The Baltimore Ravens will face a New Orleans Saints team that showed explosiveness and resilience in a 31-30 overtime loss to the Detroit Lions. New Orleans fell behind 21-0 before scoring 30 of the game’s next 40 points. Quarterback Tyler Shough threw for a career-high 410 yards, while Chris Olave produced 182 receiving yards in a performance that should command Baltimore’s attention.
The Saints committed three turnovers and struggled early, but their second-half response showed they possess enough offensive talent to turn a game quickly.
Here are 10 New Orleans players Ravens fans should know before Sunday’s home opener.
1. Tyler Shough, quarterback
Shough completed 35 of 56 passes for 410 yards and three touchdowns against Detroit. He also threw two interceptions and fumbled.
The second-year quarterback showed poise by recovering from a difficult start and leading New Orleans back from a 21-point deficit. His willingness to attack downfield will test Nate Wiggins, Marlon Humphrey and Baltimore’s safeties.
The Ravens must force Shough into mistakes without surrendering explosive completions.
2. Chris Olave, wide receiver
Olave is the clear centerpiece of the Saints’ passing game.
He finished the opener with 182 receiving yards, including 47- and 43-yard gains. Olave combines smooth route running with the speed to threaten vertically and the body control to finish difficult catches.
Wiggins’ outstanding Week 1 performance could earn him a substantial role in the matchup, although Baltimore will likely vary its coverages and provide help over the top.
3. Alvin Kamara, running back
Kamara remains one of the NFL’s most versatile offensive players even as New Orleans incorporates other running backs.
He can function as a traditional runner, slot receiver, or matchup piece against linebackers and safeties. His ability to create yards after the catch will place pressure on Roquan Smith and Baltimore’s second-level defenders.
The Ravens must locate Kamara before the snap and tackle him cleanly in space.
4. Travis Etienne Jr., running back
Etienne gives New Orleans another explosive option in a deep backfield.
He possesses the speed to turn outside-zone runs or short receptions into significant gains. Pairing him with Kamara allows coach Kellen Moore to vary personnel without giving the defense an obvious indication of whether a run or pass is coming.
Baltimore’s defensive front must control its gaps and prevent Etienne from reaching the perimeter.
5. Devaughn Vele, wide receiver
Vele gives Shough a bigger target opposite Olave.
The 6-foot-5 receiver caught a touchdown against Detroit and produced a 31-yard reception while showing his ability to finish contested catches. His size could make him an important third-down and red-zone option.
Baltimore’s corners must remain physical through the catch point rather than assuming tight coverage will be enough.
6. Kelvin Banks Jr., left tackle
Banks protects Shough’s blind side and represents one of the most important pieces of New Orleans’ young offensive core.
The former first-round pick offers athleticism, balance, and recovery ability in pass protection. He will be tested by a Baltimore front that generated pressure from several locations during its victory over Indianapolis.
Trey Hendrickson, Tavius Robinson and the Ravens’ pressure packages will challenge Banks’ communication and technique.
7. Chase Young, edge defender
Young remains New Orleans’ most recognizable pass rusher and recorded a sack during the opener.
His combination of length, power, and athleticism can create problems when he gains momentum off the edge. Roger Rosengarten and Ronnie Stanley must prevent Young from disrupting Lamar Jackson’s timing or forcing himout ofm clean pockets.
Young must also maintain discipline against Jackson’s ability to escape and create as a runner.
8. Vernon Broughton, defensive lineman
Broughton delivered one of New Orleans’ biggest defensive plays against Detroit by forcing and recovering a fumble.
The second-year defensive lineman brings size and disruptive ability to the Saints’ interior rotation. He will join a group trying to control Derrick Henry after the Ravens running back produced 144 yards and three touchdowns in Week 1.
Baltimore’s rebuilt interior line cannot allow Broughton to create penetration before Henry reaches the line of scrimmage.
9. Kaden Elliss, linebacker
The former Raven returns to Baltimore as a leader of New Orleans’ defense.
Elliss can defend the run, rush the passer, and handle coverage responsibilities from the second level. His familiarity with Baltimore and versatility within the Saints’ front make him a player Declan Doyle must account for when designing protections.
New Orleans could use Elliss as a spy, interior blitzer or movable pressure piece against Jackson.
10. Kool-Aid McKinstry, cornerback
McKinstry is New Orleans’ top outside cornerback and could receive the primary assignment against Baltimore’s leading receiver.
The former Alabama standout brings physicality, patience, and ball awareness to the Saints’ secondary. His matchup becomes particularly important if Zay Flowers is available after leaving Week 1 with a hamstring injury.
If Flowers cannot play or is limited, McKinstry could spend more time against Rashod Bateman while New Orleans adjusts its coverage toward Baltimore’s tight ends.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens vs. Saints: Ten New Orleans players to know for Week 2 matchup
