New Orleans enters Baltimore with a 0-1 record, but the Saints have impact players who can change the home opener.
The Ravens must consistently account for three of them.
Chris Olave
Olave caught 10 passes for an NFL-leading 182 yards against Detroit. He is questionable with a hamstring injury, but Baltimore must build its coverage plan as if he will play.
Olave can win from the perimeter or slot and is dangerous at every level. Marlon Humphrey, Nate Wiggins and Baltimore’s safeties must communicate when New Orleans uses motion or formation changes to generate favorable matchups.
Chase Young
Young posted an 18.5% pass-rush win rate in Week 1, according to Pro Football Focus. His matchup against Ronnie Stanley becomes more important because Stanley is questionable with
a toe injury. Baltimore elevated Gerad Lichtenhan from the practice squad, providing additional insurance at offensive tackle.
Young’s alignment must be identified before the snap, especially if Baltimore uses an extra tackle or tight end to help protect.
Kaden Elliss
Elliss gives Brandon Staley a movable defensive piece who can rush from the edge, attack an interior gap, or drop into coverage. That versatility can complicate Jackson’s protection calls. Baltimore must determine whether Elliss is playing linebacker, blitzer, or coverage defender before the snap.
New Orleans may disguise its intentions, but Baltimore cannot lose track of its most disruptive players. Olave threatens the secondary, Young challenges the protection, and Elliss can alter the defensive picture.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Examining 3 New Orleans threats who could disrupt Ravens’ home opener
