Ravens' Jesse Minter Backs Tyler Loop Despite Preseason Struggles

As the Baltimore Ravens gear up for their September 13 season opener in Indianapolis, head coach Jesse Minter is making it clear: Tyler Loop remains his guy. Despite a rocky preseason that saw Loop miss field goals of 58 and 51 yards in the finale, Minter expressed unwavering confidence in his second-year kicker. 'I have a lot of confidence in Tyler still,' Minter said, via Jamison Hensley of ESPN. 'He's had a great training camp. I expect him to be our kicker going into Indianapolis.'

A Rollercoaster Preseason

Loop, whom the Ravens drafted in 2025 to replace the legendary Justin Tucker, finished the preseason 5-of-8 on field goal attempts. The misses have raised eyebrows, especially considering his regular-season performance last year: 30-of-34 overall but a dismal 1-of-4 from 50 yards or longer, the second-worst rate in the NFL. That inconsistency culminated in a 44-yard miss in Week 17 that ended Baltimore's playoff hopes—a moment Loop is determined to put behind him.

Despite the preseason struggles, the Ravens kept Loop on the active roster while signing veteran Jake Moody to the practice squad on Monday. The move signals competition but also insurance, as Minter explained: 'But you're always trying to just have every scenario covered, and so that's what we're trying to do as a team.'

Pressure Cooker in Baltimore

The kicking situation in Baltimore is under intense scrutiny, not just because of Loop's recent misses but because of the legacy left by Tucker, a future Hall of Famer. Loop, however, has shown resilience throughout his young career. 'He's got a strong leg and a good mindset,' Minter added. 'We're confident he'll bounce back when it counts.'

As the Ravens prepare for the Colts, the pressure is on Loop to deliver. The team's decision to keep Moody on the practice squad adds an extra layer of motivation, but Minter's public backing suggests Loop will get the first opportunity to prove himself. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Ravens' coaching staff believes Loop's mechanics and approach have improved, and they're banking on that progress translating to game day.

For fans, the countdown to September 13 is on. Will Loop silence the doubters and solidify his role as the Ravens' kicker of the future? Or will Moody's presence loom large as the season progresses? One thing is certain: all eyes will be on Loop when he steps onto the field in Indianapolis.