It’s easy to get excited about the Jesse Minter era, especially after the Baltimore Ravens’ preseason opener. They absolutely trounced the Philadelphia Eagles in a defensive clinic, an area of dominance that has become a theme for Minter.
A stout defense is what the Ravens were desperate for, and it’s becoming crystal clear that Minter is already set to bring that back to Charm City and more. He had the entire team firing on all cylinders on Saturday night—that’s the first box checked in the first-year head coach’s debut season.
And if you are somehow still in doubt about the Minter era, take Calais Campbell’s word for it. The 19-year veteran has played under plenty of talented minds and with some elite defenses, but that hasn’t stopped him from being blown away by Minter.
“[Minter’s] a phenomenal coach,” Campbell said. “As an old, wise player, you have things you want to hear from coaches. This coaching staff has been hitting on everything that I feel like we need to hear.”
Baltimore Ravens’ Jesse Minter-led coaching staff is already hitting the right notes
Baltimore has a new and young coaching staff. Between Minter and the primary coordinators, no one is older than 45 years old, and even other coaches are coming up from the college ranks. Clearly, though, it’s a group that is wise beyond its years.
The team’s 24-7 win over Philadelphia is proof that they know what they’re doing. More than anything, that defensive showing that saw the Ravens hold the Eagles to seven points, 159 total yards, and a 0-for-9 third-down conversion rate is an outstanding first impression.
And when you have Campbell in your corner, you’re not just doing something right, you’re doing something great. Most notably, that goes for Minter’s and Weaver’s defense. Campbell has high hopes for that unit in 2026.
“When we’re full strength, this defense is gonna be fun,” Campbell said. “This defense and the way Jesse calls it, and some of the variations in the scheme, it can be really, really good.”
Campbell knows a thing or two about “really, really good” defenses, too. Not only is he a six-time Pro Bowler, but he’s been a key cog of several upper-echelon defenses.
In terms of yards allowed, Campbell has played on eight top-10 defenses across his career.
- 2013 Arizona Cardinals (sixth in the NFL)
- 2015 Arizona Cardinals (fifth)
- 2016 Arizona Cardinals (second)
- 2017 Jacksonville Jaguars (second)
- 2018 Jacksonville Jaguars (fifth)
- 2020 Baltimore Ravens (seventh)
- 2022 Baltimore Ravens (tied for 10th)
- 2024 Miami Dolphins (fourth)
The 2023 Atlanta Falcons unit just missed out on that list, as they finished 11th in the lone season with Campbell occupying their defensive line.
The point is, Campbell has seen his fair share of electric defenses. The fact that a 42-year-old head coach and defensive genius, Jesse Minter, is wowing him in the way that he is the best news possible for those eager to see the Ravens bounce back. Campbell sees greatness, so fans should be very optimistic for this upcoming season.
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