tsylvester

A little more coverage Very excited about Monk,” inside linebacker Roquan Smith, a former Bulldogs star, said after practice. He tuned in for plenty of their wins during last year’s national championship season. “Obviously, watching the Dawgs — even though they made it look easy a lot of the times — just how he utilizes everyone in their position, a lot of eye candy and things like that, I’m like, ‘Man, if some of this stuff was brought to the league, it’s going to create some problems.’ Because I know it made me think a little bit.” Monken’s building blocks already look different from Roman’s. He has not waited long to port over elements of his Georgia offenses to Baltimore. The hallmarks of those powerhouse Bulldogs attacks — a mix of shotgun and under-center formations, a diverse screen game, a quicker tempo between plays, run-pass-option plays, presnap motion that can change the offense’s entire look or probe the defense for one particular clue — have been evident through three weeks of workouts in Owings Mills. Notes It was a good day for new faces. Cornerback Rock Ya-Sin, signed this month, had a pass defense on a throw to wide receiver Tarik Black. Flowers, the team’s first-round pick, was active as a runner and receiver. Wide receiver Nelson Agholor, signed in March, also had a handful of catches. https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2023/5/26/23737310/ravens-news-5-26-otas-report-roquan-smith-patrick-queen-morgan-moses-ronnie-stanley-lamar-jackson

He's gonna cost....

A nice move, while he had lost a few steps and couldn't stay healthy here, he was a very good team leader, a true Raven type person. Nice to see him move into scouting, maybe even into coaching one day https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2023/5/25/23737635/tony-jefferson-retiring-from-nfl-play-will-join-baltimore-ravens-as-a-scout

Yeah, it is nice to hear that Lamar is staying late, diving into this new playback. I also love how Todd is teaching proper routes, spacing, and the why, it is important. He has always been a great teacher

And another QB Lamar jackson Talking about Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken's system, Lamar Jackson sounds like someone who loves a new car after taking a test drive. After arriving at the Under Armour Performance Center Tuesday to begin working with coaches, Jackson took the field at Ravens OTAs Wednesday for his first practice in Monken's offense. "The new offense is smooth," Jackson said. "I'm loving it so far. Coach is basically just giving us the keys to the offense." Jackson said there's more verbiage in Monken's offense. There's also more verbiage coming from his coordinator's mouth. Monken is very energetic on the field, and Jackson said that's also the case in the classroom. "Coach is very active," Jackson said. "He's talkative and you're enjoying it – the learning process of what he's saying [when he's] teaching us the new offense. It's fun." Playing in a different system with new weapons Odell Beckham Jr., Zay Flowers and Nelson Agholor, Jackson clearly believes Baltimore's offense will be more versatile and explosive. The Ravens have run the ball more often than any NFL team since Jackson became the starting quarterback in 2018, and much of that running has been done by Jackson. However, the NFL's 2019 Most Valuable Player is clearly looking forward to having more opportunities to move Baltimore's offense through the air. "Running can only take you so far," Jackson said. "I feel like, with this new era of teams and offenses in the league, I feel like we need that. And Coach Todd Monken, what I'm seeing in his offense so far is looking tremendous." Jackson also believes he'll have more freedom to change plays at the line of scrimmage, and that the offense will have a faster pace between plays. Getting to the line of scrimmage faster would also give Jackson more time to audible. "You can change whenever you want to," Jackson said. "You see the defense and it's not looking right to you, you see a guy blitzing, [or] you might want your receiver to do something different. Coach is giving you the freedom to do whatever you want to." Jackson said the new offense is one reason he decided to arrive at voluntary OTAs this week rather than waiting longer. Being at the Under Armour Performance Center gives Jackson a chance to spend extra time face-to-face with Monken and Quarterbacks Coach Tee Martin. "I'm studying, being in the meeting rooms, staying after," Jackson said. "When everybody is leaving the building, I'm still here with Coach Tee and Coach 'Monk' and going over things. Mental preparation is a large part of what Jackson is doing at this point. Jackson threw during the early portion of practice, but Josh Johnson, Anthony Brown and Tyler Huntley handled the 11-on-11 reps on Wednesday while Jackson watched and took mental notes. Head Coach John Harbaugh said they'll "ramp up" Jackson with his conditioning and learning the offense. Jackson said he planned to participate throughout the remainder of OTAs, which will give him even more reps to familiarize himself with Monken's system. While he has quipped about "throwing for 6,000 yards" in the new offense, Jackson emphasized that winning will always be his primary concern, and he is embracing the challenge of doing that in a new system. "I'm not really worried about the (throwing) yards," Jackson said. "It's about us winning." https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/lamar-jackson-todd-monken-offense-loves-keys-audibles-less-running

