Everything’s different for Steve Smith now.
But after doing things in the same place in mostly the same way for the Panthers for 13 years, he’s excited about starting anew in Baltimore.
The new Ravens wide receiver said he’s already talked to quarterback Joe Flacco and a number of other offensive teammates, and was excited about the addition of Owen Daniels to the group.
Now, he has to hold up his end of the bargain.
“I’m making sure that even though this is a transition to me, I will not be behind,” Smith said, via Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun. “I will bring, . . . what I’ve learned over the years of being a professional – be prepared and be ready. That may take some extra work on my end but I’m willing to do that.”
Smith’s getting accustomed to his new digs, and is going to the facility today to set up his locker and meet some more teammates. But he’s concentrating on fitting into an existing scheme, being the complement which he was never able to do with the Panthers.
“To get 1,000 yards, I don’t think it’s impossible,” Smith said. “But for me to get 1,000 yards, Torrey [Smith] to get 1,000 yards and Ray Rice to get 1,000 yards and maybe Jacoby and whatever wide receivers, I think it’s doable. Obviously with [Dennis] Pitta, I say why not all of us? Be the 1,000-yard club back when they used to have those clubs.
“I’m excited, I’m happy and I’m ready to play, and I’m ready to be an asset to this team and bring whatever they expect from me. Whatever that expectation is, honestly, my job and my mindset is to exceed that.”
Smith’s obviously energized by his move, and motivated, which should help the Ravens in games beyond the one “blood and guts” meeting with the Panthers.