Tuesday was a difficult day for all NFL fans, as the biggest news in a slow period of the offseason was the unfortunate, sudden passing of former Patriots, Texans and Ravens quarterback Ryan Mallett. According to reports, Mallett died tragically in a drowning incident:
Former Arkansas QB Ryan Mallett has passed away at age 35 after drowning in Florida. He was most recently head football coach at White Hall HS in Arkansas. https://t.co/YlZ1kDnNxS
— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) June 27, 2023
Mallett was a highly recruited QB coming out of high school, and after becoming a third-round selection of the Patriots in 2011, had a promising future in the league. While that didn’t necessarily come to fruition, Mallett helped to deliver one of Baltimore’s biggest upsets when he led a struggling team to just its 5th win of the season against the Steelers in December of 2015.
For me, that win was the biggest shock I can remember. Sure, you have games against the Patriots, Chiefs, or top contenders that have surprised me, but those have usually been won by strong Ravens teams. The one Mallett led was one of the worst in recent years.
Rest in Peace, Ryan Mallett. 💜🙏 What a tragedy.
I will never forget the time you led the Ravens to victory with a win over the Steelers in week 16 – to get us to our 5th win that unbearable season. You made that underdog win even more special! pic.twitter.com/WMaKmavSA8— Elle 🖤 (@elletalksravens) June 27, 2023
Since stepping away from the NFL, Mallett turned toward coaching, becoming the head coach of White Hall High School in his home state of Arkansas. Mallett was just 35, may he rest in peace.
It’s impossible to segue away from that kind of news and discussion, but there is more news in the Twitterverse from Tuesday to fill you all in on.
First, the training camp schedule was released for the Ravens, so you can get your plans ready for a preseason trip to M&T Bank or the Under Armor Performance Center:
Ravens training camp schedule #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/rXxTO7txSj
— Cordell Woodland (@CordellWoodland) June 27, 2023
As of now, the stadium practice is listed for July 29th, while the joint practices with Washington fall on August 15th and 16th. I’m most excited for the face-offs with the Commanders, especially to see which of the new WRs stand out in their first bouts with first-round CB Emmanuel Forbes.
Speaking of the revamped WR room, another fanbase is starting to look a lot like Baltimore’s, as Bills supporters are getting restless with the drama around Stefon Diggs and DeAndre Hopkins. For Ravens fans, that’s a joke:
Ravens fans watching Bills fans argue about WRs https://t.co/5lB0fxGgOG pic.twitter.com/sidXXM0wlD
— Katy Santander (@flockfanatic) June 27, 2023
After decades devoid of receiving talent, it finally feels like the Ravens have impact players all over the room. At the same time, Baltimore fans have slightly curbed their enthusiasm. As we all know, injuries strike and players disappoint. Looking good on paper does not guarantee anything.
What is guaranteed, however, is the Ravens’ social media team crushing the content game. On Tuesday, they had players read mean Tweets about them, Jimmy Kimmel style.
We kept the receipts 📝🤣 pic.twitter.com/w2d9BmQ01U
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 27, 2023
These are always funny, but come on, how is Marlon Humphrey not a part of it?
To close today’s Out to Lunch, I’ll leave you all with a question, which was originally posed by The Ravens Realm yesterday:
We know Ed Reed is the greatest safety in Ravens franchise/NFL History
Who would you say is the 2nd greatest safety in Ravens franchise history? 💭 pic.twitter.com/S3i8yrZzYx
— The Ravens Realm (@RealmRavens) June 27, 2023
In my book, it’s the legend Rod Woodson, who helped lead the best defense of all time and was instrumental in the franchise’s first Super Bowl. Who do you think it is?
