5 takeaways from Packers-Ravens joint practice – Aug. 22

2. One aspect of the Packers’ No. 1 offense that stood out most was pass protection.

Love was rarely under duress going up against one of the league’s top defenses, and his comfort level in the pocket showed as practice progressed.

“It was fantastic today,” Love said of the protection. “The Ravens do a lot of different stuff, a lot of different pressures they throw at you, and I think those guys handled it really well up front. We had a couple of protection adjustments. They did a really good job of just being able to pass those off and figuring out who they need to pick up. I felt good back there all day. Shout-out to the O-line.”

The starting group featured Rasheed Walker at left tackle, Elgton Jenkins at left guard, Josh Myers at center, Sean Rhyan at right guard and Zach Tom at right tackle. First-round draft pick Jordan Morgan, who had been rotating at right guard with Rhyan through the early portion of camp, and had moved ahead of him before injuring his shoulder, has not yet returned to 11-on-11 work.

“The biggest thing is all those guys have had a lot of reps,” Love said. “Sean Rhyan got a ton of reps last year. The one guy (who hasn’t) would be Jordan Morgan, who obviously is a rookie.

“We’ll see what happens when he gets back healthy, but I feel comfortable with that whole group.”

3. Tight end Tucker Kraft is showing no ill effects from his long layoff.

Kraft, the second-year pro drafted in the third round last year, missed all the spring work due to a torn pectoral muscle, and he remained out during the early portion of training camp, working his way back into 11-on-11 snaps.

Against Baltimore’s first-team defense, Kraft caught five passes from Love, a couple downfield on middle crossers that opened up nicely off play-action.

“Tucker looks great,” Love said. “Since he’s been back out there, we’ve felt his presence, for sure. He’s hit the ground running. I think he has some fresh legs right now after missing a little bit but he looks great out there. It’s very apparent on the field and it’s great to have him back.”

One of Kraft’s receptions came on a tight end screen in the red zone that broke free for a touchdown. That began an efficient and productive stretch for Love near the goal line that also saw him connect with Romeo Doubs on a goal-line hook, Christian Watson on a leaping fade over All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton, and Doubs again on a quick shot to the front pylon.

Connecting with so many different targets in close, particularly against a tough defense, makes the offense feel pretty good about where it’s at training camp concludes.

“Not only are they very good defensively but they have the veterans that understand the game really well,” Doubs said. “Today was a pretty productive day.”

4. The defense won the battle up front.

With Baltimore down a starter or two on its offensive line, the Packers took advantage by getting in the backfield for a number of would-be tackles for loss or sacks, and harassing Jackson a fair amount.

Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, T.J. Slaton and Devonte Wyatt all had their moments, which the defenders in the back end appreciated against a QB like Jackson.

“We know we got dogs up front and we finally get to unleash them,” nickel corner Keisean Nixon said.

Added Williams: “I mean it just helps so much in the back end having a front seven like that. Just the confidence in those guys to go get ’em up front, because you have a clock in your head as a DB, right, and if it gets to like three seconds with our front seven, the ball’s gotta be out at that point.

“Otherwise, Lamar’s out there scrambling for his life.”

That’s no picnic either, with Nixon likening Jackson to a running back who can throw the ball. But it gave the Packers work on their “plaster drills” when a play breaks down and the coverage players are tested sticking with a target for as long as necessary.