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The Baltimore Ravens put on the pads for the first time Monday, giving coaches their best opportunity yet to evaluate the offensive and defensive lines, pass protection and several position battles. Baltimore’s defense controlled much of the practice. Lamar Jackson and the offense struggled to establish a rhythm, although several of his attempts were aggressive throws downfield rather than high-percentage completions.
Here are seven takeaways from Day 5 of Ravens training camp.
Jackson completed 6 of 14 passes in team drills after beginning the period 0-for-5, according to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. The numbers reflected a difficult practice, but they require some context. Jackson attempted multiple downfield and back-shoulder throws instead of settling for shorter completions.
The Baltimore Banner’s Jonas Shaffer charted Jackson at 0-for-5 in 11-on-11 work during the early portion of practice, with two of those attempts producing defensive pass interference penalties. Jackson completed three of four attempts in seven-on-seven drills, although each completion traveled fewer than 10 yards through the air.
It was an uneven performance, not a reason for alarm during the first padded practice.
Shaffer reported that the Ravens’ defense was impressive once the pads came on. Coverage remained tight, throwing windows were limited, and the offense frequently struggled to create clean opportunities downfield.
The defense’s performance continued an encouraging start to camp under head coach and defensive play-caller Jesse Minter. Baltimore has the personnel to create pressure without sacrificing coverage, and that combination made life difficult for Jackson throughout Monday’s workout.
Rookie wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane created one of the practice’s best offensive highlights. During one-on-one drills, Lane gained a step on veteran cornerback Chidobe Awuzie and secured a long touchdown, according to Hensley. The 6-foot-4 receiver’s size and downfield ability could give Baltimore a different element behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman.
Flowers beat Marlon Humphrey on another rep, but he had to work back toward an underthrown pass as Humphrey committed interference. Rookie Elijah Sarratt also created separation twice, although one pass bounced off his hands and another was overthrown.
Rookie cornerback Chandler Rivers continued making a strong impression by breaking up a pass over the middle during one-on-one work, Hensley reported.
Rivers faces significant competition in a crowded secondary, but coverage plays against Baltimore’s receivers can help him gain ground. His clearest path to the roster may still involve special teams, though each defensive rep gives the coaching staff another reason to evaluate him closely.
The first padded practice represented an important evaluation for rookie right guard Vega Ioane. The Baltimore Sun’s Brian Wacker offered an encouraging early assessment, writing that Ioane “will be just fine.” Hensley noted that Ioane worked next to Roger Rosengarten on the right side of the offensive line while position coach Dwayne Ledford observed.
Ioane is expected to start immediately. His ability to handle the physical portion of camp will be critical as Baltimore rebuilds its offensive front.
Nnamdi Madubuike was eased back into individual work as he returns from neck surgery. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the early results were positive.
Hensley observed that Madubuike initially watched portions of practice while wearing a neck protector. The Ravens have every reason to remain cautious with one of their most important defenders. Getting him comfortable and properly conditioned matters more than rushing him into full-team periods.
Calais Campbell returned to play for the first time after spending time away following his mother’s death. He was limited to individual drills, but Minter called the veteran defensive lineman a “force multiplier” and praised the wisdom he brings to the roster, according to Hensley.
John Jenkins also passed his physical and was removed from the physically unable to perform list.
Those returns left only Travis Jones, Teddye Buchanan and Corey Bullock out of Monday’s practice. The Ravens are getting healthier, giving the coaching staff a better opportunity to evaluate one of the roster’s deepest position groups.
The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec also noted that Orioles manager Craig Albernaz attended the practice, adding another local sports connection to Baltimore’s first padded workout.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Seven takeaways from Ravens’ first padded training camp practice
Continue reading...
Here are seven takeaways from Day 5 of Ravens training camp.
Lamar Jackson and the offense were out of sync
Jackson completed 6 of 14 passes in team drills after beginning the period 0-for-5, according to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. The numbers reflected a difficult practice, but they require some context. Jackson attempted multiple downfield and back-shoulder throws instead of settling for shorter completions.
The Baltimore Banner’s Jonas Shaffer charted Jackson at 0-for-5 in 11-on-11 work during the early portion of practice, with two of those attempts producing defensive pass interference penalties. Jackson completed three of four attempts in seven-on-seven drills, although each completion traveled fewer than 10 yards through the air.
It was an uneven performance, not a reason for alarm during the first padded practice.
Baltimore’s defense controlled the session
Shaffer reported that the Ravens’ defense was impressive once the pads came on. Coverage remained tight, throwing windows were limited, and the offense frequently struggled to create clean opportunities downfield.
The defense’s performance continued an encouraging start to camp under head coach and defensive play-caller Jesse Minter. Baltimore has the personnel to create pressure without sacrificing coverage, and that combination made life difficult for Jackson throughout Monday’s workout.
Ja’Kobi Lane produced the biggest catch
Rookie wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane created one of the practice’s best offensive highlights. During one-on-one drills, Lane gained a step on veteran cornerback Chidobe Awuzie and secured a long touchdown, according to Hensley. The 6-foot-4 receiver’s size and downfield ability could give Baltimore a different element behind Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman.
Flowers beat Marlon Humphrey on another rep, but he had to work back toward an underthrown pass as Humphrey committed interference. Rookie Elijah Sarratt also created separation twice, although one pass bounced off his hands and another was overthrown.
Chandler Rivers made his presence felt
Rookie cornerback Chandler Rivers continued making a strong impression by breaking up a pass over the middle during one-on-one work, Hensley reported.
Rivers faces significant competition in a crowded secondary, but coverage plays against Baltimore’s receivers can help him gain ground. His clearest path to the roster may still involve special teams, though each defensive rep gives the coaching staff another reason to evaluate him closely.
Vega Ioane held his own in pads
The first padded practice represented an important evaluation for rookie right guard Vega Ioane. The Baltimore Sun’s Brian Wacker offered an encouraging early assessment, writing that Ioane “will be just fine.” Hensley noted that Ioane worked next to Roger Rosengarten on the right side of the offensive line while position coach Dwayne Ledford observed.
Ioane is expected to start immediately. His ability to handle the physical portion of camp will be critical as Baltimore rebuilds its offensive front.
Nnamdi Madubuike continued his controlled return
Nnamdi Madubuike was eased back into individual work as he returns from neck surgery. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the early results were positive.
Hensley observed that Madubuike initially watched portions of practice while wearing a neck protector. The Ravens have every reason to remain cautious with one of their most important defenders. Getting him comfortable and properly conditioned matters more than rushing him into full-team periods.
Calais Campbell and John Jenkins strengthened the defensive front
Calais Campbell returned to play for the first time after spending time away following his mother’s death. He was limited to individual drills, but Minter called the veteran defensive lineman a “force multiplier” and praised the wisdom he brings to the roster, according to Hensley.
John Jenkins also passed his physical and was removed from the physically unable to perform list.
Those returns left only Travis Jones, Teddye Buchanan and Corey Bullock out of Monday’s practice. The Ravens are getting healthier, giving the coaching staff a better opportunity to evaluate one of the roster’s deepest position groups.
The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec also noted that Orioles manager Craig Albernaz attended the practice, adding another local sports connection to Baltimore’s first padded workout.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Seven takeaways from Ravens’ first padded training camp practice
Continue reading...
