Returning to the practice field after Thursday's preseason opener, the Ravens had a high-intensity practice capped by one of the more spirited drills of training camp.
The entire team circled around the trenches as the Ravens' defensive front and offensive line went to battle in a late-game pass rushing/blocking simulation.
Kyle Van Noy had what looked to be a pair of possible sacks and gave the Michael Jordan shrug after the second. Last year's Ravens sack leader (12.5) has had another strong training camp.
"He's just a really good football athlete, Kyle Van Noy," Head Coach John Harbaugh said this week. "I'm sure he still runs pretty fast. I'm sure he still jumps pretty high and all that. But he does all the football movements functionally really, really well. He can get off blocks, he can make tackles, he can rush the passer, and he's got leverage on the blocker. He finds a way, because he is really good."
Outside linebacker Malik Hamm, who has spent the past two years on injured reserve and is coming off a knee injury, had back-to-back sacks that sent his defensive teammates into a frenzy. Rookie Mike Green was too much for fellow rookie Carson Vinson on one rep.
Outside linebacker Tavius Robinson showed off his improved burst by winning with an outside speed move past Joe Noteboom. It was challenging to see over the circle, but it looked like defensive tackle Travis Jones also scored a win.
While the defenders have a bit of an advantage because they get to pin their ears back and just rush, the offensive line had several wins as well.
Left tackle Ronnie Stanley had a clear win on one rep and even broke out the Jaire Alexander seatbelt celebration. Tight end Charlie Kolar was out front yelling at the defense each time the offensive line won and congratulating his guys.
"It's a good drill," Harbaugh said with a smile.
Here are other notes from Saturday's practice:
- Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie picked off Lamar Jackson during 11-on-11 drills near the end of practice, undercutting Tylan Wallace to make the play. Nate Wiggins also picked off Jackson in the end zone during 7-on-7s. After not getting many chances in the preseason opener, several reserve pass catchers flashed in practice. Tight end Scotty Washington made an impressive diving touchdown catch with Beau Brade in tight coverage on a pretty pass from Cooper Rush. Dayton Wade also wrestled a leaping catch away from a defender during the red-zone drill. Anthony Miller made a gorgeous one-handed snag in one-on-one drills. Devontez Walker had a long catch and run during 11-on-11 drills. Malik Cunningham made a diving catch. Undrafted rookie wide receiver Jahmal Banks ended 11-on-11 red-zone drills with a touchdown catch and nearly had the two-point conversion, too. Harbaugh said it was challenging to evaluate the wide receivers in the preseason opener against the Colts considering the pass game's struggles, but coaches got a good look Saturday.
- Rookie LaJohntay Wester continued to be a tough cover in practice after his breakout preseason game.
- DeAndre Hopkins continues to make back-shoulder catches look easy, showing how he could be another weapon in the Ravens' passing arsenal.
- Brade ripped a fumble away from Walker, which the offense recovered, but then the defense pried it loose again and rookie linebacker Teddye Buchanan scooped it up.
- Zay Flowers had a good practice. He twisted Marlon Humphrey up after one catch, simply leaving the veteran cornerback shaking his head and giving Flowers a congratulatory tap on the top of the helmet.
- Undrafted rookie cornerback Marquise Robinson had an interception during one-on-one drills on a deep ball from Jackson intended for Walker. Jackson gave Walker some pointers after the play, communicating with the young receiver about what he wants to see on the route.
- First-round safety Malaki Starks came flying up to break up a short pass intended for Mark Andrews during seven-on-sevens. Starks continues to read and react quickly.
