The NFL has a funny way of rewarding those who notice the minor details. Those who tend to ignore them hang games in the 'losses' column. Baltimore Ravens fans and the national media have discussed Lamar Jackson until they're blue in the face. The obligatory conversations about Derrick Henry typically follow soon afterward.
On the other sideline stand Chris Olave and Tyler Shough
. Both will be major components of the New Orleans Saints' Week 2 game plan. Both rosters feature star players who can take over a game.Everything sets up well for Baltimore. The outcome, however, may hinge on something far less obvious: a third-down catch from a reserve receiver, a well-timed blitz that finally gets home, or a tired defense trying to survive one more fourth-quarter
drive.
Sometimes the difference between winning and losing isn't the headline everyone expected. Here are a handful of lesser-mentioned factors that could play a major role when the Ravens host the Saints in search of a 2-0 start.
Ravens can't let the Saints' offense start quickly
This feels like the most important item on the list. New Orleans showed in Week 1 that it can create explosive plays through the air, particularly when Tyler Shough and Chris Olave find a rhythm. The Ravens don't need a perfect defensive performance, but they can't let the Saints gain confidence early.
Baltimore wants to dictate the pace, force New Orleans into uncomfortable situations, and make the Saints play from behind. That becomes much harder if Shough opens the afternoon connecting on deep passes and moving the offense consistently. The Ravens have enough talent in the secondary to prevent that from happening. They need to prove it early.
How the Ravens' young receivers handle expanded roles
Most of the discussion surrounding Baltimore's receiving corps has centered on Rashod Bateman, and understandably so. The reality is that the Ravens may need contributions from LaJohntay Wester, Elijah Sarratt, Chris Moore, Devontez Walker, etc.
Injuries create opportunities, and someone from that group could find himself in a critical moment. Not every important contribution shows up as a highlight. One catch on third-and-7 can be every bit as valuable as a 100-yard afternoon. If Baltimore's younger pass catchers answer the call when opportunities arise, it could quietly make life much easier for Jackson and the offense.
Can the Ravens turn blitzes into sacks and turnovers?
Baltimore's pressure packages remain one of the defense's most entertaining traits. The Ravens showed against the Indianapolis Colts that they are willing to attack from nickel and dime looks, creating pressure from unexpected places. Kyle Hamilton's blitz helped create one sack for Tavius Robinson. Malaki Starks was responsible for another.
Pressure alone isn't enough, though. The Ravens will likely have opportunities to force Shough into hurried decisions. The key is turning those opportunities into drive-killing sacks, strip-sacks, interceptions, or other momentum-changing plays. Creating pressure is step one. Finishing the play is step two.
Saints fourth-quarter fatigue
This feels small until it isn't. The Saints opened the season with a road game that required a full overtime period. Now they travel again for a second consecutive road contest, this time into one of the NFL's more difficult environments for a home opener.
Travel doesn't automatically create fatigue, but cumulative effects can show up late in games. Communication becomes harder. Pursuit angles become less precise. Defensive fronts don't get off the ball quite as quickly. If Baltimore can keep the game physical and force New Orleans to play a full four quarters, the Saints may find themselves battling more than just the Ravens.
The Tyler Loop conversation certainly isn't over.
One week is not enough to end a discussion. The Ravens remain confident in Tyler Loop, but kickers are judged differently than almost every other position. Every opportunity becomes a storyline.
Maybe Sunday's game never comes down to a field goal. Maybe Baltimore builds a comfortable lead, and the kicking game barely enters the conversation. Still, if Loop is called upon in a critical moment, the spotlight will immediately return. That's the nature of the position.
Final thought
Games are usually remembered for the biggest moments and biggest names. The path to those moments, however, is often shaped by smaller developments that receive far less attention.
A fast start. A timely catch from a reserve receiver. A blitz that becomes a turnover. A tired defense trying to hang on late. A kicker asked to deliver when the pressure rises.
The Ravens know all about the obvious storylines entering Week 2. These lesser-mentioned factors may end up telling the more important story by Sunday evening.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Five overlooked factors that could decide Ravens-Saints in Week 2
