The Baltimore Ravens won their fourth game of the season in Week 10, defeating the Minnesota Vikings, 27-19. While it should have been a comfortable win for the Ravens, they let the Vikings back into the game late. Still, they move to 4-5 and pose a significant threat to take home the AFC North crown in 2025.
Unlike most matchups this year, the story of the game for Baltimore was defense and special teams. The offense struggled to truly take off, as they had to grind out several drives to get some points on the board. The defense supplied plenty of momentum, though, generating takeaways and limiting Minnesota’s offense after their opening drive touchdown.
Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr’s unit once again allowed a ton of yards, letting the J.J. McCarthy-led offense tally 365 total yards, but they held them to just 19 points. It was the fourth straight game the Ravens have allowed 20 points or less.
The physical play from the secondary was the story of this one, as they have been throughout this four-game stretch. However, the defensive front finally found some success as well. They only totaled one sack, but generated more pressure than usual. The recent trade acquisition of outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones played a huge part in that.
Ravens’ trade for Dre’Mont Jones pays off in Week 10 win
Orr said Jones would play more on the interior than he did with the Tennessee Titans, but the 28-year-old looked explosive along the outside on Sunday. He flushed McCarthy from the pocket on several occasions. Sure, he did not get home for a sack and lost contain on some plays, but he had an impact on the inexperienced quarterback’s rhythm throughout the day.
The extra help on the edge went a long way. With the trio of Kyle Van Noy, Mike Green, and Jones being constant threats on each snap, the interior made some game-changing plays.
The interior defensive line got some push in the pocket, and defensive tackle Travis Jones was extremely successful in ruining Minnesota’s passing attack. The 2022 third-round selection totaled one sack and two pass deflections in this one.
While the numbers did not really tell the story of a dangerous defensive line, McCarthy certainly felt the pressure. Following the game, the Vikings’ signal caller talked about the impact Baltimore’s pass rush had on the game.
"I think they did a great job defensively. They used the big guys up front to give a little push and get eyes up, ready to swat the ball down,” McCarthy said. “They just were a great defense.”
Week 10 was just the start for Jones. After being acquired on Monday, he is already making an impact, not even a week into his Ravens tenure. As he continues to adjust to Orr’s system and gains chemistry with his teammates, the pass rush could start to show signs of life down the stretch.