Ravens’ defense closes out Vikings after Fagnano–Wester touchdown
Five sacks and two late takeaways helped Baltimore win 13–3 at Minnesota and reach 2–0 in the 2026 preseason.
Retrospective recap: This article covers the game played 2026-08-22. Records and game context are reported as of that date.
Baltimore found the game’s only touchdown in the third quarter, then relied on its defense to protect a 13–3 preseason win over Minnesota at U.S. Bank Stadium on August 22. The Ravens improved to 2–0 in exhibition play; the Vikings finished the day 1–1.
The teams were tied 3–3 after trading second-quarter field goals: Tyler Loop hit from 49 yards and Minnesota’s Will Reichard answered from 52. Joe Fagnano broke that tie with an 8-yard touchdown pass to LaJohntay Wester, finishing a nine-play, 63-yard drive in the third quarter.
Baltimore’s two fourth-quarter takeaways helped finish the win. Ethan Burke stripped receiver Jeshaun Jones on Minnesota’s first offensive play of the period, and Amani Oruwariye recovered at the Vikings’ 44. The Ravens turned that possession into Tyler Loop’s 20-yard field goal, creating a two-score cushion. With Minnesota threatening again late, safety Silas Walters intercepted Max Brosmer; Baltimore ran out the remaining time.
The Ravens’ pass rush recorded five sacks. Mike Green, Burke, Rayshaun Benny and Keondre Jackson had one each, while David Olajiga and Chandler Rivers shared another. Those disruptions helped Baltimore keep Minnesota to three points despite the Vikings finishing with more total net yards, 299–242.
Fagnano completed 15 of 20 passes for 123 yards and the touchdown without an interception. Wester caught five passes for 24 yards; Josh Cuevas had three receptions for a team-high 46. Starter Tyler Huntley completed five of eight passes for 63 yards. Jonathan Ward led Baltimore’s runners with 35 yards on 10 carries.
Minnesota’s Brosmer threw for 98 yards and the late interception, while Carson Wentz added 92 yards and J.J. McCarthy 81. Both teams committed nine penalties. Baltimore’s advantage came in the moments that decided possessions: the only touchdown, the sacks and two takeaways that kept Minnesota from mounting a final challenge.
Sources: Official Ravens box; Official Ravens recap; Official Ravens scoring.
Prepared with AI assistance by NSMT Ravens Desk from the linked official records. This article does not represent on-site reporting or independent interviews.