Baltimore Ravens Hold Open Practice

The Baltimore Ravens held an open practice at M&T Bank Stadium last night, and staff writer Kyle Andrews was there to take in the sights and sounds of training camp.

Yesterday, the Baltimore Ravens kicked off their open practice series at M&T Bank Stadium. They honored our nation’s servicemen and women on Military Appreciation Day on Monday. It was a great sight to see, as the Ravens organization does an amazing job of honoring veterans and people who currently serve. Also, many interesting things happened on the field as well.

Terrance West is a Workhorse

Terrance West had a dazzling performance in the backfield on Monday. He looks about 20-25 pounds slimmer, playing at a much quicker pace than he did last season. One thing that I noticed at camp, West seems to understand blitz pickup very well. He made some very good blocks and released to catch a few passes. One catch, he broke off for a huge gain, where he made a few juke moves that caused a few “oohs” and “ahhs” from the fans.

Looking at West this offseason, all that he has done has been working. He has made the changes that one would like to see in a team leader. As of right now, he OWNS the second running back spot. Well, from my eyes anyway.

Joe Cool is Well You Know, Joe Cool

Joe Flacco, knee brace and all, didn’t look rattled in the pocket. He made some insane throws, without even putting all of his effort behind most of them. He showed his leadership by giving Kamalei Correa a stern talking to, after causing a few scuffles during practice. One time, Flacco actually got in the fray and seemed to tell him to knock it off. That’s what fans want to see out of a leader, uniting his team.

“Listen, I’m protected, I can say whatever I want to him, because I got a big army coming behind me.” Flacco said. “It wasn’t nice. But like I said, I really didn’t have to be scared. I got a big army playing behind me. He was too smart. I challenged him, to see if he was willing to come after me a little bit, and he made the right decision.”

“He’s our quarterback,” Correa said. “He’s the leader. I can’t say anything. He’s Joe Flacco. Hey man, I can’t say anything. I just do my job and hang with my linebackers and do what I got to do.”

Fights

It was ugly. Many players got into arguments and a lot of punches were thrown. The front seven looked like they wanted to go to war against some of their own teammates. Correa was the main offender. Especially when he fought with Pitta.

Dennis Pitta actually would get injured from this particular incident. He will be out of practice for a while. Its nothing too serious though.

Correa also drilled Mike Wallace, which is where Flacco pulled him (Correa) aside. It was a true display of leadership by Joe, but you hate to see a rookie blow up a veteran seemingly just to prove a point.

Lawrence Guy got into it with the O-Line and guys like Ryan Jensen, Za’Darius Smith and Trevon Coley also blew up.

The intensity was amazing at practice. That always catches your eyes, but you just don’t want to see stars get hurt in these fights.

Chris Matthews Wants a Spot

If anyone made their mark as strongly as T-West, it was Chris Matthews. It’s absolutely no wonder why his nickname is “Hardball”, making diving catches all over the field. He went up against Jimmy Smith for a couple of times, and even made catches across the middle against Eric Weddle.

His rapport with Flacco also seems to be important. It will be hard for him to make the team because of Steve Smith’s pending return, as well as Breshad Perriman, but Matthews has made his case so far.

The other receivers also made some plays. Michael Campanaro moved all across the field, juking and making wild plays as a return man. The same goes for fellow wideout, Kaelin Clay. Keenan Reynolds also made some plays, mainly as a receiver. He took a big hit and got right back up, all while holding onto the ball.

Daniel Brown Can Ball

Another player who will be hard pressed to find a spot, despite being very talented, is Dan Brown. He was moved to tight end during the offseason from receiver. The tight end position for the Ravens, is most likely the most stacked position by far.

Brown made some very good plays, catching passes against linebackers and safeties alike, jumping over defenders, etc, reminding many fans of the play he made over Richard Sherman. He definitely has the talent to be on this team. Depending on Pitta and Crockett Gillmore’s health, along with Nick Boyle’s 10-game suspension, Brown can make the team. He also was split out as a receiver at times.

Defense

Its no doubt in my mind who is the leader on this defense while Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil are out. Weddle has stepped up, rallied this defense around him and he has the secondary playing much better. Lardarius Webb looked like a whole new player. No he didn’t get any picks, but with the influence of Weddle, Webb was allowed to fly around the ball more.

Sheldon Price and Tavon Young also looked like studs.

Next: Fourth-Round Picks Making Headlines At Training Camp

Jimmy Smith did have a few issues in coverage and he looked a little sluggish. Maybe it was because he was covering some of the smaller, quicker, receivers. I’m sure that he wouldn’t make those excuses himself. He needs to be better if the Ravens want to make it back to the playoffs. He has a duty to his teammates to step up. I’m sure that he will play better as the season goes on.