As the Ravens concluded their last open practice on Monday night in preparation for their first preseason game against the visiting San Francisco 49ers on Thursday, the defense – more precisely, the secondary – is a work in progress.
After having a rough week of practice, cornerback Chykie Brown was impressive both during one-on-one and 11-on-11 drills. Brown has battled back hard after spending much of the first two weeks not only being burned by opposing wide receivers, but also being a short-lived resident in Coach Harbaugh’s doghouse.
Brown was the recipient of a tipped pass off the hands of tight end Dennis Pitta and made a remarkable play to break up a pass intended for wide receiver Kamar Aiken. Chykie struggles to locate the football but the young corner is making strides as he is currently looking up at Asa Jackson for the role of the team’s third cornerback.
Notes & Observations
While Brown enjoyed a solid night of practice, his counterpart Jackson wasn’t at his best. He gave up an easy touchdown to Steve Smith Sr. after the former Carolina Panther juked the young corner causing him to fall to the turf. Jackson looked sluggish at times as his reps have increased with the absence of Lardarius Webb. He did however have a nice pass break up along the sideline early on in practice.
Second-year safety Matt Elam has had a quiet camp thus far. While he is being recognized as a leader in the Ravens secondary, he hasn’t exactly stood out as of yet. Ravens fans shouldn’t worry though, as if his college career and rookie NFL season are any indication, Elam knows how to turn it on when it counts the most. Fellow safety Jeromy Miles saw a lot of reps, as he split time with Elam.
Second-year linebacker Arthur Brown saw a lot of reps on Monday had several quality plays including tackling running back Bernard Pierce for a loss. While rookie C.J. Mosley has been running with the first team defense, Brown will see plenty of action throughout the preseason and regular season.
The Ravens got a huge break with the return of cornerback Jimmy Smith, who left practice early on Sunday. Linebacker Daryl Smith returned to practice on Monday after missing some time with a groin injury.
Not Practicing
Webb (back), Terrence Cody (hip) and newly signed cornerback Marrio Norman (unknown) all missed practice on Monday.
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