The Baltimore Ravens left their preseason opener with plenty to feel good about. Saturday's 24-7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles offered encouraging signs for a team navigating its first season under head coach Jesse Minter. Baltimore played a clean game. They showcased several young contributors and gave their new coaching staff a successful first outing together.
By Monday, however, the focus had already shifted toward the next challenge. The Ravens returned to the practice field two days after the win. They will hold a closed walkthrough Tuesday before traveling to Eagan, Minnesota. They're doing so to hang out for joint practices against the Vikings.
The football benefits are obvious. Still, when Minter spoke with the media, he said he views the trip as more than a preseason checkpoint.
"It is a great opportunity for our team just to kind of be together, be away, spend time together in football and out of football... It is something we are excited about."
Joint practices have become one of the NFL's most valuable evaluation tools, particularly for teams that limit starter participation during preseason games. Minter acknowledged the football advantages of spending two days working against one of the league's most respected coaching staffs.

#team