Earlier I reported on some observations that fans asked for. Now, here are a few other notes from today’s practice session.
Not Practicing Today
A few players opted out of practice due to their respective positions on our nation’s social discord. Others where shown, skipped due to injuries:
Kenjon Barner (leg), Chris Moore (finger), Justice Hill (leg), Josh Nurse (groin), Jaleel Scott (ribs), D.J. Fluker, Matthew Judon, Anthony Levine, Sr, Marcus Peters and Brandon Williams. Anthony Averett who had a very good practice today, left the field with some discomfort. It is suspected that he suffered some form of groin injury although as of this writing that has not been confirmed.
Other Notes & Observations
Lamar Jackson was not as sharp today as he’s been throughout camp and was intercepted for the first time this summer. He did however fire a couple of strikes to Willie Snead, one on an intermediate crosser, hitting the receiver in full stride which allowed Willie to dissect the secondary with some impressive YAC. Earlier in practice Lamar hit Snead on a comeback just beyond the right pylon for a score. It was a perfectly placed laser…Averett broke up a pass in the right back corner of the end zone intended for Miles Boykin. Averett’s back was to the quarterback but he watched Boykin closely and just as the ball arrived, the reserve corner punched it out of the tall receivers hands…CB Terrell Bonds is a feisty, scrappy player and broke up a few passes during drills. He competes hard on every snap as does Ravens TE Mark Andrews. The 2019 Pro Bowler just works at his craft with tenacious determination and just seems to get open at will.
In a drill that John Harbaugh refers to as “Gotta have it!”, the team attempts to convert on fourth down. During the plays I charted the offense converted on 3 of 4 plays on 4th-and-3, and failed twice on both 4th-and-5 and 4th-and-7. On one of the 4th-and-7 attempts, Pernell McPhee batted Jackson’s attempt into the air. The ball fell incomplete despite being surrounded by several defenders.
Trace McSorley is losing the battle for the No. 3 QB spot on the Ravens roster. He just seems to be pressing and at this point it would be a mild upset if he wins the job. The one thing he has in his favor is his understanding of the offense. But that hasn’t translated to effectiveness on the practice field. Today during 11-on-11 scrimmaging, the Ravens offense created some confusion for the defense and when all was said and done, Gus Edwards was streaking down the left sideline all alone without a defender nearby. McSorley overthrew Gus by a good 5 yards…CB Khalil Dorsey had a nice session but that didn’t stop James Proche from trucking him after hauling in a pass on a bubble screen. Dorsey atoned later with a nice diving pick in the red zone off a tipped pass thrown by Robert Griffin, III.
Previously I’ve touted what a great fit J.K. Dobbins is in the Ravens offense as a runner. But the former Buckeye is also an accomplished route runner and pass catcher. The way the Ravens can spread a defense with Marquise Brown, Mark Andrews and of course Lamar, Dobbins is going to get some one-on-one opportunities with linebackers in space and when he does, look out…Justin Ellis filled in for Brandon Williams and was disruptive. He has a chance to provide the Ravens with some quality reps in their D-line rotations…During one-on-one drills Pat Ricard pancaked Jaylon Ferguson. Ricard walked by Ferguson after the play without saying a word. Ferguson sheepishly followed suit.
There will be only two more “training camp” practices open to the media. Next week, the media will only be allowed to observe during stretching and warmups. It’s hard to believe but this coming Tuesday is September 1. Seventeen days until Ravens v. Browns.
