It sure didn't look like Mike Wallace and Joe Flacco were on just their fifth practice together.
The new receiver-quarterback connection was in sync Wednesday morning, showing they've quickly developed chemistry early in training camp. Flacco looked in Wallace's direction throughout practice, and connected with him for a pair of big plays on a touchdown drive in full-team drills.
Flacco first hit Wallace perfectly in stride down the sidelines for a completion of about 25 yards. Flacco threaded the pass between safety Eric Weddle and cornerback Shareece Wright, and Wallace hauled it in while managing to stay in bounds.
A few plays later, Wallace finished the drive with a pretty touchdown snag on a fade route in the back of the end zone. Wallace was clearly fired up about the score, and he tossed the football into the fence in front of him as he celebrated the touchdown.
Earlier in practice, Flacco also connected with Wallace for a back-shoulder touchdown against top cornerback Jimmy Smith in seven-on-seven drills. The 30-year-old receiver has looked impressive in his last few practices, and he's quickly getting on the same page with his new quarterback.
Flacco was also sharp for much of practice, picking apart the defense during passing drills. He also connected with wide receivers Chris Matthews and Michael Campanaro for touchdowns.
Here were other news and notes from practice:
- The Ravens dialed back the physicality after Monday night's intense practice at M&T Bank Stadium. The team practiced in shells and shorts after three-straight padded sessions.
- Cornerback Will Davis missed his second-straight practice. He recovered from a torn ACL this offseason, but it's unclear whether his absence is related to that. Other players sidelined include tight ends Crockett Gillmore (hamstring) and Dennis Pitta (finger), running back Kenneth Dixon (knee), defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan (ribs), wide receiver Chris Moore (undisclosed) and cornerback Maurice Canady (undisclosed).
- The Ravens made a transaction to add running back depth, signing Stephen Houston and releasing punter Michael Palardy.
- Defensive Line Coach Joe Cullen is fun to watch during practice. He's active and constantly challenging his group. The high-energy coaching style is contagious, and Cullen has a reputation for getting the most out of his players.
- The defensive backs got their hands on bunch of passes. Cornerback Kyle Arrington picked off a pass from quarterback Ryan Mallett in the end zone, and likely would have returned it for a 100-yard touchdown. Arrington had another interception off a tipped pass, and cornerback Sheldon Price deflected a pass that got picked off by linebacker Albert McClellan. Safety Ladarius Webb also showed nice concentration to pull down an interception after initially bobbling it for a few steps. Forcing turnovers is a top priority for the defense during his year's training camp, and that influence is evident based on the way defenders are flocking to the football.
- Wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. isn't practicing yet, but he's still active on the field. Smith watched much of practice from the sideline and at one point he was working the officials after they threw a flag for offensive pass interference. The Ravens aren't going to rush Smith back, but he still has a presence even though he's not wearing a helmet yet.
