Ravens News 8/14: Offensive engine, practice report and more

PFF’s Preseason Week 1 NFL Team of the Week - Mike Renner

CORNERBACK

Maurice Canady, Baltimore Ravens – 93.8

Canady only spent nine snaps in coverage, but he made them count. The third-year corner picked off a pass on his only target on the evening.

RIGHT TACKLE

Orlando Browns Jr., Baltimore Ravens – 81.6

In 57 snaps at right tackle against the Rams, Brown didn’t allow a single pressure all day. He added in an impressive 82.7 run-blocking grade for a complete day at the office.

Despite taking essentially every first-team rep since he was drafted and faring remarkably well in both preseason games, Orlando Brown Jr. may not be a Week 1 starter. In fact, the return of Marshal Yanda prompted the coaching staff to insert James Hurst as their first-string right tackle.

Practice Report 8/13: Defense Has Strong Showing With Multiple Interceptions - Garrett Downing

The turnovers started when cornerback Brandon Carr picked off a pass from quarterback Robert Griffin III intended for tight end Nick Keizer. There was clearly a miscommunication between Keizer and Griffin, as the tight end never turned his head to look for the football. The pass landed right in Carr’s hands and he took off in the other direction for the end zone.

On the next play, defensive lineman Patrick Ricard came up with his own pick-six. Defensive end Brent Urban deflected a pass from quarterback Josh Woodrum at the line of scrimmage, and Ricard snagged it in the backfield. The defensive lineman/fullback showed off his pass catching ability with some quick instincts and then broke away for the end zone.

A little later in practice, rookie linebacker Kenny Young flashed in his chance to run with the first-team defense. The weak-side linebacker perfectly read quarterback Joe Flacco on the play and stepped in front of running back Alex Collins over the middle of the field to come up with the interception.

If Kenny Young continues making plays, he will likely start beside C.J. Mosley.

Each NFL offense’s engine; scouting Baker Mayfield’s debut - Bucky Brooks

Baltimore Ravens: RB Alex Collins. It is uncommon for a player with only two career 100-yard rushing games to be viewed as the catalyst of the offense, but Collins’ emergence as the Ravens’ RB1 last season steadied an offense that has struggled in recent years. The hard-nosed runner excels at finding cracks between the tackles and exhibits the finishing power to punish defenders on the second level. With the Ravens at their best when using a run-centric approach, the team’s surprising RB1 is the most important piece of the offensive puzzle.

Alex Collins was arguably the team’s best offensive player last season. Without much behind him on the depth chart, the Ravens will need another strong year from the elusive back.