Denver Broncos

Broncos' Mathis is cramming for Ravens like its a final exam

Published Sep. 10, 2015 12:54 a.m. ET

foxsports

Evan Mathis is pulling the football equivalent of an all-nighter in advance of Week 1.

In a few short days, the visiting Baltimore Ravens come to town -- and Mathis wants to be ready for his Broncos debut.

"It's just cramming," Mathis told AL.com's Mark Inabinett. "You sit there and you study and you learn it."

Mathis hasn't taken a single preseason snap with his new team. Still, he's expected to slide right in at right guard, execute a fairly complex blocking scheme, and, above all, keep Peyton Manning upright.

He thinks the adjustment period won't be too rough. Mathis starred in a similar zone-blocking scheme in Philadelphia last season. He's also played the role of a reserve in both Cincinnati and Miami; he knows what it's like to have his number called on short notice.

Mathis evolved from a role player to a perennial Pro Bowler. With that, comes a work ethic that's tough to match.

"Earlier in my career, this would have been something that probably would have been very overwhelming to me," Mathis said. "But at this point, there's confidence and a sense of urgency just to get it done."

(h/t AL.com)