A nice read, Lamar Jackson's first impression of the Baltimore Ravens' new offense: more freedom and less reliance on his legs. After his first practice with new Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Jackson said he was extremely pleased with the direction of the new scheme and believes a philosophy change was needed to be successful going forward. "Less running and more throwing," Jackson said when asked what this offense will allow him to showcase. Jackson is the most prolific running quarterback in NFL history. His 4,437 career rushing yards are the most by any quarterback in their first five seasons -- 1,230 yards more than Cam Newton, who ranks second. Baltimore is 16-1 when Jackson runs for 90 or more yards, but the quarterback has also taken an NFL-high 877 hits over the past five seasons. Jackson flashed a big smile when asked if his rushing attempts will be scaled back this year. "Absolutely, absolutely," Jackson said. "Especially with the receivers we have." The Ravens revamped a group that ranked last in the NFL last season in receiving yards. Baltimore signed Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor in free agency and then drafted Zay Flowers in the first round. Jackson indicated the improved supporting cast will change the focus of the offense. In four seasons under former offensive coordinator Greg Roman, the Ravens ranked first in rushing attempts (2,194) and second to last in passing attempts (1,945). "Running can only take you so far," Jackson said. "And I feel like with this new era of teams and offenses in the league, I feel like we need that. Coach Todd Monken, what I'm seeing in his offense so far, is looking tremendous." Wednesday's practice was Jackson's first since he became the NFL's highest-paid player at $52 million per season. He missed the last two weeks of voluntary on-field workouts and skipped the first organized team activity on Monday before reporting Tuesday. The Ravens held out Jackson from team drills, but coach John Harbaugh said the team will "ramp him up" moving forward. "I'm excited that he's here, of course," Harbaugh said. "He was into the meetings. He was locked in the last two days, been completely locked in. So it's a good thing." In addition to a five-year, $260 million contract, the Ravens are giving Jackson more leeway at the line of scrimmage. He pointed out that Monken is "basically just giving us the keys to the offense, really." "You can change things when you want to," Jackson said. "You see the defense, and it's not looking right to you. You see some guy blitzing, you might want your receiver to do something different. Coach is giving you the free will to do whatever you want to." https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/37722923/ravens-lamar-jackson-expects-less-running-more-throwing

First injury of the year, wide out hopeful Mike Thomas, torn labrum, surgery needed...

Ack, he likely had too much gluten and was on the potty all day yesterday

Heeeees back, reported today..yippie

I agree on Oweh, this is a make or break year for him. I have my doubts about him, if he doesn't produce, healthy or not, boot him. Lamar no show today, but there is always tomorrow, we love ya tomorrow, tomorrow makes a dream come true....

While this is voluntary, it should be interesting to see who doesn't show up, given a new offensive system is being put in place. Not too mention a few new faces.

https://apnews.com/article/nfl-jim-brown-03d88c7da08840a0921ae8d8dd0a6aaa He was far more than a football player, far more than a Hall of Famer, sure, he didn't make it as an actor, he left the NFL early, but he used his fame to try and help others step out from under the boot of this world.

So Rex should have for Ray? Sure, Smith was a missing piece, but there is no argument for McDonald and all of the excellent in game adjustments with coverages, with the types of pass rush he called, different stunts, blitzes etc.

I was a bit skeptical of McDonald at first, but he has shown the ability to adjust game to game, and especially in game. Give him a healthy hungry defense, man, this could be real fun, Rex Ryan like fun like back in the day

Yeah, Pierce has shown flashes each year but keeps getting bit by the injury bug it seems. If he can stay healthy, he can be a real beast, take this run stuffing and pocket collapse to a new level

