Jerry Coleman: Second Year Ravens Address Their Second OTA
The second week of OTAs is complete, and many young players seized the opportunity to take advantage and impress coaches that they will be here for the long term. One of those players is defensive lineman Timmy Jernigan. He's in his second year, and isn't shy about climbing the NFL ladder.
Jernigan On His Season Goals
"I want to go to the Pro Bowl. I'm not even going to sit here and lie to you. I definitely want to win more games – that's first. I definitely want to win more games, help the defense get even better. I know a lot of eyes are not just going to be on me, but the whole group. We have huge shoes to fill with Haloti [Ngata] missing, and it's definitely going to be a group effort for all of us, not just me," Jernigan said.
Another key part of the Ravens in 2015 will be tight end Crockett Gilmore. He's seeing his role expand after the departure of Owen Daniels and the uncertainty surrounding Dennis Pitta's health. The franchise has always been known to be capable of having a dangerous TE for opposing defenses to prepare for. Gilmore admitted he needed to gain strength and weight in the offseason, so he could be more prepared.
Gillmore On Strengthening His Game
"I felt like I needed to work on my routes and catching the ball, so that's what I did. Fundamentally, from the weight room standpoint, I kind of put on some weight and got a little bit stronger," Gilmore said.
OTA's are not only for young players, these practices also give veterans a chance to shake off any rust they might have accumulated during their time off. Running back Justin Forsett it is another example to show the Ravens he still can take his game to another level. That is exactly what he wants to do in 2015 under new offensive coordinator Marc Trestman, who is known to have RB's that are productive runners and pass-catchers under his offense.
Being able to produce rushing and receiving the ball will show his team that last year when he rushed for 1,000 yards which was the first time he had ever done that was not a fluke.
Forsett Says 2014 Not A Fluke
"It's big, because I know I have a little taste of what it's like to have an opportunity to be the star running back and have success, and I just want to build upon it. I know there are a lot of doubters out there, but I don't worry about that. I already have a chip on my shoulder, and I'm ready to work and get better," Forsett said.
As far as Coach John Harbaugh, he had no complaints regarding the teams fifth OTA , except for defensive end Brent Urban, who was getting to close to quaterback Joe Flacco during the OTA.
Harbaugh On Urban's Overly Aggressive OTA
"It was Brent's second time, so he was sent to his room for a couple of plays. But we do like to keep our guys away from the quarterback – that's good. He was a little too close, and then he was celebrating it. That's what sent me over the edge. It's like, 'Do you not understand what we're doing here," Harbaugh said.
The Ravens will conclude OTA's next week before they start Mandatory Minicamp June 16th-18th.
