Prior to taking the field yesterday at M&T Bank Stadium, newly signed quarterback Ryan Mallett had only heard whispers of what it is what like to play in the Ravens-Steelers bitter rivalry match-ups.
60 minutes later, the young quarterback who had been with the Ravens for just two weeks instantly fell in love with the emotion and passion of the contest.
“I know what it’s about now,” Mallett said following the season sweep of the Steelers. “I like it. What Steve Smith [Sr.] said, ‘big boy football,’ right?”
Big boy football indeed, and a game that both Mallett and offensive coordinator Marc Trestman executed with perfection. Mallett finished with a career high 274 passing yards on 46 attempts.
“To get a win in this game, it’s awesome,” remarked Mallett, the former Houston Texan. “To get a win, period, right now, how everything’s been going, is even better. Now, it’s building on that.”
Mallett, who was released by the Texans earlier this season after some off-the-field issues has spent night and day studying the Ravens offense since he arrived at the team’s training facility in mid-December.
“That’s the biggest part, is being back in the building,” Mallett said of the last 12 days. “Having a chance is something I don’t take lightly.
“I think the coaches know that I’ve done everything I can to try to, you know, in case I needed to back up, if somebody’s hurt, whatever. And then getting the start, it was awesome. To get a win was even better, so now it’s on to Cincinnati, and we’ve got to get ready for them.”
The lanky quarterback with a rocket arm credited his coaches and peers – including quarterbacks Matt Schaub, Jimmy Clausen and wide receiver Kamar Aiken – for getting him up to speed with the offense.
“It actually a little bit easier because I know a few of the guys,” Mallett said when asked how hard it the offense was to pick up in just a few short days. “Everybody welcomed me with open arms, so it was an easy transition, and that’s credit to my teammates.
“Jimmy [Clausen] and Matt [Schaub] being unselfish and helping me to understand, because it was a totally new system to me. So it was really cool to see that.”
Head coach John Harbaugh already acknowledged that Mallett will get the nod when the Ravens travel to Cincinnati to play the Bengals in the season finale.
While yesterday was just one game, the organization has to feel good about bringing the oft-troubled QB to town. Mallett showed that he is capable of stepping in on short notice and providing the Ravens with a chance to win.
As for Mallett, who seemed sincere in his postgame presser, he is just happy to be a part of a team that wants him.
“I want to thank the Ravens organization for bringing me in and giving me a shot and giving me a workout, and coach Harbaugh,” said Mallett.
“Just being here, I don’t even know what to say right now. It’s an emotional time, but it’s fun.”
It’s an emotional time for Ravens fans as well. As the postseason draws closer and the Ravens will be outside looking in, thanks to Mallett and a cast of others, the season sweep of the Steelers makes it an easier pill to swallow.
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