Each season during Ravens Training Camp a mantra of sorts seems to emerge, like “Embrace The Grind” from a few seasons back. And while this season is still very young and devoid of such Dalai Lama-like motivation, it is clear that two thematic topics are front and center in the team’s approach thus far – turnovers and versatility.

On offense ball carriers are using footballs that whistle during individual drills to encourage proper technique while securing the football. Offensive linemen are diving on footballs and cradling them like they are protecting newborn infants from danger.

Photo Credit: Baltimore Ravens

Defenders are continually looking to strip the football. As defensive linemen take on tackling dummies while refining their pass rush moves, the final dummy in the drill is the quarterback and the last maneuver for each participant is a strip sack attempt. Defensive backs are learning to go back on the ball like an outfielder that has his back to the ball initially, then turning to find it and secure the interception. Although in this drill, the ball isn’t a football – it’s a yellow tennis ball swatted into the air with a tennis racket by a defensive assistant.

All of this and more is an obvious attempt to reverse a couple of disturbing stats from 2015. The Ravens were 31st in the league in turnover differential with a -14 and they were dead last in the NFL in interceptions with 6.

As for the theme of versatility, many players are being asked to do different things. Defensive backs are playing in a variety of spots; linebackers are moving to various locations on the field and the pass rush is being emphatically stressed to all defenders.

“That’s a big part of our plan”, explained John Harbaugh when asked about versatility.

“I just think we’re trying to figure that out right now. We want everybody on our defense to be a pass rusher. We are working really hard at that to try to train all of our guys to be pass rushers. With that, the pass rushers – that’s what they do for a living – to be able to move them around in different spots and have them coming from different places is something that we want to do.”

Secondary Play is a Primary Concern

Photo Credit: Baltimore Ravens

As evidenced by the dearth of turnovers and a few other disturbing stats from 2015 (below), improved secondary play from the Ravens has to be a priority. John Harbaugh added secondary coach Leslie Frazier to the staff this offseason to help in that regard. He might also be the on deck hitter for Dean Pees if we witness more of the following in 2016:

• Points per play allowed (0.401) ~ Ranked 26
• Opponent’s Passer Rating (99.6) ~ Ranked 27
• Opponent’s Completion % (64.2) ~ Ranked 21
• 3rd Down Conversions/Game (5.4) ~ Ranked 22
• 3rd Down Conversion % (39.8) ~ Ranked 20

So How Did The Secondary Look Today?

In a word – inconsistent.

Let’s start with the good…

Shareece Wright was the team’s best corner following his baptism of fire against the 49ers. His technique is solid and regardless of the route, Wright is regularly in position to make a play…Will Davis had a strong outing and like Wright his technique is sharp. During 1 on 1 drills he recovered nicely to break up a sluggo route despite a nice move by Keenan Reynolds and tear drop in a bucket toss from Flacco. Later on during 7 on 7 drills, Davis broke up a short out route to deny a third down conversion. Later Davis intercepted a pass in the end zone from Ryan Mallett intended for a flanked out Dennis Pitta.

Tavon Young had a productive day overall but not without its warts. He nearly picked off Mallett during 7 on 7 drills while covering a short slant. Later when covering Kaelin Clay he showed an excellent burst to make up lost ground and then effectively boxed out Clay to make the interception. Young was also in good position to make plays in several other situations, assuming he’s an efficient tackler. That remains to be seen. When asked to blitz he showed a nice burst in short spaces.

The day wasn’t all good for Young. He was turned around on one play by Kamar Aiken, which led to a 50-yard scoring strike from Josh Johnson.

Jimmy Smith

If the Ravens are going to cure their secondary woes from a year ago, consistency and high competency from Jimmy Smith is a prerequisite. If today is any indication, he has a ways to go before either becomes reality. Smith looks sluggish, his change of direction skills are stiff and his speed looks off, as does his technique. On one play he failed to turn to look for the ball and was torched on a long back shoulder throw from Flacco to Kamar Aiken. Later in what could have been a blown coverage without expected help from the safety, rookie Chris Moore torched Smith on a 55-yard scoring strike from Flacco.

Smith could still be in recovery mode from offseason foot surgery and his subpar day may stem from that. Perhaps he just isn’t going pedal to the metal just yet. It is worth watching going forward. Let’s label it a mild concern for now.

Other Secondary Notes

Maurice Canady looked smooth at times in his backpedal but was flagged for defensive holding after biting on a move by Keenan Reynolds…Terrence Brooks remains inconsistent and has limited ball skills. He’s third team on the depth charts for now and did little today to climb the ladder. He was in position to intercept Ryan Mallett but clumsily lost his footing. He allowed Clay to slip past him and in his attempt to recover he was flagged for a 40-yard DPI. It was a ticky-tacky call and could have been a no-call, but that’s the way it goes in the NFL…The Ravens showed a lot of nickel today and the first unit consisted of Smith-Weddle-Webb-Arrington-Wright…Jerraud Powers has yet to pass his conditioning test…Based on today’s play (granted it’s a small sample size), expect Young at some point to take away Arrington’s position with the first unit.