Ravens Insider: Ravens observations: Lamar Jackson shows off; defense ‘not always fun’

ExtremeRavens · July 31

Lamar Jackson dropped back, took a couple of hops and lofted the ball deep down the left sideline, over outstretched cornerback Chidobe Awuzuie and into the awaiting arms of streaking receiver Dayton Wade.

It was perhaps the prettiest and best throw the two-time NFL Most Valuable Player has made through the first two weeks of training camp in Owings Mills. A few plays later in the 11-on-11 period, he connected with Wade again, this time on a deep out route with Nate Wiggins in coverage.

Still, the expectation for Jackson is higher.

“I think there’s a lot left there for him, in terms of growth,” offensive coordinator Todd Monken said. “I think he sees the field better now than he did even two years ago.

“I think he’s just getting started with his ability. He’s always had the ability as a playmaker [and] to run with the ball, but his ability, yes, he’s improved greatly in — which is a huge credit to him — his ability to throw the football to win at all times of the game, really, and in all phases of the game.”

It was a marked improvement from the sloppiness of a day earlier — even without top pass catchers Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman practicing — and the offense put together a spirited outing despite not being in pads.

Jackson also dazzled at times, most notably on a no-look pass to receiver Malik Cunningham in the flat, with linebacker Roquan Smith bearing down on him. He simply threw the ball to a spot without looking and hit his former college teammate in stride.

Defensive highlights

As inconsistent as the offense has looked at times, there are two irrefutable facts: Defenses are always ahead of offenses at this point, and Baltimore’s defense could be poised to return to greatness.

“The good news is, we get to go against an elite defense from personnel and staff,” Monken said. “The tough thing is we get to go against an elite defense and staff, and that really stresses you. It really forces you to practice every day at a high level or you’ll get exposed.

“It’s not always fun to go against our defense. It’s a great challenge, but it’s not always fun.”

After racking up 13 sacks in 2023, Nnamdi Madubuike took a step back with half as many last season. On Thursday, he was plenty disruptive, though.

That included twice pushing through the middle of the line and swatting a pair of passes from Jackson (though one of them was hauled in by Cunningham before a defender could snag an interception).

Baltimore Ravens cornerback Chidobe Awuzie blocks a volleyball that gets kicked during camp at the team's training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) — Ravens cornerback Chidobe Awuzie blocks a volleyball that gets kicked during a drill. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

Jackson was picked off, however, when his pass to Cunningham during a 7-on-7 period sailed too high, deflected off the hands of the leaping receiver and was caught by safety Sanoussi Kane.

Outside linebacker Mike Green also had a gorgeous spin move on right tackle Roger Rosengarten at one point and should have gotten to Jackson for a sack. But Rosengarten recovered well and kept him from reaching the quarterback.

Fellow rookie Malaki Starks also continued to make plays, at one point swooping in for a nice pass breakup on a ball intended for Cunningham.

Kicker wars

The battle between rookie kickers Tyler Loop and John Hoyland continued Thursday, and both had identical performances.

Both players went 3-for-4 during team periods, and both missed their longest field goal attempts of the day, with Loop missing a 51-yarder wide right and Hoyland going wide left from 50 yards. They each made kicks from 29, 33 and 39 yards.

Is there any concern?

Baltimore Ravens punter Jordan Stout watches kicker Tyler Loop follow through during camp at the team's training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff) — Ravens rookie kicker Tyler Loop is 40-for-44 on field goal attempts so far during training camp. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

“I think the one thing we need to do with both guys, in particular, is that we just need to find that consistency,” special teams coordinator Chris Horton said. “Tyler’s kicking the ball great. The ball sounds awesome coming off his foot. But then, I think over the last eight days, there might be four misses. We just have to find that consistency from the field that we’re practicing on early in practice, when we go over as a team, and we’re together, we are continuing to see the same swings and the same ‘foot the ball.’ Other than that, I think he’s doing a heck of a job.”

Overall, Loop is 40-for-44 and Hoyland 28-for-32.

Spotlight on Kolar

Monken estimated that third-string tight end Charlie Kolar might have “put in 6,000 yards” on Wednesday, between special teams, live reps and all his other duties. “I got a lot of respect for Charlie,” Monken said, with some extra conviction in his voice.

Kolar didn’t arrive in Baltimore as a traditional blocking tight end, as far as Monken knew. He was a someone who could pose an advantageous matchup on the merit of good ball skills, making tough catches in the red zone. Monken shouted out Kolar, who will fill a bigger role while Isaiah Likely remains out with a foot injury, for embracing his role as a special teamer and a snowplow for running back Derrick Henry.

“Man, has he come a long way,” Monken said.

Have a news tip? Contact Brian Wacker at bwacker@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/brianwacker1. Contact Sam Cohn at scohn@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/samdcohn.

Baltimore Ravens tackle Carson Vinson hits a padded sleigh during camp at the team’s training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

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Baltimore Ravens tackle Carson Vinson hits a padded sleigh during camp at the team’s training facility. (Karl Merton Ferron/Staff)

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Ravens Insider: Ravens observations: Lamar Jackson shows off; defense ‘not always fun’

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