Ravens Rookie Earns ‘A+’ Grade in Preseason Win Over Vikings
With the Ravens and Minnesota Vikings engaged in a defensive slugfest in Saturday’s preseason game, rookie punter Ryan Eckley had an opportunity to shine. He nailed it.
Eckley earned an ‘A+’ grade from The Baltimore Sun’s Josh Tolentino for his performance in Baltimore’s 13-3 victory.
“What a difference a week makes,” Tolentino wrote. “After shanking his first NFL punt for 27 yards against the Philadelphia Eagles, Eckley responded with six punts for 332 yards against Minnesota. The rookie sixth-round draft pick averaged 55.3 yards per punt and placed two inside the 20-yard line, working in a loud but controlled environment at U.S. Bank Stadium. For comparison, Eckley’s predecessor, 2025 All-Pro selection Jordan Stout, posted a career-high average of 50.1 yards last season.
“One of Eckley’s best punts came with his heels near the back of his own end zone. Minnesota didn’t send much pressure, but the rookie out of Michigan State still blasted the ball 59 yards to the Vikings’ 37. It might’ve been a low-scoring affair, but Eckley stole the show.”
The Ravens’ other kicking specialist, kicker Tyler Loop, also had a good game after getting off on the wrong foot in the preseason opener. Loop received an ‘A’ grade from Tolentino.
“No Ravens player entered this weekend facing more scrutiny from the fanbase,” Tolentino wrote. “The team remains confident in Loop and hasn’t brought in outside competition, even after he missed a kick last week against Philadelphia. This time, Loop made both field goal attempts, including one from 49 yards, and converted his only extra-point attempt.
“Loop’s real test comes in the regular-season opener at Indianapolis. But after last week’s miss, this was a necessary step in the right direction.”