub. “I can help some of the young guys learning. I can help some of the guys that just learned it last year for the first time and learn it even better. I have a lot of knowledge to present it that way.
“I just talked with Marc over the last few days and Marty. Some of the subtle nuances they are going to put in, in kind of their own style and some of the changes are really appealing to me because it really fits what I do and what I’ve done over the last year or two. I’m just excited with the pieces that are in place on this offensive football team to get to work on that.”
While we have seen the production Schaub has put together over his career, it’s unrealistic to expect him to led the Ravens to a Lombardi Trophy should Flacco go down injured. He does however provide some sense of security that Keith Wenning and other veteran free agents wouldn’t.
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