Mike Fast caught up with Ravens backup QB, Tyrod Taylor after Sunday’s open practice at Stevenson University. Check out what he had to say plus other Ravens Camp Notes:
Courtesy: Gail Burton/Associated Press
Taylor assessed himself and how he’s played so far in his career. “Overall, my knowledge of the playbook is way ahead of where it was last year.” Although Taylor is currently a backup and would like to start eventually, he talked about how he deals with his current role. “I do have long term goals and personal goals. I just want to work hard every day and prepare now, so that when the shot comes I’ll be ready.” Perhaps Taylor’s best play of the day was a 20-yard touchdown to Patrick Williams. It was a fade route that beat Jimmy Smith.
Tyrod Taylor continues to show his worth as an NFL quarterback. His footwork, mechanics, arm strength, accuracy, elusiveness and speed are evident. He lacks in-game experience for sure (1-for-1 for 18 yards in his rookie year), but shows no signs that the game is too big for him.
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The Baltimore Ravens held their third and final public practice at Mustang Stadium on the campus of Steven University this afternoon. Sergio Kindle (stinger), LaQuan Williams (ankle sprain), Torrey Smith, Devin Goda and linebacker Darryl Blackstock were all back at practice today. Kindle and Williams suffered injuries in Friday’s game against Detroit. Smith didn’t play against the Lions nor did he practice during the previous two days. Regarding Smith’s performance today, Harbaugh said, “He looked okay. He looked a little tight early, but [he] should be good by game time.”
Ravens Offensive Line
At the beginning of the Ravens‘ red zone sequence, Bryant McKinnie was the left tackle, Kelechi Osemele was the left guard, Matt Birk was the center, Gino Gradkowski was the right guard and Michael Oher was the right tackle. When the first offense went against the first defense, Bobbie Williams (who usually plays left guard) lined up at right guard with the four other offensive lineman listed above at their respective positions. Other than Birk, McKinnie and Marshal Yanda, it looks like all other offense lineman on the roster are being worked out at different positions.
Defensively, Arthur Jones (defensive end), Haloti Ngata (defensive tackle) and Ma’ake Kemoeatu (nose tackle) made up the first defensive line. However defensive line coach Clarence Brooks wants to align his players, he has considerable depth to work with. Defensive end Pernell McPhee was not at practice (personal reasons).
Billy Cundiff was 4-of-4 on field goal attempts. Justin Tucker was 4-of-5 on field goal attempts, including a successful 54-yard kick.
Overall, today was a shorter practice compared to the rest of camp. But Baltimore still put in a good day of work, as they have been doing throughout camp. While alignments and formations aren’t set in stone, the coaches seem to be starting to figure out who is fitting in well at what position.
*The Ravens will return to the Under Armour Performance Center tomorrow and begin the last week of practice before the first day of cuts on Monday, August 27.*
