The Baltimore Ravens opened the season exactly how they, the media, and the fans hoped they would, for the most part. There was the ugly stuff. We'll forgive them and chalk it up to calibration.
Lamar Jackson looked comfortable. Derrick Henry powered the running game. Baltimore rolled past the Indianapolis Colts in a 41-23 victorythat showcased why many consider the Ravens
among the AFC's top contenders.Lamar Jackson is back in the MVP conversation. Not only that, Nate Wiggins looks like an All-Pro. Do we even need to bring up Derrick Henry's brilliance again? The stars shone in Week 1. As is often the case, however, the biggest names weren't the only reason Baltimore won. Every successful NFL team depends on players who don't generate national
headlines but consistently handle important assignments.
Those contributions often matter even more as the season progresses and opponents focus on the stars. The New Orleans Saintsvisit M&T Bank Stadium in Week 2 after pushing the Detroit Lions to overtime in Week 1.
Baltimore has the talent advantage on paper, but winning teams rarely rely on stars alone. If the Ravens improve to 2-0, don't be surprised if these under-the-radar contributors help make it happen.
Jovaughn Gwyn, center
Under-the-radar can be a subjective label, especially when discussing a starting center on one of the NFL's most explosive offenses. Still, Gwyn fits the description because so much attention naturally gravitates toward Jackson, Henry, Zay Flowers, and Baltimore's collection of defensive stars.
Week 1 offered some encouraging signs. Gwyn earned strong marks as a run blocker and helped Baltimore consistently create rushing lanes throughout the afternoon. The next step is to keep developing as a pass protector as the Ravens work toward becoming a more complete offense.
Centers rarely receive attention unless something goes wrong. That's precisely why Gwyn belongs on this list. If Baltimore's offense keeps operating efficiently against New Orleans, its starting center likely played a significant role.
Justice Hill, running back
Nobody is suggesting the Ravens should take the ball away from Derrick Henry. At the same time, Baltimore needs its star running back healthy and fresh throughout a long season. That makes Justice Hill's role more important than it may appear.
He carried six times for 18 yards in Week 1 and remains one of the offense's most versatile complementary pieces. Whether he's taking carries, catching passes, or helping in pass protection, Hill gives Baltimore flexibility when it wants to spell Henry.
The Ravens don't need Hill to become a featured runner. They do need him to make those limited opportunities count. A few productive touches can go a long way toward helping Baltimore maintain offensive balance.
Chris Moore, wide receiver
If Ravens fans had their notifications turned on this week, Chris Moore's name probably appeared more than expected. Zay Flowers led Baltimore's receiving corps in Week 1, but Moore quietly finished second on the team with 53 receiving yards. Those numbers may not jump off the page nationally, but they highlight something important.
Baltimore's passing game can threaten defenses beyond its biggest names. The Saints will understandably focus on Flowers and Mark Andrews. If Moore keeps taking advantage of favorable matchups and single-coverage opportunities, he could become an important complementary option for Jackson.
Carl Jones, linebacker/special teams
Special teams don't always receive the same attention as offense and defense, but they can dramatically influence field position and momentum. Jones recorded two tackles while logging significant special-teams work in Week 1. Baltimore may need a similar effort against a Saints return unit that flashed some explosiveness against Detroit.
Barion Brown averaged 18.3 yards per kick return, while Kendre Miller added a 19-yard return of his own. The Ravens pride themselves on playing sound special teams. Jones isn't a household name, but preventing hidden-yardage swings could make him one of Baltimore's more important contributors Sunday.
Zion Young, edge rusher
Zion Young's Week 1 stat line won't attract much attention. In fact, there isn't much to discuss. Young played only 12 defensive snaps against Indianapolis while adding nine more on special teams. Baltimore controlled much of the game, and the edge-rush rotation never required him to play a major role.
Week 2 could be different. The Ravens invested heavily in their pass-rush depth, and Young remains an intriguing part of that equation. Whether he's generating pressure, setting the edge, or contributing on special teams, Baltimore would welcome a larger impact if the game proves more competitive than the opener.
Jaylinn Hawkins, safety
Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks deserved much of the attention after Week 1, but Jaylinn Hawkins quietly handled a substantial workload. Hawkins finished with two tackles, but his snap count was more notable. He played 52 defensive snaps, demonstrating how much trust Baltimore's coaching staff has in him. That workload helped keep the secondary fresh while allowing Hamilton and Starks to play to their strengths.
The Saints present a different challenge than Indianapolis, particularly with Chris Olave coming off a huge performance. Baltimore's safety rotation will once again be important, and Hawkins has an opportunity to make his presence felt beyond simply being part of the rotation.
Final thought
One reason Baltimore entered the season with such high expectations is that the roster extends well beyond its stars. Jackson, Henry, Hamilton, and Roquan Smith will continue drawing most of the attention, but the quality of their supporting cast often defines winning teams.
The Ravens saw examples of that in Week 1. They'll need more of the same against New Orleans. Whether it's Gwyn anchoring the offensive line, Hill providing balance in the backfield, Moore making timely catches, Jones contributing on special teams, or Hawkins and Young strengthening Baltimore's depth, these are the types of performances that often turn good teams into great ones.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens vs. Saints: Six under-the-radar standouts to watch in Week 2
