We’re still weeks out from the start of Ravens training camp, but we’re already being blessed with content from the team. They released another episode of ‘Wired,’ with a teaser clip of Odell Beckham Jr. making a one-handed catch in practice.
OBJ makes one-handed, fingertips catch.
Ravens WR Coach Keith Williams: “Oh, I like that type of stuff! I like that type of stuff!”
WRs: “No you don’t!”
Williams: “Only from him.”
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) June 29, 2023
Assistant WRs coach and pass game specialist Keith Williams couldn’t help himself, hyping up OBJ for the tricky catch and drawing some disagreement, from Tylan Wallace and James Proche in particular.
They aren’t wrong – Williams routinely chastises his receivers for attempting one-handed catches – but it’s hard to blame him for his excitement. Beckham the most talented receiver Williams has ever coached, and his mere presence on the practice field makes the offense feel so much more dangerous.
The content parade continued into the weekend as Zay Flowers and Lamar Jackson linked up in Florida to get some individual workouts in.
That Lamar Jackson ➡️ Zay Flowers connection is looking great pic.twitter.com/1b0mhlKhSA
— The Ravens Realm (@RealmRavens) June 28, 2023
Their chemistry is going to take some time to show up on the field, especially in a new offense, but the Ravens have both players locked down for five years. That’s five years of offseason workouts, training camps, practices and games in which the duo can refine their craft, down to the tiniest details. Where should Lamar place the ball when targeting Zay running a crosser as opposed to an out? How can Zay make himself easy to find for Lamar in broken plays and scramble drills?
Lamar Jackson 🤝 Zay Flowers
Can’t wait to see it! #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/8EwFJuKPVR
— Nic Mason (@British_Raven19) June 28, 2023
And then OBJ showed up. There wasn’t much content featuring Jackson, Beckham and Flowers together during mandatory minicamp, so seeing the three of them working together felt like a long-awaited release of months of anticipation.
Lamar Jackson, Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. getting together for workouts this weekend.
(via IG/spencefit__) pic.twitter.com/rE67v0WPhe
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) July 2, 2023
Seriously, travel back in time to March and show this video to a Ravens fan, and they’ll think they’re in the middle of a fever dream.
Gaining Chemistry 🔋@Lj_era8 x @obj pic.twitter.com/2TDiMgjfrr
— The Ravens Realm (@RealmRavens) July 2, 2023
It’s also fantastic to see Jackson so excited about working with Beckham, by far the best receiver he’s ever thrown to. He didn’t openly express his frustration with his receiver corps, but the deficiencies were apparent to even the most casual observer. And while Odell can’t really be considered a top-10 receiver like he once was, his experience, talent and personality still carry plenty of weight around the league, especially to Lamar.
Building the brotherhood
(Via austin.shotz on IG) #ravensflock pic.twitter.com/QU4IJCjCKj
— Angie Michelle (@AnGdmedizzle) July 2, 2023
It’s safe to say that Beckham wanted to play with Jackson, too.
Action Jackson 8!!! Shxt really krazy famo @Lj_era8
— Odell Beckham Jr (@obj) July 3, 2023
Just as OBJ is the best receiver Jackson’s ever had, Jackson is probably the best quarterback Beckham has ever caught passes from.
Lamar, OBJ and Zay Flowers mixing some fun in with their workout lol #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/Ci49CODFkd
— Cordell Woodland (@CordellWoodland) July 2, 2023
And of course, the Jackson-Beckham-Flowers trio couldn’t help but have a little fun. I can’t be sure about Odell given his long, high-profile career, but I don’t think Jackson has ever taken part in a comedic skit like that, especially during a practice session. Maybe it’s another sign that he’s left behind the years-long contract-offensive coordinator-wide receiver saga that arguably limited the early progression of his career.
Lamar Jackson MVP Season 🔜 pic.twitter.com/mnDELdLYou
— The Ravens Realm (@RealmRavens) July 2, 2023
Jackson has the talent. We’ve known that since he entered the league. But now he has everything he needs – receiving weapons, a strong offensive line, a brilliant coordinator, and most importantly, freedom to be Lamar Jackson.
POV: Ur looking at the 2023-24 MVP #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/Wr3LRe0wWY
— 𝙕𝙖𝙘𝙝🦦® (@NewEraZach) July 2, 2023
MVP season loading…
2 Responses
So, Where was Rashad? He could certainly use the practice.
Who knows? Rashod. Let’s get positive. It’s great to see Lamar and Z and OBJ practicing this off-season. They are new and need to develop chemistry vs. Rashod. He’s been here two seasons although limited. Maybe it’s good that Rashod limits his pre-season snaps and gets healthy for the regular season. IMO we have the depth now. Let’s try to get everybody healthy for the regular season. It gives us more weapons, more flexibility, and creates headaches for opposing defenses. It’s all good.