The defensive line bullied the offense throughout the stadium practice
On a day in Baltimore with the heat index reaching 102 degrees Fahrenheit, 19,217 fans packed M&T Bank Stadium to watch the Baltimore Ravens’ fourth training camp practice. Here are my latest observations.
Attendance/Injury
Prior to today’s practice, reports surfaced that rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers was absent due to illness. And if seeing him on the field a half hour before practice in street clothes and a mask on, Head Coach John Harbaugh confirmed it’s an illness sidelining Flowers. Otherwise, it was a full participation day outside the PUP and NFI guys.
- RB J.K. Dobbins (PUP)
- FB Patrick Ricard (PUP)
- WR Z. Flowers (illness)
- WR Rashod Bateman (PUP)
- OL Andrew Vorhees (NFI)
- OLB Tyus Bowser (NFI)
- CB Damarion Williams (PUP)
- LS Nick Moore (NFI)
After the practice, Harbaugh was asked if any players may be on the practice field and off the PUP list.
“There’s a chance for “Pepe” [Damarion Williams] to be back,” Harbaugh said. “He looks pretty good with that. That’s probably the first guy that should come back.”
Dominant Defensive Line
The production from the defensive line was overwhelming at times during 11-on-11 drills. Center Tyler Linderbaum and rookie Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu appeared to suffer the brunt of difficulty.
Linderbaum pulls and it looks like Aumavae-Laulu has a reach block (?) on Pierce but fails to get there in time. Pierce blows through and gets a deflection.
: @Ravens YouTube pic.twitter.com/jV1wRGbfLj
— Kyle Phoenix Barber (@KylePBarber) July 29, 2023
Pierce’s moves from the snap has Aumavae-Laulu reaching and off-kilter. Forces Linderbaum to pick up Pierce with a head of steam.
: @Ravens YouTube pic.twitter.com/YtqFzTQFYZ
— Kyle Phoenix Barber (@KylePBarber) July 29, 2023
OLB David Ojabo diagnosed the screen and didn’t lose his assignment.
: @Ravens YouTube pic.twitter.com/2mVzWSpZsm
— Kyle Phoenix Barber (@KylePBarber) July 29, 2023
Justin Madubuike flying in as a free rusher after Aumavae-Laulu pulls and Linderbaum doesn’t get to Madubuike on a reach block (?)
: @Ravens YouTube pic.twitter.com/KSbpcrGc0O
— Kyle Phoenix Barber (@KylePBarber) July 29, 2023
The OBJ touchdown looks great until you see the Aumavae-Laulu holding onto Pierce and the officials throwing the flags.
: @Ravens YouTube pic.twitter.com/3R6ycIY8OK
— Kyle Phoenix Barber (@KylePBarber) July 29, 2023
I asked Harbaugh about the disruption from the D-line.
“Defensive line is going to be mad because of all the cheers after the plays get made when they thought they might have had a sack, right?”
Think he’s referring to this play from Oweh, Madubuike & Ojabo
: @Ravens YouTube pic.twitter.com/2VgnuwgY6s
— Kyle Phoenix Barber (@KylePBarber) July 29, 2023
“Defensive line is going to be mad because of all the cheers after the plays that get made when they thought they might have had a sack, right? That’s just how practice goes so I’ll be hearing about that tonight.”
Tight Ends Continue Making Plays
The offensive install hasn’t quite delivered the wide receiver highlights many have hoped for over the first few days. It’s early, but it’s been tough sledding at times. But when a play needs to be made, look for Nos. 89 and 80, as Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely have come through.
Likely caught a few balls today, both a long catch in the middle of the field and a touchdown from quarterback Tyler Huntley.
Tyler Huntley finds a wide open Isaiah Likely. Looks like man coverage and Kristian Welch doesn’t trail tightly.
: @Ravens YouTube pic.twitter.com/n9Emq9AE5h
— Kyle Phoenix Barber (@KylePBarber) July 29, 2023
Harbaugh praised the production from Likely this training camp, something he was shined in last season, too.
“High expectations for Isaiah Likely, nothing but the highest,” Harbaugh said. “He’s a talented guy, works super hard. Had his best day today like you said and I think he just wants to get better every day so it should be a big year for him.”
Huntley’s Best Day
There is a real competition for the backup quarterback spot and Huntley delivered his best day on the gridiron. He completed big passes to Black, Likely and overall looked sharp. Harbaugh was asked about Huntley’s performance.
“He looked really good,” Harbaugh said. “All the quarterbacks looked really good but Tyler Huntley had another really big day. He continues to— I think he’s been locked in every single day.”