The Baltimore Ravens made countless errors in their season opener against the Buffalo Bills that led to an embarrassing loss. With Week 2 on the horizon, their matchup with the Cleveland Browns will offer a chance to see what Baltimore is made of. Everyone knows their offense is likely the best in the NFL, but all eyes will be on the defense.
We may see a variety of changes on the defensive side on Sunday. While they will likely run out the same starting unit, Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr is not going to let his players be repeat offenders. If they make continuous mistakes, he will have no problem pulling them from the game.
This mindset should allow many talented depth options to see increased playing time. The Ravens are loaded at nearly every position, and those trying to carve out a role with the team could do so against the Browns. Here are three players who should see more snaps in Week 2.
3 Ravens who deserve to see more playing time in Week 2
Reuben Lowery
Undrafted rookie safety Reuben Lowery was a healthy scratch against the Bills. With him not suiting up, the Ravens had just nine defensive backs active. The strategy backfired, as they ultimately gave up 394 passing yards and were worn down late in the fourth quarter.
With that in the back of their mind, Baltimore should make Lowery active against Cleveland. He offers versatility at both slot corner and safety, and can also play special teams. For a defense that is also looking to get more takeaways in 2025, and failed to force one in Buffalo, Lowery could help turn the tide.
The Tennessee at Chattanooga product hauled in countless interceptions during camp, and also grabbed one against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2 of the preseason. He deserves an opportunity, and it should come soon.
Aeneas Peebles
2025 sixth-round pick Aeneas Peebles saw limited action in his NFL debut, but that did not stop him from making an impact. He saw 12 snaps and did exactly what scouts expected him to do in the league—pressuring the quarterback. Nine of those were snaps in pass rushing situations, and he tallied two hurries and registered a 68.9 pass rush grade, per Pro Football Focus.
The Ravens struggled to sack Josh Allen, as star defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike was the only one to get home. The encouraging pressure rate from Peebles in the season opener could push him up the depth chart, and he is certainly earning the coaching staff’s trust.
TJ. Tampa
Second-year cornerback T.J. Tampa did not see a single snap with the defense in Week 1. The expectations are still high for the former fourth-round selection, who was widely considered a steal in the 2024 NFL Draft. The game plan in Baltimore’s home opener might call for his number.
Jaire Alexander is dealing with a lingering knee injury, and even though he played in Week 1, it is clear that it was still affecting him. Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense picked on him in the fourth quarter, especially on their game-winning drive. He once again a limited participant in practice this week, and although he was a full participant on Thursday, it could be wise for the Ravens to give Tampa a chance while easing Alexander back into action.
Baltimore is an unforgiving place for young under-the-radar players looking to see consistent reps. However, due to the current state of their defense, these three players could see an increase in snaps at home versus the Cleveland Browns.