AT THE END of one of the Baltimore Ravens' offseason workouts, first-year coach Jesse Minter rolled out two 16-pound medicine balls onto the practice field to get his point across.
In an impromptu battle between the offense and defense, rookie guard Olaivavega Ioane used all his strength to throw the medicine ball farther than outside linebacker Zion Young. All of the defensive players were forced to do pushups. The offensive players' celebration was capped by rookie wide receiver Ja'Kobi Lane doing a cartwheel into a backflip.
Throughout spring practices and training camp, the 43-year-old Minter has sprung on his players what he calls "At our best, when our best is needed" periods. The contests, which are kept secret until announced to the players at the end of practice, have included a relay featuring rookies carrying weights in both hands, a competition of one-handed catches and a race in which players push blocking sleds.
"You never know what play is going to be the biggest play of the game," Minter told his players. "Every situation, you've got to be ready. When your number is called, you step up and make the play."
Minter's mantra -- "Be The Best" -- is displayed in massive silver lettering next to the doors that lead to the Ravens' practice field. It's a variation of a saying by basketball coaching legend John Wooden, and it has become the foundation for this new era in Baltimore.
Minter was hired to replace John Harbaugh, who was fired after 18 seasons, because the Ravens have struggled over the past decade to be their best when their best was needed. In eight seasons with quarterback Lamar Jackson, Baltimore dominated in the regular season but repeatedly underachieved in the playoffs because of critical mistakes and turnovers.