TRENDS AND TECHNIQUES
The receivers have been doing a better job of getting off the line against press coverage and perhaps the most interesting development is that they are using their feet more than their hands to break free. Using a combination of hesitation moves, the receivers are selling the routes one way, only to change direction sharply to get separation from the opposing defensive back.
The receivers’ quick footwork at the line has also victimized Chykie Brown, who continued to struggle in coverage on Wednesday. He simply can’t find a way to impede their release, and he has an even harder time recovering downfield.
After another poor series of plays during 7-on-7 drills, Steve Smith took Brown aside and gave him a quick lesson on what he’s doing wrong with his technique. Smith then proceeded to pat Brown’s helmet to give the third-year corner a confidence boost. That moment illustrated Smith’s leadership and ever-growing presence on the team…
There was a great moment today that captured the power of motion and movement from the offense. Three different shifts took place on the same snap, causing the defense to shift each time as well.
Not only did the defenders have to make an adjustment to the motion action, but it also slowed down their aggressiveness. Motion forces defensive players to react versus attack. It also keeps the defense on their toes when it comes to timing the snap count…
PLAYERS THAT STOOD OUT ON WEDNESDAY
Owen Daniels: Daniels showed up today in a couple of instances in which he traversed the deep-middle region of the defense. In a matchup against Courtney Upshaw, the former Texan was able to get a clean release and gained separation to snag the ball. He was also involved more often as the motion player and operated from the slot a few times.
Kamar Aiken: After rookie Jeremy Butler started out guns-a-blazing in the race for the sixth receiver spot, Aiken has been gaining ground. Aiken is a big target (6-2, 220 pounds) who does a nice job of squaring his routes, especially on comebacks and hitches. Given his big frame, he is an easy target for quarterbacks to find and trust over the middle.
While he is a crafty route runner in general, he is better on shorter routes than longer routes. He is slower out of the gate and slightly hampered by a longer stride on deeper patterns. Without the speed, Aiken will have a harder time selling the deep route to get loose underneath.
Although the deep game isn’t his forte, he looks like a viable possession receiver in the making.
Jah Reid: Reid put together another solid performance as the backup right tackle. He seems to have found his home after moving around between left tackle and guard most of his career.
Reid was particularly impressive on a pull block in which he sealed the right edge and got the key block to spring Lorenzo Taliaferro. The run went for big yardage into the secondary.
Reid also looked solid in pass protection situations, displaying a powerful punch and aggressive hands. On a tackle-end stunt – one of the toughest line stunts to block – Reid handled the exchange perfectly and kept the right side clean.
Other Notes:
• With LB Daryl Smith out today, rookie C.J. Mosley got the start alongside Arthur Brown. It was exciting to see the starting tandem of the future fly around on the field.
• Safety Terrence Brooks did a nice job handling one-on-one coverage against Kyle Juszczyk when the fullback shifted to his side. Brooks used the sideline to his advantage and closed fast on Juszczyk to keep the coverage tight.
• While quarterback Joe Flacco’s throws were late, causing receivers to turn back for the football, Jacoby Jones did a nice job of stealing the ball away from safety Matt Elam on a touchdown strike.
