Ravens' Early Camp Struggles: Persistent False Starts Remain a Concern

Focus on Presnap Penalties

One of the main areas of focus for the Baltimore Ravens this summer has been addressing presnap penalties that hindered their performance last season. According to Sharp Football Analysis, 32% of the team’s 132 penalties in 2024 occurred before the ball was snapped, causing the offense to fall behind schedule. Through the first week of training camp, there hasn’t been a significant improvement.

On Saturday, the offense was flagged for five false starts during the 11-on-11 and 7-on-7 periods, including one from its own 1-yard line. A timeout had to be called at one point due to confusion over the play call. While it’s early in the season and these issues are expected to be worked out, they remain a source of frustration.

Offensive coordinator Todd Monken acknowledged the challenges, stating, “It’s real easy to get frustrated, which I do. I’m the king of overreacting. But if you do that, then you’ll just go on one [with the snap] all the time and that doesn’t help you either.” He emphasized the need to find a balance while working on improving the throw game and run game to ensure the team is ready for the first game.

Last season, left tackle Ronnie Stanley led the team with 13 penalties, and left guard Patrick Mekari had 11. Of those 24 flags, nearly half (11) came before the ball was snapped. With Mekari now with the Jacksonville Jaguars, one would expect a decrease in such penalties, but the trend hasn’t changed significantly so far.

Monken also noted that there hasn’t been more variance in the cadences of snap counts this week. “There really isn’t anything different other than we’re starting back up again and it’s hot and we have a number of guys going in the game,” he said. “Sometimes it’s the quarterback that takes a little bit of time at the line of scrimmage, more than he should, then all of a sudden you’re making calls at the line and you forget a different cadence. All those things are a part of it.”

He added that there’s no reason the Ravens can’t be “elite” with its cadence.

1-on-1 Highlights

Training camp isn’t just about conditioning and running plays; it's also an opportunity for players to showcase their skills in one-on-one matchups. These sessions are often the most entertaining parts of practice, featuring receivers and tight ends facing off against cornerbacks and safeties.

Saturday’s session delivered several exciting moments. Two-time Pro Bowl safety Kyle Hamilton shut down a pair of throws from backup Cooper Rush, first against Isaiah Likely, whom he matched stride-for-stride, and then against Mark Andrews, whom he undercut to break up the pass after the tight end tried to juke him to the outside.

Second-year wide receiver Devontez Walker made a nice catch against cornerback Jaire Alexander on a comeback route, while Rashod Bateman managed to pluck a pass off the turf against Marlon Humphrey in tight coverage. However, the referee called the play incomplete, leading Bateman to throw the ball away in frustration, while Humphrey sarcastically dapped up the official for the call.

Kicking Update

The kicking job remains undecided between sixth-round draft pick Tyler Loop and undrafted free agent John Hoyland. However, one thing is clear: Loop’s kicks come off his foot with authority. This was evident again on Saturday.

A day after only Loop kicked during practice, both players were in action, and Loop had the better day. He drilled all six attempts from 33, 33, 26, 34, 36, and 40 yards. Hoyland converted on kicks from 26, 34, and 36 yards but missed from 42.

Special teams coordinator Chris Horton Jr. said, “You just let the guys go out and compete. What Randy has these guys doing is gonna prepare them. When the winner shows, it’s gonna show. How soon is that gonna be? I don’t know.”

A possible timeline for deciding the kicker could be sometime between the Ravens’ first preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts in just under two weeks and the second against the Washington Commanders nine days after that.

Praise for the New Guy

Jaire Alexander has made a strong impression since joining the Ravens. Known for his brash personality and energy, Alexander has brought a new dynamic to the defense. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr praised his contributions, saying, “He’s everything we thought he would be and more.”

Kyle Hamilton noted that Alexander’s energy was something the defense needed, and Marlon Humphrey added that he’s been fun to practice with. During Saturday’s practice, Alexander had a pass breakup on a throw to Tylan Wallace up the sideline. Teammates have started doing his patented seatbelt celebration after similar plays.

Orr added, “He brings energy, confidence, hard work and playmaking ability. We go against our offense every day and they challenge our corners, especially on the outside. He’s done a great job. So we’ve been happy, pleased with him. He’s a great student of the game. I’m pleased with how fast he’s picked up the system. … He can still play at a top level.”

Attendance and Injuries

For the second consecutive day, the Ravens had perfect attendance, with the exception of wide receiver Keith Kirkwood and three expected absences: Safety Ar’Darius Washington (Achilles tendon), on the physically unable to perform list, as well as linebacker Jake Hummel and rookie offensive lineman Emery Jones Jr., both on the non-football injury list.

Two notable cornerbacks did not fully participate in Saturday’s practice. Chidobe Awuzie, who has a long injury history, spent most of Friday on the sideline. Head coach John Harbaugh stated that the 30-year-old is “fine” and that “he’ll be OK.” Awuzie did not participate in live scrimmage situations and was seen running on the far field by himself.

Ravens rookie Bilhal Kone also appeared to leave practice and did not return.