Dallas Clark adjusting to third NFL team in three years

OWINGS MILLS, MD. - The biggest surprise for Dallas Clark in his first season in Baltimore has not been the leadership skills of Super Bowl-winning quarterback Joe Flacco or the purple passion of Ravens' fans.

Instead it has been the stunning beauty of the back roads of Baltimore County horse country on drives near their Owings Mills' home, where he lives with his wife, Karen, and two young sons.

“When we take Dane to preschool we go through all of these farms,” said the former University of Iowa All-American from tiny Livermore, standing in the team's indoor facility following a recent morning practice. “It is one of the best drives I have ever taken. It is just beautiful. We really enjoy the beautiful country. I didn't realize how gorgeous it was out here. The kids absolutely love it.”

On the field Clark, 34, still is adjusting to his third team in three years. The 11-year veteran played with the Colts from 2003-11, then caught 47 passes last year in his only season with Tampa Bay.

Signed just before the season, on Aug. 13, Clark has filled a need for the Ravens as tight ends Ed Dickson, 26, and Dennis Pitta, 28, both drafted by Baltimore in 2010, have dealt with injury problems. In the first 10 games, all off the bench, Clark has 27 catches for 311 yards on three touchdowns while Dickson has 12 catches.

Clark, willing to give advice when asked from younger players, had seven catches in the first game of the season at Denver, but just 20 in the next nine outings.

“When you come in during the middle of camp, it is tough,” said Clark, a Pro Bowl tight end in 2009 with the Colts when he had 100 receptions. “It has been a crash course of catch up. It has been a great challenge.”

Clark said the transition to the defending Super Bowl champions was aided by veteran wide receiver Brandon Stokley, his teammate in Indianapolis from 2003-06. “He was a huge help” learning the playbook, Clark said.

Another plus has been Baltimore offensive lineman Marshal Yanda, 29, a seven-year pro from Anamosa who also played at Iowa.

“It is great to have a fellow Hawk,” Clark said. “He is one of the best guards in the league.”

What has it been like to play with Flacco, who led the Ravens to the Super Bowl title last season?

“He is not really outspoken (but) he commands the leadership,” Clark said. “He has a leadership quality about him. It is not through yelling; he has that quality about him. You know he is the head of the offense. He is what you want from a quarterback. It has been fun to play with him and try to pick his brain where he wants me to be on certain things.

“It has been a comfortable transition.”

Despite a rough start and Sunday's 23-30 overtime loss at Chicago, Clark and the Ravens (4-6) still are hoping for a postseason run. One of Flacco's two interceptions Sunday was intended for Clark.

“I am getting more opportunities as the year goes on,” Clark said. “I am not going to sit here and say I should be playing more. It is up to them to use me the best way they want.”