Ravens coach knows Justin Friday, November 20, 1998
BY CHRIS HAFT
The Cincinnati Enquirer
If quarterback Paul Justin excels in his first start as a Bengal on Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens, Ted Marchibroda won't be surprised.
Marchibroda, Baltimore's head coach, occupied the same post with Indianapolis when Justin gained his first NFL action in 1995. Though Justin appeared in only three games and started just one that season, Marchibroda appreciated his attributes.
"I always felt that Paul prepared himself extremely well, even when he was the third quarterback," Marchibroda said Thursday on a conference call with Cincinnati-area reporters. "He was always ready to play, and when he got into most ballgames he gave a good account of himself . . . He showed a great deal of leadership. Once he hits the field, he takes over."
Marchibroda noticed that Justin improved significantly after playing for Frankfurt in the World League (now NFL Europe) during the spring of 1995. The year before, Justin languished on the practice squad.
"I thought playing in Europe was the thing that really helped him," Marchibroda said. "He gained a great deal of confidence, and I felt it would just be a matter of time for him."
Said Justin, "I agree with Ted on that one. I had a whole season of football over there (with Frankfurt). When I came to Ted in '94, I was from the Arena League. My arm was weaker because of throwing on the small field. I wasn't used to the big field."
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