Training camp 7/31: Joe Flacco produces a big day with new batch of receivers

Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco had a great practice on Tuesday, throwing a 35-yard strike to Michael Crabtree, hitting Chris Moore in stride on a crossing route and throwing a deep pass to John Brown. Flacco also had a very good back shoulder throw to tight end Vince Mayle, an over-the-shoulder touchdown pass to running back Gus Edwards and continued to build his rapport with Willie Snead IV.

Tight end Hayden Hurst made another stride in the passing offense, catching a pass across the middle for a 10-yard gain and displaying his ability to cut up-field in another pass from Flacco. Hurst has often worked on the side with the quarterbacks, while the other tight ends have been involved in special teams.

Orlando Brown Jr. has all but won the right tackle position at this point. He looks fluid in his movement and looks to be in very solid shape. Also making a mark is offensive lineman Alex Lewis, who’s versatility has been his strong suit. On Tuesday, he made snaps at center and moved back to left guard.

Often times, Flacco receives snaps better from taller centers. His tallest centers all stood at 6’4, which included Matt Birk, Jeremy Zuttah and Ryan Jensen. With Lewis standing at 6-foot-6, he would be the tallest center that Flacco has had in his career.

Flacco wasn’t the only quarterback that had a strong practice, as Lamar Jackson, Robert Griffin III and Josh Woodrum all made great throws at certain points throughout practice. Jackson and Jordan Lasley hooked up downfield. Woodrum had a perfect touchdown pass to a diving Tim White. Griffin III also threw a bullet touchdown pass to Alex Collins, who toe tapped in the corner of the endzone.

Almost making the catch of the day was tight end Nick Keizer. Keizer was being jammed at the line by linebacker Patrick Onwuasor and broke away. While diving for a ball thrown by Woodrum, Keizer nearly made a one-handed grab while diving.

After having a strong practice on Monday, cornerback Marlon Humphrey seemed to be picked on again today. However, he made a few plays to deflect passes thrown in Crabtree’s direction. The two often battled for the football and as the old saying goes, “iron sharpens iron.” Humphrey is a second-year corner and playing against veterans like Crabtree, Brown and Snead IV in practice could sharpen his game.

Undrafted running back Mark Thompson had another good day in pass protection, picking up multiple blitzes. He would trickle out of the backfield to make a grab as well. Thompson is currently competing with Edwards and De’Lance Turner for a potential third down back role, with the absence of Kenneth Dixon.

INACTIVE: RB Kenneth Dixon, TE Mark Andrews, T Greg Senat, DB Kai Nacua, LB Tyus Bowser

PUP: WR Quincy Adeboyejo, OG Marshal Yanda, CB Jaylen Hill, LB Bam Bradley

RETURNED TO PRACTICE: S Tony Jefferson, CB Maurice Canady, OL Randin Crecelius

LEFT EARLY: Jefferson left practice early for precautionary reasons