The Ravens were back it for the start of week two of training camp under sunny skies at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills.
Players wore shorts and helmets for the 8:45 a.m. session. The practice began with positional drills before seven-on-seven and 11-on-11 team drills.
Missing in Action
OLB Terrell Suggs, OLB Elvis Dumervil, WR Breshad Perriman, WR Steve Smith Sr., RB Lorenzo Taliaferro all remain on the physically unable to perform list.
TE Crockett Gillmore, TE Dennis Pitta (thumb), RB Kenneth Dixon (tweak), WR Chris Moore (walking boot), DT Timmy Jernigan (undisclosed) and CB Will Davis (unknown) did not participate in practice on Wednesday.
Studs of the Day
Photo by Brian Bower
Jeremy Butler continued his successful trend of strong performances in training camp. He hauled in several touchdown passes from Joe Flacco. Butler, who appeared in eight games last season found holes in the Ravens secondary by capitalizing on his improved route-running skills. The three-year pass catcher showed his strong hands and his ability to outjump defenders.
The trio of Justin Forsett, Buck Allen and Terrance West ran like men on a mission throughout Wednesday’s practice. It appears as if each back is trying to outrun the others. They all managed to score rushing touchdowns during seven-on-seven and 11-on-11 team drills. The competition has been fun to watch. All three backs are making their case to be the lead ball carrier in the Ravens offensive backfield.
Michael Campanaro again finds himself in this category. He turned in another head-turning practice. Campanaro flashed his route-running ability and caught everything thrown his way by Joe Flacco. The two have developed quite a rapport since the beginning of training camp. During 11-on-11 team drills, Camp cut through the secondary with ease, and Flacco found him over the middle of the field for a big gain.
Duds of the Day
Bronson Kaufusi appears as if the he is still adjusting to the speed to the NFL. The rookie defensive end is sluggish off the line, and his footwork in the trenches looks sloppy. After missing time during rookie minicamp, Kaufusi is in catchup mode, running with the second and third team defenses. While it’s way too early to shrug off the high-motor player for this season, it bears watching throughout the rest of camp and the preseason.
Much Like Kaufusi, rookie Matt Judon has struggled translating his game to the NFL level. The fifth-round selection has made little impact on a Ravens defense which needed to get younger and faster this offseason. The outside linebacker has lacked speed and has provided Dean Pees’ unit with zero pass rush. Rookies often take time to adjust, but Judon needs to pick up the pace to make a case for the 53-man roster.
Play of the Day
During red zone drills, Joe Flacco laced a perfectly thrown ball to wide receiver Mike Wallace in the corner of the end zone with Shareece Wright in coverage. Wallace may have pushed off somewhat, but it was subtle enough that no flag was thrown. Wallace then gave the ball to a fan in attendance.
Other Observations
Tavon Young, Michael Campanaro, Keenan Reynolds, Mike Wallace and Kaelin Clay all took reps in kick returns. Campanaro got the most reps and appears to have the lead in the special teams competition.
The Ravens are exploring all options when it comes to the left side of the offensive line. With Jake Long no longer in the picture, rookie Alex Lewis has manned the left tackle position. James Hurst has shifted over to left guard with the second team offense.
Turnovers proved costly for both the first and second team offenses during practice. Several tipped passes resulted in interceptions. Linebacker Albert McClellan and safety Lardarius Webb recorded interceptions in the red zone.
Camp notes Stud regular Za’Darius Smith was seen trotting off the field with the medical staff; however, the second-year outside linebacker returned quickly and was back out on the field to finish practice.
Kicker Justin Tucker converted all but one field goal (missed 42-yarder) in his attempts. Backup kicker Will Lutz was successful on each of his attempts.
Quote of the Day
“It’s amazing to me and I guess I’ll get on my soapbox here, because I’m allowed to, it’s amazing to me the vitriol and really the hate out there that people want to put out. All he’s done is come in here, work as hard as he can. He’s got a knee [and we have] a roster decision. He’s done nothing wrong, he’s still trying very hard. He’s just a young guy who’s trying his best to make it in this league.” Head Coach John Harbaugh on the media’s view of the release of running back Trent Richardson.
On Deck
The Ravens are slated for an 8:45 a.m. practice tomorrow. John Harbaugh, Juan Castillo, C/G John Urschel and DB Lardarius Webb will be at the podium following practice.
Follow me on Twitter @sportguyRSR
The post Ravens Running Backs Steal the Show appeared first on Russell Street Report | Baltimore Ravens News.