CAMP NOTES: Harbaugh: ‘Today was more of a grind day’

NOTES & OBSERVATIONS

M.I.A.: Offense ~ C Matt Birk (back spasms); TE Dennis Pitta (broken hand); RB Bernard Pierce (hamstring); WR Patrick Williams (calf). Defense ~ LB Courtney Upshaw (shoulder); LB’s Dannell Ellerbe, Darryl Blackstock and Josh Bynes; NT Ma’ake Kemoeatu (unknown); DT Arthur Jones (hip); CB Jimmy Smith (back); S Ed Reed (knee).

The team opened up today as they often do with special teams drills. Chykie Brown received props from coaches for his efforts as a gunner on the punt team as did Deonte Thompson…Sean Considine is the up back on the punt team. Haruki Nakamura held that position in 2011…Asa Jackson was chastised by special teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg for failing to secure the ball fielding punts: “You’re not going to be back there if you keep dropping the ball!”

Rosburg did end the teams session saying, “Hats [special teams sock hats] off and get into your positions. That’s a great practice gentlemen.”

Nothing has changed in the kicking competition. Both Billy Cundiff and Justin Tucker were perfect on the afternoon. On the last field goal attempt of the day, Tucker drilled a kick from about 35 yards out that went through a small hole in the netting and into a fishing pond down the hill just beyond the uprights.

Haloti Ngata was back in action today and was very impressive while slapping around Bryant McKinnie and Tony Wragge (doll). After one of the confrontations with McKinnie, Ngata playfully jumped up and head butted the towering offensive tackle…Torrey Smith blew by the defense on a 9 route down the right sideline only to be overthrown by Joe Flacco who wasn’t quite as sharp today. After the play Smith teased the defense, “Y’all better get some safety help!”Later during his post practice presser a more humble Smith when asked about his rookie success said, “Instead of focusing on what I did, I’m more focused on what I left on the field.”

Towards the end of practice receivers coach Jim Hostler shot a dig in Tommy Streeter’s direction: “C’mon Tommy, we know you’re tired, we’re all tired.”…Tandon Doss made it out on to the practice field for the first time in about a week. He didn’t take a single snap with any offensive unit during situational scrimmaging…On a plus note Ray Rice took notice of a young disabled boy in the crowd wearing his jersey. It was a touching scene and quite obviously the two had met before as Rice happily exclaimed to the boy, “Don’t think I didn’t see you!”

One of the more entertaining drills that the Ravens engage in is a competition between linebackers and running backs/tight ends. The drill tests the RB’s ability to pick up a blitzing backer. Here’s a summary of the winners and losers (determined by whether or not a sack occurs) during those battles: