Tuesday brought the arrival of the Indianapolis Colts – For joint practices, that is (no they’re not returning to Baltimore).
Joint Practices with @Colts pic.twitter.com/ueInE6FGXU
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 5, 2025
Not too long after things kicked off, things popped off, too:
Just had our first fight of the joint practice. It was a punt drill and the initial fight started between Colts RB Tyler Goodson and Ravens DB Keyon Martin. Nate Wiggins then came out of nowhere and threw a punch at Goodson which sparked a huge brawl
— Cordell Woodland (@CordellWoodland) August 5, 2025
First fight of Ravens-Colts joint practice just occurred. Ravens backup CB Keyon Martin delivered a late push on a Colts player. When the Colts player retaliated, Nate Wiggins ran off the sideline and delivered several upper cuts. Both sidelines cleared.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) August 5, 2025
It’s fairly common to see fights break out at joint practices. Players are fighting for roster spots, haven’t faced opponents in months, and energy is running high. Oh, and they’re especially common when started by Special Teamers, according to HC John Harbaugh:
John Harbaugh joked with the Colts’ Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard afterward that it’s “always special teams” that sparks fights.
Harbaugh said the scuffle “should be a learning experience for our team,” particularly Nate Wiggins, who got ejected. pic.twitter.com/aubCqbyI7U
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) August 5, 2025
Luckily, QB Lamar Jackson was nowhere to be found in the scuffle. And while it’s nice to see Wiggins stand up for his guys, he should learn the important lesson Jackson speaks to here:
Reporter: "A fight breaks out. Where are you?"
Lamar Jackson: "I'm chillin. I know the cameras be on all of us so I can't really do too much, but I feel like our guys handled their own."
via @Ravens https://t.co/zYolZ8lzGJ pic.twitter.com/rM39NTRhap
— Bobby Trosset (@bobbybaltim0re) August 5, 2025
When the lights come on for the regular season, a blow-up like this could cost the team important yards and important players games. Hopefully Wiggins will learn to reign things in after being booted from practice.
Turning attention to the practice itself, though, RSR’s own Nikhil Mehta provided a thorough summary of the fight and post-brawl performance:
A longer recap from the Ravens’ joint practice with the Colts: pic.twitter.com/Dwbf7NVKiS
— Nikhil Mehta (@nikknowsball) August 5, 2025
Honestly, not a great day from the Ravens, especially on special teams. There were a number of positive highlights but a few interceptions and some sloppy run defense. And of course, the big melee midway through the practice.
— Nikhil Mehta (@nikknowsball) August 5, 2025
Overall, it seems like a mixed bag. As a fun note to begin with, how often have we heard that WRs are having big days in joint practices in years past?
Ravens WRs won most of their 1-on-1 reps with Colts DBs.
Dayton Wade and Anthony Miller got the biggest pops for nice, acrobatic catches.
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) August 5, 2025
I love what I’m hearing about the likes of LaJohntay Wester and Devontez Walker (though the latter wasn’t mentioned as much on Tuesday), and it really feels like some tough decisions will have to be made when roster cuts come.
Alongside the receivers, it’s great to see continued development from Charlie Kolar. On a personal note, I’d been told by an Iowa State alum that Kolar would be a fan favorite in Baltimore, and while he’s certainly been one at the podium, he hasn’t made a major impact on the field.
Could that be changing?
MONEY ON THE LINE, 88 CALLING pic.twitter.com/ncbSYEMGT2
— Yuri (@Yuri_Ravens) August 5, 2025
Charlie Kolar showing his YAC ability on a catch down the sideline from Lamar Jackson. Then catches a pass between two defenders in the middle of the field. #RavensFlock
— Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) August 5, 2025
Charlie Kolar has been a today. A couple of nice catch-and-runs, a TD in the red zone and now a tough catch over the middle while being leveled from behind.
Ravens are truly #blessed with their TE room.
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) August 5, 2025
Jackson seems excited by Kolar’s development, as well, highlighting similarities between the three TEs he’ll have at his disposal this season:
Lamar Jackson on how Charlie Kolar is performing as he steps up with Isaiah Likely sidelined:
"Awesome. Charlie is getting a great feel for the game. Looking like a lil Mark and Isaiah out there, in his own way."
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) August 5, 2025
As Mehta noted, Jackson’s day was up-and-down, especially toward the end of practice. Jonas Schaffer builds on that here:
Colts’ first-string defense turning the tide in the last few full-team periods.
Lamar Jackson’s just 2-for-7 over the past 3 periods. Uncharacteristic drop by DeAndre Hopkins and some sniffed-out plays that Lamar had to dirt. Good coverage on a deep shot to Rashod Bateman, too.
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) August 5, 2025
On a positive note, though, Jackson did say he feels back to his old self in terms of speed. If that’s the case, who knows what we could be in store for this season:
Ravens QB Lamar Jackson says he feels like he felt his rookie year from a speed and mobility perspective pic.twitter.com/cHnWlinfgi
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) August 5, 2025
Lamar Jackson was asked if he feels in Year 8 just as fast as he did in Year 1:
"Absolutely, except when I got a little bulky. I was tired a little bit. That's why I had to get that weight off me.
"But, I feel like I did my rookie year, speed-wise. Mobility-wise, I feel great."
— Sarah Ellison (@sgellison) August 5, 2025
Pairing that Year 1 speed with his Year 8 passing ability, Jackson is poised to continue his exponential improvement yet again:
The highest passing grade over the past two seasons:
Lamar Jackson – 92.4 pic.twitter.com/tNItc4ukT5
— PFF (@PFF) August 5, 2025
And on the defensive side of the ball, I don’t have much to add to Dev Panchwagh’s point on Mike Green:
Final possession. Mike Green. Sack.
All the words I’ve been looking for together in one sentence since April.
If he’s that dude, this team is winning a championship, barring health & some bad bounces regression. #Ravens #RavensFlock https://t.co/b02GFUEFL0
— Dev Panchwagh (@devpanchwagh) August 5, 2025
The Ravens have been lacking a true closer in the pass rush, but they may just have one.
Tyler Loop is him
Nate Wiggins got that dawg in him
Mike Green DROY
Mark Andrews is still good
Kolar getting more love
Tez Walker increased volume
Lamar is Lamar
Ravens Super Bowl season pic.twitter.com/17SVDroFiB— The Ravens Realm (@RealmRavens) August 5, 2025
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