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A few days have passed since training camp started for all 32 teams around the NFL. The biggest piece of news surrounding the Ravens has been the absence of quarterback Lamar Jackson. While keeping tabs on observations surrounding the team’s practices, a theme has started to occur: Baltimore’s new coaches are receiving a ton of praise.
This offseason, the Ravens brought in a slew of new coaches, including Rob Ryan to be the linebackers coach, Keith Williams to be the pass game specialist, and Tee Martin to be the wide receivers coach. All three coaches have received praise throughout the first week of training camp for their hands-on approach and attention to detail with the players on the field.
Rob Ryan had a long 1-on-1 session with Patrick Queen today that appeared to be centered on coverage responsibilities. The @Ravens have an obvious commitment to more direct, technical coaching this camp which lends hope for a breakout PQ season.#RavensFlock
— Ken McKusick (@FilmstudyRavens) July 29, 2021
Queen’s development is vital for Baltimore’s defense to take the next step in 2021, as he struggled heavily in pass coverage and in other areas as a rookie despite making plenty of flashy plays. The Ravens’ 2020 first-round pick has all the tools necessary to become a top-notch NFL linebacker and Ryan is a good coach to help Queen harness his abilities.
Most of the buzz has been around the other two hires, however. Both Williams and Martin are expected to help take Baltimore’s passing attack to a new level this season alongside a slew of new wide receivers.
I was impressed with both Keith Williams and Tee Martin today at @Ravens camp. Williams in particular has rep-by-rep technical comments standing from DBs perspective. Martin appears to focus on get-off/release. More coaching is a good thing for this group.#RavensFlock
— Ken McKusick (@FilmstudyRavens) July 28, 2021
Williams and Martin were detailed in their expectations all day long. https://t.co/NX2wpSOd1F
— Spencer N. Schultz (@ravens4dummies) July 28, 2021
As Keith Williams is laying cones for a drill, he goes half speed through the drill, envisioning the angles and success.
— Spencer N. Schultz (@ravens4dummies) July 29, 2021
It’s day two, but it’s already evident that Keith Williams is a bright football mind that will positively impact the Ravens organization.
.@bsmolka on #Ravens additions of Keith Williams/Tee Martin: "The thing that struck me about these new receivers coaches is what Marlon Humphrey said in June...He said, just the energy level of the receivers is noticeably different this year."
— Glenn Clark (@GlennClarkRadio) July 29, 2021
Some highlights from media availability with the Ravens coordinators and pass game coordinator Keith Williams. Williams first on the message that he's tried to get across to WRs. "Be a fanatic about being a technician."
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) July 30, 2021
The Ravens have been a historically great rushing team with Jackson at quarterback since 2018, but the passing attack has seen a fair share of issues at times. Williams and Martin were brought in to hopefully steer the ship in the right direction and to get the absolute most out of a young receiving corps.
28-year-old Sammy Watkins is the veteran of the group, while Marquise “Hollywood” Brown and Miles Boykin enter Year 3, Devin Duvernay and James Proche enter Year 2, and Rashod Bateman and Tylan Wallace prepare for their rookie seasons.
Something I haven’t seen before at Ravens training camp — wide receivers catching soccer balls pic.twitter.com/UJ5bzcxNYl
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) July 29, 2021
Head coach John Harbaugh was asked about the wide receivers catching soccer balls. “It has to do something with hand placement in terms of catching and eyes and finishing catches,” Harbaugh said. “It’s just a little different than a football.”