Fans Flock to M&T to Celebrate the Return of Ravens Football

After months of worrying that the NFL lockout would threaten the 2011-12 football season, Ravens fans were finally given something to get excited about as the team took the field at M&T Bank Stadium for an open practice. For some fans, making the annual trip to McDaniel College in Westminster is a highlight of the summer. However, due to the lockout the team was forced to move their training camp practices to their training facility in Owings Mills, a space that cannot accommodate parking for the thousands of spectators interested in attending.

Today was the only practice open to the public and you could definitely feel football season in the air as more than 20,000 fans arrived downtown as early as 8 a.m. for the 3-hour practice starting at 10 a.m.

I couldn’t have been more excited to put on my own number 52 jersey for the first time in months and see the guys in action. While it is hard to assess the players in the preseason due to the many variables they are up against, I will be posting a series of entries in the days leading up to the first pre-season game that lay out my thoughts about what I saw today as well some of my questions that are still left unanswered. With only 5 days to go before our Ravens take the field in Philly, there is certainly a lot of things for fans to be excited about as well as some wrinkles in the fabric of the team that I hope they can iron out in time to start the season off with a WIN and ultimately lead us to Indianapolis in February!

Taylor’s Training Camp Thoughts: Post 1 – Rookies and Special Situations

(Photo Credits - personal photos courtesy of John Boyd)

Rookies:

I think that drafting players to NFL teams has to be one of the most challenging things that teams are required to do. It is one thing to watch players shine at the collegiate level but it is a completely different set of circumstances when you are talking about throwing them into a professional game where they are up against players with years of experience beyond their own. Talent and physical characteristics aside, teams also have to assess personal character and whether or not the young players would gel with unit of veterans that they already have in place.

All challenges taken into consideration, I was incredibly pleased with the success of the Ravens 2011 draft. It was great that owners were able to complete the drafting process before the stresses of the lockout were fully underway and it definitely reignited the excitement for the upcoming season in the hearts of Ravens fans who were left disappointed by the underwhelming performance in the playoffs.

The rookies looked right at home today in their black and purple and it was exciting to see them on Baltimore turf for the first time. 

After being sidelined with a groin injury in preceding practices, Jimmy Smith geared up for today’s practice in which he participated in light catching drills but not the scrimmaging. With all the draft day concerns about his character, I was heartened to see him in a gentle moment with some younger fans on the field.

When Torrey Smith pulled up limping during one of the passing drills there was concern but his hamstring didn’t stop from fully participating at high gear. He showed flashes that helped us understand why there was such hype when he was drafted.

The void left from loss of the gigantic Jared Gaither appears to have been filled by the massive Jah Reid. At 6'7" and 330 pounds, he is a certainly a physical presence as he competes with Cousins for the right tackle position.

Tyrod Taylor appeared to be in the number two rotation amongst the three quarterbacks along with Flacco and second year Hunter Cantwell. Although some of his passes were disappointing, he showed a different dimension during the two-minute drill when he exploded for an 80 yard scramble in which is open field running evaded multiple tacklers and showcased his speed. Clearly Taylor is a different flavor from Flacco and he could leave a bad taste with defenses if the coaches decide to exploit his abilities.

Tandon Doss played today as if he were a starter and made multiple catches.

Chykie Brown is another exciting prospect at the cornerback position and we look forward to seeing more of him in the remainder of preseason.

"Special Situations":

While the Ravens were praised for their 2010 draft, it is interesting to note that their two top picks, Sergio Kindle and Terrence Cody, did not make substantial contributions in their rookie season.

Baltimore has been rooting for Kindle to recover from his serious head injury that threatened his return to football. Finally cleared to play, it was great to see Kindle out on the field competing today. The question remains, will Kindle become the bookend opposite Terrell Suggs.

With the loss of Kelly Gregg to free agency, it is time for Terrence Cody to move into a major role on the defensive line. After struggling to pass his physical last season, Cody again appeared heavy and seemed to have problems with the heat spending much of the practice on one knee. Let’s hope he will be fit to play on opening day.

With the death of the three-headed monster following the free agency losses of McGahee and McClain, we welcome veteran fullback Vonta Leach. We are looking forward to seeing how this might enable Ray Rice to regain the performance of his rookie season.

Check back tomorrow for Taylor’s Training Camp Thoughts: Post 2 – Quarterbacks!