One of the more intriguing storylines entering Monday's joint practice was the will-they-or-won't-they drama surrounding Ravens wide receiver Michael Crabtree and Los Angeles Rams cornerback Aqib Talib, who had traded blows each of the past two seasons, with Talib snatching a chain from around Crabtree's neck on both occasions.
Both players, however, practiced without any fireworks. They lined up against each other several times, but there was little contact and seemingly no verbal exchanges.
Joint practices can devolve into fisticuffs. The Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles got into a training camp fracas in 2015, and the Rams and Los Angeles Chargers brawled several times in one preseason practice a year ago.
Coach John Harbaugh sounded pleased that there was no such acrimony Monday.
"I thought both teams were here to get better," he said. "Both teams had an agenda, which was to improve. I can't wait to get back and watch the tape, to be honest with you, and just see what we need to get better at. When you go against somebody else, it changes the dynamic just enough. I think you get a clearer indication of where you're at. There are going to be guys that did well, and some other guys are going to have to step it up."
