McNair was upbeat following the voluntary practice.

“They?re going to take me slow. I think today was pretty good,” McNair said. “I had a couple of mishaps out there but other than that, everything was OK.”

McNair made light of being new to the team. “I think today I used one of my calls I had last year with the Titans, but I told the guys just be patient,” he said.

There also was the occasional impressive throw that showed why McNair is a three-time Pro Bowler and former league co-MVP. Billick said receiver Derrick Mason, a former Titan, has aided McNair?s transition to the Ravens.

“It?s mind-boggling right now, but it?s good,” McNair said. “It?s new terminology, new verbiage and I think once I get that down everything else will fall into place. I think the verbiage is the most important thing.”

“He?ll constantly hear it, probably as much as anything,” Billick said. “He?ll execute to a certain degree, but constantly hearing over and over personnel, formation, route, the way we call certain coverages, the constant verbiage.”

It was evident during practice that Mason and McNair have chemistry. The quarterback also said he was looking forward to working with Pro Bowl tight end Todd Heap.

McNair said: “I?m very excited. He?s a guy that?s proven himself over and over again that he is one of the elite tight ends that?s going to able to play the game. To be a part of this, it?s great. I think with this offense, we?ve got a lot of great things that?s going to happen.”

Billick reacted to the news of Pittsburgh quarterback Ben Roethlisberger?s motorcycle accident Monday, and said he reminds his team to act responsibly outside of team functions.

“You hate for that to be a tragic reminder for all of us,” Billick said.

Defensive lineman Adalius Thomas, linebacker Ray Lewis and offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden did not take part in the practice.