OTAs Kick Off with a Notable Absence
Let’s not mince words. As the photos below illustrate, we’re starting to see great action at the Castle with OTAs this week:
One step closer to pic.twitter.com/ioHVzNmWS4
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) May 25, 2022
Looking through these, you might notice that Lamar Jackson isn’t pictured. Given the unfolding contract situations, this is concerning to some Ravens fans. We don’t want our star QB leaving in Free Agency, but in the meantime, we don’t want him missing out on practices, either. Head Coach John Harbaugh had an interesting comment on that:
Asked about Lamar Jackson not being at OTAs, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said: “I will let Lamar speak for himself.”
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) May 25, 2022
Harbaugh’s comment does leave some doubt about the team’s stance here. Does the brass wish Jackson was practicing with the larger team? Do they fully understand why he isn’t there? Is Harbaugh simply being short to the media? It’s hard to say.
One signing this morning caught the attention of RSR head honcho Tony Lombardi.
The Ravens signing of Brett Hundley may be an indication that Lamar Jackson plans to sit out future OTA’s. pic.twitter.com/SJywMIgh8z
— Tony Lombardi (@RSRLombardi) May 26, 2022
Regardless, Jackson did tweet about his excitement to return:
Can’t wait to get backhttps://t.co/Nb6gG50uYc
— Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) May 24, 2022
Stud corner Marlon Humphrey also commented on Jackson’s absence from OTAs, and I think he’s right in his assessment of players skipping out.
Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey on Lamar Jackson’s absence at OTAs: “If it was training camp, it’d be really bad. I think as long as guys are working, no matter where they are, that’s the biggest key. I spoke with Lamar earlier in the offseason. He said he will be coming in soon.”
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) May 25, 2022
Jackson does seem to be working hard at his craft, despite not being in Baltimore at this point. As long as he is focused on helping the team, that’s all I care about.
When it comes to the secondary, Humphrey’s area of expertise, Harbaugh understands that turnovers will be key in the 2022 season after watching more of the legendary 2000 Ravens defense:
Humphrey said he’s been looking more at the Ravens 2000 defense and he’s inspired by the group. Said turnovers will be “name of the game.”
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) May 25, 2022
Also per Jeff, Kyle Hamilton looks sharp early in OTAs, and he’ll certainly help the secondary create bad scenarios for opposing offenses:
Few quick takeaways from Ravens OTA: Rookie first-round pick Kyle Hamilton very impressive to watch. Fared well in his one-on-one TEs, breaks on balls quickly and very aggressive coming forward.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) May 25, 2022
Along with Hamilton, the Ravens signed Kyle Fuller on Tuesday. The former Bronco isn’t necessarily a household name (though having attended Mt. St. Joseph High School, he might be in Baltimore), but he does add a dangerous group of CBs on the Ravens’ defense:
Only 23 NFL defenders have posted 13+ interceptions over the past five seasons. The Ravens have three of them:
CB Marcus Peters (17)
S Marcus Williams (15)
CB Kyle Fuller (13)— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) May 24, 2022
Baltimore’s secondary is primed to be a turnover machine, and Shaffer’s list doesn’t even include Humphrey, whose “Fruit Punch” is a staple. Last season, the Ravens generated the 8th highest turnovers with 26. Adding Fuller, Williams, a number of rookies in the secondary and returning two All-Pro Caliber corners is sure to help that.
All that said, given the plethora of moves in the secondary this offseason, people forget Odafe Oweh’s impressive rookie year. The pass rush is an area of concern for many fans, but Oweh was one of the best EDGE rookies in 2021, and he has the potential to explode in his sophomore season.
He’s dead set on doing that, too:
“Dominate more.” @DafeOweh on his goals for the season: pic.twitter.com/RETmjuLbKe
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) May 25, 2022
If the Ravens secondary is going to snag more interceptions this season, a second-year leap for Oweh will be a key reason for it. As we all know, pressure forces opposing quarterbacks to make bad decisions. Hopefully Oweh will put QBs in pressurized situations, allowing Humphrey, Peters, Williams, Hamilton and others to take advantage.
Wrapping up this week’s Out to Lunch, we’ll focus on the most important facet of the NFL, Special Teams. Here’s a first look at Coach Sam Koch, courtesy of Ravens Twitter:
Coach Sam @Sam_Koch4 pic.twitter.com/CMsWsvUbrC
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) May 25, 2022
Koch looks right at home.
The post OTAs Kick Off with a Notable Absence appeared first on Russell Street Report.
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