Maybe the Ravens ought to have had a free bobblehead giveaway Thursday.
Team officers invited present and potential season ticket holders to open follow in Owings Mills, however they in all probability didn’t promote many afterward. The Ravens’ offense was fairly poor, particularly the quarterback play.
Which quarterback was the worst?
Go forward, choose one. It received so unhealthy that halfway by means of follow, the Ravens accomplished a roughly 15-yard cross and the gang began to applaud.
True story.
Starting quarterback Lamar Jackson, he of the sidearm supply fame, had three passes knocked down and one interception late wherein he threw to Andy Isabella when the large receiver had two safeties draped throughout him. There had been instances when Jackson stopped the play as a result of one thing went mistaken, both with the snap rely, the formation or gamers in movement.
It’s obvious that a number of persistence will likely be wanted to run this new offense.
Backup quarterback Tyler Huntley was simply as unhealthy, overthrowing receivers as in the event that they had been as tall as 7-foot-6 former Houston Rockets heart Yao Ming.
When the Ravens did have a receiver open, Tylan Wallace dropped a cross ultimately zone.
It was that kind of day.
Fourth-year large receiver Devin Duvernay did have a robust efficiency, however giving out bobbleheads would have been extra acceptable.
The Beckham file
Odell Beckham Jr., who signed with the Ravens in April and is predicted to be the group’s No. 1 large receiver, has but to take part in any of the three practices open to the media.
Some followers questioned Jackson lacking elements of the voluntary offseason coaching actions, particularly with Todd Monken being named the brand new offensive coordinator to interchange Greg Roman.
So, it’s truthful to ask why Beckham hasn’t practiced and whether or not large receivers coach Greg Lewis has spoken with the previous LSU star who signed a reported one-year, $15 million contract that would embrace one other $3 million in incentives.
“Well, the conversations we’ve had I would rather keep between me and him,” Lewis mentioned. “But when he is here, he’s been positive. When he’s not been here, he’s been positive from that perspective, too.”
We’ll simply name Lewis’ response a fast out sample.
Simpson impresses
Trenton Simpson, chosen within the third spherical out of Clemson, is normally the final of the linebackers to take part in particular person drills. When you’re a rookie, it’s important to know your house.
But whereas engaged on the two-man sled Thursday, he confirmed good preliminary energy and quickness. He does have a robust motor and seems to be athletic. He can run, however we received’t know the complete story on him till the Ravens placed on full pads.
So far, so good.
Going large
The Ravens have their very own model of a jumbo package deal on the offensive line.
At one level Thursday, the left facet consisted of 6-5, 322-pound rookie guard Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu and 6-8, 380-pound second-year sort out Daniel Faalele.
That’s a number of beef, particularly for gamers so younger.
Likely story
I don’t know what plans the Ravens have for second-year tight finish Isaiah Likely, however final yr I strongly recommended that Roman put him on the surface and let the 6-6, 241-pound goal go up and get the ball, particularly on some back-shoulder fades.
I hope Monken tries it. Likely is just too proficient and creates method too many mismatches to be sitting on the bench. The Ravens will work on it.
Eyes on Ojabo
Second-year exterior linebacker David Ojabo was limping early in follow and there have been another media members who observed it.
It’s not good to have a participant limping after he ruptured his Achilles tendon final March, so it’s one thing to keep watch over.
Ojabo, although, had no hassle planting, pushing off or operating across the nook in opposition to offensive tackles throughout the remainder of the follow, so possibly it was simply one thing minor he needed to shake off.
Screen recreation
I’ve seen the Ravens run extra display passes prior to now two practices than they’ve prior to now three years.
They’ve run them with operating backs and tight ends, and it appears as if they will’t get sufficient. I ponder if the development will proceed when the common season begins.
The Ravens have all the time had the skill-position gamers to run these performs, however they’ve lacked athletic guards who’re quick and athletic sufficient to make blocks or get down the sector.
Guards Kevin Zeitler and Ben Cleveland are extra power-oriented than finesse gamers. If you wish to see a very good group run screens, take a look at the Kansas City Chiefs.
Before the Chiefs, the Green Bay Packers ran them to perfection with quarterback Brett Favre.
Harbaugh is hands-on
Ravens coach John Harbaugh spent eight years because the Philadelphia Eagles’ particular groups coach, and he nonetheless is hands-on in that division.
The group normally has particular groups working within the first half of follow and Harbaugh is someplace within the center giving directions. The group has among the greatest particular groups play within the league with Chris Horton because the place coach, but it surely’s good to have a head coach with the expertise of Harbaugh with the ability to add a number of wrinkles and a few experience.
Now, whereas with reference to coaches, some group will ultimately give Anthony Weaver, the Ravens’ high assistant, a head teaching job. Not solely does Weaver have the correct demeanor, however he additionally builds robust relationships together with his gamers.
One of his greatest supporters is New York Giants defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale, who held the identical position in Baltimore from 2018 to 2021.
Cornerback questions
The main criticism of second-year cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis when he was popping out of Alabama was that he couldn’t keep wholesome. He struggled with accidents final season and to date hasn’t participated in group drills.
The assumption right here is that he’s damage once more, however the Ravens in all probability wish to preserve these conversations non-public as a result of no matter when Armour-Davis practices once more, he has been optimistic.
Time for one more fast out.
Flowers replace
It wasn’t an amazing day for rookie large receiver Zay Flowers as he dropped a few passes, however these issues occur. I’m nonetheless satisfied, if used correctly, the first-round choose could make some large contributions to this offense.
“He’s an eager player, eager learner,” Lewis mentioned. “Wants to be great at everything he does. His quickness and explosiveness show up daily.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com