Pads Popping For Pass Protection

Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh said that he was "disappointed" with his team's pass protection last Thursday against the Carolina Panthers, so he made that an emphasis in Saturday's practice. 

The Ravens spent approximately 30 minutes working their offensive linemen against their pass-rushing defensive front.

The one-on-one drills even drew spectators, as the group was eventually circled by all players and coaches, all of whom were shouting cheers and jeers as the 300-pound men up front tried to hold off a relentless attack.

"That's a great drill," said Head Coach John Harbaugh. "[Offensive Line Coach] John Matsko does a great job with our guys, and he made a great point.  How do you really learn how to pass block.  Well, you pass block in a situation like that, one-on-one, which is the toughest possible situation for the offensive line. 

"Now, our guys can rush.  Our guys really challenge those guys.  Our defense's job right now is to get better rushing the passer, but also to make our offensive line a better pass protection unit."

Afterwards, it was evident that there would be some sore bodies in need of a free Sunday, which Harbaugh granted by cancelling both practices. 

Both offensive and defensive linemen slowly lumbered off the field either to hit the ice bath immediately or sign autographs.

"Everything is intense at this level, but you need that work to get better at pass blocking," said rookie Ramon Harewood.  "It was extremely competitive.  It was your best versus his best, and any time you're mano-a-mano, it's going to be a good battle."

After allowing six sacks and six quarterback hurries against the Panthers, Harbaugh said he doesn't want that performance to repeat itself next weekend against the Washington Redskins.

"You always take what you think you need to work on, and you emphasize it the next practice," said Harbaugh.  "You're always chasing the things you need to get better at, and obviously we feel like we need to get better at [pass protection]."

The fact that the entire Ravens team witnessed the extra work was a rarity.  It started with Ed Reed and Chris Carr, both of whom did not practice, looking on in between
plays during seven-on-seven work.

When the skill players wrapped their segment of practice, everyone walked over to the adjacent practice field. 

"When the team comes around, it's like all eyes on you," said defensive lineman Lamar Divens with a smile.   "It's not just one-on-ones.  It definitely makes you give your best effort."

Gaither Sees Another Specialist

Offensive tackle Jared Gaither went to see another specialist, this time, a Dr. Watkins from California, to examine what Harbaugh called a "small tear" in his back.

The injury will keep Gaither out for two or three weeks.

"He's got something in his back – it's a very small tear, I don't know the medical term for it. It's not a serious thing, but it's going to keep him out for a couple weeks until it settles down, because it's causing the spasms, apparently."

Gaither has been in and out of practice since camp's first week, seeing a specialist in Baltimore on Aug. 7.

The 6-foot-9, 311-pounder played both right and left tackle when he could take the field.  Gaither walked out to observe Saturday's session in shorts and jersey.

"He's going to have to work as hard as he can, and we'll have to try to work it out," said Harbaugh.  "I wouldn't hold my breath for about two weeks, three weeks through camp here, and we'll see where we're at at that point."

Nakamura Feeling Quicker

Safety Haruki Nakamura posted one of the bigger defensive stat lines against the Panthers.  He finished second on the team with five tackles, one sack, a tackle for loss, a pass deflection and one forced fumble.

Not bad for a guy who hasn't seen live game action since his 2009 campaign ended on Nov. 16.

"I feel a lot quicker, I feel a lot healthier, and the biggest thing is [that] I'm excited about playing football again."

Nakamura said he is fully recovered from his ankle injury and benefitted from participating in organized team activities this spring.

"My main focus this year was just to get healthy, and I did that pretty early this year," said Nakamura.  "I really focused on getting back as fast as possible. I think that helped me by being able to get into my speed training a little bit quicker than if I were to have to rehab through OTAs, through the time going to training camp.

Clearing Up Bulger Claims

A story on Pro Football Talk stated that ESPN play-by-play man Mike Tirico described quarterback Marc Bulger as a "beaten down man." 

Analyst Ron Jaworski cited a production meeting interview that seemed to suggest that.  But which meeting, Jaworski did not cite.

"We walked into that meeting, and it was like 'I'm not sure I want to play; I'm not sure I'll be here next year'" Jaworski relayed on ESPN's broadcast of the Carolina game. "I just didn't see the passion, the enthusiasm you have to play at this level, to work at it week in, week out.  Maybe he'll get it back."

Ravens Vice President of Public and Community Relations cleared that up.

"I think Ron Jaworski was referring to a meeting when Marc was at St. Louis," said Byrne.  "He was not referring to the production meeting here. I think that's what got misinterpreted, because [Jon] Gruden gave a preface about Bulger getting beat up in St. Louis, and then [Jaworski] came back and said, ‘Yeah, in the production meeting...'

"He didn't clarify, but I did check with Ron."

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