For veterans, no-shows are usually no big deal at OTAs
When Pro Bowl outside linebackers Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil missed the first of three voluntary practices last week, there wasn’t much concern.
And if both, along with veteran defensive end Chris Canty, miss organized team activities this week, it won’t be a big deal, either. OTAs are such ho-hum affairs. They have purpose, but only under certain circumstances. For veterans, no-shows are no big deal. Their plan is usually to show up for one of the three, then mandatory minicamp, then training camp.
A lot of NFL head coaches feel differently, but that’s because they are control freaks. They believe every minute of every day should be consumed with football and preparation for the regular season.
The concept is great, just not practical. OTAs are excellent for new head coaches, new coordinators and players who have been in the league less than three years. It’s the perfect time to install base offenses and defenses, get acquainted with new teammates, learn practice style and tempo and get as many repetitions as possible.
But after seven years in the NFL, does offensive guard Marshal Yanda need this? No. How about center Jeremy Zuttah, another seven-year veteran? No. Even though Marc Trestman is installing a new offense, it’s a system similar to that of former coordinator Gary Kubiak.
Certain veterans, though, should show up for all the OTAs, especially those whose jobs are on the line or those who missed most of last season because of injuries.
Last week, on the only day practice was open to the media, the entire starting offensive line was absent. Left tackle Eugene Monroe should have been there. He missed four games a year ago with a knee injury and another with an ankle problem. He started 11 games last season but wasn’t overly impressive. He should be at OTAs.
Second-year player James Hurst filled in well for Monroe last season, which should force Monroe to look over his shoulder and re-establish himself as the starter.
Cornerback Lardarius Webb needs to do the same. He has a home but needs to prove himself again. He was solid at the end of last season, but there are still concerns about his health after leg injuries over the past three seasons.
There are similar worries about fellow corner Jimmy Smith, who missed the second half of last season with a sprained foot. But he showed up last week. Why not Webb?
The Ravens got a bonus when veterans such as wide receiver Steve Smith and inside linebacker Daryl Smith practiced. It must have been like a clinic for the young receivers watching Steve Smith, whose work ethic is as strong as any Raven’s in team history. The Ravens need that type of influence with former starter Torrey Smith now playing in San Francisco.
Daryl Smith showed up because he is smart, and so is outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw. They understand the business side of the NFL. At age 33, Daryl Smith knows he is in the twilight of his career, and he wants to show team officials his desire is still strong.
Upshaw has struggled with weight problems during the past two offseasons. But at the end of last year, he became more of a complete player, finally developing as a pass rusher. If he reports to training camp in shape, this could be a big year for Upshaw, who is in the final season of his current contract.
Suggs, Dumervil and Canty don’t have as many concerns. Through the years, they have had their bodies beaten and prodded. Two years ago, Ravens coach John Harbaugh and defensive coordinator Dean Pees recognized that someof their veterans didn’t have much energy at the end of the season.
Both did masterful jobs last season of substituting for Suggs and Dumervil, and both players performed reasonably well at the end of 2014. Suggs came to training camp in great shape nearly a year ago after gaining too much weight in 2013. Dumervil came into 2014 bigger, but it certainly was more muscle than fat.
The 2015 Ravens are going to need younger players such as rookie wide receiver Breshad Perriman and tight end Maxx Williams to step up. Brandon Williams and Timmy Jernigan will have to anchor the defensive line, and second-year running back Lorenzo Taliaferro will have to give starter Justin Forsett some relief.
They need the practice time, and they will be there for most of the OTAs. But some of the veterans can’t afford injuries, and the extra rest will do them good.
They just need to show up for the mandatory camp in mid-June, and get into shape for training camp nearly a month later.