Haruki Nakamura was the star of the day at Sunday’s Baltimore Ravens training camp. The rookie safety is making a solid case for making the team. The 5-foot-10, 205-pounder continues to come up with interceptions, including another one Sunday. The sixth-round pick is looking like he’ll contribute to more than just special teams.
PLAY OF THE DAY
It just wasn’t a fun practice for running back Allen Patrick. The seventh-round pick from Oklahoma took a beating throughout Sunday’s morning session, especially when he got stuffed on consecutive plays by defensive tackle Dwan Edwards and linebacker Bart Scott. The latter hit especially received an immediate reaction from the fans in attendance.
YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN
A crew of NFL officials have been on hand all weekend overseeing the team’s practices before going over new rules with the players on Monday.
“The biggest thing is we are trying to do is make everything in practice as much like the game as we possibly can and obviously, in the game you have officials,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh said.
QUARTERBACK BATTLE
Joe Flacco, Kyle Boller and Troy Smith each had their struggles, and there is no clear leader in the starting quarterback race. Flacco had the best throw of the day when he connected for a 40-yard completion to tight end Adam Bergen. But Flacco was also intercepted by safety Justin Leonhard on a pass tipped by safety Ronnie Prude. Boller threw a touchdown pass to running back Ray Rice, but was intercepted by Nakamura. Smith had an interception returned for a touchdown by cornerback Chris McAlister.
UP NEXT
Here is the Ravens’ practice schedule for the next week. Morning practices usually last about two hours, with afternoons about 90 minutes. Please check www.baltimoreravens.com, as times are subject to change.
- Monday: 8:45 a.m. and 2 p.m. (special teams)
- Tuesday: Morning practice closed to general public and 2:45 p.m.
- Wednesday: 8:45 a.m. and 2 p.m. (special teams)
- Thursday: 8:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.
- Friday: 8:45 a.m. and 2 p.m. (special teams)
- Saturday: 8:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.
- Directions: From I-695, take Exit 19 onto I-795 North. Follow signs to Westminster via Route 140 West to Route 31. At blinking light, turn left onto Route 31. At first traffic light, turn left onto Main Street. Proceed up hill, and the entrance to the Ravens’ visitor parking is on the left.
- Parking: Visitors are encouraged to park at McDaniel College’s Bair Stadium, which is adjacent to Main Street.
- Autograph seekers alert: The Ravens make most of their players accessible for autographs after each practice, with fans asked to lineup next to the fences and ropes surrounding the field. Kids 14 years and younger can get prime spots behind the end zone closest to the field house. Players are more likely to sign autographs for kids who are polite and bring a pen.
STOCK MARKET RISING
Derrick Martin: The cornerback is trying to make people forget he was cited at a Cleveland airport for allegedly possessing marijuana — a charge he originally denied to Ravens officials. The three-year veteran has impressed coaches during the early days of camp, including when he intercepted quarterback Troy Smith on Saturday.
STOCK MARKET FALLING
Allen Patrick: The rookie running back has a habit of running too high and paid for it on Sunday. On consecutive plays, the seventh-round pick got stuffed by defensive tackle Dwan Edwards and linebacker Bart Scott.
