Welcome back to Loose Feathers, a regular round-up of the latest news and analysis about the Baltimore Ravens! In today’s edition, we cover a headscratching decision from a division rival, an optimistic projection about Jesse Minter’s new defense, and more!
The Factory of Sadness has entered another year of production.
Can you believe it? I mean, can you believe it?
On Monday, the Browns named Deshaun Watson their starting quarterback for their 2026 season. Todd Monken will go from calling plays for two-time MVP Lamar Jackson to, well, a has-been who just went
5-for-12 for 36 yards and an interception in a preseason game. Life comes at you fast.
Critiquing the Browns’ decision-making requires understanding it, and, well, I’m not sure that is possible. But one of the weirdest wrinkles came this weekend, when Watson attacked Browns fans for booing him at Saturday’s preseason game.
Browns Name Deshaun Watson Starting QB – Adam La Rose (Pro Football Rumors)
During his time on the field in Cleveland’s second exhibition game – and his first at home since a 2024 Achilles tear – Watson was booed by several Browns fans. When speaking after the contest, Watson openly acknowledged the “personal” nature of the reception he received from the fan base and remarked he may need to approach the coming season as containing 17 road games. Cleveland’s first two games will indeed be away from home, and it will be Watson tasked with leading the way on offense.
At this point, I’m sympathetic to the Dawg Pound. Their team went 0-17 in 2017 and the Watson trade is still their lowest moment this century – maybe ever. It hijacked the franchise for four years, and even when handed the chance for a fresh start with a new head coach and a different quarterback, they decline to take it.
The Ravens do not play the Browns until their Week 6 trip to Cleveland. Baltimore will be hoping that Watson can hold onto the starting job until then, if not through their Week 16 rematch at M&T Bank Stadium.
Can Jesse Minter put the Ravens defense back on top?
Predicting NFL teams most likely to improve in 2026 season – Bill Barnwell (ESPN)
The most important addition might be new coach Jesse Minter, who was Macdonald’s successor as the defensive coordinator at Michigan. Former coordinator Zach Orr never really seemed to have a reliable handle on what was going wrong in Baltimore, and while the Ravens righted the ship by the end of 2024, things were a mess again early in 2025.
Minter worked wonders with the Chargers, getting more out of cornerbacks such as Tarheeb Still, Benjamin St-Juste and Donte Jackson than anyone could have expected. He revitalized the career of Derwin James Jr., which bodes well for star Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton, who is already playing at a high level. Minter also coaxed a great half-season out of Oweh, and if the Ravens can similarly manipulate protections and use exotic pressures to create one-on-ones and unblocked rushers, it’ll get the pass rush back on track. I’m optimistic.
Ravens announce unis for home opener
Ravens to debut ‘White Noise’ unis in Week 2 vs. Saints – Ryan Mink (BaltimoreRavens.com)
Minter is coming.
It’ll be a whiteout in M&T Bank Stadium for new Head Coach Jesse Minter’s home debut.
The Ravens will unveil their new “White Noise” uniforms featuring a white jersey, white pants and “Purple Rising” helmet on Sunday, Sept. 20 vs. the New Orleans Saints.
The Ravens are rolling out “The Next Flight” collection this season, which features several key changes from the team’s previous uniforms. It’s the most significant uniform evolution since 1999.
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