New Orleans’ greatest and most impressive strength was impossible to miss during its season-opening loss to Detroit.
The Saints can generate explosive plays through the passing game.
Tyler Shough completed 35 of 56 passes for a career-high 410 yards and three touchdowns. He became the third quarterback in Saints history to surpass 400 passing yards in a game, joining Drew Brees and Aaron Brooks. Chris Olave was Shough’s primary target and finished with 182 receiving yards. His performance included receptions of 47 and 43 yards as New Orleans erased a 21-point deficit and forced overtime.
Olave is not the only concern for Baltimore.
Devaughn Vele offers size and contested-catch ability opposite him. Juwan Johnson and Noah Fant can attack the middle
of the field from tight end, while Alvin Kamara and Travis Etienne Jr. give coach Kellen Moore two receiving threats in the backfield. That collection of skill players allows New Orleans to create difficult personnel decisions. The Saints can spread a defense with multiple receivers or use heavier formations without sacrificing receiving ability.
Baltimore’s secondary performed well against Indianapolis. Daniel Jones finished with 166 passing yards, while Nate Wiggins allowed no receptions on two targets across 34 coverage snaps. The challenge will be greater in Week 2. Shough demonstrated a willingness to push the football downfield, and Olave can punish one coverage mistake.
The Ravens must pressure Shough, disguise their intentions and prevent explosive completions. Allowing him to remain comfortable would give New Orleans its clearest route to an upset.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Saints’ biggest strength entering their Week 2 game with the Ravens
