In a Ravens secondary loaded with talent, Ar'Darius Washington got everyone's attention on Monday.
Washington stepped in front of a Josh Johnson pass intended for Malik Cunningham and caught the football in full stride for an impressive interception. But Washington wasn't done. He sprinted about 80 yards into the opposite end zone for a pick-six, then did a backflip in the end zone to punctuate the play.
With the Olympics in full swing, the backflip seemed appropriate. However, Washington wasn't channeling his inner Simone Biles. It was just a spontaneous way of celebrating.
"It felt good," Washington said. "I've been doing that since I was about six years old. Bring it out, why not?"
Washington began the 2023 regular season as the primary nickel cornerback and played 113 snaps over the first two games. However, a chest injury ended his season in September and Arthur Maulet took over at nickel corner and had an excellent season.
During this training camp, Washington is playing safety and vying for playing time behind starters Kyle Hamilton and Marcus Williams. The recent addition of veteran safety Eddie Jackson has made the safety position even more competitive, but Washington is simply focusing on having a strong camp.
"Competition is great," Washington said. "It brings out the best in us."
Here are some other observations from Monday's practice:
- Rashod Bateman had the day's outstanding offensive play, leaping high over Washington and Jalyn Armour-Davis to snag a touchdown pass in the corner of the end zone. Bateman landed hard and stayed down for a minute or two before walking slowly to the sideline. The play occurred late in practice and Bateman didn't take any more reps, however he remained outside to watch the remainder of practice.
- Marlon Humphrey ran stride-for-stride with Bateman early in practice, forcing a deep pass from Lamar Jackson to fall incomplete. Humphrey's speed and defensive coverage have been impressive throughout camp.
- Defensive tackle Travis Jones continued to have a dominant training camp, making it difficult to run inside with success and pushing the pocket with his pass rush.
- Rookie left guard Andrew Vorhees took a lap after being whistled for a false start. Vorhees is the favorite to start at left guard and it will be important for him to avoid pre-snap penalties.
- Kyle Van Noy forced a potential passing play to be blown dead when he barged into the backfield and got in Jackson's face. Van Noy was a big part of Baltimore's pass rush last year and his comfort level in the defensive system should only grow.
- Odafe Oweh set the edge on a running attempt by Derrick Henry and held the play to a minimal gain. Oweh's ability to defend the run has improved every season along with his pass-rushing skills.
- Undrafted rookie tight end Qadir Ismail made a nice adjustment on a route to catch a 20-yard pass from Jackson after he escaped the pocket. Ismail's dad, former Ravens wide receiver Qadry Ismail, was standing just a few yards away on the sideline watching his son make the catch.
- Undrafted outside linebacker Joe Evans from Iowa had a strong pass rushing day that he will look to carry into the preseason opener.
- Humphrey had an interception on an overthrown pass that led to several laterals by the defensive players on his return. The defense was hoping for another pick-six but was denied.
- Maulet went high to break up a potential touchdown pass intended for Nelson Agholor. The Ravens have numerous defensive backs playing well and Maulet is among them.
