Regardless of the hype across the Ravens offense and the personnel additions this low season, Todd Monken has made it clear that fan pleasure and media consideration don’t matter examine to what he’s seeing on the sphere. And to date, it’s not so good.
“We’re not likely good proper now,” Monken stated yesterday. “We received an extended methods to go.”
No kidding.
Friday’s observe was a slog for the offense, with little success towards a depleted Ravens protection that was lacking Rock Ya-Sin, David Ojabo, Geno Stone and Trenton Simpson.
With pads on, the speeding offense is taking clearer form and was the best a part of crimson zone work. Undrafted rookie Keaton Mitchell has made noticeable strides carrying the ball because the spring, and his particular groups contributions will solely add to his case for a roster spot.
Regardless of the emphasis on throwing the ball by each Monken and Lamar Jackson, they could must lean on the bottom recreation originally of the yr because the passing offense will get settled. The entire consideration on the Ravens’ air assault will open up speeding lanes, particularly with the ever-present menace of Lamar Jackson’s legs.
Jackson and the remainder of Baltimore’s quarterbacks didn’t have the sharpest day, particularly throwing up the sidelines and into the tip zones. There have been few clear drops with many of the incompletions coming from imperfect passes.
As standard, Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. had been the very best receivers on the sphere.
Flowers had a leaping circus catch over Jalyn Armour-Davis that was George Pickens-esque to go together with a lower-than-usual share of targets. He didn’t have any focus drops, although, and constantly received clear separation from Baltimore’s cornerbacks, together with Marlon Humphrey.
Beckham roasted Armour-Davis on his spotlight rep, getting wide-open and exhibiting off his stability to make a troublesome sideline seize and nonetheless choose up some yards after the catch. OBJ has been placing on a clinic of late separation and delicate manipulation up to now in camp, and his athleticism is beginning to catch up.
You realize what this provides as much as 🔥 pic.twitter.com/t74T7tNXvC
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 4, 2023
Tylan Wallace continues to be probably the most constant depth wideout, operating crisp routes and catching all the things thrown his manner. He corralled a heater from Jackson in site visitors in the direction of the tip of observe, the type of throw and catch that helps to construct a rapport between QB and WR.
Additional down the depth chart, Tarik Black and Sean Ryan had strong days, wanting like execs with a pair of back-shoulder catches in crimson zone work.
Nelson Agholor didn’t have a flashy day, however each rep he takes is a aggressive one.
Similar goes for Kevon Seymour, who had a number of move break-ups on the day. The Ravens would love if Jalyn Armour-Davis can emerge as a CB2/3 – relying on Rock Ya-Sin’s standing – but when not, Seymour could possibly be in line for some early season taking part in time.
[Related Article: Training Camp Roundup]
Brandon Stephens will definitely get snaps on this protection as a key contributor who can do a number of issues from a number of alignments. He had just a few performs on the ball as nicely as we speak, together with a tip-drill interception initiated by Seymour.
21 did one thing for ’em@BSteve_1 | @Hyundai pic.twitter.com/uqtfiKNiB3
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 4, 2023
Armour-Davis is getting a ton of reps, and it’s a trial by fireplace for second-year nook. He’s inclined to getting burned, however he works arduous on each snap, flashing his restoration pace and physicality on the catch level even when he loses a route. The staff appears to be inspired by his progress; all that continues to be to be seen is his well being over the course of the season.
Kyle Hamilton was dominant on protection all through observe, shutting down Mark Andrew’s to the purpose of triggering seen and vocal frustration from the All Professional TE following one matchup between the 2. Hamilton appeared good within the first week of camp, however with pads on, he seems nice. Within the early, minimal-contact practices, observers needed to think about his capability to bodily problem opposing receivers at and after the catch level. Regardless that he can’t degree his teammates in observe, he can nonetheless be much more disruptive along with his dimension, energy and size, as Andrews came upon as we speak.
