The challenge of the NFL is that every week brings a quality opponent, and this week, it’s not just a quality opponent. The Saints will be lining up against another contender. There are two things that fans think about when they hear the Baltimore Ravens: the running game and defense. No matter the era or the coach, the Ravens organization has consistently been one of the most dominant rushing teams in the NFL while also featuring one of the league’s toughest defenses, and 2026 looks like it will be no different.
The Saints faced off with the Lions, and the defense was keeping the game close until the offense started putting them into some tough situations following turnovers. Also, the Saints defense had a very difficult time stopping one of the best running backs in the league in Jahmyr Gibbs. Gibbs accounted for 156 yards on 29 carries. While the Saints struggled against the run, they were able to keep the Lions from beating them through the air. Goff finished the game averaging only 5.3 yards per attempt. He finished 26-of-39 for 206 yards, and the leading receiver was Amon-Ra St. Brown. Brown finished with 10 catches and two touchdowns but only 67 yards.
The Saints defense needed to be disruptive, and it was not. The Saints only had one sack and zero turnovers, and of course, there was the fumble that was NOT, which worked against the defense and the overall game. This is a game where the Saints cannot afford to give the offense manageable second and third downs. This Ravens offense will want to stay on schedule, and if the Saints can put them behind the chains and force Lamar Jackson to create from the pocket, it could tilt this game in their favor. Now, all of this is easier said than done, but the defense has to find a way to generate more negative plays and cause more disruption behind the line of scrimmage.
The Ravens, on the other hand, were very disruptive, and that’s not something the Saints want to hear coming off a game in which they allowed five sacks. The Colts were only able to manage 251 total yards of offense. The Ravens had two sacks, 10 QB hits, an interception and a fumble recovery. The Colts finished the game with 17 first downs and went 3-of-10 on third-down conversions.
While the Ravens had a lot of success against the offense, especially when Jones was dropping back, Jonathan Taylor, on the other hand, was able to have success. Taylor finished the game with 19 carries for 98 yards and two touchdowns. This will be an opportunity for Travis Etienne Jr. and Kendre Miller to make some things happen against a run defense that has shown some vulnerability.
The Ravens feature stars at every level of the defense. The addition of Trey Hendrickson at edge during the offseason elevated the pass rush. Roquan Smith, in the middle of the defense, is one of the best linebackers in the game and one of the leaders on the team. Then there’s Kyle Hamilton, the versatile defensive back who can line up just about anywhere in the secondary and cause problems for quarterbacks.
This will be a test that shows how much more the Saints need to grow or if they are on the right path toward developing an offense that can push back against some of the best defenses across the league.
How do you think the Saints defense will fare against this Ravens offense? Do you think the Saints can find advantages against the Ravens defense and exploit them?