In the early stages of what’s being deemed “football school,” a mixture of young talent and a sprinkling of veterans participate in the earliest stages of offseason workouts. Among the veterans is defensive tackle Michael Pierce. Pierce, 30, signed with the Ravens last season to a three-year, $16.5 million deal as the Ravens attempted to bolster their pass rush after a deal with outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith fell apart. But four weeks into the season, Pierce suffered a torn biceps injury against the New England Patriots and was placed on season-ending injured reserve. Now, fully healthy, he’s returned and involved in the early stages of team workouts, and Defensive Coordinator Mike Macdonald is appreciating the veterans attendance. “You saw the start that [Pierce] was off to last year so it was disappointing to lose him,” Macdonald said. “Having Mike back in the middle of the defense will definitely be a big point of contention for us moving forward. I’m excited to see what he does.” The start Macdonald’s referring to was significant, as Pierce was the No. 7 ranked defensive lineman by PFF, directly behind Los Angeles Rams defensive star Aaron Donald through the four games he played. His overall grade sat at 86.9, and he graded above a 70 in run defense, tackling, pass rush and coverage. Now, with defensive end Calais Campbell joining the Atlanta Falcons, Macdonald sees Pierce as a person to help subside the loss of one of the NFL’s most unique defensive players. “Just having another vet guy that’s done it at a a high level, of course that’s going to help us,” Macdonald said. “[He has a] different skillset, but I think Michael Pierce is an underrated interior rusher, too. When the time comes, I think you’ll see what he can do in pass downs as well.” https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2023/5/18/23727011/ravens-dc-mike-macdonald-on-michael-pierces-return-i-think-youll-see-what-he-can-do

https://www.nfl.com/news/ravens-dc-mike-macdonald-says-olb-david-ojabo-achilles-is-gaining-confidence-ent Baltimore is counting on linebacker David Ojabo hitting the ground running in Year 2. The outside linebacker is making strides this offseason after missing the bulk of his rookie campaign, according to Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. "The first thing is he has a full year of the program to physically get himself to a spot…" Macdonald said Wednesday. "He looks great. I feel like he's put on some good weight, looks stronger, looks fast right now. I think, more than anything, mentally, I think he's in a great spot as well. I think you're gonna see a lot of confidence from him throughout the process. That's great to see him in good spirits." Ojabo, a projected first-round pick last season, fell to the Ravens in the second round after suffering an Achilles tear at Michigan's Pro Day. Ojabo appeared in just two regular-season games, playing 21 total snaps on defense -- 20 coming in the season finale. He played two defensive snaps in Baltimore's wild-card loss to the Bengals. The Michigan product generated 11 sacks in his final collegiate season. The Ravens are banking on the 23-year-old getting that burst back and adding to Baltimore's pass rush in 2023 alongside Odafe Oweh. "It's a blessing and I just can't wait," Ojabo said Wednesday. "I've never been injured before and I never had to just sit down and it tested my patience, but it was definitely for the better."

I'm glad that he came down from his demand, but, just gonna leave this here

He is depth, not a starter, one year deal,

Sam Mustipher, not a bad replacement, plays 3 positions Local product Sam Mustipher is returning home to play for the Ravens. The Owings Mills native who grew up near the Under Armour Performance Center has been signed by the Ravens to add interior offensive line depth. Mustipher started 16 games at center for the Bears last season and has started 40 games for Chicago over the past three seasons. Mustipher attended Our Lady of Good Counsel in Olney, Md. where he was a four-star recruit who chose Notre Dame over Alabama, Clemson and Ohio State. A three-year starter for the Fighting Irish, Mustipher was a team captain who was signed to Chicago's practice squad after being an undrafted rookie in 2019. The Ravens lost an experienced backup offensive lineman when center Trystan Colon signed with the Jets during free agency. Versatile offensive lineman Patrick Mekari can play all five positions, but Mustipher adds to the depth behind starting center Tyler Linderbaum. In another roster move, the Ravens have waived defensive back Thakarius Keyes, a seventh-round pick by the Chiefs in 2020 who was signed to Baltimore's practice squad late last season. https://www.baltimoreravens.com/news/ravens-sign-former-bears-starting-center-sam-mustipher

