With the Ravens completing their fifth full-squad practice of training camp on Monday, I’ve offered a dozen thoughts, each in 50 words or less:
1. The offense has competed pretty admirably despite key absences, but you wonder how constructive current team reps are without the star quarterback, your left tackle, two of the top three wide receivers, your best blocking tight end, and one of your top two running backs. Monday was a clear struggle.
2. Wink Martindale’s unit easily won the day with constant pressure in the pocket and very few big plays surrendered in a practice without pads or live contact. Derek Wolfe and second-year outside linebacker Chauncey Rivers were among those batting down passes at the line of scrimmage.
3. Not only did Marquise Brown miss a third straight practice with a hamstring injury worse than initially thought, but Rashod Bateman sitting out with “muscle tightness” is mildly concerning after he downplayed tweaking something in his leg Saturday. The rookie had been gaining steam in the previous practice or two.
4. Asked about his part in helping recruit Justin Houston, Marcus Peters described how influential the four-time Pro Bowl selection was showing “genuine love” as a mentor in Kansas City. Peters doesn’t mince words, so the Ravens have to like the potential leadership they’re adding in addition to the pass-rushing help.
The Justin Houston deal is no longer pending the passing of a physical. His signing is now official. #Ravens
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5. Houston’s official addition seemingly puts Jaylon Ferguson on notice, especially considering he hasn’t carved out any kind of a meaningful presence on special teams over his first two seasons. You’d have to think the third-year outside linebacker needs a strong preseason to avoid being on the roster bubble.
6. Speaking of 2019 third-round picks seemingly on shaky footing, Miles Boykin left the field with an apparent hamstring strain and dropped a couple passes during Monday’s practice to continue an underwhelming start to camp. An extended absence would be bad news for the Notre Dame product.
7. Meanwhile, James Proche turned in another good practice to continue a strong start. We need to see Proche continue this with the introduction of live contact and Lamar Jackson’s return, but he’s making the most of his reps while others are sidelined. Watching him in preseason games should be fun.
8. Rob Ryan said it would be his own fault as inside linebackers coach if 2020 first-round pick Patrick Queen isn’t “fantastic” this season, praising his athleticism and how smart he is. The Ryans have always been a media-savvy coaching family, but I respect putting it all out there like that.
9. Ronnie Stanley was spotted chatting with John Harbaugh on the field during Saturday’s practice, and his return can’t come soon enough. Let’s just say a number of fill-in left tackles haven’t looked very promising, but right tackle Alejandro Villanueva would figure to be Stanley’s true backup during the season.
10. Peters intercepted Trace McSorley and proceeded to lateral the ball to Chuck Clark for a defensive touchdown, a move Ed Reed would have enjoyed. Asked about the comparison, Harbaugh said, “There’s a list, and he’s probably on the list.” With 31 career interceptions in six seasons, I’d say so.
11. Reserve quarterback Kenji Bahar made one of the best throws of the day when he connected with Deon Cain on a deep sideline route during a 7-on-7 drill. The Calvert Hall product was re-signed after Jackson’s COVID-19 positive, and he’s looked much more comfortable than he did during spring workouts.
12. After a longer acclimation period introduced under last year’s collective bargaining agreement, the Ravens will practice in pads and hit for the first time on Tuesday. It’s time to ramp up the intensity and speed after a week of workouts largely resembling what we see in the spring.
