Practice Report: Zay Flowers Shines on Final Day of Training Camp
Matt Ryan, BaltimoreRavens.com
On the final day of training camp, Zay Flowers got the fans going early.
Lamar Jackson found Flowers gliding across the middle on the second play of 11-on-11, and Flowers did the rest, running past the defense for a what would have been a 75-yard score.
It was the first of many big plays from Flowers on Thursday. He connected with Jackson for at least three 15-plus yard gains, including one about 30 yards downfield. Flowers even took a sweep inside Baltimore’s 5-yard-line.
Flowers wrapped the short practice by catching a touchdown in goal line drills and hopes to carry the momentum of a solid offseason into a big Year 2.
Qadir Ismail had a 20-yard catch from Josh Johnson on the left sideline, and after the play Ismail played to the crowd by waving them on their feet. Later in practice, Johnson threw a back-shoulder ball to Ismail in the end zone, and the 6-foot-6 tight end made an impressive diving catch. Ismail had a strong camp after signing as an undrafted free agent, and he continued that Thursday.
Veteran wide receiver Anthony Miller continued his strong first impression in Baltimore. He had a 20-yard catch and run that he took an extra 50 yards to the end zone after the play was over. Later in practice, Jackson found him for a 15-yard gain.
Ravens media poll: Who’s flashed and fallen after 4 weeks of training camp
Giana Han, The Baltimore Banner
Stock up
Safety Ar’Darius Washington has improved his stock so much it’s pretty safe to say he’s no longer a bubble player. Following NFL free agency, it looked as though he would have a job because he was the only safety left on the roster after Geno Stone’s departure. Then the Ravens drafted Sanoussi Kane in the seventh round, signed undrafted rookie Beau Brade and added veteran Eddie Jackson late. But none of those players has had the camp Washington has. He’s played with aggression and has benefited with multiple interceptions and pass breakups. He also has experience playing various roles in the secondary, which will help his case.
Stock down
Meanwhile, rookie wide receiver Devontez Walker was extremely quiet in the game. Coach John Harbaugh revealed later that Walker has been dealing with a rib injury. Although there are a bunch of undrafted rookies who have pleasantly surprised with big plays, Walker has flown under the radar. The Ravens don’t have depth at wide receiver, so Walker came in with a real chance to earn a significant role.
Who are the NFL’s top players 25 and under? How execs, coaches rank Stroud, Jefferson and others
Mike Jones, The Athletic
9. Kyle Hamilton, S, Baltimore Ravens. Age: 23 (3/16/01)
A first-team All-Pro in only his second season in the league, Hamilton is a difference-maker whether in pass coverage, lining up in the box or rushing the passer. He had 81 tackles, three sacks and four interceptions last season.
2024 NFL Preseason, Week 2: One thing to watch for on each of the 32 teams
Eric Edholm, NFL.com
RAVENS: Sitting most of their regulars, the Ravens — who led the NFL with 60 sacks a year ago — produced few pressures against the Eagles in the preseason opener. One sack of Kenny Pickett came on a rare preseason corner blitz; another came when Pickett held onto the ball a tick too long. Beyond that, there wasn’t much consistent pressure. With Malik Hamm on injured reserve and Adisa Isaac and David Ojabo still working their way through shorter-term injuries, the Ravens must find some pressure sources outside of steady producers such as Justin Madubuike and Kyle Van Noy. The Falcons rested their starting O-line last week, so that group might get some work against Baltimore, setting up a good test for the Ravens’ pass-rush hopefuls.
Win-loss record ceilings, floors for all NFL teams in 2024
Jamison Hensley, ESPN
Ceiling: 13-4 | Floor: 8-9
Biggest X factor: Offensive line
The Ravens decided to go younger on the offensive line, letting guards Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson sign elsewhere and trading right tackle Morgan Moses to the Jets. The three new up-front starters — Baltimore has yet to officially name them — will have a major impact, especially with their pass protection. When Lamar Jackson has been sacked four or more times in his career, Baltimore is 8-9 (.470). When Jackson is sacked three or fewer times, the Ravens are 50-10 (.833).