Ravens Defense Dominates Vikings in 13-3 Preseason Victory
The Baltimore Ravens defense continued to look ready for the regular season Saturday afternoon, holding the Minnesota Vikings without a touchdown in a 13-3 preseason victory at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Baltimore improved to 2-0 in the preseason and has surrendered just 10 total points through its first two games. The Ravens did not generate much offensively, but their defense consistently pressured Minnesota’s quarterbacks, forced two turnovers and recorded five sacks.
The Ravens rested the majority of their established starters after two days of joint practices with Minnesota, giving Baltimore’s younger players and roster hopefuls an extended opportunity to make their case before final cuts.
First Quarter: Ravens Defense Sets the Tone
Neither team scored during the opening quarter, but Baltimore’s defense quickly established itself.
Minnesota quarterback J.J. McCarthy produced the biggest offensive play of the quarter when he connected with Tai Felton for a 50-yard gain that moved the Vikings inside the Ravens’ 10-yard line. Minnesota appeared positioned to grab an early lead, but Baltimore tightened up near the goal line.
McCarthy eventually missed an open Myles Price on fourth-and-goal, allowing the Ravens to escape without surrendering any points. McCarthy later admitted the missed opportunities were throws he needed to make.
Outside linebacker Mike Green was one of Baltimore’s early defensive standouts. Green recorded a sack of McCarthy and generated additional pressure that helped disrupt Minnesota’s offense. The second-year pass rusher entered the preseason with increased expectations and showed why Baltimore believes he can become a significant part of its pass rush.
Baltimore’s offense, meanwhile, struggled to generate sustained movement with Tyler Huntley leading the second-team unit.
Second Quarter: Teams Exchange Field Goals
The Ravens finally broke through in the second quarter when kicker Tyler Loop converted a 49-yard field goal.
Loop’s kick was particularly important after he missed from the same distance during Baltimore’s preseason opener. He responded during the week by making all six of his field-goal attempts in a joint practice before drilling the 49-yarder against Minnesota.
Minnesota answered with a field goal of its own, sending the teams into halftime tied 3-3.
The first half was largely defined by defense, penalties and missed offensive opportunities. McCarthy completed five of 10 passes for 81 yards before Minnesota replaced him with veteran Carson Wentz. McCarthy took several hits and was pulled earlier than originally planned after becoming banged up.
For Baltimore, the defense continued generating pressure throughout the half. Rookie defensive tackle Rayshaun Benny closed the half with a sack as the Ravens’ defensive front repeatedly created problems for Minnesota’s offensive line.
Third Quarter: Fagnano and Wester Produce the Game’s Only Touchdown
Baltimore finally broke the 3-3 tie during the third quarter behind undrafted rookie quarterback Joe Fagnano.
Fagnano helped move the Ravens down the field, including a 27-yard catch-and-run by Devontez Walker. Baltimore then reached the Minnesota 8-yard line, where Fagnano found LaJohntay Wester wide open for the game’s only touchdown.
The eight-yard touchdown pass gave Baltimore a 10-3 advantage with just under six minutes remaining in the third quarter.
Fagnano once again took advantage of his preseason opportunity. He completed 15 of 20 passes for 123 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.
Through his first two preseason games, Fagnano has completed 37 of 48 passes for 327 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. His efficiency and decision-making have made him one of Baltimore’s more interesting preseason stories.
Rookie tight end Josh Cuevas also continued to push for a roster spot. Cuevas caught three passes for a team-high 46 receiving yards, including two catches totaling 40 yards during one Baltimore drive.
Fourth Quarter: Ravens Defense Slams the Door
Baltimore’s defense finished the game exactly how it started it — creating problems.
Outside linebacker Ethan Burke forced a fumble after Minnesota receiver Jeshaun Jones caught an 11-yard pass near midfield. Cornerback Amani Oruwariye recovered the ball at the Vikings’ 44-yard line, giving Baltimore its first takeaway of the preseason.
Burke had an impressive all-around afternoon. The undrafted rookie recorded a sack, two quarterback hits, two passes defensed and the forced fumble, strengthening his argument for a roster spot.
Loop later added his second field goal to extend Baltimore’s advantage to 13-3.
Minnesota mounted one final threat behind Max Brosmer, but rookie safety Silas Walters ended it. Walters jumped a route and intercepted Brosmer at the Baltimore 18-yard line, allowing the Ravens to run out the remaining time.
Brosmer finished 11 of 17 passing for 98 yards with the interception.
Defense Continues Strong Preseason
The most encouraging part of Baltimore’s first two preseason games has been the defense.
The Ravens held Minnesota to three points despite the Vikings producing 299 total yards. Minnesota reached the red zone only once and failed to score a touchdown.
Baltimore generated five sacks and nine quarterback hits while forcing two turnovers. Minnesota quarterbacks lost 37 yards on those five sacks.
Keondre Jackson led Baltimore with eight tackles and also recorded a sack. Green, Burke and Benny were among the Ravens who consistently created pressure, while Walters supplied the game-sealing interception.
Baltimore has now allowed only 10 points through two preseason games. Considering many of the Ravens’ established defensive starters did not play Saturday, the performance was another encouraging sign for the depth Jesse Minter has on that side of the football.
Fagnano Makes Another Strong Impression
The quarterback situation behind Baltimore’s established starters continues to be worth watching.
Huntley’s unit struggled to consistently move the football, while Fagnano again looked comfortable operating the offense with Baltimore’s deeper reserves.
Fagnano’s 15-of-20 performance accounted for 123 of Baltimore’s 184 passing yards. He also avoided turnovers, something that becomes increasingly important for backup quarterbacks trying to earn the coaching staff’s trust.
Wester led Baltimore with five receptions, while Cuevas, Elijah Sarratt and Elijah Tau-Toliver each had three catches.
Jonathan Ward led the Ravens on the ground with 35 yards on 10 carries. Baltimore finished with only 58 rushing yards on 22 attempts, an average of 2.6 yards per carry.
The offense clearly has areas to clean up. Baltimore managed only 242 total yards and 11 first downs while converting five of 15 third downs.
The Ravens also committed nine penalties for 80 yards. Offensive tackle Gerad Lichtenhan was flagged for holding three times.
Ravens Win the Turnover Battle
One of the biggest differences in the game was Baltimore’s ability to protect the football.
The Ravens finished without a turnover, while Minnesota lost the Burke-forced fumble and threw Walters’ fourth-quarter interception.
Baltimore also went 1-for-1 on fourth down while Minnesota converted just one of three fourth-down attempts.
Those plays mattered more than the total-yardage numbers.
Minnesota actually outgained Baltimore 299-242 and recorded 14 first downs compared with Baltimore’s 11. The Vikings also averaged 4.9 yards per play compared with 4.6 for the Ravens.
But Baltimore consistently won the high-leverage situations.
MSB Take
Preseason wins and losses do not mean much once September arrives, but Baltimore should be very encouraged by what its defense has shown.
The Ravens have allowed seven points and three points in their first two preseason games, and Saturday’s performance came largely from players fighting for backup roles and roster spots.
Five sacks, nine quarterback hits, two takeaways and no touchdowns allowed is exactly what Baltimore wants to see from its defensive depth.
Fagnano also deserves significant credit. The undrafted rookie continues to look composed and has given Baltimore something to think about at quarterback. Completing 37 of 48 passes through two preseason games is difficult to ignore regardless of the level of competition.
The offense still needs work. The running game went nowhere for much of Saturday, penalties repeatedly created problems and Baltimore managed only one touchdown.
But if the preseason is primarily about evaluating depth, the Ravens are getting plenty of encouraging answers — particularly on defense.
Baltimore leaves Minnesota 2-0 in the preseason and has outscored its first two opponents 37-10.
The Ravens will return home for their preseason finale against the Washington Commanders before attention turns completely toward the regular season.
