The Ravens rested their starters on Saturday, but their defense still showed up strong.
Baltimore had five sacks, two takeaways, and didn't allow a touchdown during a 13-3 preseason victory against the Minnesota Vikings.
Both teams rested almost all their starters, so it's dangerous to draw many conclusions. But this much is clear: Baltimore is establishing a strong defensive mindset under first-year Head Coach Jesse Minter. The unit looked fast, physical and connected all week in Minnesota – no matter who was on the field.
Ravens starting cornerback Marlon Humphrey called Wednesday's joint practice with the Vikings the most "electric" he had been part of since joining the Ravens in 2017. That juice carried over into Thursday, and with the starters resting on Saturday, safety Keondre Jackson said the backups were determined to bring the same intensity.
Jackson said that some of that mindset comes from Minter.
"When first came in, that's exactly what he preached to us," Jackson said. "He wanted to be connected on the back end, connected on the defensive side. As a team, we want to be the best."
Here are my five thoughts on Baltimore's second preseason game:
Defensive players are standing out on all three levels
The secondary was arguably the most impressive position group during joint practices, but the defensive front showed out in the game. That's the DNA that Minter wants from the defense – each group helping each other make plays.
Outside linebacker Mike Green had a sack and forced a holding penalty on back-to-back plays. Jackson had a sack on a safety blitz. Defensive lineman Rayshaun Benny and outside linebacker Ethan Burke each had a sack. Safety Silas Walters had an interception, while cornerbacks Robert Longerbeam and Chandler Rivers were strong in pass coverage.
Minter isn't even showing much of the defensive playbook that will be unveiled once the regular season begins. But he and Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver have to like how the Ravens are practicing and playing defensively.
Tyler Loop looks steady
Tyler Loop had a strong day while making both field goal attempts – a 49-yarder in the second quarter and a 20-yarder in the fourth quarter. The Ravens have not brought in kicker competition for Loop, and after the game, Minter said he was pleased with how Loop looked.
"That's what you want to see," Minter said. "I thought he did a great job on kickoffs as well for the second week in a row. Good to see him make them. Keep trying to get those situations, but always obviously good to see him make those kicks."
The center competition continues
Jovaughn Gwyn got the start at center and played four series, then Ethan Pocic entered the game in the second quarter.
It will be interesting to see what Minter says after he evaluates the game tape. Pocic got his most extensive action of the preseason, and the Ravens may decide to ramp up his reps in practice before making a decision.
However, the Ravens struggled to move the football for much of the game, and after a week of dealing with Minnesota's blitz packages, the offensive line is still working to be sharper with the regular season approaching.
Backup quarterback Joe Fagnano continues to impress
For the second straight week, the offense operated best with Fagnano under center. He engineered the game's only touchdown drive, completing a nice third-down pass to Devontez Walker that led to a touchdown throw to LaJohntay Wester.
The undrafted quarterback from Connecticut looks poised under center, and he's throwing with accuracy.
"I thought Joe came in again, second week in a row, and just kind of managed the offense really well," Minter said. "Got us down there a few times, made some really key plays throwing the ball, guys made some nice catches for him."
Extra Points
- Offensive Coordinator Declan Doyle called plays from upstairs in the coach's box for the second straight week. Doyle said before the preseason that he would also try calling plays from the sidelines, but Minter said calling from upstairs has worked well. "He does a really good job from the headset up there," Minter said. "He's able to dissect everything, see everything. We'll see if he wants to maybe try it [on the sideline] in the third game, but it was just a decision we made this week."
- Outside linebacker Jamon Johnson left the game with a thumb injury and was ruled out.
- Rookie punter Ryan Eckley had a good game with punts of 60, 59, 59, 56 and 40 yards, as well as a 54-yarder that pinned the Vikings at their own 4-yard line.
- Rookie tight end Josh Cuevas led Baltimore with 46 yards receiving after fellow rookie tight end Matt Hibner had six catches the week before. With veteran Mark Andrews not playing during the preseason, Hibner and Cuevas have taken advantage of their opportunities to show they can contribute. Both have shown sure hands and a comfort level with their role in the offense.
- Defensive linemen Aeneas Peebles, C.J. Okoye, David Olajiga, and Benny all got consistent penetration and played on the Vikings' side of the line of scrimmage. The Ravens have a lot of depth up front, and the competition for roster spots is intense. Minter said it's the toughest battle on the team.
