OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Amidst a sweltering Maryland summer day, the Baltimore Ravens’ defense showcased a dominant performance during padded practice, capitalising on a shorthanded offense. Despite the lopsided results in team drills, head coach John Harbaugh viewed it as another productive day for both sides of the ball, highlighting the team’s resilience in challenging conditions.
Harbaugh emphasized the physiological and mental demands of practicing in intense heat, stating, “It really is a challenge because we’ve had the heat… our guys handled it pretty darn well.” He noted that such conditions force players to elevate their concentration and mental fortitude, essential elements for this critical time of the year. The coach expressed satisfaction with the team’s work ethic, acknowledging the defense’s exceptional showing.
A key focus of the day was the update on tight end Isaiah Likely, who sustained a small foot fracture. While surgery awaits, Harbaugh provided encouraging news, indicating Likely has not been definitively ruled out for Week 1 of the NFL season. The coach recounted being with Likely when the diagnosis came, describing it as “a tough few minutes,” but confirmed the tight end is now in “great spirits” and relieved not to require crutches.
Beyond Likely, other player injuries were addressed. Wide receiver Zay Flowers, who had been favoring his knee/leg, did not participate in Wednesday’s practice, though Harbaugh conveyed minimal concern regarding his condition. Similarly, cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis’ injury was deemed “not a serious deal,” with Harbaugh assuring it wouldn’t result in a prolonged absence from the field.
The defense’s prowess was undeniable, particularly amplified by the offense’s absences. Cornerback Chidobe Awuzie, working primarily with the first-team defense, demonstrated exceptional coverage and playmaking ability. He nearly secured an interception on an overthrown pass and later broke up another pass, consistently disrupting offensive plays and showcasing his keen understanding of the Ravens’ defensive schemes.
Harbaugh lauded Awuzie’s recent improvements, noting, “Really stepping up the last day or two… he knows how to play.” The coach highlighted Awuzie’s intelligence and rapid learning curve in understanding the intricacies of the defense, expressing significant excitement about his contributions. Despite not being the most high-profile secondary acquisition, Awuzie’s performance underscores the depth of the Baltimore Ravens’ cornerback group.
The defensive line also asserted its dominance, consistently collapsing the pocket and stifling the run game. Interior linemen Broderick Washington, Travis Jones, and Justin Madubuike were instrumental, with Washington notably pushing an offensive lineman deep into the backfield to blow up a run play. Running backs found minimal room to operate against the formidable defensive front, a stark contrast to the offense’s pass protection from the previous day.
In a lighter moment, tight end Charlie Kolar offered a humorous anecdote about his offseason training. He jokingly described his fiancée’s “powersculpt” classes, which he equated to “crossfit hell,” as his preparation for the intense heat of training camp. Kolar, who anticipates an expanded role due to Isaiah Likely’s temporary absence, then adopted a more serious tone to discuss Mark Andrews’ challenging offseason following crucial mistakes in a season-ending loss.
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