As the Ravens concluded their last OTA session open to the media before next week’s mandatory minicamp begins, Tuesday’s practice was the best one yet.
We’ll try not to get ahead of ourselves – as easy as it is to do this time of year – as the players are still in shorts and helmets and aren’t able to hit one another, but today’s practice was smooth.
The offense and defense appeared to be firing on all cylinders as the players are seemingly more comfortable with both Gary Kubiak’s and Dean Pees’ systems.
Here are a few observations from practice today, beginning with the offense…
- Steve Smith looks to be the real deal. It’s hard to imagine a 14-year NFL veteran working as hard as he has since arriving in Baltimore this offseason, but he’s been a model employee. Smith, who has attended every OTA this season, has a work ethic second to none. He continued his strong offseason, with another solid outing today, making plays all over the field.
- Quarterback Joe Flacco turned in his best performance since the team began OTAs. Flacco looked in complete control of the offense and was more vocal when it came to directing his teammates. Appearing more comfortable in Kubiak’s offense today than before, Joe was accurate and didn’t throw any interceptions during drills.
- New center Jeremy Zuttah looks right at home along the offensive line. Quick first steps, fast to react off the ball. Nice improvement over Gino Gradkowski, and it certainly helps when you are used to working in a zone system as Zuttah is from his days in Tampa Bay.
- Justin Forsett could be that spark the Ravens are looking for in the offensive backfield as he turned in another solid day. The speed displayed by a healthy Forsett could spell trouble for opposing defenses. On several occasions his first cut had the defense scrambling to recover.
- Absent from practice today on the offensive side of the ball were veterans Eugene Monroe and Marshal Yanda. Jah Reid (calf), and wide receivers Kamar Aiken (leg) and Jace Davis also sat out today.
On the defensive side of the ball, Tuesday’s OTA saw more of the same from a hungry young group.
- Second-year linebacker Arthur Brown continued to play fast and looks like he’s finally comfortable in Dean Pees’ defense. Rookie C.J. Mosley looked sharp and decisive.
- With the absence of Haloti Ngata and Chris Canty from OTAs, players such as rookie Timmy Jernigan, Brandon Williams, Kapron Lewis-Moore and DeAngelo Tyson are gaining valuable experience. Jernigan looks powerful and like a rotational player at this point but he is certainly one to keep an eye on.
- The battle rages on between Asa Jackson and Chykie Brown in the Ravens secondary. Both had ups and downs again on Tuesday. Although early, neither has made a commanding impression, perhaps more reason to think the team may opt to look for outside help once roster cuts are made around the league.
- Finally, on the back end of the defense, safety Matt Elam gets more and more confident every week. Although young, Elam is coming into his own and it’s showing on the practice field. Rookie safety Terrence Brooks continued to run mostly with the third team defense, a sign of still learning his assignments, but he is progressing well.
- Absent from practice today on defense were linebackers Terrell Suggs, Daryl Smith, and Elvis Dumervil, and nose tackle Terrence Cody (hip).
Follow me on Twitter @sportguyRSRÂ
