The Baltimore Ravens have a superstar at quarterback.
His name is Lamar Jackson, and he jumped out to an enormously impressive 2021 season.
Jackson’s arm and legs helped the Ravens soar early in the season.
COVID-19 and an ankle injury have sidelined Jackson in recent weeks.
Luckily for the Ravens, they have a very capable backup in Tyler Huntley.
Huntley is 1-1 in his two starts.
Taysom Hill: 13/27, 154 passing yds, 33 rushing yds, no TDs
Zach Wilson: 13/23, 170 passing yds, 12 rushing yds, no passing TDs, 1 rushing TD
Tyler Huntley: 28/40, 215 passing yds, 73 rushing yds, 2 passing TDs, 2 rushing TDs
Tell me who had the best game lol https://t.co/lI5dXLubxN
— Taylor Cardwell (@CardwellYanks) December 20, 2021
He and the Ravens beat the Bears but lost by one point to the Packers so the fact is he is close to being an unbeaten starter.
Ravens fans love Jackson but have plenty of faith in Huntley.
Here are the reasons why the Ravens are in good hands with Huntley under center.
Huntley Does Not Throw Interceptions
Tyler Huntley’s first TD pass to Mark Andrews pic.twitter.com/dQZn9KFv9L
— Baltimore Beatdown (@BmoreBeatdown) December 20, 2021
Huntley has been very precise.
In 2021, he has completed 86 passes out of 125 attempts resulting in a 68.8% completion percentage.
He only tossed one interception, and that was not in a game he started.
Huntley threw that in relief of Jackson against the Cleveland Browns when Jackson left the game with the ankle injury.
Huntley Is A Mobile Quarterback
TYLER HUNTLEY. #RavensFlock
📺: #GBvsBAL on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/v9iAI6gaUS— NFL (@NFL) December 20, 2021
Huntley can run the ball and possesses good instincts on when is the right time to do so.
He has 29 rushes for 168 yards on the season and two touchdowns.
While he is not an automatic running threat like Jackson is, he has called his own number to keep the chains moving.
12 of his rushes were for first downs.
Tyler Huntley is the first player in Ravens history with at least 2 passing TD and 2 rushing TD in the same game.https://t.co/0wlmvEVz37 pic.twitter.com/suQh0JSKYT
— Stathead (@Stathead) December 20, 2021
Who Is Tyler Huntley?
Huntley was an undrafted free agent out of Utah in the 2020 NFL Draft.
He was signed by the Ravens in 2020 and spent time on the practice squad.
Huntley saw very limited action in 2020 with no starts and three completed passes in five attempts.
He is an exclusive rights free agent with the Ravens.
Given his performance in 2021, it seems likely the team will tender an offer for him to return in 2022.
Coach Harbaugh Believes In Huntley
It is clear that Coach Harbaugh has full faith in Huntley.
Lamar Jackson continues to recover from the ankle injury which has rendered him questionable for a big Week 17 game against the Los Angeles Rams.
Huntley is coming off of the Reserve/COVID-19 list that caused him to miss the start in Week 16 but will be ready if Jackson cannot go.
After the loss to the Packers, Harbaugh admitted that Huntley is continuously improving.
“I thought today, he took another step forward, just in terms of handling himself, operating on time in rhythm, taking off and running at the right time, accurate throws, all of those things. He took a big step. There’s a lot to be said for experience. Repetition really makes a big difference, and he’s a quick learner.”
Huntley is playing a vital role in the Ravens 2021 season.
He also may be playing for a future starting opportunity outside of Baltimore.
Of course, that is yet to be determined but will be an interesting storyline to watch in the coming seasons.
NEXT: Ravens Still Lacking Clarity At QB In Week 17
