The first film footage to emerge this week from the Ravens OTAs showed Joe Flacco slapping hands with Robert Griffin III and Lamar Jackson.
Quarterback harmony in Owings Mills.
Jobs are not generally won or lost during these preseason practices. The coaches do closely watch how the players kept in shape over the offseason and how well they are picking up the playbook.
Last year, receiver Breshad Perriman was arguably the best player on the field during OTAs. However, that success didn’t translate into the regular season.
So, while the quarterback situation will be closely monitored this week, the real intrigue won’t come until training camp and the regular season.
Flacco is the starter. He would have to suffer a major injury to lose his spot on the depth chart.
However, it will be interesting to see how Jackson progresses and if the Ravens design plays to get him on the field. The team is determined to have a more dynamic offense this season and Jackson could put a couple twists into the playbook courtesy of his athleticism.
RGIII’s eventual role will also be worth watching.
Will the Ravens carry three quarterbacks? Or, is RGIII just a camp arm looking to play well enough to get an opportunity with another team? The Ravens rarely carry three quarterbacks on the active roster.
On Thursday, Flacco will address the media for the first time since the Ravens selected Jackson in the first round almost a month ago. Don’t expect too many exciting sound bites. Flacco is savvy dealing with reporters and won’t be creating any type of controversy with his comments. His body language could tell a different story, but maybe this new dynamic at quarterback will light a fire under him.
During these OTAs, the players are not allowed to have any live contact, but they can showcase their skills in 7-on-7, 9-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.
In addition, these OTAs certainly help set the tone for training camp.
The Ravens signed wide receivers John Brown and Michael Crabtree via free agency. The team also signed Willie Snead to a two-year offer sheet that the New Orleans Saints declined to match.
The success of the upcoming season could hinge on their performance. The quarterbacks and receivers need these preseason gatherings to develop chemistry.
The Ravens new corps of receivers will also get an opportunity to show they are prepared to be difference makers.
The offensive is another unit to closely watch. This could be an area of strength, especially if Marshal Yanda, Alex Lewis and Nico Siragusa return healthy. The progress of Orlando Brown Jr. will also be closely scrutinized as he battles James Hurst for the starting spot at right tackle.
The Ravens are also looking for a new starting center for the third straight year after Ryan Jensen signed with Tampa Bay in free agency. Matt Skura appears to have the inside track as the starter. However, the Ravens could revamp the line and move Lewis from left guard to center if Skura struggles. Brown would then take over at right tackle and Hurst would move to left guard. Bradley Bozeman, a sixth-round pick from Alabama, is a dark horse that could compete for reps.
There is certainly plenty to watch as the summer unfolds.
