The Ravens produced 506 yards and scored 41 points during Declan Doyle’s debut as offensive coordinator. Their next challenge comes against a New Orleans team that demonstrated its own explosive potential during a dramatic Week 1 comeback. Tyler Shough and Chris Olave headline the Saints’ passing game, while New Orleans’ defensive front must find an answer for Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.
Here are 10 matchups that could determine Baltimore’s home opener.
1. Nate Wiggins vs. Chris Olave
Wiggins allowed no receptions on two targets across 34 coverage snaps against Indianapolis. Olave presents a more demanding test after catching 10 passes for 182 yards against Detroit. New Orleans will move Olave around to prevent Baltimore from relying on one coverage answer.
2. Marlon Humphrey vs. New Orleans’ slot targets
Humphrey forced
and recovered a Jonathan Taylor fumble in Week 1. His versatility will matter against Olave, Juwan Johnson, Noah Fant, and the Saints’ collection of inside receivers.
3. Kyle Hamilton vs. Tyler Shough
Hamilton’s disguises and late rotations can force an inexperienced quarterback to hesitate. Shough demonstrated poise while helping New Orleans erase a 21-point deficit, but Baltimore will attempt to make his pre-snap reads unreliable.
4. Trey Hendrickson vs. Kelvin Banks Jr.
Hendrickson generated eight pressures against Indianapolis, with each coming against left tackle Bernhard Raimann. His finger injury must be monitored, but a healthy Hendrickson against Banks would be one of the game’s defining matchups.
5. Roquan Smith vs. Alvin Kamara and Travis Etienne Jr.
New Orleans can stress linebackers with two accomplished receiving backs. Smith must diagnose screens, option routes, and checkdowns without letting the Saints create favorable open-field situations.
6. Derrick Henry vs. Kaden Elliss
Henry rushed 24 times for 144 yards and three touchdowns in the opener. Elliss and Pete Werner must prevent him from gaining momentum before contact. Allowing Henry into the secondary would force New Orleans to commit additional defenders to the box.
7. Lamar Jackson vs. the Saints’ edge defenders
Chase Young, Carl Granderson and Cameron Jordan give New Orleans multiple options outside. Their difficulty will be creating pressure without losing contain. Jackson converted a third-and-16 by escaping two defenders against Indianapolis.
8. Ronnie Stanley vs. Chase Young
Stanley’s toe injury put him on Wednesday’s injury report, while Young gives New Orleans a powerful, athletic presence off the edge. Stanley’s health will matter because Baltimore may already have uncertainty along the interior.
9. Baltimore’s interior line vs. Davon Godchaux
John Simpson missed Wednesday’s practice with a groin injury. Baltimore must also continue developing communication between Jovaughn Gwyn and rookie Vega Ioane. Godchaux can challenge that interior with power and prevent Henry from finding clean downhill lanes.
10. Zay Flowers’ replacement plan vs. the Saints secondary
Flowers’ availability remains uncertain after his 150-yard first half against Indianapolis. Devontez Walker was a full participant Wednesday, while Chris Moore produced a 53-yard reception after Flowers and Ja’Kobi Lane left the opener. Kool-Aid McKinstry and the Saints’ secondary will have a different assignment if Baltimore must distribute Flowers’ opportunities among several receivers.
Baltimore’s most significant advantage remains the Jackson-Henry combination. New Orleans’ best counter is an aggressive passing attack that can force the Ravens to keep scoring.
If Baltimore disrupts Shough without surrendering explosive completions to Olave, the Ravens should be able to control the game with their offense and begin the season 2-0.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens vs. Saints: 10 key individual matchups to watch for Week 2
