The Baltimore Ravens are an even 1-1 in the regular season, which isn't cause for alarm. Still, it's enough to spark some uncomfortable conversations. Everyone knows they should be 2-0, and a disappointing home loss to the New Orleans Saints is why they aren't. The fourth-quarter collapse will continue to draw attention, as this has been a recurring issue that has now bled into a new coaching era.
Questions about late-game execution, penalties, and Baltimore's inability to finish have taken center stage. Still, not every storyline involves Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, or Jesse Minter. A handful of Ravens enter Week 3 needing stronger performances for very different reasons.
None are in danger of losing their roster spots, but each could find
himself under increased scrutiny if the same issues follow Baltimore to Rio de Janeiro. Here are three Ravens in slightly warmer seats as Baltimore enters Week 3.
Justice Hill, running back
There is probably no reason to panic about Justice Hill, but keep the antenna raised. There is also no reason to pretend everything is trending in the right direction. Hill remains a valuable piece of Baltimore's offense and can still provide a change-of-pace element behind Derrick Henry. The problem is opportunity. Through two games, Hill has carried the ball only eight times while averaging three yards per attempt.
His usage dropped from six totes in the opener to two this past Sunday. That isn't enough work to draw sweeping conclusions, but it does raise questions about his place in the offense moving forward. Baltimore wants to be a physical football team.
The Ravens seemed focused on controlling games, wearing opponents down and imposing their will at the line of scrimmage. If that remains the vision, it is fair to wonder whether the organization is simply waiting for Adam Randall to return to full participation and provide another option in the backfield rotation. Hill doesn't need a breakout performance against Dallas, but a few impactful touches would go a long way toward reinforcing his role.
Jaylinn Hawkins, safety
Last week felt like an opportunity for Jaylinn Hawkins to strengthen his standing within Baltimore's secondary. Instead, it became a game he'd likely prefer to largely forget. According to Pro Football Focus, Hawkins earned the lowest defensive grade among Ravens defenders against New Orleans. PFF also credited him with a missed tackle and noted that he was targeted four times, allowing four completions for 71 yards.
No player should be defined by a single performance. At the same time, the Ravens need more consistency from the back end of their defense, especially against a Cowboys offense loaded with playmakers. The Dallas Cowboys present another difficult challenge. If Hawkins can bounce back against Dak Prescott and one of the league's most talented receiving groups, Week 2 will quickly become an afterthought.
Jovaughn Gwyn, center
Let's agree not to push the panic button. Let's also agree to pay closer attention. The Saints created problems for Baltimore's offensive line throughout portions of Week 2, particularly in the middle of the formation.
New Orleans repeatedly created pressure through the A-gaps. Too often, that pressure found its way into Lamar Jackson's lap. Gwyn wasn't solely responsible, but center is one of the positions most directly tied to communication, protection adjustments, and identifying pressure looks before the snap.
When problems repeatedly surface inside, it naturally draws attention. The situation became even more noticeable after Ronnie Stanley exited and Carson Vinson entered. New Orleans immediately played more aggressively between the tackles.
They brought pressure up the middle, often successfully, forcing Jackson to navigate chaos in the pocket. The good news for Baltimore is that none of these situations feel irreversible.
Final analysis
The bad news is that, even with their issues defensively, the Cowboys have enough talent to expose lingering problems. Week 3 gives Hill, Hawkins, and Gwyn a chance to quiet the questions. If those concerns carry over to Brazil, the conversations will only get louder heading into Week 4.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 3 Ravens on the hot seat ahead of Week 3 game in Brazil vs. Cowboys
