Leaky O-Line Triggers Problems

The Baltimore Ravens got reacquainted with shoulder pads today which made for a fun practice. Football is back with the pop of pads, it’s official. Fans were treated to more mild summer conditions than we’ve experienced lately, and they used the relief from ninety-degree weather to be loud and spirited.

James Proche warmed up by playing catch with kids in the bleachers. Speaking of children, there was a high-pitched and ever-present request for Odell Beckham Jr. to do something called “The Gritty.” I’ve been informed that it’s the dance popularized by Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson… I feel old. Odell Beckham Jr. was the clear crowd favorite, but one young student of the game called out for Jeremiah Moon. That’s a deep cut as far as I’m concerned. That youngster is the MVP in the stands.

Don’t ever post anyone doin the gritty unless it Justin Jefferson pic.twitter.com/6yakU71wcN

— Drake From Degrassi♿ (@AriannasDad922) December 31, 2021

There were some standout performers on the practice field today. Trenton Simpson showed off his fantastic speed in the second level of the defense. Tyler Huntley tossed a swing pass to James Proche and Simpson flew towards the sidelines for what was an aggressive push this early into camp. Simpson was the most impressive linebacker on the field today, although Roquan Smith looks as polished and ready to go as ever.

During the 11 on 11 portion of the practice, the defense looked sharp and confident. As the Eminem song “Lose Yourself” played, the defensive front seemed to be taking notes from the rapper. Justin Madubuike had a sack. Brent Urban tipped a pass at the line of scrimmage, Odafe Oweh beat Morgan Moses off the ball and chaos ensued for the offense trying to protect the quarterback.

One defensive lineman to pay attention to is Angelo Blackson. The depth of the Ravens’ defensive line is certainly something to pay attention to. Blackson has an athletic build and he can fire off the line of scrimmage quickly. I wasn’t completely sold on him though. I wanted him to get a little more traction and cause more trouble in the backfield. He played with too high of a pad level. I saw some good reps and some bad reps from him. Keep an eye on him. He’s played with Roquan before in Chicago.

[Related Article: Tight Ends and Defense, The Ravens Way]

In the 7 on 7 portion of practice, we had some Number Five on Number Five crime. Laquon Treadwell burned past Jaylon Armour-Davis for a big catch down the field. Armour-Davis was one of the few members of the secondary that had a rough day. The cornerbacks and safeties overall, were impressive. Kyu Blu Kelly’s speed and quickness stood out as notable. He has untapped potential. The Stanford product is off to a good start in his first training camp.

Marlon Humphrey was impressive in coverage but was the victim of bad luck. He had two passes pop out of his hands that ended up being receptions for the offense. One of these plays got a stir from the crowd when Beckham Jr. caught the ricochet. Humphrey was glued to receivers though, he’s a fun player to watch. You have to respect his aggressive play early in training camp as a veteran. Kyle Hamilton was very active – as usual.

The least impressive unit was the offensive line. Ben Cleveland still looks stiff and inflexible. I was hoping John Simpson would impress me as a young guard, but his performance could be labeled as luke warm at best. Aumavee-Laula Malaesala may be the wild card for the offensive line. I don’t see anybody else stepping up and left guard is the big question mark. But there’s still time. Morgan Moses struggling with Odafe Oweh seems to be a summertime trend. While depth is a concern for the defensive front, the players they have are impressive. Madubuike was one of the best players on the field. David Ojabo stopped some backfield business flying off the edge. I think it’s safe to say that the edge rusher from Michigan is ready to chase C.J. Stroud in week one of the regular season.

At quarterback, it was a fairly solid day. Lamar Jackson didn’t do anything jaw-dropping and he had a couple of missed throws. Overall his work was good. Tyler Huntley was on his A-game today.

It’s worth noting that the players are just getting back to playing with pads and that you have to look at this practice objectively. Players have good and bad days on the practice field. This was one of the most action-packed and exciting practices since I began covering camp for Russell Street Report. I had a headache going into practice and I left completely rejuvenated. Football in pads cured me, I suppose.