The Baltimore Ravens will begin the Jesse Minter era against an Indianapolis Colts team that scored 466 points and fielded a top-10 offense last season.
Here are five legitimate concerns entering Sunday’s opener.
1. Jonathan Taylor
Taylor rushed for 1,585 yards and 18 touchdowns. Baltimore ranked 10th against the run, but its rebuilt defensive front must prove it can contain one of the league’s most explosive backs.
2. Baltimore’s interior offensive line
Jovaughn Gwyn is scheduled to start at center, with rookie Vega Ioane at right guard. Their first assignment comes against DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart.
3. Daniel Jones’ efficiency
Jones completed 68% of his passes, averaged 8.1 yards per attempt, and produced a 100.2 passer rating. Before his injury, he operated Shane Steichen’s offense with timing and confidence.
4. Indianapolis’ diverse receiving corps
Alec Pierce
averaged 21.3 yards per reception, Tyler Warren caught 76 passes, and Keenan Allen gives Jones a proven third-down target. Baltimore cannot concentrate on one area of the field.
5. The Ravens’ pass defense
Baltimore allowed 247.9 passing yards per game and ranked 30th. The secondary has talent, but communication in Minter and Anthony Weaver’s new system will be tested immediately.
Final analysis
The Ravens can control many of these concerns by stopping Taylor. If Indianapolis becomes one-dimensional, Baltimore’s revamped pass rush can attack Jones.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Five causes for concern as Ravens prepare to face the Colts
