OWINGS MILLS — Ravens coach John Harbaugh is looking forward to seeing how his players adapt to the style of Green Bay Packers when the teams hold a joint practice on Thursday and then play the final preseason game two days later.
The practice and game should go a long way toward Harbaugh’s finalization of the team’s 53-man roster. The Ravens start the regular season on September 5th against the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
“You have a chance to go up against a different style,” Harbaugh said about practicing with Green Bay. “For instance, [Green Bay’s] defensive line is an up-field, penetrating type of a front. They’re going to be hitting gaps and getting up field. We haven’t really seen that in the two preseason games or in practice, but we are going see that in the games – the Cowboys are going to do that, for instance – so that’s something that we need to get ready for.
“There’s an opportunity to see a different style that we haven’t seen before, plus just the level of intensity. Getting guys locked in and focused at the end of a long camp, there’s a benefit in that.”
The players are also looking forward to practicing against another team. Running back Derrick Henry has physically held back going against his teammates in practice, but he can go full throttle against the Packers’ defenders.
“I think it’s fun. We’ve been going against one another for about a month now,” Henry said. “We’ll get to go against another jersey, we’ll get to practice against another team, see some different looks, and [it will] kind of give us a good look of how far we are and the things we need to work on as an offense [as we] go up against a different team. It’s fun, and it’s some good work.”
The practice and game also will give the Ravens more clarity on the offensive line, which remains a work in progress.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is looking forward to competing against a different defense than his own. Jackon has not played in the preseason games against the Eagles and Falcons.
“Some competitiveness – just not going against my guys each and every day,” Jackson said. “[We] finally get to go against someone else. Especially [since] I’m not playing [in the] preseason, [it’s] just great to see how we are against other opponents.”
Harbaugh has been in contact with Packers coach Matt LaFleur about putting together a plan for the joint practice. Both coaches said it’s important to be on the same page about what they want to accomplish.
The Packers were the perfect fit for the Ravens this season, according to Harbaugh.
“The mindset of the two teams is the most important thing,” Harbaugh said. “If both teams come in with the same idea, that they’re two good football teams that are trying to take advantage of the opportunity to practice against another good football team and get a good football practice in, that’s what you want. If a team is coming in like they’re trying to prove something – some junior high [school] thing, then it’s usually not good.
“We’re excited to go against Green Bay. We think they’re that kind of a group. [They’re] a good football team. [They’re] right there; [they were] almost in the NFC Championship Game, [and they’re] a proven team. So, we’re looking forward to that opportunity to go up and practice against those guys.”
