The Baltimore Ravens have spent the week discussing corrections, accountability, and improvement. That's the reality after a disappointing performance left them searching for answers and eager to return to the field.
The good news for Baltimore is that the issues aren't difficult to identify. The Ravens left several opportunities on the field last week, whether it was protection breakdowns, missed tackles, inconsistent execution in key moments, or a lack of complementary production from role players.
Those are the types of problems that can be corrected, but only if the right players respond. Fortunately, another opportunity arrives quickly. Sunday's game in Brazil also presents a different type of challenge. The Dallas Cowboys have enough star
power to punish mistakes.
They are also deep enough to force opponents to win individual matchups across the field. Baltimore's biggest names will have their moments. The question is whether several Ravens who have gotten off to slower starts can provide the support needed to secure a much-needed victory.
Vega Ioane, guard
Growing pains arrived in Week 2.According to Pro Football Focus, Vega Ioane earned a 51.4 run-blocking grade against the New Orleans Saints. His pass protection numbers were even more concerning, as he posted a 38.1 pass-blocking grade. That was a step back from the 44.1 mark he earned in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts.
The numbers only tell part of the story. The eye test revealed a player still learning how quickly NFL defenses can exploit mistakes. Ioane's physical tools are obvious, and nobody should be sounding alarms after two games. Still, Baltimore needs better play from the interior offensive line, especially against a Dallas defense that can create pressure in multiple ways.
Calais Campbell, EDGE
Few players in Baltimore's locker room command more respect than Calais Campbell. He remains one of the team's most important leaders and continues to mentor younger players. Leadership, however, doesn't eliminate the need for production.
Campbell has logged 69 snaps through two games, yet the impact plays haven't followed. According to PFF, he missed two tackles last week and has yet to record a sack or even a hurry across 45 pass-rushing snaps this season.
The Ravens invested heavily in improving their pass rush during the offseason. Campbell is a significant part of those plans. He received a veteran rest day Wednesday and should be fresh for Sunday. Baltimore needs him to turn that freshness into pressure against Dak Prescott.
Malaki Starks, safety
Expectations around Malaki Starks were high entering the season, which is why his start has drawn so much attention. Through two games, opposing quarterbacks have targeted him seven times.According to PFF, those targets have resulted in seven completions for 88 yards, with 54 of those yards coming after the catch.
Growing pains happen for defensive backs. The position demands confidence, and mistakes are often magnified because everyone sees them. What matters now is how Starks responds.
That challenge becomes even tougher against a Dallas passing attack featuring Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Jake Ferguson. Baltimore's secondary will be tested repeatedly. Starks doesn't need to be perfect, but the Ravens need fewer missed opportunities and tighter back-end coverage.
LaJohntay Wester, wide receiver
The Ravens needed Rashod Bateman to step up when Zay Flowers was unavailable, and he delivered. Baltimore may need another receiver to answer the call this week. Flowers remained out of practice Wednesday, leaving questions about his availability for Sunday. If he cannot go, the Ravens will need additional production from the rest of the receiving corps. That places more attention on guys like LaJohntay Wester.
Wester has caught three of four targets for 29 yards through two games. Those numbers aren't disastrous, but they also don't match the production Baltimore may need if Flowers remains sidelined. The Cowboys have enough offensive firepower that the Ravens cannot afford to rely solely on Bateman.
Whether it comes on third down, in the red zone, or on a broken play, Wester may need to deliver a meaningful contribution.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens vs. Cowboys: 4 Ravens who must step up in Brazil
