The Ravens were one of the worst NFL teams in the turnover department last year, and now they have a new way of remedying that: beeping footballs.
In specific ball security drills during mandatory minicamp this week, the team is using special footballs with pressure sensors that beep when a player is gripping them the proper way.
The Ravens also tested the footballs in a team meeting, when running backs coach Thomas Hammock demonstrated the concept with head coach John Harbaugh.
"He tossed it to me, and I was squeezing it, and the darn thing wouldn't beep. Wouldn't beep," Harbaugh said. "I've been working out. I feel like I'm pretty strong.
"Found out later the battery was dead."
The Ravens actually secured the ball fairly well last year, losing just seven fumbles, but threw 21 interceptions — tied for third-most in the league.
On the other side of the ball, they tied for 21st in the league with eight fumble recoveries and finished last with just six interceptions.
First-year secondary coach Leslie Frazier — who was the Minnesota Vikings' head coach for three-plus seasons from 2010 to 2013 — said he has had teams focus as much on creating turnovers on defense, but not on avoiding giveaways on offense.
As a team, the Ravens struggled with both, forcing the third-fewest turnovers (14) and tying for the eighth-most committed (28). While some of the improvement comes from being healthier and being in better situations, Frazier said a greater commitment to the area will help, too.
"A lot of times, it's a mindset, getting in the mindset of being able to take the ball away on defense," Frazier said. "But it is something you can work on."
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