From the moment the Baltimore Ravens traded for quarterback Steve McNair, the word used over and over to describe the 12-year veteran has been “calm.”
Players, coaches and even opponents constantly rave about the poise and settling presence that McNair, who spent his first 11 seasons with the Tennessee Titans, brings to the offensive huddle. Today’s AFC divisional playoff battle against the Indianapolis Colts (13-4) should represent McNair’s biggest test to date in living up to that reputation.
McNair understands that he not only has the Ravens’ postseason hopes resting on his shoulders, but also the burden of defending the honor of Baltimoreans still devastated by the Colts’ departure 23 years ago.
“I can put 2 and 2 together,” McNair said. “I can put the sense of the rivalry that the old Baltimore had, and now the Indianapolis Colts, and the rivalry that Indianapolis had with Tennessee. So I can kind of put those two together and realize how much intensity that this game means.”
McNair has given the Ravens (13-3) the stability at quarterback they have lacked since the team arrived in Baltimore in 1996. He has completed 295 of 468 pass attempts for 3,050 yards, 16 touchdowns and 12 interceptions this season. He also has spread the ball around, allowing three players to have at least 67 receptions and seven to get at least 20 catches.
Todd Heap said the Ravens feel empowered like never before.
“When we get into the huddle, it’s like there’s nothing we can’t do,” Heap said. “You read his eyes, and he brings that to everybody. We’ve kind of taken on his personality as a team, as an offense, especially.”
