Goodbye Eugene
John Harbaugh’s gang picked up where they left off on Wednesday during Ravens minicamp day 2 as they took to the field under overcast skies for day two of their mandatory minicamp.
With the news of the teams release of left tackle Eugene Monroe spreading like wildfire, the Ravens offensive line took shape with Ronnie Stanley again taking reps at left tackle while John Urschel lined up at left guard. The two youngsters held their own in a small sample size, allowing just three quarterback hurries and one would be sack.
While there are plenty of days left to figure out the starting front line, the Ravens appear no worse off with Monroe removed as Joe Flacco’s blindside protectorate.
After all you actually have to suit up before you can help the team.
Mallet Struggles
It wasn’t a great day for any of the quarterbacks that took snaps from under center on Wednesday, particularly backup quarterback Ryan Mallett.
Mallet who played admirably in his two starts in place of the injured Joe Flacco in 2015, struggled throughout practice in both short passes and deep passes as well. On several reps, Mallett’s passes were thrown either too high or too low for his receivers and while failing to hit his receivers in stride.
Mallett’s worst play of the day came during red zone drills when he threw a pass behind Kamar Aiken and was intercepted by CB Jerraud Powers who returned it for a would be pick six.
Solid Day For Pitta
It seems all systems are go for tight end Dennis Pitta as he continued to practice with zero limitations. On several bad throws by Ryan Mallett, the veteran tight end was there to bail out the back up quarterback with some stellar grabs.
On three separate occasions, Pitta dove to make chain moving receptions which drew oohs and ahh’s from his offensive unit.
Pitta along with Watson appear to have a strong hold on the one and two tight end spots as both took numerous reps with the first team offense.
Reynolds Gets Valuable Reps
Wednesday was a busy day for the rookie from the Naval Academy as he saw a vast number of reps with both the second team offense and was the primary handler of punt returns for Jerry Rosburg’s special teams unit.
Lining up outside the numbers, while fellow rookie Chris Moore worked the slot mostly, Reynolds turned in his second straight solid practice showing his ability to get open and strong hands.
With third string quarterback Josh Johnson under center with the second team offense, the former quarterback turned wide receiver made several dazzling catches including one for a big gain over the middle with Matt Elam in coverage.
Reynolds also fared well in punt return duties as he went 4 for 4 in catches during 11 on 11 drills.
Quick Hits
Tempers flared on multiple occasions at Wednesday’s practice with rookie offensive lineman Alex Lewis involved in two heated shoving matches. The feisty rookie took issue with a block by undrafted linebacker Patrick Onwuasor which result in teammates separating the two and again with defensive end Kapron Lewis-Moore. Safety Matt Elam and tight end Nick Boyle also mixed it up after a passing play. Elam threw two punches to Boyle’s head but the two quickly shook it off.
Buck Allen saw a lot of reps in the offensive backfield splitting time with starter Justin Forsett. While the practice wasn’t padded, Allen’s cuts up field were quick and decisive. The second-year back also displayed his pass catching ability out of the backfield including a nice reception along the sideline to haul in a bad pass from Mallett.
The first team defensive line was relentless against the offense batting several passes down at the line of scrimmage while quickly filling the gaps in the running lanes. With Bronson Kaufusi out with a back ailment, defensive end Brent Urban took reps in passing situations while fellow defensive ends handled run defense reps.
Next Up
The Ravens will wrap up their final practice of mandatory mini camp with an 11:30 a.m. start time today.
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