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Since the NFL canceled the Ravens' final week of organized team activities, Baltimore wrapped up its last OTA practice this offseason Thursday.
But just because the Ravens got a few less practices than every other NFL team (except the Oakland Raiders) it doesn't mean they didn't have a good offseason.
"I'm proud of the way they worked," Head Coach **John Harbaugh** said. "I think we've maxed out our offseason. Now it's time to get away for a little bit."
After the NFL deemed that the Ravens violated rules concerning the intensity and tempo of practice and the length of time players spent at the facility, the Ravens lost two special teams practices.
While rookies are permitted at the facility, veterans are not. After next week's lockdown, veterans and rookies who stick around the Baltimore area can still participate in voluntary workouts throughout the summer.
Harbaugh said wide receiver **Anquan Boldin** already asked when he can come in to work out and that the quarterbacks, wide receivers and tight ends will "get together numerous times" this offseason.
"Now we give them a block of time to get off on their own, work hard on their own, kind of get themselves mentally and physically prepared for a really long season," Harbaugh said. "That's their obligation now at this point."
The offseason officially started all the way back in mid-March when the Ravens began their voluntary offseason conditioning program. The program had great attendance and it's evident that a number of players are in better shape.
One mandatory camp, four passing camps and one rookie camp followed, and the Ravens consistently had high attendance and good results. It was clear that the rookies had caught up some and the veterans were also playing at a high level.
"We could always say, 'More guys could have been here,' or, 'We could have been more correct on defense or run certain routes better or make throws better," Harbaugh said. "That's part of the process. You're never going to be perfect. But we're always chasing that."
Following practice, the locker room was dramatically more raucous than usual as the players joked around with each other and literally danced around. They were obviously happy with the work they had put in with their teammates.
"I really think we had a great offseason," running back Ray Rice said. "I'm just one of the guys who feels like the offseason is where the season is made. Monday Night Football will be here soon enough."
