Ravens Stock Up and Stock Down After 13-3 Victory Over Vikings

The Baltimore Ravens improved to 2-0 in the preseason with a 13-3 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, but the final score only tells part of the story. Baltimore's offense struggled to consistently move the football, finishing with just 242 total yards, while the defense once again provided the biggest reason for the victory.

The Ravens held Minnesota to only three points, forced a turnover, recorded six sacks and intercepted a pass. Baltimore's defense also held the Vikings to 65 rushing yards and 234 passing yards while repeatedly putting pressure on Minnesota's quarterbacks.

On offense, Joe Fagnano provided the biggest spark, completing 15 of 20 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown. Tyler Huntley added 63 passing yards on 5-of-8 attempts, while Austin Reed completed one of two passes for seven yards.

The Ravens' running game was much less impressive. Baltimore managed only 58 rushing yards on 22 attempts, an average of 2.6 yards per carry. That is an area that will need attention as the preseason continues.

Still, the Ravens controlled the game because their defense and special teams consistently won the field-position battle.

Here are the players whose stock is rising and falling after Baltimore's 13-3 victory.

Stock Up: Joe Fagnano

The biggest winner from the game may have been Joe Fagnano.

Fagnano completed 15 of 20 passes for 123 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. His 106.9 passer rating was easily the best among Baltimore's three quarterbacks.

More importantly, Fagnano looked comfortable operating the offense. He was efficient, protected the football and consistently gave Baltimore a chance to sustain drives.

The numbers were not spectacular, but that was not the point. In a preseason competition where every snap can influence roster decisions, Fagnano did what he needed to do.

His ability to complete 75% of his passes while avoiding turnovers is exactly the type of performance that can keep a young quarterback in the conversation.

Stock Up: Silas Walters

Silas Walters had one of the game's most important defensive plays when he intercepted Max Brosmer.

Walters finished with six total tackles, four solo tackles and an interception that he returned three yards. The Ravens' defense generated pressure throughout the game, but turnovers are especially valuable for young defensive backs trying to make an NFL roster.

Walters also demonstrated that he can contribute in multiple situations. His tackle production and interception made him one of the more noticeable defensive players on the field.

The Ravens have plenty of competition in their secondary, meaning plays like this matter.

Stock Up: Kaimon Rucker

Kaimon Rucker made his presence felt in the Vikings' backfield.

Rucker finished with three tackles, one sack, two tackles for loss and two quarterback hits. Those numbers demonstrate how disruptive he was when attacking Minnesota's offensive front.

The Ravens want depth along the defensive front, and Rucker provided exactly the type of performance that can strengthen his case.

One of the most encouraging aspects of Baltimore's preseason has been the ability of young defenders to create pressure. Rucker was another player who took advantage of his opportunity.

Stock Up: Mike Green

Mike Green continued to show why Baltimore's young defensive players deserve attention.

Green recorded two tackles, one sack and one tackle for loss, adding a quarterback hit. He was part of a defensive unit that made life difficult for Minnesota's quarterbacks throughout the evening.

Baltimore finished with six sacks as a team, and Green's ability to get into the backfield adds another name to a growing group of young defenders competing for playing time.

Stock Up: LaJohntay Wester

LaJohntay Wester continues to make an impression on special teams.

Wester returned one kickoff for 29 yards and two punts for 31 yards, averaging 15.5 yards per punt return. His longest punt return went for 19 yards.

Those numbers matter because field position can determine preseason roster decisions just as much as offensive production.

Wester also caught five passes for 24 yards and a touchdown, giving him a role in the passing game.

The Ravens need players who can contribute in multiple phases, and Wester is giving the coaching staff plenty to evaluate.

Stock Up: Tyler Loop

Tyler Loop was perfect on his kicking opportunities.

Loop connected on both field-goal attempts, including a long of 49 yards, and added an extra point. He finished with seven points.

For a young kicker, reliability is critical. Loop did not miss and demonstrated that he can convert from distance.

The Ravens will need consistency from their special teams, and performances like this can build confidence.

Stock Up: Baltimore's Defensive Front

The entire defensive front deserves recognition.

Baltimore recorded six sacks, nine tackles for loss and five quarterback hits. The Ravens also intercepted one pass and limited Minnesota to only three points.

Minnesota's quarterbacks combined to complete 25 of 38 passes for 234 yards, but the Vikings were unable to turn those completions into points.

The Ravens' defensive pressure repeatedly changed the rhythm of the game.

That is particularly encouraging for new head coach Jesse Minter and his defensive staff. A defense that can generate pressure without giving up explosive scoring plays has the potential to control games.

