The Baltimore Ravens' Super Bowl hopes fell apart in a mess of deflated footballs last postseason, but this year's team is just as stocked and championship-caliber as last year's team was if not more so. However, before we start penciling in the Ravens as January darlings, it's time we slow down and focus on the team's ongoing training camp in Owings Mills, Maryland. Here's our 2015 Ravens Training Camp primer.
When/Where
The Baltimore Ravens open up training camp in Owings Mills before moving on to Philadelphia for joint practices with the Eagles late in camp.
Here's the rest of the Ravens 2015 training camp schedule (all times EST):
Wednesday, August 5: 8:30 a.m.
Thursday, August 6: 8:30 a.m.
Friday, August 7: 8:30 a.m.
Saturday, August 8: 8:30 a.m.
Sunday, August 9: No practice
Monday, August 10: 8:30 a.m.
Tuesday, August 11: No Practice
Wednesday, August 12: Walkthrough
Thursday, August 13: Preseason game vs. New Orleans Saints
Sunday, August 16: No practice
Monday, August 17: 8:30 a.m.
Tuesday, August 18: 8:30 a.m.
Wednesday, August 19: Joint practice with Philadelphia Eagles at NovaCare Complex, Philadelphia
Thursday, August 20: Joint practice with Eagles
Friday, August 21: Joint practice with Eagles
Saturday, August 22: Preseason game at Eagles
Position Battles To Watch
Free agent Kendrick Lewis is currently tabbed as Darian Stewart's replacement at free safety after Stewart jumped to the Broncos in free agency, but keep an eye on third-year standout Matt Elam as a potential challenger for Lewis' starting spot as camp progresses. The most intriguing battles, however, will be at two offensive skill position -- tight end and wide receiver. Second-round draft pick Maxx Williams is currently slotted behind veteran Dennis Pitta at tight end, but you have to think that Baltimore's decision to trade up to get him in the draft means that they'll give him a look at some time this year. Whether that's in Week 1 or later on is still up in the air.
As for wide receiver, Torrey Smith's deunparture to the San Francisco 49ers leaves Steve Smith Sr. as the #1 and a longjam of other receivers aiming to take the #2 slot. Our best guess is that 1st-rounder Breshad Perriman and incumbent Kamar Aiken will go toe-to-toe in camp, with Perriman winning the job based on his undeniable explosiveness as a home-run threat.
Top Storyline
Marc Trestman's reputation as a quarterback guru was tarnished somewhat during his tumultuous, unproductive tenure as Chicago Bears head coach. However, he's back in his natural role as an offensive coordinator, replacing Gary Kubiak in Baltimore with Kubiak taking over the head coaching job in Denver. Expect Trestman to lean heavily on Justin Forsett in the passing game, especially after Trestman drew up 225 targets for Bears RB Matt Forte in two seasons. Joe Flacco will only benefit from Trestman's penchant for safe, smart progression in the passing game, and we believe that Trestman's going to have a lot better go of it with a game manager like Flacco than an inconsistent gun-slinger like Jay Cutler.
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