TE Charlie Kolar 'Flashed Really Well!'

Baltimore Ravens second-year tight end Charlie Kolar is making up for lost time this preseason, and everyone is taking notice.

After his rookie season was wiped out by a sports hernia injury during the preseason, Kolar wouldn't see the field until Week 17 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and then, in the last regular season game, he would flash as he caught four passes for 49 yards.

But now, with an offseason of work behind him that includes playing in all of Baltimore's three preseason games, coach John Harbaugh has seen the differences in Kolar's game.

“He’s become a much better blocker and contested catches, I think that’s something he’s taken a big step forward with,” Harbaugh said. “Big plays, middle of the field, controlling the middle of the field, that’s his goal. He’s very capable of doing that. You saw it flash really well in the preseason.”

In a tight end room that has Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, Kolar needed to make an impact. His eight catches for 120 yards in his three outings has made Harbaugh take notice of his talent.

After hardly playing in his rookie campaign, the importance of getting consistent reps, whether that be in training camp or preseason games, isn't lost on Kolar.

"I haven't played that much football in the NFL because I didn't play last year," Kolar said. "So the reps this preseason are so valuable, I'm just trying to take advantage of them and keep getting better."

As Baltimore's offense transitions to a more vertical-style offense under Todd Monken, the tight end room will get more looks in the passing game, and that bodes well for Kolar.

Of course, there are other mouths to feed in Andrews and Likely, but right now, Kolar just seems happy to be back doing what he does best - playing football. 

The rest will take care of itself.

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