Ron Snyder, The Examiner
2008-08-05 15:37:00.0
Current rank: Not ranked

WESTMINSTER, Md. -

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Jarret Johnson continued to impress the coaching staff in his second year as a full-time starter. Johnson would have registered at least two sacks against quarterback Troy Smith, but defenders were not allowed to hit the quarterbacks, who wear non-contact red jerseys during practice. 

PLAY OF THE DAY

Troy Smith

The second-year quarterback showed a little misdirection during the morning practice on  Monday when he scrambled to his right to evade linebacker Ray Lewis before tossing a short pass to running back Ray Rice, who turned it into a big gain.

YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN

Wide receiver Derrick Mason tried to keep the mood light on Monday. During the special teams portion of practice, kicker Matt Stover connected on a field goal that came near Mason’s car in the adjacent parking lot. Mason said jokingly to Stover: “That’s $40,000. You hit my car, you’re going to pay for it.”

QUARTERBACK BATTLE

Kyle Boller, Joe Flacco and Smith all appeared to gel with the offense. Flacco threw a touchdown to Mason during red-zone drills. Boller had long completions to wide receivers Darnerien McCants and Marcus Smith, but had trouble dealing with the pass rush. Troy Smith had the great play to Rice, but would have been sacked on at least two occasions.

TRAINING CAMP GUIDE

Here is the Ravens' practice schedule for the rest of the week. Morning and afternoon practices usually last about two hours. Please check www.baltimoreravens.com, as times are subject to change.

• Today: 8:45 a.m. and 2 p.m. (Special teams)
• Wednesday: Closed to public
• Thursday: Preseason game at New England Patriots, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday: no practice
• Saturday: 8:45 a.m. and 2 p.m. (special teams)
• Sunday: 8:45 a.m. and 2 p.m.
• 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.

STOCK MARKET RISING

Haloti Ngata: The defensive tackle has missed the past week with a strained right knee. But the three-year veteran appears poised to return soon. He no longer wears a brace, but his knee was wrapped as he participated in individual drils.

FALLING

Chris McAlister: The cornerback only made it through half of Monday’s morning practice as he left the field with a swollen right knee. The 10-year veteran missed eight games last season to an injury on the same knee.