Zach Orr thought his first test drive went smoothly.
The Ravens’ new defensive coordinator got his baptism calling plays from the sideline during Friday’s 16-13 preseason loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Orr said there were no major glitches, and that he felt comfortable in his new role as the defensive play caller.
“We didn’t get any substitution errors. I think that was good,” Orr said. “I thought the operation was smooth. The coaches did a great job giving me the personnel, giving me good feedback. The communication was smooth between me and the person with the green dot [primarily] Trenton Simpson.”
The Ravens frequently simulate game situations in training camp, and Orr said that experience served him well.
“We get great work at it every single day,” Orr said. “Today we had a couple of call-it periods. I felt real comfortable.
“It wasn’t really different. Coach [John] Harbaugh puts a lot of stress on us with the play clock. We’ve got play clocks going all the time, you’re forced to make a call. Then just going against our offense, they do tempo a lot. You’re forced to think on the fly, make quick decisions. I actually felt pretty natural, more natural than I thought it was going to feel. I didn’t know what to expect.”
More Screen Passes Could Be on Ravens’ Offensive Menu
With Todd Monken entering his second season as offensive coordinator, and the addition of running back Derrick Henry, it’s only natural the playbook won’t stay the same. The Ravens are more familiar with Monken’s schemes, and he is more familiar with the personnel.
One area the Ravens are looking to improve, according to Monken, is their execution of screen passes. The play was an effective weapon for Henry with the Tennessee Titans, and Zay Flowers’ run-after-catch ability can also be utilized on wide receiver screens.
“We just have to do it better,” Monken said. “We can scheme it better. We can prepare better, in terms of how we want to do it, formation, who we want to get it to. And then call it. [I] probably just didn’t call it enough. Didn’t screen enough last year, didn’t take the pressure off our O-line enough.”
Jordan Stout Continues Making Strides
Third-year punter Jordan Stout took advantage of a busy night against the Eagles, averaging 51.5 yards on six punts, including a long of 64 yards. Special Teams Coordinator Chris Horton thinks Stout is finding his comfort zone.
“I thought Jordan stout had a really good night,” Horton said. “He punted the ball outstanding.
“It’s the thing we saw from him throughout his college career. The kid’s got a strong leg. He can bomb the ball. We’ve got to allow him to be himself and just find that consistency. We want him to be the player that we saw, that we drafted in the fourth round. He’s coming along well. [Senior Special Teams Coach] Randy [Brown] and [Assistant Special Teams Coach] Sam [Koch] are doing a great job with him out here, just dialing in the little details.”
In addition to changing field position with his leg strength, the Ravens want Stout to use directional punting to make it difficult on returners. Koch was a master at placing the ball wherever he wanted, which helped the Ravens’ punt coverage team contain returns.
“I think that’s one of the biggest things we focus a lot on,” Horton said. “You’re cutting off a third of the field, not giving that returner anywhere to go. He’s a guy that can do it. Again, we’ve got to find that consistency.”
Horton said Stout may be used on kickoffs this year in certain situations, if the Ravens believe that will help them defend against the new Dynamic Kickoff. Stout handled kickoffs and placekicking in addition to punting at Penn State.
“I think that’s something that we will consider as we continue to move forward,” Horton said. “Randy and I, we talk about this all the time, it’s just a matter of when we want to give him that opportunity.”
Beau Brade Makes a Positive Impression
Undrafted rookie safety Beau Brade from Maryland had two tackles on defense against the Eagles, plus a tackle on special teams and a forced fumble. After Brade had another solid practice on Tuesday, Orr said has been taking advantage of his reps.
Orr was an undrafted free agent who developed into an All-Pro linebacker with the Ravens and has an affinity for players in Brade’s situation.
“Beau Brade’s been great,” Orr said. “He’s a locked in young guy. I love to see that as a UDFA. We knew he was talented coming from Maryland, and all he’s done is come in and work.
“I know he had the (ankle) injury in the spring. Ever since he’s been back, he’s continued to get better and better. I’m really excited about him. I’m excited about him in the game. I’m excited to see what he’s going to do this week as well.”