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Cleveland
After making an eventual game-winning play Sunday, Baltimore receiver Steve Smith acted like it was just another routine catch for him.
That's because he celebrates them all, with equal zeal.
The former University of Utah star's fifth reception of the game and 854th catch of his NFL career led to Justin Tucker's 32-yard field goal as time expired in the Ravens' 23-21 victory over Cleveland at FirstEnergy Stadium.
This was standard stuff for Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, known for his fourth-quarter poise and presence. And he trusted Smith, justifiably.
"It was for moments like that, that we brought Steve Smith in here, and for everything else that he brings," said Baltimore coach John Harbaugh.
In his 14th pro season at age 35, having just joined the Ravens as a free agent from Carolina, Smith continues to fulfill all of the adjectives ever ascribed to him. Most of those descriptions are complimentary, especially coming from the Ute receivers who have followed him. He's demonstrative, he's emotional, and he's a clutch, dependable receiver.
"A lot of people say it's bad how he's acting after the play … but I love it, because he loves the game so much," said Ute freshman Kenric Young, the current beneficiary of the endowed Steve & Angie Smith Wide Receiver Scholarship.
"I admire his intensity and his passion for the game, the way he goes out and performs and the energy and electricity that he brings to every play," said Ute senior Dres Anderson. "I like to symbolize that."
That's among the reasons Flacco likes to get Smith some catches early in the game — and late, as in Sunday's episode. For all of his own expressiveness and emotion, Smith welcomes Flacco's cool approach.
"I've always worked well in chaos, but as I've continued playing, I prefer feeling calm," Smith said. "For that reason, it's so refreshing to have a quarterback that makes the huddle so calm. It's much easier to concentrate and do our job."
The Ravens' offense needed multiple scoring opportunities in the fourth quarter, trailing 21-17. Smith's two catches helped Baltimore reach the Cleveland 21, but former Ute (and Raven) defensive end Paul Kruger stuffed Flacco on a third-down sneak and Baltimore also was denied on fourth down.
Tucker later kicked a field goal, making it 21-20. After another Baltimore possession ended in a punt, the Ravens got one last chance at midfield, just inside two minutes remaining.
"That's what we're here for," Smith said.
Smith caught a 5-yard pass over the middle, then Flacco decided to take a deeper shot. As they broke the huddle, Flacco communicated to Smith that he would look for him if he drew single coverage on the outside — no matter that star cornerback Joe Haden was defending him — with a safety in the middle of the field.
Sure enough, Flacco liked the defensive alignment and went to Smith down the right side for a 32-yard completion. "He just got me on a go route," Haden said.
Smith may become even more vital to the Ravens' offense now that former BYU tight end Dennis Pitta apparently has reinjured the hip that sidelined him for much of 2013. Pitta stumbled and fell without contact after catching a pass in the second quarter and was taken to a hospital for evaluation.
Smith was concerned about Pitta's condition, and Flacco is very close to him. "Dennis is a good friend, he's a great teammate and he's a hell of a player," Flacco said. "No matter who it is, it's tough to see that happen."
But when No. 88 went down, it was nice to have No. 89 step up.
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