While the Jesse Minter era sweeping through the Baltimore Ravens organization is super exciting, all the changes can be overwhelming for the players. There are new coaches, new systems, new plays, new everything. No matter how good the team is, they need a tune-up ahead of the regular season.
The Minnesota Vikings are acting as that crucial measuring stick. The Ravens scheduled two joint practices with the Vikings, and the first of those was very intense. For the most part, the two teams avoided fights, but it was Minnesota's defense that provided a heated test for Baltimore’s offense.
According to reports, Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores was blitzing all day. That’s expected from Flores, and quite honestly, Minter and offensive coordinator Declan Doyle should be thanking him. There’s nothing a new offense needs more than challenges like these, forcing the players to make quick decisions and adjust on the fly.
Baltimore Ravens’ offense sees major tune-up moment against Minnesota Vikings
Brian Flores ambushing a Lamar Jackson-led Ravens offense with blitzes? That sounds pretty familiar—the sound of that will probably give Baltimore fans nightmares from that 2021 loss to the Miami Dolphins. It’s good to know Flores hasn’t changed.
Jackson has changed, though. He’s become one of the best and smartest passers in the NFL, and Wednesday’s practice against Minnesota showcased that exact growth in his game. While the offense largely struggled to find a rhythm, they did find success in the quick passing game.
Of course, you know Jackson and Zay Flowers are going to do their thing. That’s not something fans need to worry about. However, Rashod Bateman also torched cornerbacks over the middle of the field, which may prove to be the real blitz-killer in 2026.
And this is the type of defense that the Ravens need to find success against in the early going. Not only is it a foreign offense that has players ironing out the kinks and getting on the same page, but it’s one where the offensive line is a big question mark. The offseason makeover should have that group taking steps; still, concerns remain.
When that’s your offense’s biggest weakness, you best believe that your opponents are going to do everything possible to dial up pressure. Most notably, the interior is completely different, and teams will test that partnership. They'll look to make Jackson as uncomfortable as possible, as often as possible.
Thankfully, Baltimore seems to have the pieces in place to tame the blitz dragon.
Jackson is at the forefront of it all. He simply makes blitzes look silly these days. His escapability is second to none, and through the air he can be unstoppable as well. Last season against the Dolphins, he showcased that, completing 9-of-11 passes for 90 yards and three touchdowns against the blitz.
The rapid-fire weapons are there, too. Zay Flowers is one of the shiftiest route runners in the league, and the same goes for Bateman, who may finally get the opportunity to be let loose in the short-to-intermediate game. Even Ja’Kobi Lane can be a hot read with his size, physicality, and catch radius.
Regardless of the Ravens’ overall inconsistency on offense on Wednesday, it’s a tremendous test less than a month before the regular season. It’ll be beneficial for the team to get that on tape and figure out ways to beat that kind of aggressive defense. Because Baltimore is going to see plenty of it in 2026.
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