Photo credit: CSN Baltimore

Russell Street Report Camp Notes Jimmy Smith Causes Joe Flacco Problems

The Ravens donned the pads on Monday enduring rainy conditions at the Under Armour Performance Center in preparation for their preseason opener against the Saints on Thursday at M&T Bank Stadium.

After a much needed day off on Sunday to rest, the oft-talked about secondary came out firing on all cylinders with cornerback Jimmy Smith leading the way.

After signing a new four-year, $48 million deal this offseason, Smith had a stellar day against Joe Flacco and the first team offense. During 7-on-7 drills, the 6-2, 206 pound Smith jumped a route and intercepted a pass from Joe Flacco intended for wide receiver Kamar Aiken.

On the very next play, Smith was inches away from another interception when the pass was tipped at the very last moment.

Smith also was responsible for several passes defended through the morning practice.

Not Flacco’s Day

Despite a long touchdown pass to rookie wide receiver Darren Waller and Michael Campanaro, Joe Flacco didn’t have the best day. During 11-on-11 drills, Flacco was picked off twice once by Asa Jackson and another by Anthony Levine Sr., often throwing behind his intended receivers.

A number of passes required his receivers to dive for the football while others were batted away or nearly intercepted by the Ravens secondary.

Backup quarterback Matt Schaub‘s performance was better than his previous outings, however he was also the victim of the energized secondary.

The Butler Did It

One player the secondary did have trouble containing during practice on Monday was wide receiver Jeremy Butler. The second-year receiver out of Tennessee-Martin took advantage of his opportunities with both Breshad Perriman and Marlon Brown not participating in the full team practice session.

While the raw but talented wide out did drop some passes on the day, Butler moved the chains frequently and hauled in several catches including a touchdown pass from Matt Schaub.

Butler spent most of practice split between the first and second team offenses.

Other Observations

With John Urschel (concussion) sidelined, third-year guard/center Ryan Jensen took the majority of snaps at center with the first team offense despite Jeremy Zuttah being present for practice. Jensen fared well in pass-pro and provided some nice cut back lanes for running backs Justin Forsett and Buck Allen.

Starting on Thursday, the Raven will provide a glimpse of whom they favor in the punt and kick return game. It’s possible that player is not even on the roster. Michael Campanaro (punt return starter on depth chart), DeAndre Carter, Aldrick Robinson, Tom Nelson, Steve Smith Sr. and Lardarius Webb all took reps returning punts. Cornerback Asa Jackson (kickoff return starter on depth chart), Carter, Campanaro and running back Lorenzo Taliaferro all saw action returning kickoffs for special teams coordinator Jerry Rosburg.

Wide receiver Marlon Brown participated in individual drills yet was held out during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 team drills. Brown appeared to be taking it easy on his first day back after missing several days with a back and hamstring injury.

Hit of the Day

During seven on seven run drills, rookie tight end Nick Boyle pancaked blocked outside linebacker Steven Means at the line of scrimmage to open up a huge running lane for Lorenzo Taliaferro. After the block, Means quickly rolled on top of Boyle and words were exchanged. On the very next play, Boyle again had a solid block on Means.

Not Practicing

Wide receiver Breshad Perriman again didn’t practice despite being close to a return as John Harbaugh alluded to a few days ago. It’s safe to say the rookie first-round draft pick will probably not play against the Saints on Thursday.

Also absent on Monday was guard Robert Myers (concussion), John Urschel, safety Kendrick Lewis, defensive end Tyson and defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan (foot injury).

Cornerback Lardarius Webb left practice early after feeling his hamstring grab not long after Darren Waller’s long touchdown reception.

Marlon Brown (back), Maxx Williams (eye), Kelechi Osemele (foot), Zachary Thompson, Tray Walker (hamstring) and Steve Smith (personal) all returned to practice.

On Deck

The Ravens will take to the practice field on Tuesday at 1 p.m..

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