Maybe I'll just say cornerback Jimmy Smith had a bad day at the office in practice Friday morning.
He reminded me of a certain table condiment, "Catch-up," because he got beat several times in practice, including a 65-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Joe Flacco to rookie receiver Chris Moore, a fourth-round pick.
That's not disturbing, but Smith got beat several other times including losing out on a jump ball to Kamar Aiken. If this defense wants to be really good this season, Smith has to step up his game because he is the cornerback with most the most experience and potential.
With Smith, it's all about discipline and becoming more of a technician.
Flacco's long throws on the money
Flacco continues to impress with his ability to throw the long ball. It's not just about distance, but he is hitting receivers in stride.
I think the time off from throwing because of the knee injury might have restored some strength in his arm. He seems to have found some chemistry with Moore, who has been a surprise so far in training camp.
Let's see if the rookie from Cincinnati can keep it up.
Stanley holds his own
Top pick Ronnie Stanley, the offensive tackle out of Notre Dame, is holding his own so far. He struggled with the speed and strength of defensive players in previous minicamps, but he has been in good position during the first two days.
He'll get more of a test over the next three days when the Ravens are in full gear, but he is making progress.
"There is a lot of pressure. He's coming in and he is going to play left tackle for us," said Ravens Pro Bowl right guard Marshal Yanda. "Left tackle in the NFL is a hell of a job. He's going to have the best pass rushers on Sunday, but we haven't put the pads on yet, so it is tough to gauge right now. Right now, he has done everything right up until this point. He has the right mind-set."
"He is a hard worker and keeps his head down, and I love a rookie like that," Yanda said. "I love a rookie that stays quiet and does his job and just produces on the field. Just do what you do on the field. I don't need to hear anything else, but you doing your job and keeping your mouth quiet. He's done that. He is doing everything the right way, so we will see."
Running backs have to block
Every coach has their little pet peeves and one of them for coach John Harbaugh is when his running backs can't pass protect.
The veins on the side of his neck start to bulge and he gets a little red in the face. He wasn't happy when running back Terrance West missed blocking assignments on two straight passing plays.
And running backs coach Thomas Hammock was just as irritated when rookie linebacker Patrick Onwuasor ran over halfback Buck Allen in a one-on-one pass protection drill.
"Today, you are going to learn," said Hammock to Allen seconds after Allen was involved in a brief exchange with Onwuasor.
Wallace has wheels
The Ravens had seven players returning kickoffs Friday and that's where you really get to see how fast receiver Mike Wallace can run in the open field.
If he is on the roster the Ravens might need to get him at least a couple of touches a game because he can still fly.
Pitta produces
Tight end Dennis Pitta continues to look good so far. He made one really good catch along the left sideline diving for the ball as he went out of bounds.
He even took some criticism from Harbaugh when he slowed down a returner during a kickoff. Pitta was the up back blocking on the play which I can't ever see him doing in a real game.
Jensen keeps his cool
Guard Ryan Jensen has been known to get in a few fights during his first two seasons with the Ravens, but those altercations are starting to disappear.
I think it's because Jensen has gotten better and coaches are paying more attention to him because of his skill instead of his demeanor. He kind of reminds me of former Ravens center Mike Flynn. Flynn wasn't a great athlete, but he made himself into a good player because he worked harder than most.
Let the hitting begin
I can't wait for the pads to go on today. We'll start seeing the separation of the men from the boys.