BALTIMORE — As the clock showed two minutes remaining, Lamar Jackson gained possession at his own 30-yard mark, trailing by a score of 20-17.
The series commenced auspiciously: an impeccably delivered throw stretching down the left sideline to Keith Kirkwood. The Baltimore Ravens’ two-time MVP quarterback couldn’t have executed a more precise placement into his receiver’s grasp.
However, the sequence then involved an incomplete pass, first-year rookie DB Malaki Starks closely guarding wide receiver Dayton Wade, followed by a concise completion to Mark Andrews. Subsequently, a sack occurred — an unblocked Marlon Humphrey aggressively approaching off the edge on a corner blitz. Considering the remaining time, the field position, and the score, a sack represented a suboptimal outcome.
Or perhaps this was precisely the scenario the Ravens subtly desired. After all, this is merely a training period, and the team is assessing its new kicker while in the process of replacing a longstanding franchise main figure. Tyler Loop faced a 56-yard field goal attempt to achieve a tie.
He eliminated all uncertainty, bisecting the uprights with ample clearance, impressing the 26,052 Ravens devotees who gathered at M&T Bank Stadium for the team’s inaugural practice on its home terrain. This capped an exceptional day for the sixth-round rookie, who achieved a six-for-six record during a field goal exercise earlier that included a successful attempt from 60 yards.
“He aced that test with distinction — that’s an A+++,” John Harbaugh remarked after the practice session. “Advancing to the next challenge. I’m extremely pleased for him, simply for him to overcome that and now acknowledge, ‘You possess the capability, and you understand the execution, exactly like that.’ That embodies his character. Not unexpected, but unquestionably very pleased.”
Loop was recognized as a Lou Groza Award semifinalist during the preceding season and may potentially emerge as the kicker burdened with the most significant pressure this season. The Ravens selected Loop just prior to parting ways with Justin Tucker, who had been accused of inappropriate behavior by several individuals earlier in the offseason. Tucker contested the allegations. In his statement, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta termed releasing Tucker a “personnel” decision.
Loop’s impressive performance would have constituted a positive indication regardless of circumstances, but the fact that it transpired within an NFL stadium — rather than the team’s training complex — and occurred one day after the team dismissed undrafted rookie kicker John Hoyland, are also elements that will permit Ravens supporters to rest somewhat more comfortably during the night.
“One might not anticipate [kicking at the stadium] to differ significantly, except that the visual perspectives are entirely dissimilar,” Harbaugh, a former special teams coordinator, noted. “I believe the wind dynamics and similar factors also vary. You must come to this location to engage in kicking under those conditions, but I still maintain that the scoreboard in operation, the spectators present, the targets they establish, constitute the genuine elements, thereby rendering it exceptionally valuable.”
Indeed, it was solely an early-August training camp, characterized by favorable climatic conditions and the absence of substantial repercussions in the event of a miss. Indeed, he must still endure preseason evaluations. However, should Loop prove decisive during the upcoming season, perhaps his initial practice session at M&T Bank Stadium will prove to be noteworthy in retrospect.
Here’s additional insights from the Ravens’ practice two days ahead of their hosting the Indianapolis Colts for a joint session.
Lamar Jackson displays agility, precision
A considerable portion of Jackson’s prominence arises from the impactful plays: the astonishing maneuvers, the high-velocity deep passes, and the capability to generate favorable outcomes from adverse situations. However, on occasion, his value is most effectively showcased through the execution of smaller plays. In one team exercise, for instance, Jackson evaded pressure originating from both flanks, advanced upfield, awaited his receiver to initiate blocking, and promptly exited out of bounds immediately after securing a first down. This demonstrated not only athleticism, but also Jackson’s astute decision-making as a runner.
Earlier during the day, Jackson achieved a touchdown via a running play as well, although with the typical non-contact regulations pertaining to quarterbacks during practice, it was challenging to ascertain whether he would have actually reached the end zone.
