Steve Smith: Baltimore Ravens WR Has Huge Game

The Baltimore Ravens knew they had a gem as soon as Steve Smith showed up to the practice facility – and he showed that on Sunday in the team’s 23-16 loss against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Now as a bit of a disclaimer, Smith did have a few drops. In a week one game at a new place however, that’s expected. He was able to make up for it with a huge play in the 3rd quarter that almost won the Ravens the game.

With 6:01 left in the game, Smith broke free on a broken play, going 80-yards, stiff-arming a defender and trotting to the end-zone in a play that could be an indication of what his 2014 season is going to be like – impressive with a touch of fire.

The veteran wide-out helped QB Joe Flacco through a tough day and ended with a line of 7/188/1.

After the game, Smith couldn’t help but focus on the negatives in the Ravens’ loss, as noted by Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun:

Well said, Steve…well said.

The Ravens expect Smith to continue his dominance in divisional games. Thriving on rivalries, it appears the veteran will have no problem fitting in with the style of play the Ravens bring to the table. If Joe Flacco can get things turned around, Smith will be putting up numbers that will turn some heads of fantasy owners everywhere.

For now, it looks like the Ravens will utilize Smith in the offense as they did Anquan Boldin in 2012’s Super Bowl run. Flacco threw the ball 62 times on Sunday, and there’s no reason to believe that number will come down until Ray Rice gets back.