STAR OF THE DAY

Bart Scott

The inside linebacker excelled during Tuesday’s short-yardage and goal line drills, as he penetrated the offensive line to break up several runs. On another play, he went into the backfield to stop wide receiver Mark Clayton for a big loss on an end-around.

PLAY OF THE DAY

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Ed Reed

The safety Ed Red still is wearing the red “no-contact” jersey, but it didn't look like Troy Smith saw the former Miami standout playing defense when he threw a pass right into Reed’s arms. There was no one within five yards of Reed, who easily took the ball the other way for a touchdown.

YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN

Sam Koch

The punter and field goal holder was working on fake field goals when he took a toss from kicker Matt Stover and rolled right to throw to long snapper Matt Katula. Koch should probably stick to punting. Koch showed good arm strength, but it took several attempts before one of his throws was catchable for his 6-foot-6, 272 pound receiver.

QUARTERBACK BATTLE

Boller looked really sharp at times on Tuesday. In the first round of 11-on-11 drills, he made quick decisions and hit his wide receivers in stride on short routes. While practicing the hurry-up offense, he completed his first three passes to three different young wide receivers, but his day ended on a sour note when he threw an interception on his last pass of the day. Brendon Ayanbadejo’s pass rush forced Boller to throw it right to safety Jim Leonhard.

Smith looked indecisive for the second straight day and particularly struggled in his first attempt at the hurry-up offense drill, which ended with Reed's interception. He bounced back to throw a touchdown to rookie wide receiver Justin Harper on his second try during the drill.

Flacco looked comfortable in the hurry-up drill working with starting wide receivers Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton.

STOCK MARKET

RISING

Derrick Mason

The veteran wide receiver rested during Monday morning's practice as the young receivers struggled. He returned Tuesday to be a valuable target for all three quarterbacks during 11-on-11 drills. He caught a touchdown from rookie quarterback Joe Flacco.

FALLING

Cory Ross

The diminutive running back was out of his element during short-yardage drills. He was stopped twice for no gain before being replaced by rookie Allen Patrick. The signing of veteran fullback Lorenzo Neal makes the backfield even more crowded.

TRAINING CAMP GUIDE

Here is the Ravens’ practice schedule leading to Saturday’s preseason game agains the Minnesota Vikings at M&T Bank Stadium. Morning and afternoon practices usually last about two hours. Please check their Web site, as times are subject to change.

  • Today: 8:45 a.m. and 2 p.m. (special teams)
  • Thursday: 8:45 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.
  • Friday: Closed to the public

Directions: From I-695, take Exit 19 onto I-795 North. Follow signs to Westminster via Route 140 West to Route 31. At blinking light, turn left onto Route 31. At first traffic light, turn left onto Main Street. Proceed up hill and the entrance to the Ravens’ visitor parking is on the left.

Parking: Visitors are encouraged to park at McDaniel College's Bair Stadium, which is adjacent to Main Street.

Autograph alert: The Ravens make most of their players accessible for autographs after each practice, with fans asked to lineup next to the fences and ropes surrounding the field. Kids 14 years and younger can get prime spots behind the end zone closest to the field house. Players are more likely to sign autographs for kids who are polite and bring a pen.

eric.detweiler@baltimoreexaminer.com