If the Baltimore Ravens are interested in reviews of new head coach Jesse Minter, they should pay close to attention to the words of a veteran who played safety and served as a scout at M&T Bank Stadium, as well as an All-Pro who took his game up a level on Minter’s watch with the Los Angeles Chargers.
Strong words about Minter have come from Chargers duo, ex-Ravens defensive back Tony Jefferson and five-time Pro Bowler Derwin James. Jefferson, who played in Baltimore from 2017-19, then again in 2021 before briefly joining the scouting department two years later, simply posted, “Proud of you bro! go kill it well deserved my guy.”
Meanwhile, James, twice named a second-team All-Pro when Minter served as defensive coordinator for the Bolts, followed suit with “Earned so happy for you coach Love you big dog.”
Those are welcome endorsements of a 42-year-old set to take the head-coaching reins for the first time. The words not only reveal the respect Minter has been able to earn from senior players, they also speak to his ability to design and call exceptional defense, something the Ravens need after faltering on that side of the ball in recent seasons.
Those issues, as well as his experience of the franchise, made Minter somebody the Ravens couldn’t wait to hire. Especially when a rival from the AFC was lurking.
While the Ravens took a risk, recent history suggests Minter will at least fix the defense.
Tony Jefferson, Derwin James Rave Reviews Matter
What Jefferson and James said about Minter shouldn’t be dismissed as merely standard platitudes from players. Not when they both performed admirably for a stingy Chargers defense this season.
Minter’s unit ranked ninth in points and fifth in yards, according to Pro Football Reference. The 2024 vintage graded first and 11th in those respective categories.
Those are numbers the Ravens haven’t seen since Mike Macdonald was calling plays for a swarming D’ back in 2023. Since then, what was long a team strength has gradually declined, with key players like young edge-rushers Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo, along with inside linebacker Trenton Simpson, not making the grade.
Oweh revived his career once he was traded to the Chargers during the season, going on to log 7.5 sacks in 12 games under Minter’s tutelage. Jefferson experienced a similar career renaissance by appearing in 13 games, snatching four interceptions and breaking up seven passes, just over two years after a short-lived retirement from the NFL.
James was another who made the most of working with Minter. Back-to-back Pro Bowl berths and All-Pro nods were the results of a fruitful partnership.
Minter cemented his reputation as a gifted teacher because “So many players massively improved going to the Chargers defense over the last couple of years. Odafe Oweh. Donte Jackson. Elijah Molden. Teair Tart. Morgan Fox. Tony Jefferson(!) Benjamin St-Juste. Plus all the defensive draft picks who came through and played well immediately,” according to ESPN’s Bill Barnwell.
The latter’s note about the Ravens needing a defense strong enough to support franchise quarterback Lamar Jackson is significant. It explains why Minter got the job, but also outlines the other major issue he faces.
Jesse Minter Faces Thorny Issues With Ravens
Not being able to win the big games with Jackson at the controls is one reason John Harbaugh was fired after 18 years. It’s also why rumors Jackson would welcome a trade won’t go away.
Any tension between star quarterback and front office is a thorny issue for Minter to have to tackle. He’ll need Jackson if the Ravens are going to remain viable contenders in the AFC.
Easing any concerns Jackson has could be done by the Ravens hiring a marquee offensive coordinator to support their first-year head coach. Fortunately, a coordinator who called plays for an NFL MVP remains in the mix to take the headset in Baltimore.
A consistent scheme, along with Minter’s obvious ability to connect with established players, can take Jackson’s game to new heights. It’s the formula for a successful new era for the Ravens.
Former Ravens Safety, All-Pro Speak Out About Jesse Minter