Tempers Flare at Ravens Minicamp
In case you missed it, a little bit of “news” came out of Ravens camp over the weekend. I’ll let David Ginsburg at the AP tell the story:
Nearly all 85 players in camp were involved in a squabble Saturday that began when offensive tackle Oniel Cousins and defensive tackle Amon Gordon threw punches after running back Allen Patrick was taken down hard on a burst up the middle. All the players surged toward the middle of the field, and it was nearly two minutes before peace was restored.
Later during practice, which was held indoors because of rain, defensive backs Corey Ivy and Frank Walker came to blows during a blocking drill.
My first reaction to this was, “here they go again.” Maybe the clubhouse problems weren’t all Brian Billick‘s fault after all? But after thinking about it a little more, I think this might actually be a good thing. For a team with as much to prove as the Ravens this year it’s probably a net positive for them to be showing this much passion this early. There’s something to be said for forging an identity through fire.
John Harbaugh had better be careful, though. Real careful.
But there’s a huge difference between passion for winning football and being pissed off because you got hit too hard for pre-preseason drills.
At this stage, though, is the difference really that strong? I guess it depends on what really happened on the ground. Are we talking about guys whining, or are we talking about hard play all around that led to tempers flaring? No way to know.
That said, I still think passion is a good sign.
passion for the game, and playing hard is something every football team needs. Locker room and on field drama is someting they dont. Chemistry is huge in this game.
honestly, are we ever going to hear the names oniel cousins, and amon gordon ever again? probably not. Not any further then the 4th quarter of a preseason game, so im not worried about it.
did anyone else see vernon davis throw his teamate to the ground by his helmet last week? Fear the Turtle!
Mike L: “honestly, are we ever going to hear the names oniel cousins, and amon gordon ever again? probably not. Not any further then the 4th quarter of a preseason game, so im not worried about it. ”
Exactly.
On Vern, I graduated from UMD the last season that Vern was there. He was unbelievable to watch in person there. I remember he’d look bigger than some of the O-line guys when he put his hand to the ground. He was also bigger than pretty much everyone in the huddle. It also seemed that it would literally take 3-4 guys to bring him down. I remember one series in particular where he caught about a 15 yard pass around the 40 along the sideline
(didn’t mean to hit submit)
sideline… shook off about 5 tackles and scored about a 50 yard TD. Then the officials decided he stepped out of bounds at the 35. Next play 35 yard TD to Vern where he shook off like 2 tackles. I hope he develops into something in the NFL, he sure was fun to watch in college.
yep, Vernon is a baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad man. Too bad hes been plauged with injuries. It’s only a matter of time til he breaks out.
Practice?? We talkin bout practice?
Say what you will about Cousins and Gordon — who knows what they might or might not eventually become — but it was still a full-team event. The fact that 80-some players chimed in says something.
I’m not trying to hit the point too hard, but with a new coach and a team coming off a disastrous season these things take on extra meaning.