The Ravens will wrap up their second week of training camp on Saturday, and they've kept their daily focus despite the challenging heat. Here are 10 takeaways on where the Ravens stand, all in 50 words or less:
Eyes will be on rookie Roger Rosengarten in the preseason opener Aug. 9 against the Eagles. The coaches already know what Patrick Mekari can do. But I think Rosengarten's preseason games could make or break his chance to start at right tackle.
The preseason will also be important for Tylan Wallace, Dayton Wade, Sean Ryan, and Malik Cunningham who are all trying to secure a roster spot for wide receiver. Wallace usually responds well to pressure, but Wade and Ryan have had strong training camp practices.
There's been plenty of focus on Baltimore's revamped offensive line, but the defensive line returned intact. All-Pro Justin Madubuike, Michael Pierce, Travis Jones, Broderick Washington, and Brent Urban have a chance to be the NFL's best defensive line rotation.
Speaking of Jones, he's an early 2024 candidate for most improved Raven. He's had some dominant reps in training camp, shedding blockers and living in the backfield. If Jones' snap count goes up, it would also help to keep the veteran Pierce fresh all season.
Third-year cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis is an ascending player. Injuries plagued Armour-Davis his first two seasons, but his coverage in camp has been excellent. The Ravens are deep at corner, but Armour-Davis is nice insurance and plays special teams.
Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely have made some sick catches during training camp. Having them on the field together more often in 2024 has the potential to create some nightmare matchup problems for opponents. It will be fun to watch for Ravens fans.
Don't let the Hall of Fame Game fool you. We'll eventually see some big returns with the new Dynamic Kickoff. However, teams have been practicing hard to defend it, and the best return tactics will be kept under wraps until Week 1.
I'm eager to see how returner Deonte Harty attacks the Dynamic Kickoff, but we'll have to wait. Even if Harty returns from his soft tissue injury soon, the Ravens may play it safe with him until later in the preseason or ever Week 1.
It was good to see Rashod Bateman return from missing a practice earlier in the week. Injuries have been Bateman's biggest obstacle during his career. If he can stay healthy, he'll make plays.
Tyler Linderbaum will miss his second straight practice Saturday dealing with a soft tissue injury. But don't expect him to miss a beat when he returns. As a rookie he was sidelined for almost three weeks in August, then started every game. Linderbaum is as tough as they come.
