Ravens & Colts Set for Heated Joint Practice Ahead of Preseason Clash
OWINGS MILLS, MD – August 15, 2023 – The Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for a crucial joint practice session with the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday, August 15th, at the Ravens’ training facility in Owings Mills, Maryland. This practice takes on heightened importance as the ravens’ starters are slated to sit out Thursday night’s preseason opener against the Colts at M&T Bank Stadium.
The joint practice will provide invaluable live reps against an opponent, a change of pace from the daily grind of facing their own teammates. Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr emphasized the high stakes, stating, “I told the guys it’s two games this week, it’s Tuesday and Thursday. No matter where you’re at in your career, you could be a perennial Pro Bowl All-Pro, you could be a guy fighting to make the roster, every time you step on that field, you’re fighting for your career. You’re getting evaluated. You’ve got to think that way. You’ve got to take that approach.”
Fullback Patrick Ricard acknowledged the potential for friction, recalling a previous joint practice with the Colts that escalated into a full-team brawl.”Guys are fighting for their jobs, their livelihoods,” Ricard said. “Things end up getting chippy. You don’t really know the guy. Tempers flare. I think the last time we had a joint practice against the Colts, we had a full team brawl. Hopefully that doesn’t happen again.”
To mitigate the risk of escalating tensions,head Coach John Harbaugh announced that this year’s joint practice will be limited to a single day. Harbaugh explained, “We used to do two days, which we kind of moved past that. The second day is just a chippy day – a cheap shot day. (Colts Head Coach) Shane (Steichen) does a great job, [and the] (Washington) Commanders are the same with (Head Coach) Dan [Quinn]. We expect those to be good, clean practices.”
the practice is particularly anticipated by Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken,who is eager to see quarterback Lamar Jackson face a different defensive scheme. “You get a go against other skill sets, other concepts,” Monken said. “When you go against another team, it feels like the first day. It’s time to compete. I’m fired up.”
The Value of Joint Practices in NFL Training Camps
Joint practices have become a staple of NFL training camps, offering a unique possibility for teams to evaluate their players against competition outside of their own organization. These sessions allow coaches to assess performance in a game-like surroundings without the risk of injury associated with a full-speed preseason game. They also provide valuable film study material and a chance to identify areas for advancement before the regular season begins.
However, the intensity of these practices can sometimes lead to altercations, as players battle for roster spots and demonstrate their abilities. Coaches are tasked with maintaining control and ensuring player safety while still allowing for competitive drills. the Ravens’ decision to limit the joint practice with the Colts to one day reflects a proactive approach to managing this risk.
The ravens are entering the 2023 season with high expectations, aiming to improve upon their 10-7 record from the previous year.Jackson’s performance and the progress of the offense under Monken will be key factors in their success. tuesday’s practice will be a crucial step in that process, providing a valuable test against a formidable opponent.
