With officials attending today's morning practice session, the Ravens tried to simulate a real-game atmosphere during training camp. The officials monitored the play clock, counseled players on how to avoid illegal formation calls, and threw their yellow flags.

Because many head coaches have pre-existing relationships with various officials, it will be interesting to see how John Harbaugh's relationship develops with the referees. In some circles, the Ravens have developed a reputation as a wild and reckless crew, and some players believe that the officials are hostile toward the team.

Harbaugh was asked about his relationship with the referees, and he painted himself as a "nice guy." Responding to a follow-up question from team spokesman Kevin Byrne, Harbaugh did admit that there were a few occasions when -- during his time as the special teams coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles -- he earned the wrath of head coach Andy Reid for berating officials.

“On the rare occasion, Andy has grabbed me and told me to shut up," Harbaugh said. "And not in such nice terms.”

Asked about his demeanor on the sidelines, Harbaugh said, “I want to get along with everybody. I really want to get along with the officials. That’s my goal -- to have a good relationship with the officials throughout the day. I think the great thing about the officials in the NFL -- in all seriousness -- is that they really do want to communicate. [Vice President of Officiating] Mike Pereira does a great job with those group of guys. They talk to head coaches, they talk to defensive backs coaches, they talk to special teams coordinators. They really do communicate with you. And as long as you’re respectful, you know they’ve got a job to do, and they do a really good job. They really do talk to you. It’s not really adversarial very often. Sometimes it gets frustrating and I think they understand that, too.”