The Baltimore Ravens notched their second straight preseason victory under new head coach Jesse Minter on Saturday afternoon, besting the Minnesota Vikings by a score of 13-3.
As with last week’s win over the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore’s stifling defense controlled the game, particularly in the second half when they forced turnovers on Minnesota’s last three drives of the game. The unit finished with five sacks, forced two turnovers, and held the Vikings offense to a combined 6-17 on third and fourth
down.
The Ravens’ young defensive line were particularly impactful, both off the edge and on the interior. Outside linebackers Mike Green and Ethan Burke flashed on multiple plays, while defensive tackles Aeneas Peebles, C.J. Okoye, and David Olajiga all made their presence known in Minnesota’s backfield.
Secondary coverage was somewhat shaky in the first half with safety Silas Walters allowing multiple explosive connections downfield. The undrafted rookie bounced back in the fourth quarter, making a perfect read to undercut a dig route for an interception. Other standout defensive backs include Keondre Jackson and Chandler Rivers, who not only secured roster spots but made cases for regular-season roles in Minter’s defense.
Baltimore’s offense got off to a slow start with three straight three-and-outs, but Tyler Huntley put together a nine-play, 70-yard drive to open the second quarter that resulted in a 49-yard Tyler Loop field goal. The second-year kicker was only called on twice more for an extra point and a 20-yard field goal, both of which split the uprights.
In the second half, undrafted rookie quarterback Joe Fagnano put up his second stellar performance in a row, driving the offense down the field on multiple scoring drives with several strong passes with pressure in his face. He finished with 15 completions on 20 attempts for 123 yards, one touchdown, zero interceptions, and just one sack. The former UConn starter may be playing himself into 53-man roster consideration, as capable young quarterbacks often get poached off the practice squad once injuries start mounting during the regular season.
After watching the Ravens’ other three pass-catching draft picks excel last week, rookie tight end Josh Cuevas took his turn in the spotlight with a team-high 46 yards. Receivers Devontez Walker, LaJohntay Wester, and Dayton Wade all made multiple catches with Wester scoring his team’s only touchdown of the day on a eight-yard pass from Fagnano in the fourth quarter. Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt played surprisingly little, suggesting that offensive coordinator Declan Doyle has already seen all he needs to from the rookie wideouts to give them targets in the regular season.
The Ravens did not get much clarity on their starting center competition on Saturday. Jovaughn Gwyn, who impressed against the Eagles and during joint practices with the Vikings, did not stand out, while veteran Ethan Pocic put forth a competent if unspectacular 31 snaps in his first extended work since last year’s Achilles tear.
The Ravens are returning to Baltimore on Saturday with three training camp practices scheduled for this week, including a joint session with the Washington Commanders on Wednesday ahead of their preseason finale on Friday at M&T Bank Stadium.
