Ravens defensive end Brent Urban busted into the backfield Wednesday, approaching the territory of Joe Flacco without making contact with the veteran quarterback.
It was far too close for comfort, though, for coach John Harbaugh in terms of Flacco's safety during the organized team activity. After Urban celebrated his pass-rushing accomplishment with defensive lineman Timmy Jernigan, Harbaugh had seen enough. So, Harbaugh ordered Urban over to the sideline for a few plays as a reminder about the practice rules about protecting quarterbacks.
Urban, who has made a sound recovery after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament last year during training camp and missing his entire rookie season, was summoned back onto the field by Harbaugh a few minutes later.
"It was Brent's second time, so he was sent to his room for a couple of plays," Harbaugh said. "But we do like to keep our guys away from the quarterback. He was a little too close, and then he was celebrating. That's what sent me over the edge. It's like, 'Do you not understand what we're doing here?'"
Urban said he completely understands the message about avoiding any potential mishaps to not run into the quarterback.
"You definitely got to make sure you keep those guys healthy," Urban said.
Jernigan said it's difficult to practice without pads and still maintain the intensity.
"It's very hard, especially playing defensive line," Jernigan said. "With me, I just like to just take off the ball, get in the backfield and play like that, but it's tough. At the end of the day, we have to take care of one another."
awilson@baltsun.com
twitter.com/RavensInsider