Ravens News 5/25: Notes from OTAs, Flacco’s streak and more

Standout Ravens From Week 1 of OTAs - Garrett Downing

- Cornerback Tavon Young looks like he’s back to form after suffering a torn ACL during last year’s OTAs. He had no restrictions during practice and was working full-speed during 11-on-11 drills. He came up with a nice diving interception during practice on a pass that hit off the hands of rookie tight end Mark Andrews. Young’s teammates swarmed him after the diving pick.

- Cornerback Marlon Humphrey looks ready to take another step in his development. He runs step-for-step with any receiver he covers, and he locked down veteran addition Willie Snead a few times on the day.

- The Ravens had strong attendance during the voluntary practice. Linebacker C.J. Mosley didn’t practice because of a small tweak and wide receiver John Brown missed practice because of a family issue. Veteran safety Eric Weddle and linebacker Terrell Suggs didn’t practice, but they have participated in workouts throughout the offseason.

With a healthy Young and a maturing Humphrey, the Ravens should field lockdown cornerbacks across the secondary this fall.

Ten NFL streaks that will (or won’t) be snapped in 2018 season - Adam Rank

THE STREAK: Joe Flacco has thrown two or fewer touchdown passes in 20 straight games.

Will it live? Well, maybe for a bit?

Why? I feel bad for Flacco. Back injuries have ruined some of the greats. Larry Bird. Mario Lemieux. Shawn Michaels. Likewise, Flacco hasn’t been the same since he sustained his. So you can’t fault the Ravens for taking his eventual replacement, Lamar Jackson, in the first round of April’s draft. Flacco could respond very well, making like “The Heartbreak Kid” when he returned to beat HHH at the 2002 Survivor Series. Either that happens, and Flacco busts the streak by throwing three-plus TDs in a game, or Jackson becomes the starter in Week 3, thus stagnating the streak at 22 games. But does the streak actually stay alive if Flacco stays on the bench? Now we’re getting philosophical and my head hurts. Time to move on to a more soothing topic ...

Flacco last eclipsed two touchdowns with a four score performance on December 4th 2016 against Miami. His best regular season output came against Tampa Bay on October 12th 2014, when he tossed five passing touchdowns.

Joe Flacco said he and Lamar Jackson are getting along well, downplays questions about his future - Jeff Zrebiec

“Listen, we’re never promised anything besides basically the down that we’re playing in this league,” Flacco said. “You pick guys in the first round, whenever you pick guys, you pick them for a reason. I don’t know what the plan is. I don’t exactly know what’s going to happen, but I’m worried about right now. I’m worried about myself getting these guys ready to win football games. Nothing is every promised to us, man. That’s the reality of it for me.”

Flacco struck a humble and professional tone in his first public comments since the draft. The role of veteran mentor may suit him well after all.