Every year I head out to McDaniel College in Westminster, MD to the Ravens Training Camp. This year was no different... except usually I go to the afternoon session. This year I decided to mix it up a bit.
So, I get myself, my son and his football buddy up at 6am Saturday morning to get dressed and ready to take the 35 min drive. The 1st session doesn't start until 8:45, but we get there at 7:55. It's early, to say the least.
As we are pulling into the parking lot, right in front of us is this vintage looking car that was decked in Raven Purple with Ravens decals throughout the car. It was a beauty.
The middle aged guy hopped of his classic, straightened his Ravens clad outfit, and moved to the side so that people, like myself, can take pics of his awesome looking car. My son and his friend were in awe for about 3 seconds before they were ready to move to their next venture.
So as we head near the field, we are welcomed by the "Training Camp" sign... ahhhh...
I was getting excited just by seeing it. Just a reminder that football is officially on its way and my Sundays will go back to normal again.
As soon as we realize that the morning session hadn't started yet, my son (who I will affectionately call "the boy" from here, on out) and his buddy wants to head back to the Ravenstown Fan Zone, where kids can participate in the interactive games, such as the Football Skills Instruction, QB Armchair Challenge and practice kicking field goals. Needless to say, the boy and his buddy where there the ENTIRE time. Not once did they come out of that area to watch practice, at least not until the end.
So I head over and sat in the VIP section to watch the practice (shout out to Ravens Security, I love my guys!). The area is on the 50 yard line and while it's not velvet rope treatment, it's never crowded and is a sitting area for friends and family of players and staff. Of course you know I'm totally awesome and the Ravens realize that too, so they looked out for me on Saturday.
So on the field my eyes go. I watched the morning practice minus the kids. A few things I learned while watching the practice:
1. Ray Rice is gonna be a BEAST this season. He was a force the entire time during practice. I don't remember him having much of a spin move last season, but he did it a few times yesterday and I was extremely impressed by how quick and strong he is. Fantasy players, I think you will be very pleased if you pick him up in your draft. He's a gem to this team. McGahee who??
2. The long ball seemed to be the focus for all 3 QB's in yesterday's practice. It seemed like every time the deep ball was thrown, the defense was ready and the receiver was double covered. At one point, Flacco threw an INT to S Dawan Landry and seemed to be pretty pissed off at himself afterward. But Flacco did have some good passes, like a 44-yard completion to Demetrius Williams. Overall, he was just okay. Troy Smith was alright well. Both QB's made throws that would make you go, "Hmmmm...." but I'm not tripping, it's training camp. Mess up now, but when Sept. 13th gets here, it needs to be fixed.
3. The little bit I saw from newly signed rookie Michael Oher, I liked a lot. He is definitely a talent and if he gets better, then the Ravens O-Line can very well become one of the best in the league, without question. He is very elusive. I love the upside he comes with.
4. Though he had on a red mesh jersey, Ed Reed still participated in full practice. His body language did look out-of-sync to me. But then again, I have no idea what it's like playing with a nerve impingement. I just hope nothing happens to him in training camp. Y'all know how I feel about Reed. Let something happen to him and see how I react.
5. Little kids are just as excited about football than grown ups. The cutest group of young kids sat in front of us on the ground, watching practice. All were no older than 5, and they were so excited it put a smile on everyone's face. One child said, "Hi Flacco!! Go Flacco, Go!", while another child screamed, "LOOK! There's Ray Lewis!!! That's Ray-Ray!!" It was so adorable
On my way back to the Fan Zone to check on the boys, I ran into the legendary "Fan Man".
This guy is very known around the area. He is always shown on camera during Ravens games. In addition to his "face" being known, so is his Purple Bus, one that he rides and tailgates during football season.
The guy is super nice, and his ride is too cool.... or corny, depending on how you look at it.
I get the boys up and we get ready to get in the Ravens Rookies line, an area where they let children go to get players autographs, away from the adults. It's a great idea really, some of these grown folks will straight up run you over to get a souvenir signed. They go over with their items and pens and were ready to.
Overall, they were pretty pleased with their autographs. Anytime you can get Ray Lewis' autograph, it's a good day.
The boy got mad when Flacco missed him and didn't sign his helmet, but all of that was a distant memory 5 mins later when WR Mark Clayton came over and gave the boy his towel (why he would want it, is beyond me. I think it's really gross to have a stinky, sweaty towel. But he was happy so I was happy).
The boy was so ecstatic, in fact, that he tried to bring the towel with him inside Bob Evans Restaurant after we left. Ummm... excuse me... but put that sweaty azz towel down!
Overall, it was a great day. The sun was shining, the fans were cheering and, as usual, I fully enjoyed myself. I suggest every fan to go to a training camp of their favorite team, especially if you have children. It's an experience to remember. It's the most intimate way to see your favorite players for free and get autographs and up-close pics in the process.
I'm sure I'll be back next week. The boy is on a mission for that Flacco autograph.
Flacco and Co:
Matt Birk in the "other" purple uni. Welcome to Baltimore!
