2. Jimmy Smith
The Ravens have one of the best cornerbacks in the game in Jimmy Smith. Smith can neutralize some of the best wide receivers in the game. Michael Thomas is a special receiver for the Saints. Smith has a chance to make him less of a factor, with a great performance. Smith can take away the preferred target of the Saints great quarterback.
The way you beat the Saints is you force them to play your game. For the Ravens, that is making this game a tough and physical game in the cold of Baltimore. Smith can dictate where Brees cannot go with the football. He can force the Saints turn to other players. The things Thomas has done this season are almost impossible. He had 16 receptions in the season opener. He has had 10 or more receptions three times and he’s caught no less than four passes in a game this year.
The Saints lean on Thomas. It’s a simple fact that the Saints need Thomas to shine, in order to look like the number one offense in the NFL. If the Ravens can hold him to 50 or 60 yards and a few catches, the Saints offense could be in for a long day.