AGAN, Minn. — Brian Flores never met a blitz he didn’t like, and Wednesday was no exception.
In the first of two joint practices between the Ravens and the Vikings, the Minnesota defensive coordinator dialed up plenty of them over the course of the two-hour session. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is used to seeing that from Flores, who famously unleashed more than two dozen blitzes against him in the Ravens’ stunning 2021 loss against the Miami Dolphins.
They were plenty disruptive this time, too, and that led to an uneven day for the first- and second-team offenses in particular, while center Danny Pinter was lost to a right leg injury and carted off the field.
“Nobody probably pressures more in the league than ‘Flo,’” Minter said. “So, it is a great test. It is a unique scheme that is unique to him and maybe a guy or two that has broken out from his tree.”
Minter spent his day calling the defense, so he didn’t have a chance to dive into the offense with coordinator Declan Doyle.
Baltimore had the most success against it in the quick passing game, with Jackson looking relatively efficient and accurate on most of his throws. That included one to Rashod Bateman that went for a chunk of yards after a short completion and another to LaJohntay Wester, who was wide open and turned the reception into a big game after making an easy catch.
The best play of the day was a deep out to Zay Flowers after a three-step drop, with the ball coming out on time and on target. Derrick Henry also ripped off a long run after center Jovaughn Gwyn tossed a defender out of the way while helping open a big hole up the middle.
Ravens’ defense, secondary stand out
The Ravens’ defense enjoyed plenty of success, too.
In particular, cornerbacks Nate Wiggins, Marlon Humphrey, T.J. Tampa Jr., Keyon Martin and Bilhal Kone all made standout plays. All were involved in several pass breakups during 7-on-7 and full-team play.
Given how many defensive backs Minter likes to use in his scheme, and how often injuries can crop up, the first-year coach was pleased with what is largely a young group.
“I think our corners have a chance to be really, really good,” Minter said. “I have a lot of confidence in Nate, Marlon Humphrey, all those guys. I thought both of those guys were really on point today with just playing with great leverage, competing, and finishing through the plays, getting their hands on the football. And then the young guys are just getting better and better and better.”
Minter credited pass game coordinator and secondary coach Mike Mickens, whom he hired from Notre Dame, with imparting his technical knowledge to the group. It showed Wednesday.
“It is fun practicing against somebody other than yourself and seeing new releases as DBs and new running backs and new quarterbacks,” Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton said. “It is all going to be for the better going forward.”
Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson did beat Malaki Starks during a two-minute drill at the end of practice, along with having a few other catches in 1-on-1 and 7-on-7 periods.
“I thought we were all over the place, just doing a good job of being physical, getting to our run fits [and] playing well in coverage,” Minter said.
Things get physical; punch thrown
Ravens defensive backs getting physical extended to individual special teams periods, too.
In particular, safety and former undrafted free agent Keondre Jackson was regularly putting his opponent to the ground. It nearly led to a dustup with rookie cornerback Bryce Phillips, with both players scuffling at the end of a play.
Martin took things a step further, throwing a punch at rookie cornerback De’Veawn Armstead during a 1-on-1 special teams rep.
The tension built as Armstead stood over him while Martin held onto his leg. Neither player seemed to be in a hurry to separate, and when Martin stood up, he threw a right hand at Armstead’s helmet.
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Both teams poured onto the field, but the meeting was broken up quickly.
It was also just one of a few dustups on the day, though Minter and Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell have both been clear with their respective teams that they won’t tolerate fights.
“I thought the teams overall did a really good job,” Minter said. “Oftentimes, like in special teams, it is like everybody [is] around, and it gets a little bit more chaotic there. We tried to do a really good job keeping those guys back.
“But overall, I really liked — obviously [I] have not had a chance to really dive into the offense yet; we will do that this afternoon. I thought on defense, [I] really liked the way we played at the line of scrimmage. I thought we were all over the place, just doing a good job of being physical, getting to our run fits [and] playing well in coverage. [I] would have liked to have finished the practice a little bit better [with] the last couple of two-minute situations. But overall, [I am] definitely pleased with the physicality.”
Randy Moss in attendance
Hall of Fame receiver and former Vikings star Randy Moss was in attendance.
It was a rare appearance for Moss at Vikings practice. Though he spent his first seven years in the league with the team and reunited with them in 2010, he typically does not come around often.
But Moss’ in-laws are big Ravens fans, so he made an exception. He also spent a chunk of time watching the Ravens’ young receiving corps.
That included Ja’Kobi Lane, who made a couple of nice grabs on deep passes from Jackson during 1-on-1 reps. He doesn’t gain much separation, but he does know how to use his body to shield defenders.