Winning in August won't ever count in the standings, but anyone who has spent time around the Baltimore Ravens knows something for certain. There's the same business-like approach during training camp, but at the same time, things are different for both obvious and unmentioned reasons.
There is an obvious and infectious energy around this team. Maybe it's the arrival of a new coaching staff. Maybe it's the excitement surrounding offensive coordinator Declan Doyle's system. Maybe it's the return of several key veterans or the emergence of promising young players. Whatever the reason, optimism has followed the Ravens throughout training camp. Recently, one of ESPN's National NFL analysts took notice.
While handing out his annual NFL training camp
superlatives, Ben Solak named Baltimore the league's team with the "Best Vibes." There are plenty of reasons for optimism in Baltimore. Solak pointed to several developments fueling the positive atmosphere.
The Ravens are building momentum, and it's hard not to notice
Nnamdi Madubuike's return after a neck injury that threatened his career last season truly can't be mentioned enough. Neither can Zay Flowers' lucrative contract extension, rookie receiver Ja'Kobi Lane'simpressive start to camp, and the return of veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell.
Solak offered all as evidence of Baltimore's growing steam, but also highlighted something Ravens fans have heard repeatedly throughout the summer. Players and coaches continue praising Doyle's impact on the offense. That support has come from every corner of the organization.
Lamar Jackson has spoken positively about the new system. Wide receivers coach Keary Colbert recently described Doyle as "very detailed" and "very smart." Training camp reports continue mentioning the creativity and attention to detail that Doyle has brought to Baltimore's offense. Those endorsements matter. They help explain why excitement surrounding the first-year coordinator has only grown since camp opened.
Of course, positive training camp reports don't guarantee regular-season success. Every August sees its share of teams generating excitement before reality arrives in September. Solak even acknowledged that "training camp vibes have absolutely zero correlation with regular-season wins."
Still, there is value in what Baltimore has created. A year ago, questions surrounded this roster. Now, the conversation feels different. Flowers received his extension. Madubuike is back on the field. Lane continues turning heads. The defense appears energized under Jesse Minter and Anthony Weaver. Doyle's offense is generating daily praise.
Even a recent injury scare involving Nate Wiggins ended with encouraging news after testing reportedly revealed no structural damage. The Ravens haven't accomplished anything yet, but they have accomplished something important. They've created belief. For a franchise trying to move past a disappointing season and reestablish itself among the AFC's elite, that's not a bad place to start.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens earn notable national recognition for training camp atmosphere
