The Baltimore Ravens traveled to Minnesota hoping two joint practices against the Vikings would provide their starters with meaningful preseason work. They returned with a significant concern in the middle of their offensive line.
Danny Pinter suffered a torn patellar tendon during the opening practice, an injury expected to end his season. Pinter had received most of the first-team work at center during training camp and started Baltimore’s preseason opener against Philadelphia. His absence leaves veteran Ethan Pocic and Jovaughn Gwyn competing to become Lamar Jackson’s center.
The injury was not the only concern. Minnesota’s aggressive pressure packages repeatedly disrupted Baltimore’s offense. Jackson faced pressure during team periods, and the Ravens struggled to generate explosive passing plays throughout the two sessions. Baltimore’s final two-minute possession Wednesday stalled after pressure affected consecutive plays. The Vikings again prevented the Ravens’ starting offense from finding a consistent rhythm Thursday.
Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores is known for sending pressure and disguising where it will originate. Facing that system should benefit Baltimore before the regular season, but the practices exposed communication and protection issues that must be corrected.
That responsibility does not belong exclusively to the offensive line. Jackson, the running backs, tight ends and receivers must identify pressure and provide answers when opponents send additional rushers. The Ravens are installing a new offense under coordinator Declan Doyle while replacing their starting center. Losing Pinter makes that transition more difficult.
Pocic offers extensive starting experience, while Gwyn has produced encouraging moments. Baltimore, however, must quickly establish continuity at center and improve its response against pressure.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Biggest concern to emerge from Ravens’ joint practice with Vikings
Leave a Comment