Roquan Smith had seen this story before, just from the other sideline.
In 2021, Tyler Huntley came to Chicago and stepped in for a sick Lamar Jackson to rally the Ravens to a win in Soldier Field. Smith was playing linebacker for the Bears and remembers gaining respect for Huntley then.
Four years later, with Jackson missing a third straight game with a hamstring injury, the Ravens turned to Huntley again in a pivotal game, needing to end a four-game losing streak against a hot Bears team that had won four straight.
Once again, Huntley delivered, playing arguably the best game of his six-year career in the Ravens' 30-16 victory Sunday at M&T Bank Stadium.
Huntley went 17-of-22 for 186 yards passing and one touchdown. He also ran eight times for 53 yards. It wasn't just his play that sparked the Ravens. He also gives his teammates a boost of confidence.
"[I] have a tremendous amount of respect for that guy," Smith said. "The way he comes into work each and every day, head down, and acts as if he's the starter."
The Ravens scored on six of their eight drives and showed more offensive rhythm than they've had in weeks. And it was in large part due to the efficient and effective play of their wily backup, who keeps proving he's a good fit for Baltimore.
Huntley was signed off the Ravens' practice squad last year by the Miami Dolphins and ended up starting five games for them, posting a 2-3 record. It took a while for him to get another shot.
Huntley was a free agent for much of the offseason, so he got in extra one-on-one work with a quarterback coach in Florida. Teams had kicked off their training camps and Huntley was still at home working out, trying to get better. Following one hard workout, he thought, "Man, I would love to play for the best team in the National Football League again."
So, Huntley picked up the phone and texted Head Coach John Harbaugh, asking if they could talk.
"He called me right back. I didn't expect a call right back," Huntley said. "He was just like, 'Relationships last forever.' So, I was just grateful for that. … I learned my value and that's why I felt like I'm more complete now because I know my value."
Huntley didn't get picked up until Aug. 5, and it was by the Cleveland Browns, who already had a gaggle of quarterbacks. Huntley was released less than three weeks later and knew he wanted to land back in Baltimore.
The Ravens had signed Cooper Rush to be their backup quarterback this season, but they added Huntley as their No. 3 and put him on the practice squad. But after Rush struggled in his two starts for Jackson this season, Huntley sparked the offense in the fourth quarter of the loss against the Los Angeles Rams, and the Ravens decided during the bye that he would be their starter coming out of it if Jackson wasn't ready. Harbaugh said it "wasn't a hard decision."
"I felt like it was the best thing for our team, it would give us the best chance to win," Harbaugh said. "Tyler does some things; he's a talented player, he can make throws, and he can do things with his legs. He was a great spark for us. It just felt like the right thing to do."
The Ravens still weren't sure whether Jackson would be able to play this week. Huntley didn't ultimately know he would be the guy until the Ravens ruled Jackson out on Saturday.
"I usually just prepare every day like I'm the starter, regardless, so it wasn't too much of a surprise. I am like, 'Shoot, let's do it,'" he said.
Huntley's teammates were confident Huntley could get the job done if Jackson couldn't go. They all said Huntley looked good throughout the week of practice.
"We knew he would have a great game," running back Derrick Henry said. "It's just about the preparation throughout the week and how he was operating and throwing the ball, he just looked good all week."
Center Tyler Linderbaum said Huntley is a fun quarterback to play for in part because of his unique style, but also because of how he carries himself.
"He's always a joy to be in the huddle with," Linderbaum said. "He just has a big smile on his face all the time, calling plays."
Huntley's game also resembles fellow South Floridian Jackson, whom he talks to all the time. Huntley is one of Jackson's closest friends on the team.
"We already knew if 'Snoop' played that he was going to have a good game, because he resembles how our offense plays," added wide receiver Zay Flowers.
Huntley delivered several big-time throws throughout the game. He layered a 20-yard pass to Flowers to kick off the Ravens' first touchdown drive. Huntley also hit Rashod Bateman with a 15-yard pass on that drive to overcome a 2nd-and-22 after back-to-back penalties.
On the Ravens' first offensive play of the second half, Huntley rolled to his right and launched a 36-yard completion to Bateman that set the tone. Huntley ran for 29 yards on another second-half drive and may have scored if Flowers hadn't blocked into him. That drive ended with another three points.
The Bears came into the game leading the league in takeaways. They came close a couple of times, but they got zero against Huntley and the Ravens. Huntley's 116.9 quarterback rating was the highest of any start in his career. And it came just when the Ravens needed it.
"I don't think he could have played any better than that," Harbaugh said as Huntley waited to speak with reporters. "That was one of those all-time great performances, man. I'm so proud of you."
