Roquan Smith had seen this story before, just from the other sideline.
In 2021, Tyler Huntley came to Chicago and stepped in for a sick Lamar Jackson to rally the Ravens to a win in Soldier Field. Smith was playing linebacker for the Bears and remembers gaining respect for Huntley then.
Four years later, with Jackson missing a third straight game with a hamstring injury, the Ravens turned to Huntley again in a pivotal game, needing to end a four-game losing streak against a hot Bears team that had won four straight.
Once again, Huntley delivered, playing arguably the best game of his six-year career in the Ravens’ 30-16 victory Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium.
Huntley went 17-of-22 for 186 yards passing and one touchdown. He also ran eight times for 53 yards. It wasn’t just his play that sparked the Ravens. He also gives his teammates a boost of confidence.
“[I] have a tremendous amount of respect for that guy,” Smith said. “The way he comes into work each and every day, head down, and acts as if he’s the starter.”
The Ravens scored on six of their eight drives and showed more offensive rhythm than they’ve had in weeks. And it was in large part due to the efficient and effective play of their wily backup, who keeps proving he’s a good fit for Baltimore.
Huntley was signed off the Ravens’ practice squad last year by the Miami Dolphins and ended up starting five games for them, posting a 2-3 record. It took a while for him to get another shot.
Huntley was a free agent for much of the offseason, so he got in extra one-on-one work with a quarterback coach in Florida. Teams had kicked off their training camps and Huntley was still at home working out, trying to get better. Following one hard workout, he thought, “Man, I would love to play for the best team in the National Football League again.”
So, Huntley picked up the phone and texted Head Coach John Harbaugh, asking if they could talk.
“He called me right back. I didn’t expect a call right back,” Huntley said. “He was just like, ‘Relationships last forever.’ So, I was just grateful for that. … I learned my value and that’s why I felt like I’m more complete now because I know my value.”
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