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Baltimore Ravens: 5 players that need to shine against Saints

By Chris Schisler

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 9: Za'Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after a play in the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 9: Za'Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates after a play in the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – OCTOBER 14: Marcus Mariota #8 of the Tennessee Titans drops the ball while defended by Za’Darius Smith #90 of the Baltimore Ravens during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium on October 14, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

5. Za’Darius Smith:

The Ravens are going to have to get pressure on Drew Brees. He may be the most accurate passer in NFL history. If the Ravens allow Brees to sit in a clean pocket, he will dice them up. However the Saints have weapons and Brees has a quick release. Baltimore cannot be irresponsible in their quest to make Brees uncomfortable in the pocket. The Ravens need to maximize their results with four and five man rushes. Martindale must select the perfect times to bring chaotic blitzes. rather than throwing the kitchen sink at Brees.

Za’Darius Smith, who leads the Ravens in sacks, may be the solution to the problem. Smith has 5.5 sacks this season after his hat trick performance against the Tennessee Titans. Smith is a match up nightmare for offensive linemen, because he’s explosive, he has length and he’s strong as an ox. If Martindale can set up Smith with one on one match ups, he’s going to make offensive linemen look foolish. When Smith gets going, it makes everyone that much harder to block (just ask Taylor Lewan and the Tennessee Titans offensive line).

The Ravens have a ton of talent to rush the passer. Terrell Suggs is a constant force off the edge. Matt Judon is a very good player as well. Smith has been the standout performer so far. He is coming off the best game of his career and it netted him the AFC defensive player of the week award. If Smith has another big day, look out.

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