Training camp is the time when players try out new things. Quarterbacks will be a little more careless with their throws in an effort to find out what they can get away with while defensive backs will be a little more aggressive as they too need to know what will get them burned. With training camp practices being the time to press a little further, turnovers tend to come early and often. But not for the Baltimore Ravens, who have been perfect thus far in team drills.
Through four practices in front of the media, Baltimore’s quarterbacks have been interception free. That’s not for a lack of effort by the defense, however. In Friday’s practice, defenders got their hands on several passes and nearly came down with some big interceptions, according to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. Cornerback Terrell Bonds nearly had a pick-six and outside linebacker Pernell McPhee tipped a pass of his own. But at least so far, Lamar Jackson and company have remained perfect in the 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills, according to Penn Live’s Aaron Kasinitz.
With Baltimore having one of the best offenses and defenses in the NFL last season, this battle between the two sides of the ball should remain fierce. Where in previous seasons, one unit was obviously better than the other, this year the team isn’t nearly as one-sided. Those close battles should make everyone better as it sets a higher baseline of play than what the Ravens will typically see on a weekly basis in the regular season.
It’s far too early in training camp to make any definitive statements about the team. But the offense’s lack of turnovers, while the defense is tipping passes, is a positive thing. Hopefully, that translates to the regular season and we see cleaner drives from the offense and more splash plays from the defense.
