While Ryan Mallett‘s Struggles Continue
The Ravens were back out on the field for an 8:45 a.m. practice under cloudy skies with temperatures in the mid 70’s.
Donned in pads for the second-consecutive day, players lined up with their positional coaches for individual drills prior to the start of team drills.
Missing in Action
OLB Terrell Suggs, OLB Elvis Dumervil, WR Steve Smith Sr., WR Breshad Perriman and RB Lorenzo Taliaferro all remain on the physically unable to perform list.
TE Crockett Gillmore, WR Chris Moore (walking boot), DE Timmy Jernigan (undisclosed), TE Dennis Pitta (sprained thumb) did not participate in Friday’s practice.
Justin Forsett, Albert McClellan, Kamar Aiken, Benjamin Watson, Jeremy Zuttah, Marshal Yanda and Eric Weddle were given a veteran day off.
Studs of the Day
Filling in for Eric Weddle, safety Kendrick Lewis turned in his best training camp practice of the summer. Lewis, along with Lardarius Webb led the Ravens defensive backfield during both seven on seven and 11 on 11 team drills. Lewis was solid in coverage and was responsible for numerous pass
break-ups and several near interceptions. Lewis’ best moment came during a two-minute drill near the end of practice as he intercepted Joe Flacco at the goal line on a pass intended for tight end Darren Waller.
Wide receiver Chris Matthews has quietly strung together several successful practices against the first and second team defenses. On Friday, Matthews showed how versatile he’s become adjusting to several under and over thrown passes. His best play came when he put a double move on Anthony Levine and Julian Wilson to gain separation for a would be touchdown. Unfortunately, the play was called back due to offensive holding. The former Super Bowl XLIX hero has up to the challenge of the stiff competition at the receiver position.
Cornerback Will Davis has only been back to practice for two days but is making his mark since his return. On Thursday, the former Miami Dolphin devoured running back Stephen Houston on a pass out of the backfield for a three-yard loss and today he delivered a jarring hit on on wide receiver Dobsin Collins as he made a catch, popping the ball loose. Davis’s play drew praise from the defensive bench.
Duds of the Day
Ryan Mallet’s struggles continue and the coaching staff has to take notice sooner rather than later. Again, Mallett’s throws were off target including many directed at the feet of his wide receiver corps. On Friday, Mallett nearly got his receivers hurt throwing balls so far out of their catch radius, defensive backs were licking their chops at the chance to deliver big hits. At one point during practice, Josh Johnson (third string) took reps with the second team offense.
The play of James Hurst is alarming whether at left tackle or left guard. Taking reps with the first team offense in lieu of other absences, Hurst gave up numerous quarterback pressures, including one to safety Terrence Brooks who was credited with a Joe Flacco sack. Unless the third-year player improves quickly, the Ravens must take action finding depth at guard and/or tackle.
Flachometer
Joe Flacco’s day was affected in part by the poor play of the offensive line. Without Yanda and Zuttah, Joe had little time to set and consequently his performance suffered. Let’s hope that today was a wakeup call to the front office. They really need to improve the quality of their reserves.
Play of the Day
On first and ten from the 30-yard line during two-minute drills, quarterback Joe Flacco rifled a pass to tight end Darren Waller who was immediately hit by safety Kendrick Lewis at the goal line. Lewis’s bone crushing hit jarred the football loose into the air and Lewis intercepted the pass.
Other Observations
Wide receiver Keenan Reynolds fared well as a kick returner during special team drills at the beginning of practice. Reynolds struggled finding seams and back peddling on prior returns but had several long returns for Jerry Rosburg. Reynolds did however see his reps all but disappear in punt return drills as Michael Campanaro and Kaelin Clay handled the majority of snaps. Reynolds was also seen after practice catching passes from the Juggs machine.
Kicker Justin Tucker was perfect on the day with his field goal attempts. Tucker hit kicks from 34, 40, 48 and 53 yards during team drills.
Rookie cornerback Tavon Young is handling the responsibility of special teams like a veteran player just two weeks into camp. As a gunner Young was able to corral a booming Sam Koch punt at the three-yard line before it rolled into the end zone for a touchback.
Linebacker Arthur Brown played well for the second straight day. In coverage, Brown walloped running back Kenneth Dixon as he caught a short pass across the middle of the field causing the pass to fall incomplete.
Quote of the Day
“Fullback’s get your asses out here right now. We don’t have time to wait on you.” Special teams coach Jerry Rosburg to his return team during special teams drills.
On Deck
The Ravens will take part in their second open practice on the new grass field at M&T Bank Stadium Saturday evening with a 6 p.m. kickoff time. There will be fireworks/laser show following practice at 9 p.m. for those in attendance.
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