STEVENSON, Md. — On a cloudy Sunday afternoon, on what for many is the last vacation weekend of the Summer, Ravens fans turned out by the thousands to watch their favorite team practice at Stevenson University.
There has to be something special about a team for that to happen.
With 18 days to go before the Ravens begin the 2013 regular season, they are beginning to make less mistakes and smooth out the inevitable mishaps of training camp.
On the injury front, there is good news and bad news. The bad news is that stars such as Elvis Dumervil and Torrey Smith did not practice today. Dumervil is still dealing with a slight groin injury he sustained in the Atlanta game.
Regarding Smith, Coach Harbaugh said they were “just giving him a rest.”
The good news is that All-Pro right guard Marshal Yanda practiced in full pads for the second straight day, after undergoing off-seasons shoulder surgery.
Sam Koch continued to impress. On multiple occasions he punted the ball 70 yards in the air. Outside linebacker Terrell Suggs was back deep to field one of those punts, but it bounced out of bounds before he could get a chance to attempt a return.
The other leg on the team, Justin Tucker, continued his strong camp. After kicking short field goal then increasing the distance incrementally, Tucker converted a 68-yard attempt, which was followed by two close misses from 71 yards out.
Speaking of those who impressed, second-round pick Arthur Brown continues to show why he was drafted so high. He has fluid hips and drops into coverage in an instant. If the Atlanta game is any indication, Brown’s coverage skills won’t be his only strength. The rookie linebacker can hit, too.
The wide receiver competition continues to remain open. Especially with the absence of Smith and Deonte Thompson (who could potentially be a starter), multiple wide outs were getting first-team reps. Aaron Mellette and Brandon Stokley were among the receivers who had a nice day.
Marlon Brown got a lot of work out wide while rookie fullback Kyle Juszczyk played often in the slot.
Juszczyk has been lining up at multiple positions on offense, but as many coaches will tell you, pass protection is the first thing any back has to figure out. Harbaugh complemented the rookie fullback, saying, “He understands pass protection, and he understands punt protection. So, both of those are going to be very important for him. He’s a smart guy, and he picks up football really quickly.”
The defense had their moments, too. One of which came when Josh Bynes blitzed the “A-gap” and leveled Bernard Pierce, who was in pass protection. Pierce’s right knee was wrapped today, but his movement didn’t seem to be impeded.
Another defensive highlight came during 1-on-1 lineman drills, when DeAngelo Tyson drove Gino Gradkowski back about five yards into the backfield.
One of the lighter moments of the day occured when Suggs and Haloti Ngata took turns trying to throw a ball and hit the crossbar of the goal posts, from about 20 yards out.
That in itself isn’t important, but it raises the idea that one can’t do that unless they’ve gained the respect of their coaches and fellow players.
Even though there’s new leadership on this team, there’s plenty of quality leadership. Today was another step for the Ravens in what, by all indications, will be another very successful season.
*Anthony Allen, Elvis Dumervil, Ryan Jensen, Torrey Smith, Deonte Thompson, Ed Dickson and Marcus Spears did not practice today.