Later in the practice session, during seven-on-seven red zone drills, Jackson lofted a perfectly executed pass to Mark Andrews, resulting in a touchdown. Subsequently, in an 11-on-11 scenario, he delivered another flawless pass to Derrick Henry on a wheel route. Henry concluded the sequence with a short touchdown run.
One-on-one wide receiver versus cornerback exercises are typically expected to favor the offensive player, considering the extensive space available and the absence of pressure on the quarterback.
Nevertheless, during a pair of drills, Jaire Alexander inverted this paradigm entirely. On one instance, Alexander seemingly replicated Wade’s route preemptively, to such an extent that a pass was never even initiated. A few repetitions later, Alexander remained closely positioned to Anthony Miller deep downfield and deflected the ball. The two-time All-Pro rose to his feet and engaged with the Baltimore audience in a playful manner, performing the “seatbelt” celebration.
“You can observe the evident skill set,” Harbaugh stated. “He exhibits mobility, possesses a knack for engaging with the ball. It is often stated, ‘You defend with your footwork, and you interact with the ball utilizing your hands. You do not defend with your hands.’ He comprehends this concept.
“He simply possesses an innate understanding of that facet of the game. He is exceptionally talented, exceedingly confident, and dedicates tremendous effort. A+.”
Alexander was surpassed on the previously mentioned deep pass to Kirkwood that facilitated Loop’s field goal, but overall, he delivered a commendable practice session. In another drill, he remained closely associated with DeAndre Hopkins, and although Hopkins secured the ball, he was clearly positioned outside the boundaries.
“D-Hop, he’s a GOAT, he’s a legend in this league,” Alexander commented. “So I always seek opportunities to compete against D-Hop. It has been a productive interaction, a great exchange.”
Alexander’s dynamism has been undeniable. Sunday, he manifested several impressive instances to corroborate this.
Additional Observations
- The Ravens retain 10 of their 11 starters from the previous year’s offensive lineup. The singular alteration? Left guard. On Sunday, Andrew Vorhees collaborated with the starters; during the preceding week, Ben Cleveland was afforded time in that capacity. While it can be challenging to arrive at definitive conclusions — particularly on Sunday, when media representatives were situated in the press box — Vorhees, Andrews, and Ronnie Stanley executed effectively in facilitating Justice Hill for a substantial gain on a pitch play. Vorhees also cleared the path for Henry’s touchdown stroll.
- The core of the Ravens’ defensive line persists in making an impression; Henry, for the most part, encountered difficulties in securing significant space. It should be acknowledged, of course, that Henry generates substantial impact subsequent to initial contact, a characteristic that cannot be fully replicated during practice, but Nnamdi Madubuike and Travis Jones spearhead a robust collective.
- Kyle Hamilton orchestrated one of the notable plays of the day for the defense, twisting, turning, and contorting his physique to disrupt a Jackson pass that appeared destined for Charlie Kolar. Hamilton’s exceptional athleticism was unequivocally on display.
- With starters Hopkins, Zay Flowers, and Rashod Bateman, in addition to prominent backups Tylan Wallace and Devontez Walker already integrated, it is anticipated that a challenging competition will ensue for other wide receivers aspiring to secure a position within the Ravens’ wide receiver corps. Baltimore expended a sixth-round selection on the swift LaJohntay Wester, who has exhibited some noteworthy moments. However, during the two practice sessions I have witnessed, undrafted rookie free agent Xavier Guillory has distinguished himself. On Sunday, he outperformed Nate Wiggins deep downfield for a touchdown in a one-on-one repetition. He also executed another impressive reception, persevering through contact that resulted in a pass interference penalty and completing the catch regardless, as well as a third significant reception during the second team’s two-minute drill. Malik Cunningham has also demonstrated several commendable repetitions.
- Other standout performers included Keaton Mitchell, who transformed a concise Cooper Rush screen pass into a touchdown and evaded a tackle in a subsequent 11-on-11 scenario, as well as Starks, who prolonged a Henry run in an 11-on-11 arrangement.
