It’s difficult to gauge a player’s effectiveness during an Organized Team Activity because, well, it’s an OTA and not training camp or the regular season. But cornerback Anwar Phillips had a pretty good day during Tuesday’s passing camp.
Phillips hauled in an interception when a Joe Flacco pass bounced off wide receiver Marcus Smith’s hands, deflected away a Troy Smith pass to wide receiver Justin Harper, and broke up Smith’s pass to wide receiver Ernie Wheelwright.
“I’ve had a couple rough weeks in the beginning,” Phillips said. “I just have to start doing things and go back to doing what I was doing before I got here. Just have to focus on the defense and realize what I’m asked to do and just got out there and just play.”
Phillips’ future with the Ravens is unclear. With Fabian Washington, Domonique Foxworth, Samari Rolle, Frank Walker, Chris Carr and rookie third-round pick Lardarius Webb appearing to have cemented the first six cornerback spots, it would seem that Phillips is competing with Derrick Martin and Evan Oglesby for what might be one or two spots on the team.
After signing with the Ravens at the beginning of training camp last summer, Phillips was cut and re-signed by the organization four different times. Phillips said he has grown accustomed to the sport’s yo-yo nature.
“That’s the NFL,” he said. “Every day, you’ve got to work because you don’t know when it’s your last. Be grateful every day for the chance to get up and the opportunity to play. You just hope that your play gets you to the next day and the next day and the end of the season.”
