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Baltimore Ravens: Ronnie Stanley Is Off To A Strong Start

By Chris Schisler

Jul 31, 2016; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley (79) warms up during the morning session of training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2016; Owings Mills, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley (79) warms up during the morning session of training camp at Under Armour Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Ronnie Stanley Showed Ravens Fans Why the Team Took Him With The Sixth Overall Pick:

I have to admit it, Ronnie Stanley looked fantastic in his first game as a Raven. Stanley got a couple of series to start the game and he played well. The rookie offensive tackle from Notre Dame played with poise and confidence.

There were three plays that really impressed me. Two of these plays happened back to back on the Ravens first drive that they actually did anything. On the first of these impressive plays, Stanley got a strong rush from the defensive end. Stanley got backed up and then he collected himself. Finally, Stanley sank his hips and pushed the defensive end away from the quarterback.

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On the next stellar play he created opportunity for Terrance West in the running game. Like a freight train, Stanley sprinted out and made a block allowing West to get on the outside. This showed the quickness and athleticism of the Ravens first round pick. Most importantly these two plays provided a great display of Stanley’s power. He looked like the human plow the Ravens needed him to be.

However the play that got me really excited was when he got into the second level and allowed Kenneth Dixon to energize the crowd. Dixon’s first run was a 19 yard dash of brilliance. The blocking was as brilliant as the beautiful running. Stanley got into the second level and took a linebacker out of the play. This allowed a good run to become a great run.

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This is just one game. Stanley has to show that he can consistently maul people at the line of scrimmage. I have to admit that I was anxious about Stanley. I wanted to see him at the NFL level before I praised him. It’s incredibly early but you have to like what you’ve seen from number 79. If he keeps this up the offensive line has a chance to be the strength of this team.

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