Camp observations

[TL24x7]

From Saturday...

The WBAL live coverage from the sidelines was cheesy, embarrassing, distracting, oftentimes annoying and mostly unnecessary. If they had given Qadry Ismail the day off and just allowed Gerry Sandusky to set up Stan White to explain the various segments of practice albeit briefly, it may have worked. But for the most part it seemed like someone playing a boom box featuring The Backstreet Boys over the live tunes of Jimmy Buffett.

Throughout camp the Ravens have been emphasizing the back shoulder throw. When executed properly such a pass is nearly unstoppable. Flacco’s touch is coming along on such throws and it’s nice to see rookies Torrey Smith and Tandon Doss adapting nicely to them.

Smith looks strong and that strength combined with great hops make him an attractive weapon in the red zone. Doss is a polished route runner. He looks smooth on the field and he reminds me a bit of the Bills’ great WR Andre Reed in the way he moves. But on this Saturday he was an inconsistent pass catcher.

Joining Doss in the butterfingers category on Saturday was Dennis Pitta. Like Doss Pitta is a precise route runner and he does find soft spots in the defense. Let’s hope for both this was simply excess adrenaline running through their veins.

More plus results of late game red zone plays HERE

[Beau Petard]

TL--
Haven't these new kids on the block ever heard of stick'em?

[RavenScallywag]

Tandon Doss picked the worst day to look off. EVERY camp report I've heard other than the stadium practice has said the kid is lighting it up.

Tony, what's your thoughts on who would start opposite Boldin right now? I would think Doss, given his performance, but Torrey Smith is a higher pick, able to stretch the field, and matches up better against Boldin's skill set than Doss. Hardy doesn't seem to be pushing to beat out either rookie, and David Reed can't win a job on the PUP.

[TL24x7]

TL--
Haven't these new kids on the block ever heard of stick'em?

If you ain't cheatin....

[bensmotorcyclehelmt]

Everthing I heard about Doss prior to this is that he's caught everyhting thrown his way.

I'm sure the young WRs will get plenty of time in the preseason games...

I think he'll be fine!

[TL24x7]

Tandon Doss picked the worst day to look off. EVERY camp report I've heard other than the stadium practice has said the kid is lighting it up.

Tony, what's your thoughts on who would start opposite Boldin right now? I would think Doss, given his performance, but Torrey Smith is a higher pick, able to stretch the field, and matches up better against Boldin's skill set than Doss. Hardy doesn't seem to be pushing to beat out either rookie, and David Reed can't win a job on the PUP.

Doss has been very impressive until Saturday. I think he'll be fine also.

As for who starts...barring any late FA acquisition (and I'm not expecting one...forget Cotchery...if the Ravens did place a call as reported but some outlets, it's to raise the price for the Steelers) I think Torrey Smith will start for the reasons you mentioned.

Don't sell out on Reed just yet. He may rally and the team likes his hustle, particularly on special teams. That said, you are right, he's doing himself no favors on PUP.

[Rxdoxx]

Thanks Tony.

You mention a couple of CBs, does that mean Chykie was unimpressive? (cause I assume if he stunk you would have said so).

[RavenScallywag]

If you had to predict our Week 1 WR roster...assuming no injuries...

My guess:

Boldin, Doss, TSmith, Reed, MSmith, Hardy or Harper

[Ngata Nother Suggs]

You can never have enough good defensive lineman. I would be shocked if Redding was cut. At the end of last season he was really starting to turn it on. Glad to hear they are deep on the line. It's a good problem to have.