https://www.si.com/nfl/ravens/news/baltimore-ravens-draft-trenton-simpson-chris-horton-eric-decosta-scouting-report-clemson Baltimore Ravens special teams coordinator Chris Horton was "one of the happiest guys in the building" when his team selected linebacker Trenton Simpson in Round 3 - and he delivered a full scouting report as to why. After waiting over 60 picks between their first- and third-round selections in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens landed the player that general manager Eric DeCosta thought was "clearly" the best available in Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson. Viewed as a versatile piece with plenty of upside, Simpson has a lot of fans in Baltimore's building - perhaps none bigger than special teams coordinator Chris Horton. DeCosta stressed early on draft night that Horton was "one of the happiest guys in the building" with the selection of Simpson - but why? "It was pretty easy to love this guy," Horton said. "You turn on the tape, and you watch him fly around, you watch him get to the football, you watch him make plays. When I had the privilege to evaluate that guy as a special teamer, it was a no-brainer for me; I want that kind of player." The 6-2, 235-pound Simpson made his mark defensively at Clemson, earning third-team All-ACC honors this past season. Across 37 games (27 starts) for the Tigers, Simpson recorded 187 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, six pass breakups and three forced fumbles. Simpson ran a 4.43 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, only confirming his on-field speed, and will enter the NFL with a defined skill set as a "run and hit linebacker (who's) very, very explosive," per DeCosta. But there was more to the evaluation. Earlier in Simpson's collegiate career, he played special teams; it presented Horton with the opportunity to see how the 21-year-old responded when he wasn't starting and would offer a look at whether he could make an impact in the game's third phase, where he'll likely see most of his snaps as a rookie. What Baltimore's fifth-year special teams coordinator saw was a player who flew around the field and showed plenty of translatable attributes that ultimately made him fall in love during the pre-draft process. That guy has the traits – those Raven traits – that we look for," Horton said. "He was tough, he was fast, he was physical. He loved playing football, and his energy was just off the chart. That's the kind of players we've had in this building, so I truly believe that guy's going to do some good things for us this year." Now, the ball is in Simpson's court to deliver - but Baltimore certainly feels as if it landed an impactful player who can prove exactly that as early as 2023, where a special teams opportunity awaits.

I am pretty sure he will be there for the OTA's, it is the responsible thing to do after all. I am sure he had previously set plans that could not be canceled as to why he skipped the voluntary camp...

Another good read on what we might expect The Baltimore Ravens moved on from offensive coordinator Greg Roman this offseason and hired Todd Monken to jump-start a stalled passing attack. By proxy, that means relying less on Lamar Jackson's legs to move the ball. Monken noted Wednesday that the upgraded weapons around Jackson will allow the quarterback to lessen the ground work. "I think the more talented you are around your quarterback, the less he has to burden -- take on that burden -- shoulder the load, because you're excited about getting others the football where they can utilize their skill set," Monken said, via the team's official website. That's not to say the Ravens will abandon the QB run. It would be silly to have a sportscar like Jackson and never take it out of the garage, but the offense won't revolve around the run as it has in the past. "As you get further into your career, as Lamar gets older -- as everybody does -- you want to take some of that off of the player as best you can," Monken said. "But he has a unique trait, a unique skillset. You can't take that completely out of his toolbox because that's a huge weapon for him and for us, is using his feet." Jackson didn't attend the Ravens' football school practice, a voluntary portion of the offseason. Monken isn't worried in the least about when the starting QB will attend workouts this spring -- Baltimore opens OTAs on May 22 -- nor should Ravens fans be. "Well, first off, we're excited about the guys who are here," Monken said. "I know Lamar is working hard. I know the guys that aren't here are working hard; they're pros. When they're here, they're here. We look forward to getting them here and getting up to speed to what we're doing offensively. I think that's probably the biggest challenge, but it's football. When they get here, they get here, and we'll get them up to speed." To help spearhead the next stage of Jackson's career after signing a record-setting contract, the Ravens added Odell Beckham Jr., first-round receiver Zay Flowers and veteran Nelson Agholor. "You're paid to move the football and score, and that's a lot easier with talented players," Monken said. "As I always say, 'Cookies taste better with sugar than they do with vinegar.' So, you surround yourself with sugar." Monken plans to bake his sugar cookies to a precise balance in his first campaign in Baltimore. A balance that includes the quarterback using more of his arm and less of his legs. https://www.nfl.com/news/ravens-oc-todd-monken-looking-to-lighten-qb-lamar-jackson-s-burden-with-by-utili

Nice catch, that is or can be good

I like the 3 game home stand late, and the late bye, could be important. Not an easy schedule, but health, commitment, this team could win 12 games or as little as 6