Around this time final season, Tyler Huntley and Trace McSorley had been battling to be the Ravens’ backup quarterback. Huntley ultimately received the job and appeared in seven video games for injured starter Lamar Jackson, enjoying nicely sufficient to earn the standing as a strong NFL backup. McSorley, in the meantime, was signed off the Ravens’ observe squad in November by the Arizona Cardinals.
During the Ravens’ 24-17 preseason victory over the Cardinals on Sunday night time at State Farm Field, their paths crossed once more — this time as beginning quarterbacks. But similar to final 12 months’s competitors, Huntley as soon as once more got here out on high.
Huntley, who signed with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent earlier than the 2020 season, accomplished 13 of 14 passes for 129 yards, together with an 8-yard landing to rookie tight finish Isaiah Likely that gave the Ravens a 10-0 lead late within the first quarter. With starter Kyler Murray and veteran backup Colt McCoy sidelined, McSorley, the Ravens’ sixth-round select of Penn State in 2019, performed many of the sport, ending 18-for-34 for 229 yards with two interceptions and a dashing landing.
“I thought [Huntley] played masterfully in the first half, running the offense and the passing game,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh mentioned.
Huntley’s highlight-reel efficiency featured two performs that confirmed why he is without doubt one of the finest backup quarterbacks within the league. As the Ravens confronted second-and-9 in the course of the primary quarter, Huntley escaped strain earlier than rolling out to the left and finishing a cross to Likely, who broke a couple of tackles for a 20-yard achieve.
On the identical drive, Huntley as soon as once more watched the pocket collapse as he scrambled towards the sideline earlier than throwing the ball throughout his physique to undrafted rookie receiver Makai Polk, who was broad open in the course of the sphere. The 19-yard achieve led to a 29-yard discipline aim for Justin Tucker and drew smiles on the sideline from Harbaugh and Jackson.
“I think the experience definitely plays a part in it,” mentioned Huntley, who went 1-3 in his 4 begins final season however confirmed spectacular command of the offense. “Just going on my third year, I’ve seen a couple [of] different defenses, and I’ve got a great feel for the offense right now, and I’m just taking what the defense gives me, and it’s continuing to work time after time.”
Through two preseason video games, Huntley has virtually as many passing touchdowns (two) as incompletions (three).
“The way that he’s operating the offense, communication has been really good,” Harbaugh mentioned. “He’s getting out and scrambling and making plays with his feet and keeping the defense on us that way.”
Even although he threw interceptions to Ravens cornerbacks Kyle Fuller and Damarion “Pepe” Williams, McSorley had his moments Sunday. Near the tip of the primary half, he threw a 23-yard cross to receiver Victor Bolden earlier than connecting with Greg Dortch for a 34-yard completion that arrange a 21-yard discipline aim.
In the fourth quarter, McSorley caught the Ravens’ protection off guard when he bumped into the tip zone for a 1-yard landing, which minimize the Cardinals’ deficit to 24-10 with 8:29 to go. The name got here from Murray, who took over play-calling duties from coach Kliff Kingsbury late within the second half and helped Arizona engineer two landing drives to place the Ravens’ NFL-record 22-game preseason successful streak in jeopardy.
After the sport, McSorley met Jackson at midfield to meet up with his former teammate and take pictures.
“There were some times when I passed up [No.] 1 or [No.] 2 in the progression, trying to get something a little farther down the field or trying to make something happen,” McSorley advised reporters. “I’ll go back and watch the tape. I’ll judge myself harder than anyone.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com