Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Ravens fans and fans across the country.
After a complete victory over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1, the Baltimore Ravens looked disarrayed in all phases of their Week 2 to the New Orleans Saints.
It’s no surprise that a new head coach and a first-time offensive play-caller are facing some early-season bumps. What matter is their response. Past Ravens squads faced similar issues
and stayed stuck in neutral for some, if not all of the season.
Sunday’s defeat in Baltimore exposed a number of flaws. In this week’s Ravens Reacts survey, we want to know which one is the biggest concern for the Ravens moving forward. Here’s the case for each:
OL pass protection: The Ravens’ new-look offensive line has yet to find their footing in front of Lamar Jackson, who has been one of the league’s most-blitzed and -pressured quarterbacks through two weeks. Baltimore also owns the NFL’s worst team pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus. This has been the downfall of the offense for multiple years; Doyle and offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford to get the unit settled in as quickly as possible.
3rd down defense: Minter’s defense held the Colts to a 4-for-11 mark on third and fourth downs in Week 1, but the Saints went 10-for-16 on Sunday. Part of the issue came on first and second down, when quick completions by Tyler Shough would keep New Orleans ahead of the sticks. Baltimore had numerous opportunities to stop the bleeding and get off the field in the second half, but they could not dig their heels in for a stop. After Trey Hendrickson and Mike Green wiped out a third-quarter drive with a pair of sacks, the pass rush did not get home for the rest of the game. That is not quite “being the best when the best is needed.”
Special teams: Anthony Levine’s units took care of business in Week 1 with a number of chunk returns, solid coverage, and perfect days from kicker Tyler Loop and punter Ryan Eckley. But in Week 2, Loop had a 49-yard field goal blocked, Eckley averaged just 41.3 yards per punt with zero inside the 20-yard line, and the Ravens lost the field position battle on returns and coverage. Beatdown’s Zach Canter noted a potential nine-point swing as a result of special teams miscues that should simply not happen with this roster’s talent and coaching.
Injuries: The Ravens’ depth is already being tested by early-season injuries. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley played through his toe injury for more than half of Sunday’s game, but he eventually gave way to backup Carson Vinson. The 2025 fifth-round pick had his hands full with Chase Young, who was instrumental in helping the Saints defense close out the game. Wide receiver Zay Flowers missed the entire matchup with a hamstring injury; there were certainly times in the second half he would have made a difference.
Now, it’s your turn! Answer this week’s survey below or in The Feed and share your additional thoughts in the comments section!
