CAMP NOTES: Tune up for Atlanta

The Ravens practiced inside on Tuesday in shorts, jerseys and shells. Space is limited particularly when the team is carrying 90 players. Consequently the quarterbacks warmed up close to the corner where the media gathers. As a testament to how relaxed Joe Flacco is these days, he intentionally fired a laser over the heads of the media and into the wall in order to startle the group. Luckily I was watching. Those who weren’t, well let’s just say they were victims.

“I just wanted to see if I could scare you guys at all”, said Flacco. I was a little bit scared about where the ricochet might come off and hit somebody, but I just wanted to send a little scare. I said, ‘Hey, you think it’d be funny if I did it?’ And everybody was like, ‘Yeah, do it. Do it. Do it.’”

Later during warm-ups Ray Rice took reps with the quarterbacks throwing passes to receivers and tight ends. It was an interesting contrast watching the 6’6” big armed right-hander Flacco throw beside the diminutive left-handed Rice.

Jacoby Jones didn’t practice today. John Harbaugh pulled Jones out of practice yesterday saying, “I just felt like he had done enough.” Jones like all who didn’t practice on Tuesday is unlikely to play on Thursday.  That would include Jimmy Smith, Dannell Ellerbe, Arthur Jones, Patrick Williams, Bernard Pierce, Jah Reid (who has yet to hit the field), Matt Birk, Darryl Blackstock, Josh Bynes and of course David Reed, Dennis Pitta and Terrell Suggs.

Courtney Upshaw did return to the practice field on Tuesday but it would be a mild surprise to see him take the field tomorrow night in Atlanta as he recovers from what he described as a shoulder sprain.

OTHER NOTES & OBSERVATIONS

On the first play of red zone scrimmaging, Joe Flacco was intercepted in the back of the end zone by Corey Graham who continues to exceed expectations…Flacco with the guidance of QB Coach Jim Caldwell is beginning to show development in some of the finer nuances of quarterbacking. He’s become a more efficient ball handler and his cadence can be disruptive to the defense’s timing. Unfortunately on Tuesday Flacco’s hard count gave the offense more problems than the defense…Flacco has shown improved accuracy and confidence throwing inside the hash marks during camp as compared to the balance of his career. It will be interesting to see how that translates to games for Flacco and more importantly play caller Cam Cameron.

It was interesting to see how the kickers utilized the limited indoor space. While scrimmaging took place on the field, both Billy Cundiff and Justin Tucker kicked 40 yard field goals from out of bounds at a near 45 degree angle…This competition has been very close with both kickers performing very well. Tucker for the moment as a slight edge.

Journeyman receiver Logan Payne has practice very well showcasing soft hands and precise route running. Yesterday he caught a skinny post from Tyrod Taylor for a touchdown in heavy traffic. Making the grab more impressive was that the pass with heavy zip was deflected and slightly redirected. Payne is a long shot yet someone to keep an eye on. He may remind viewers of a bigger version of Brandon Stokley.

Here are the results of the first team’s 2:00 drill yesterday: