Ravens' Defense Dominates in Preseason Win Over Vikings
Baltimore's defense controlled the game in a 13-3 preseason victory, with third- and fourth-string players making key plays, including a sack and forced fumble by undrafted rookie Ethan Burke. Head coach Jesse Minter praised the team's second-half adjustments and red-zone defense. The win followed productive joint practices and highlighted the team's defensive depth.
The Ravens' defensive performance built on momentum from two days of joint practices with Minnesota, where Baltimore's units reportedly held their own against the Vikings' starters. Head coach Jesse Minter specifically credited his team's second-half adjustments and red-zone defense, which limited Minnesota to a single field goal despite multiple scoring threats. The victory marked Baltimore's second straight preseason win under Minter, following last week's dominant showing against Philadelphia.
Several depth players boosted their roster cases significantly. Undrafted rookie Ethan Burke delivered a standout performance with a sack, forced fumble, and two batted passes, while safety Silas Walters redeemed an earlier miscue with a game-sealing interception. Linebacker Jay Higgins IV returned from concussion protocol to wear the defensive play-calling helmet for the full game, and Keondre Jackson led all defenders with eight tackles plus a sack.
This preseason performance may influence roster decisions and depth-chart positioning as Baltimore finalizes its 53-man squad, potentially giving undrafted players like Burke and Walters a path to NFL careers. Strong defensive depth could also raise fan expectations for the regular season, though preseason success does not guarantee regular-season results. The team's defensive identity under a new head coach may shape how opponents and analysts view Baltimore's competitiveness heading into the year.