Morning camp notes
The moment you saw the Ravens walk onto the field at McDaniel College for today's morning workout without pads, you knew the tone of the practice was going to be a lot different.
There was a lot of teaching and not any hitting.
Is that why the word "fundamentals" starts with fun?
The spirited workout was likely the result of the dwindling number of healthy bodies going into Thursday's opening preseason game against the New England Patriots in Foxboro, Mass.
It wasn't quite a walk-through, something the Ravens will do in private Wednesday in Westminster.
It was more like a run-through.
Here are some observations:
While quarterback Kyle Boller was named the starter by John Harbaugh after practice, he still looks a bit shaky out there. There were a couple of times when offensive coordinator Cam Cameron pulled him over after Boller missed his target by more than five yards.
(An aside for those Ravens fans who think that Boller can't hit the broad side of a barn. At one point in the practice, Boller threw a 30-yard pass directed at a barn adjacent to the field. He missed, leading one of my Sun colleagues to say, "And the barn was open.")
Cameron also wasn't too happy when rookie quarterback Joe Flacco got a pass tipped at the line of scrimmage and should have had another one knocked down later on, but it went through the hands of defensive lineman Lorenzo Williams. Quarterback Troy Smith, again, showed more than the others, including a 60-yard touchdown pass that wide receiver Kerry Reed tipped in the air away from cornerback David Pittman.
Another observation: Running back Ray Rice continues to be one of the stars of this camp. With Willis McGahee sitting out because of knee problems, the rookie from Rutgers continues to impress with his durability and stamina -- something Ravens fans are starting to notice in comparison to McGahee -- as well as his play-making ability.
Rice will start against the Patriots, something worth watching the more McGahee sits out.
Comments
you're not pullig for troy boy are you
Posted by: Curtis mccoin | August 5, 2008 1:09 PM
Don
Love the camp updates. I have been out a couple of times and seem to notice (even as just a fan) that Smith fits this offense better. Any reason for staying with Boller? I know it is just pre-season. Thanks.
Posted by: Frank | August 5, 2008 1:26 PM
I like Rice a lot, hope he does well against the Patriots.
Posted by: Steve Sievers | August 5, 2008 2:20 PM
You all seem to think Troy is the answer. Well what I have seen of him he has good pocket awareness but his arm strength is not there. If he throws a ball to the sideline hold you breath it doesn't get picked for a td the other way. Joe is going to be the qb here once he gets the system down. His arm is great and has the same calm about him Troy does.
It is a shame the media beats up Kyle. Yes he is not a great qb but I think alot of that is from taking a pounding from a o-line that can't pass block. One thing about Kyle he is a real man. He admits when HE MAKES mistakes and never once have I heard him bash any of his players for the beating he has taken. I wish Kyle all the best once the he leaves.
Posted by: Randy | August 5, 2008 2:22 PM
Be fair, it was the narrow part of the barn.
Posted by: Dan | August 5, 2008 2:42 PM
Barring injury, I think Troy is the starter this season. He has the qualities you need to be a good leader and I think he can keep them in contention for a wild card berth.
Posted by: Chris | August 5, 2008 2:53 PM
The goat picked off the pass to the barn!
Posted by: critic | August 5, 2008 3:02 PM
Whatever happened to backing your team regardless of who starts. Less negative comments and more support.
Posted by: ocjohn | August 5, 2008 3:38 PM
You are in for a treat having Ray Rice on the Ravens--watched him for 3 years at Rutgers--he is the real deal.
Posted by: Hal Mamay | August 5, 2008 5:19 PM
I wonder if Bollers Contract and 8 millon $ signing bonus included a cant miss the barn stipulation....I guess If the bears can keep holding on to gross rexman ..and the lions can keep holding on to Matt mullen than the Ravens can keep holding on to Kyle Gutterball.....Boller 6 years .....Smith 3 games .....Flacco no games.... all even..... Hummmm..............
Posted by: Rob | August 5, 2008 5:36 PM
The O-line was UNCONSCIOUS when they Played New England last Dec, and still Boller took some serious sacks.
Right now the O-line is just unproven, as Whoever plays QB in the 1st half come is gonna feel the growing pains. Boller can absorb the damage on this one
Posted by: tucker in Sec. 527 | August 5, 2008 9:14 PM