One of the most popular cultural references to avid NFL fans is the phrase “Here’s a guy” which was made famous by award-winning NBC sports broadcaster Chris Collinsworth. He is a former NFL wide receiver, owner of Pro Football Focus, and has been co-hosting Sunday Night Football with broadcast legend Al Michaels for the last 15 years.
Collinsworth can be counted on to drop his famous phrase that is followed by a brief breakdown of the ability and sometimes background of a particular player at least once if not twice a game.
His phrase inspired me to write a series of articles where I detail what each Baltimore Ravens’ player that is expected or is in the hunt to be on the roster brings to the table from a skillset standpoint and their 2021 individual outlook.
There’s no better place to start for the first edition than with the most important, impactful, and pivotal position in all of sports:
Lamar Jackson -
Here’s a guy who despite leading the league in passing touchdowns, his team to the best record in the league and winning a unanimous league MVP award in just his second season and first as the full-time starter, still has his ability questioned at every turn. He’s the most dynamic and electric dual-threat quarterback to ever play the game and is just as dangerous with his arm as he is with his legs.
In 2021 he’ll be looking to lead the Ravens to the promised land for the first time in nearly a decade and for just the third time in franchise history. He is poised to do so after general manager Eric DeCosta upgraded his offensive line and pass-catching arsenal, particularly at wide receiver.
Trace McSorley -
Here’s a guy that is a poor man’s Lamar Jackson in a good way. While he isn’t nearly as dangerous of a dual-threat as Lamar, he would still allow the Ravens to run the same style of offense in the event of an injury or God forbid another outbreak of COVID.
Last season he nearly led the Ravens to a late rally against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 12 after Robert Griffin III left the game and played an integral role in setting up Jackson for the epic finish to the legendary ‘cramp’ game on Monday Night Football against Cleveland Browns in Week 14.
In 2021 he’ll be in a tight fight for the right to party—just kidding. McSorely will need to beat out the next player on the list to earn the primary backup role to Jackson because if he doesn’t there isn’t a guarantee that he makes the roster.
Tyler Huntley -
Here’s a guy that also isn’t close to Jackson’s level from a talent standpoint but still possesses the requisite dual-threat skillset to be able to operate and be successful in the Ravens offense.
Huntley took over as the primary backup down the stretch and in the playoffs when both Griffin III and McSorley landed on injured reserve. The offense still moved the ball well and consistently with him at the helm in cleanup duty. After Jackson left the playoff game against the Buffalo Bills after being concussed, Huntley was a few drops and strong gusts of wind from making a late comeback.
In high school, he competed against Jackson as the starter for a rival program but in 2021, he’ll be battling for the opportunity to serve as his backup and the temporary starter if need be. Like McSorley, he will likely need to win the No. 2 signal-caller job to secure a spot on the active roster.