ExtremeRavens Posted 17 hours ago Posted 17 hours ago The Ravens had their full padded practice of the season Monday, but there wasn’t a lot of thumping during the two-hour session. It was basically an upscale OTA, with a few more bruises. There was limited hitting. The entire team went through one session without helmets. Afterward, coach John Harbaugh said he wanted to avoid any unnecessary injuries and stressed players staying off the ground and on their feet. Mission accomplished. This wasn’t a full hit practice from the 1970s or 1980s, or even when the late Ted Marchibroda was coaching the Ravens in their first season in Baltimore in 1996. Back then, they hit every day for two straight weeks. But there were some moments: Another first The first fight of training camp was between fifth-year outside linebacker Odafe Oweh and rookie offensive tackle Carson Vinson, the fifth-round pick out of Alabama. It was basically a lovefest between the two before the scuffle was broken up almost immediately by teammates. It was a rough day for Vinson. Not only did he get in a fight with Oweh, but he was beaten several times during one-on-one sessions and got in a brief altercation with outside linebacker Tavius Robinson. But there is some good news for Vinson. He isn’t expected to play much in 2025 and is considered a developmental player. Based on his playing too high and not using the proper leverage, the Ravens made the proper evaluation. Vorhees needs work Another player who had trouble being too upright in pass protection was left guard Andrew Vorhees, who might be their starter. Nnamdi Madubuike worked under Vorhees’ pads several times and once pushed him back into what would have been the quarterback’s lap. Vorhees runs well when pulling around the corner and blocks well on running plays, but he stands too high. That’s a big mistake because of Madubuike’s power and speed. Some good and bad for a tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden had a nice catch in the middle of the field and then strode down the middle for what would have been a touchdown. He took a high-five from Harbaugh going back to the huddle, but the coach won’t be so impressed when he watches Mitchell-Paden’s pass blocking on video. First, he got driven into the ground by rookie outside linebacker and second-round pick Mike Green, then he got blown up by outside linebacker Diwun Black on his next repetition. It was downright ugly. Green, Ojabo stand out While talking about Green, he got some pressure on the quarterbacks Monday, which might have been his best day of training camp. He worked the spin move inside a couple of times and got pressure on both Lamar Jackson and Cooper Rush, forcing them to either step up in the pocket or throw check-downs to the running backs. In the first four practices, Green showed athleticism, but he wasn’t much of a factor. He had a presence Monday. Another outside linebacker who played well was fourth-year player David Ojabo. A year ago, he looked stiff but is now showing more bend and flexibility. Ojabo and cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis were both on the hot seat entering training camp. Armour-Davis didn’t practice Monday and Harbaugh said he had to get an MRI, but would not specify on what part of the body. Starting wide receiver Rashod Bateman also didn’t practice; Harbaugh said he was sent home early because of an illness. Cornerback Jaire Alexander had his knee drained Monday but is expected back Tuesday, and cornerback Bilhal Kone was out after hitting his shoulder Saturday. Ravens running back Derrick Henry showed off his burst on Monday. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Check mate Few fans in attendance would agree, but the best play of the day was a short swing pass to running back Derrick Henry, who ran down the left sideline untouched for a 65-yard touchdown. It’s still unbelievable that a running back at 6 feet, 3 inches and 252 pounds can run that fast. Nobody wanted to touch him or get in his way. Making magic Regardless of how much this offense changes, the Ravens’ best play is still Jackson either scrambling around or throwing to tight end Mark Andrews. It was on display several times Monday. As for Andrews, he still struggles to block, but so did fourth-year tight end Charlie Kolar. It’s good that they probably won’t be called on to do much pass blocking. To be honest, backup tight end Isaiah Likely doesn’t like to block either. Meanwhile, fullback Patrick Ricard, all 6-3 and 300 pounds of him, was extremely successful going one-on-one with the outside linebackers. Ravens rookie Tyler Loop missed a field goal on Monday for the first time this training camp. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) Kicking update In case you are keeping count, undrafted rookie free agent kicker John Hoyland was 4 of 4 on field goals Monday, converting on kicks from 33, 38, 45 and 47 yards. His counterpart, Tyler Loop, drafted in the sixth round out of Arizona, was 5 of 8 after he made every kick during his first week of camp. He made field goals of 33, 33, 47, 41 and 44 yards but missed on kicks of 43, 38 and 35 yards. Have a news tip? Contact Mike Preston at epreston@baltsun.com, 410-332-6467 and x.com/MikePrestonSun. View the full article Quote
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