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: