The Ravens deep secondary had some early success against the offense in Owings Mills today.
However, once Joe Flacco and his receivers got into sync, the tone of the sun-splashed practice completely changed. The veteran quarterback is having one of his best training camps throwing the ball deep downfield. It’s clear Flacco is fully healthy and poised for a bounce-back season.
John Brown beat Brandon Carr for a 45-yard gain on a deft pass from Flacco. Later in the day, Brown and Michael Crabtree both fended off tight coverage from Marlon Humphrey for long gains.
Willie Snead also ran past rookie Darious Williams to catch a pass from Robert Griffin III, who showcased his strong arm for much of the morning session.
Kai Nacua did manage an interception on an errant pass by Lamar Jackson. However, it appeared rookie Jaleel Scott ran the wrong route.
Jackson redeemed himself on the next play with a long touchdown pass to third-year DeVier Posey, who is also having a strong camp. Jackson later made a nice, deep throw on the run to tight end Nick Keizer who running down far sideline.
Breshad Perriman has made some key receptions over the last few practices. The Ravens will have tough decisions to make with the deep group of receivers.
“This new receiving corps we’ve got, we’ve been looking good,” Chris Moore said. “Our main mission is to go out here and make plays. Every time we come out here, we practice hard, and we’ve been making some good plays out here.”
Players unable to practice consisted of tight end Mark Andrews, tackle Greg Senat, running back Kenneth Dixon, guard Randin Crecelius, linebackers Terrell Suggs and Tyus Bowser, cornerbacks Maurice Canady and Bennett Jackson and safeties Tony Jefferson and Anthony Levine Sr.
“The only thing I’d say about the injury thing is we don’t have anything serious,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. “We have training camp stuff that we rest guys from, but nothing serious.”
Alex Lewis was back after missing Friday for undisclosed reason. Hayden Hurst was also able to practice and made a nice catch across the middle of the field. Hurst has shown he can be a playmaker when he’s on the field.
Other tidbits
— Tim White is having an exceptional camp and has the inside track as both the primary returner for kickoffs and punts. Rookie receiver Janarion Grant is also pushing for a roster spot as a returner.
— Tight end Nick Boyle took some reps as a long snapper. He is the primary backup behind Morgan Cox.
— Andrews’ inability to stay on the field makes him an IR candidate.
— Griffin III is listed as the No. 2 quarterback behind Flacco with Jackson at No. 3. This will likely change by the end of camp, but Griffin is more polished as a passer.
— The Ravens had an aggressive drill with the running backs trying to block incoming pass rushers. The running backs mostly performed well against their bigger teammates.
— Rookie receiver Jordan Lasley is having an uneven camp. He will make a nice reception, but then drop a soft pass.
