Grading the Vikings After Their 13-3 Preseason Loss to the Ravens

The Minnesota Vikings fell to the Baltimore Ravens 13-3 on Saturday. While the bad outweighed the good, that wasn't the case for every position group, as a few pulled their weight and then some.

With that in mind, let's grade each unit from the loss.

Quarterbacks: C

The grade is a C, but really what this boils down to is Carson Wentz receiving a "B" and the duo of J.J. McCarthy and Max Brosmer getting a "D for Disappointing."

McCarthy played the first quarter and battled constant pressure. Still, when he wasn't getting walloped in the pocket, he showed little to prove that he's at least slightly improved from last season. His reads were late, his throws were wild, and he frankly just looked lost for a quarterback entering his third-year in Kevin O'Connell's offense.

If Wentz isn't QB2 to start the season, it would be fairly surprising.

Receivers: A

Though the receivers didn't get tons of opportunities on Saturday, they made the most of their limited looks. It's fitting that Randy Moss was at practice this week, because both Tai Felton and Jeshaun Jones had a "Moss" catch on the day.

Dillon Bell also had a nice day going for five catches and 43 yards. Jones' late fumble was the only blemish on an otherwise good day for the Minnesota pass catchers.

The Vikings should feel encouraged by their depth, and might have a difficult call at the bottom of the depth chart to keep five or six receivers.

Running Backs: D

It may be more of an indictment on the offensive line, who also had a rough day, but the Vikings couldn't get anything going on the ground. Rookie Demond Claiborne still has yet to break one loose in preseason with his 4.3-speed, and his long carry of the day was just nine yards. He ultimately went for just 18 yards on eight rushes.

The run game has generally looked better with the addition of run guru Frank Smith, but it certainly wasn't on display Saturday.

Offensive Line: F

It's harsh for sure, but several penalties, five sacks and zero movement in the run game left the Viking line without much to hang their hat on. Luckily the starters are set outside of maybe Blake Brandel, because no one really stepped up this afternoon.

Defensive Line: B

Rookie Caleb Banks got some good penetration early on a nice stop, and it was a solid rebound for the first-rounder after a rough outing in New Jersey. Domonique Orange also looked improved from the week prior.

Overall, the line held up against the run throughout the day, and the Vikings allowed just 58 yards on the ground. The Vikings will need Banks and Orange to play a significant role in the defense this year whether they are ready or not after jettisoning Javon Hargrave and Jonathan Allen.

Linebackers: B

It's time to admit that UDFA linebacker Jacob Roberts is legit. He nabbed an interception last week against the New York Giants, and this week had two stuffs at the line of scrimmage. He'll face an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster, but his meteoric rise will make those final decisions tougher.

The rest of the group was solid as well, including rookie Jake Golday, although the lack of pressure was evident as the Vikings notched just one sack on the Ravens.

Secondary: C

The Viking secondary got a bit diced up by rookie quarterback Joe Fagnano, who went 15 of 20 for 123 yards and a touchdown. Training camp darling Chuck Demmings was once again mostly quiet in real action, and the rest of the defensive backs struggled to stop the UConn signal caller.

Last week's star Jacob Thomas was again impressive, and laid down a thunderous hit to further his push to make the roster.

Special Teams: A

It's Will Reichard. Do we really have to ask?

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