The Baltimore Ravens won't have to wait until the regular season to see how their defense responds to one of the NFL's most difficult quarterbacks to contain. Minnesota has named Kyler Murray its starting quarterback, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The decision adds another layer of intrigue to Baltimore's upcoming trip to Minnesota for two joint practices with the Vikings.
Following Saturday's preseason matchup against the Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium, the Ravens will practice against Minnesota on Aug. 19 and 20 before the teams meet in a preseason game at U.S. Bank Stadium on Aug. 22. The practice sessions could provide Baltimore's starters with their most valuable work against an opposing offense before Week 1.
Kyler Murray presents a unique challenge for the Ravens
Murray's arm talent alone would
make the two practices worthwhile for Baltimore's secondary. His ability to escape pressure, extend plays and create outside the structure of an offense will test every level of Jesse Minter's defense.
Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins, Chidobe Awuzie, Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks will be challenged to remain disciplined when Murray leaves the pocket. Coverage responsibilities don't disappear once the original play breaks down. They often become more difficult as receivers adjust their routes and defenders are forced to cover for an additional three or four seconds.
That will make communication essential. Baltimore's defensive backs have consistently disrupted the passing game during training camp, but facing Murray and Minnesota's collection of pass catchers will offer a more revealing evaluation than competing against the same teammates every day.
The Ravens' pass rush will also be tested. Trey Hendrickson, Mike Green, Tavius Robinson, Zion Young and the rest of Baltimore's front must maintain rush-lane discipline against a quarterback capable of punishing defenders who lose containment.
Getting pressure will matter. Making sure Murray doesn't escape through an open lane may matter just as much.
Joint practices could provide Baltimore's starters with critical reps
Minter has made it clear that he values the competitive atmosphere created by joint practices. With NFL teams increasingly reluctant to expose established starters to unnecessary preseason snaps, controlled work against another team has become one of the best ways to prepare key players for the regular season.
The Ravens can create specific situations, repeat plays when necessary and test their personnel without subjecting starters to an entire exhibition game. Those benefits should be particularly important for a defense learning Minter's system and adjusting to Anthony Weaver's role as defensive coordinator.
Baltimore will also see how its defense responds against Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, one of the league's most respected offensive minds. Murray's mobility, combined with O'Connell's passing concepts, should challenge the Ravens' communication, coverage rules, and ability to adjust before the snap. Training camp success is encouraging, but the Ravens need to see how their secondary performs against unfamiliar personnel and a quarterback capable of changing a play after it begins.
Baltimore may limit its most important players during the Aug. 22 preseason game. The two practices leading up to it should offer more than enough meaningful work. With Murray now established as Minnesota's starter, those sessions have become one of the most anticipated tests of Ravens training camp.
If Baltimore's pass defense performs well against Murray and the Vikings' offense, Minter will return home with a much clearer understanding of how close his defense is to being ready for Week 1.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Kyler Murray adds intrigue to Ravens-Vikings joint practices
