The Baltimore Ravens' two joint practices with the Minnesota Vikings should give the key starters, critical rookies, and role players the type of intense, controlled work that Jesse Minter values more than extended preseason action. That makes Saturday afternoon's game at U.S. Bank Stadium especially important for other rookies, reserves and veterans competing near the bottom of the depth chart.
Some of those players will receive snaps during the joint sessions, but the first-team periods and situational work will naturally command most of the attention. Saturday afternoon's game offers longer evaluations, live tackling and unscripted situations that cannot be fully recreated in practice. Minnesota has also indicated that productive joint work could limit the number of additional snaps its starters receive Saturday, creating another reserve-heavy opportunity for both coaching staffs.
Here are 10 matchups to watch when the Ravens and Vikings complete their week in Minnesota.
Huntley was efficient in Baltimore's preseason opener, completing six of seven passes for 76 yards, but he also took two sacks. Minnesota's defense should present a more complex protection test, even if Flores does not use his full pressure package in an exhibition game. Huntley must identify the unblocked defender, get the offense into the correct answer, and avoid turning a negative play into a turnover. His experience and mobility give Baltimore stability behind Jackson, but a clean operation against Minnesota's reserve front would be more valuable than a few highlight throws. The evaluation begins with how consistently Huntley keeps the offense on schedule.
Fagnano delivered one of Baltimore's strongest performances against Philadelphia, completing 11 of 14 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown, although he also threw an interception. Thomas enters the matchup with momentum after the undrafted Vikings rookie intercepted a pass in Minnesota's opener against the Giants and continued receiving additional practice work. ******* nano must move the safety with his eyes and avoid predetermining throws over the middle. Thomas, meanwhile, will be tested in his communication and patience against a quarterback who has shown he can distribute the football accurately when the initial read is available.
#Vikings #baltimore
Some of those players will receive snaps during the joint sessions, but the first-team periods and situational work will naturally command most of the attention. Saturday afternoon's game offers longer evaluations, live tackling and unscripted situations that cannot be fully recreated in practice. Minnesota has also indicated that productive joint work could limit the number of additional snaps its starters receive Saturday, creating another reserve-heavy opportunity for both coaching staffs.
Here are 10 matchups to watch when the Ravens and Vikings complete their week in Minnesota.
Huntley was efficient in Baltimore's preseason opener, completing six of seven passes for 76 yards, but he also took two sacks. Minnesota's defense should present a more complex protection test, even if Flores does not use his full pressure package in an exhibition game. Huntley must identify the unblocked defender, get the offense into the correct answer, and avoid turning a negative play into a turnover. His experience and mobility give Baltimore stability behind Jackson, but a clean operation against Minnesota's reserve front would be more valuable than a few highlight throws. The evaluation begins with how consistently Huntley keeps the offense on schedule.
Fagnano delivered one of Baltimore's strongest performances against Philadelphia, completing 11 of 14 passes for 118 yards and a touchdown, although he also threw an interception. Thomas enters the matchup with momentum after the undrafted Vikings rookie intercepted a pass in Minnesota's opener against the Giants and continued receiving additional practice work. ******* nano must move the safety with his eyes and avoid predetermining throws over the middle. Thomas, meanwhile, will be tested in his communication and patience against a quarterback who has shown he can distribute the football accurately when the initial read is available.
#Vikings #baltimore
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