Stock Down: Baltimore's Running Game

The biggest concern was obvious: the running game.

Baltimore managed only 58 yards on 22 carries, averaging 2.6 yards per attempt.

Jonathan Ward led the Ravens with 35 yards on 10 carries, but even he averaged only 3.5 yards per attempt. Fagnano was Baltimore's second-leading rusher with 10 yards on two attempts.

The Ravens struggled to consistently create running lanes.

Preseason statistics must always be taken with some perspective because personnel combinations are constantly changing. However, the lack of rushing efficiency is still something worth monitoring.

Baltimore cannot afford to become one-dimensional if the team expects its offense to consistently control games.

Stock Down: Offensive Consistency

The Ravens scored only 13 points despite winning comfortably.

Baltimore finished with 184 passing yards and 58 rushing yards. The team completed 21 of 30 passes but produced only one touchdown.

There were positive moments, but the offense lacked the consistency that the defense displayed.

The Ravens converted enough opportunities to win, but the unit needs to find more rhythm as the preseason progresses.

The good news is that Baltimore did not turn the football over, and Fagnano played efficiently. The concern is whether the offense can consistently sustain drives against stronger competition.

Stock Up: Devontez Walker

Devontez Walker provided Baltimore with one of its biggest plays through the air.

Walker caught two passes for 32 yards, averaging 16 yards per reception. His longest reception went for 27 yards.

The Ravens have been searching for continued development from their young receivers, and Walker's ability to make explosive plays remains one of his biggest selling points.

Even with only two receptions, the yardage demonstrates his ability to stretch a defense.

Stock Up: Dayton Wade

Dayton Wade caught three passes for 30 yards, averaging 10 yards per reception.

His longest reception went for 15 yards, and he was involved enough in the passing game to make his presence felt.

With several receivers competing for opportunities, every target matters. Wade showed he can contribute as a reliable option while also providing some ability to create yards after the catch.

Stock Up: Ryan Eckley

Ryan Eckley quietly had an excellent night.

Eckley punted six times for 332 yards, averaging 55.3 yards per punt. His longest punt traveled 60 yards, and two punts landed inside the 20-yard line.

That kind of field-position production is extremely valuable.

Baltimore's offense was inconsistent, which meant Eckley had plenty of opportunities to demonstrate his value. He repeatedly gave the defense favorable field position and helped Baltimore win the hidden yardage battle.

Stock Down: Baltimore's Offensive Line

The offensive line did not have a disastrous night, but the running statistics raise questions.

Baltimore averaged only 2.6 yards per carry, and the team struggled to create consistent rushing lanes.

Fagnano was also sacked once for a nine-yard loss.

The offensive line will need to improve as the competition becomes more intense. Baltimore's offense has enough playmakers to be dangerous, but those players need time and space to operate.

Stock Up: The Ravens Defense

If there was one overwhelming takeaway from the game, it was that Baltimore's defense is becoming the identity of this preseason team.

The Ravens held Minnesota to three points, forced two turnovers and generated six sacks.

Minnesota had 299 total yards, but the Vikings repeatedly stalled when they entered scoring territory.

The defense also held Minnesota's rushing attack to 65 yards on 18 attempts.

The combination of pressure, tackling and turnover production gives Baltimore plenty to be excited about.

Final Thoughts

The Ravens did not need to play a perfect offensive game to win this matchup.

They needed to evaluate young players, develop depth and continue building the foundation of a new era under Jesse Minter.

At 2-0, Baltimore has accomplished the most important objective of the preseason: winning while evaluating its roster.

The defense deserves the biggest share of the credit.

Six sacks, nine tackles for loss, five quarterback hits, an interception and only three points allowed is an impressive statistical performance. Young players such as Silas Walters, Kaimon Rucker and Mike Green made plays that could influence the roster competition.

Offensively, Joe Fagnano was the clear standout. His 15-of-20 performance for 123 yards and a touchdown gave him another strong opportunity to prove that he belongs in the conversation.

The biggest concern remains the running game. Fifty-eight rushing yards on 22 attempts simply is not good enough, even with the caveat that this is preseason football.

Baltimore also needs to develop more consistency in the passing game and find ways to turn promising drives into touchdowns.

Still, the overall picture is positive.

The Ravens are 2-0, their defense is creating turnovers and pressure, their special teams are producing, and several young players are making their cases for roster spots.

The preseason is about evaluation rather than the final score, but when a team can combine evaluation with winning football, it makes the process much easier.

For the Ravens, the stock is clearly rising on defense.

Now the offense needs to catch up.