On the first day of Ravens training camp at McDaniel College, head coach Brian Billick set the tone.
Following the morning workout, Billick quickly addressed the media assembled. When asked if he got what he wanted out of the workout, Billick answered: “Yeah, as I just told them, as an OTA day (mini camp) it was a good practice. As a training camp day, it sucked. But, that?s to be expected.”
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Billick said Friday?s two sessions in addition to Saturday?s workouts would set the tone for a more strenuous workout Monday.
Notably absent from the start of camp was first-round draft pick Haloti Ngata, a defensive tackle out of Oregon State. Ngata did reach a contract agreement with the team for five years. The team did not disclose details of the deal.
Billick chose not to address the issue, deferring comment to general manager Ozzie Newsome.
A throng of fans lined the left side of the field, hoping to catch a glimpse of new quarterback Steve McNair. The former Tennessee Titan, acquired in a trade in June, is still adjusting to his new surroundings, but had the crowd hanging on his every move.
“I think the whole organization is great here. The fans here have been magnificent since I?ve been here. Today was a good, warm welcome for me to be a Raven,” McNair said.
McNair brings with him lofty expectations.
“There?s been a lot on my shoulders for 12 years,” McNair said. ?So, I feel like the thing I?ve got to continue to play my game and everything will take care of itself. I?m not trying to be Superman.”
Linebacker Ray Lewis also returned to the field, after sitting out much of last season with a hamstring injury. Lewis said McNair?s presence could bring stability.
“I?ve been here 11 years now, and we?ve kind of been through quarterback, quarterback, quarterback, quarterback. But, it?s one thing to bring in a quarterback who you say ?You know what? He?s got a great future.? It?s another thing to bring in a quarterback who?s proven.”
Running back Jamal Lewis and receiver Clarence Moore both sat out the morning practice with nagging injuries. The team said that many of the home game single tickets have been sold, including preseason.
