Baltimore Ravens Training Camp News and Notes: August 1

Owings Mills, Md. — Another hot day at the Under Armour Performance Center produced some good competition between the Ravens offense and defense. Overall, the defense got the better of the offense today.

In particular, the defensive backs displayed sound, tight coverage throughout practice. Corey Graham and Jimmy Smith were two particular standouts.

Secondary coach Teryl Austin spoke about those two players after practice. Austin talked about how "Corey [Graham] has great ball skills." He also mentioned that Smith is displaying "better technique."

Even rookie cornerback Asa Jackson has performed well so far. Austin said, "Asa is really sharp, really quick. He competes like crazy."

Perhaps the most interesting pass defense happened when Ray Lewis intercepted a tipped Joe Flacco pass, ran with it for about five yards, then lateraled the ball to, who else, Ed Reed.

After practice, Reed spoke about the upcoming season and the veteran quarterbacks the Ravens will face. When asked about how the quarterbacks the Ravens will play against in 2012 have won a total of eight Super Bowls, Reed replied, "Bring 'em on."

The five-time first-team All-Pro also spoke about his faith in Flacco, saying, "Joe is smart. He is getting better every year. He's the guy you want taking that final snap."

Other players who excelled on Wednesday were quarterback Tyrod Taylor, outside linebacker Sergio Kindle and kicker Justin Tucker.

Taylor ran a no-huddle and a hurry-up offense with the second-team offense and did so fluidly. He's continued to show proper mechanics and footwork, keeping his eyes downfield and throwing well on the run.

Kindle got a lot of reps with the first-team defense at the Will (weak-side) linebacker position. He looked quick and like he knew the playbook well. He continues to improve daily.

Tucker converted all of his field goal attempts, including one from 55 yards that would have been good from at least 60 yards. He also punted a couple times at the end of practice.

Finally, Haloti Ngata missed practice again today. Head coach John Harbaugh addressed Ngata's absence at the post-practice press conference, saying, "Haloti thinks he's close. We're probably working him a little slower than he wants us to."

In his stead, rookie DeAngelo Tyson and Arthur Jones got some reps along the interior of the defensive line.

Roster moves made before today's practice: The Ravens waived quarterback John Brantley and signed tight end Billy Bajema.