One of the matchups of Week 2 in the NFL includes the New Orleans Saints playing at the Baltimore Ravens. New Orleans is 0-1 after a hard-fought 31-30 overtime loss at the Detroit Lions. The Ravens enter at 1-0 after easily handling the Indianapolis Colts by a 41-23 score on the road.
Baltimore has a new head coach in Jesse Minter and new offensive coordinator in Declan Doyle, a former Saints assistant. Even with a new coaching staff, the Ravens will have much of the same look offensively. Their system is heavily reliant of the elite power of running back Derrick Henry and athleticism of Lamar Jackson at quarterback. Beating the Ravens requires shutting down the rushing abilities of these two, but you cannot overlook their big-play passing game.
It's here that we focus today's analysis.
Baltimore Ravens passing attack
2025 statistics
- 175.6 yards per game (27th)
- 65.9% completion percentage
- 23 touchdowns (21st)
- 11 interceptions (13th)
- 45 sacks
2026 Week 1 statistics
- 324 yards
- 68% completion percentage
- 1 touchdown
- 0 interceptions
- 2 sacks
Lamar Jackson provides a lethal threat with his legs and electric running skills. However, his ability to create big plays via the pass cannot be underestimated. Just two years ago, Jackson threw for a career-best 4,172 yards and 41 touchdowns. In 13 games last season, Jackson had 2,549 passing yards with 21 scores and 7 interceptions. His short and intermediate accuracy can be inconsistent, but Jackson taxes defenses with downfield shots and the ability to make plays scrambling or throwing on the run when breaking containment.
Baltimore will be without their top receiver, Zay Flowers, sidelined by a hamstring injury. Flowers is coming off consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and had 86 catches for 1,211 yards last season. In 2025, he led Baltimore by 789 receiving yards and 38 receptions. Second in both categories last season was veteran tight end Mark Andrews with 48 receptions and 422 yards. Andrews is a trusted Jackson target who runs solid routes and picks up consistent yardage after the catch. Andrews is expected to be a bigger part of the attack in Declan Doyle's offense, particularly with Flowers being sidelined.
Disappointing 2021 first round choice Rashod Bateman is the most productive returning wideout from last year's roster. In five seasons, Bateman has averaged only 41 catches and 541 yards. He was targeted only once in the opener despite 53 offensive snaps. Third-year pro Devontez Walker had just 8 catches for 136 yards in 12 games last season but is a deep threat.
Rookie fourth round choice Elijah Sarratt will step up with the absence of Flowers. Sarratt was a magnificent possession receiver and route runner with the Indiana Hoosiers and could present problems. Fellow rookie Ja'Kobi Lane, a third-round pick, will also be sidelined following wrist surgery.
Baltimore typically provides good protection for Jackson up front. However, the Ravens are breaking in a new center this season and may have injury concerns on their left side. Left guard John Simpson (groin) and standout left tackle Ronnie Stanley (toe) missed practice most of the week until returning Friday in limited capacity. Both are listed as questionable against the Saints.
New Orleans Saints pass defense
2025 statistics
- 179.2 yards per game (4th)
- 63.5% completion percentage
- 25 touchdowns (14th)
- 10 interceptions (18th)
- 44 sacks
- 84 QB hits
2026 Week 1 statistics
- 204 yards
- 66.7% completion percentage
- 2 touchdowns
- 0 interceptions
- 1 sack
- 7 QB hits
New Orleans did a decent job containing Lions wideouts Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams in Week 1. The two combined for 14 catches but just 112 yards with neither making any back-breaking plays. Facing Mark Andrews, the Saints must do a better job covering the tight end. Detroit's Sam LaPorta had 5 catches for 48 yards, but was essentially shut down in the second half of the game.
A young Saints secondary must stay disciplined against Lamar Jackson. Corners Kool-Aid McKinstry, Quincy Riley, and Martin Emerson need to take easy throws away and challenge the limited Ravens wideouts. At safety, veterans Justin Reid and Julian Blackmon need to prevent any big plays over the top. The entire secondary must make more game-changing plays for the defense. Jonas Sanker will most often draw Andrews or a slot receiver, so his assignment will be key on the back end.
After struggling against LaPorta and Jahmyr Gibbs, New Orleans linebackers Kaden Elliss, Danny Stutsman, and Pete Werner won't face as big a challenge against Baltimore backs in the passing game. However, they need to take away easy check-downs to Justice Hill or the powerful Derrick Henry. They'll also be part of covering Andrews. If they're up to that assignment, it will help the Saints secondary be more aggressive in their coverage packages.
Pressuring Lamar Jackson is critical, but the most crucial aspect may be doing so while he's in the pocket. On the move, Jackson has the ability to make most defenders look foolish. This falls to interior defenders Vernon Broughton, Nathan Shepherd, and Christen Miller. Getting in Jackson's face on standard drop backs not only forces off-target throws, but prevents advantageous scrambling angles for him when he does escape.
Tracking down Jackson in the open field and providing pressure from the edge are Chase Young, Cameron Jordan, and Carl Granderson. After missing the opener, Jordan is expected to be back in the lineup. The Saints may use the legendary veteran as a down lineman more often, allowing them to also rush with Young and Granderson. Young needs a big day. He's the most effective and athletic of the New Orleans pass rushers and will most often line up across from the injured Ronnie Stanley.
Baltimore's running game presents a far bigger challenge to New Orleans than their passing attack. However, the Saints must prevent the Ravens from establishing momentum and especially keep them from big plays through the air. Expect New Orleans to use a spy on Jackson for when he escapes the rush, likely either Elliss or a defensive back. Keeping the Baltimore quarterback uncomfortable and forcing inaccurate throws could also lead to the turnovers that result in a New Orleans road upset.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints defense can't underestimate challenge of Ravens passing game
