The Baltimore Ravens' season is off to a hot start after dismantling the Indianapolis Colts in a 41-23 win last week. Regardless, it wasn't a perfect game, and the New Orleans Saints offer a new challenge. Look, the Saints might not be a Super Bowl-level team, but they have several paths to making life challenging for Baltimore.
With that in mind, let's take a look at three keys for the Ravens to take care of business against the Saints.
3 boxes the Baltimore Ravens must check off in Week 2 vs. New Orleans Saints
The Ravens need to establish the run
Despite new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle focusing on airing out the ball more, the Ravens are, at their core, a run-heavy team. That comes with the territory when you employ Derrick Henry. With Zay Flowers' status being up in the air and Ja'Kobi Lane sidelined, it will be especially important for the Ravens to dominate on the ground.
Even at his advanced age, Henry remains a force to be reckoned with. Last week, he racked up 144 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Establishing the run game early can help the Ravens get off to a fast start and eventually open up some passing opportunities.
Luckily, the Saints' defense struggled to contain Jahmyr Gibbs last week. He ran for 152 yards and two TDs. Obviously, Gibbs and Henry are different styles of runners, but it's clear that the Saints are susceptible to giving up big games on the ground, and that's great news for Baltimore.
Do a better job of protecting Lamar Jackson
The Ravens' Week 1 win offered plenty for fans to be excited about. Unfortunately, their pass protection wasn't up to par, as Jackson was pressured on 14 of his dropbacks. Now, it wasn't as bad as it was last season, and the line did perform well in the run-blocking department. Still, it was clearly a weak spot. The Saints' front seven could put some pressure on Lamar with Cameron Jordan and Chase Young.
And with the aforementioned receiver injuries, giving Jackson more time in the pocket is especially important. Interior linemen Jovaughn Gwyn and Vega Ioane both remain unproven. Things become more concerning when considering that both Ronnie Stanley and John Simpson sat out of two practices this week.
Without a doubt, the Ravens' line play is a key concern ahead of Sunday's game.
The Ravens must limit the Saints' explosive offense
The Ravens' secondary was stout against the Colts. Nate Wiggins allowed zero yards in coverage, and Marlon Humphrey was the league's top-ranked cornerback per PFF. That's a promising sign, to say the least.
However, the Saints offer a more significant challenge with Kellen Moore's affinity for explosive plays and Tyler Shough's aggressive deep-ball throws. Granted, it was an overtime game against an abysmal Detroit Lions secondary, but Shough racked up 410 yards last week.
Oftentimes, games can come down to the explosive play battle, and the Saints are quietly exceptional at generating explosive plays. If the Ravens aren't able to contain the Saints' explosive offense, things could get dicey. Chris Olave is the No. 1 weapon that the Ravens have to account for. While he was limited in Thursday's practice, he is expected to play.
Devaughn Vele and tight end Juwan Johnson are two under-the-radar weapons the Ravens must account for. Bringing the pressure and never letting Shough get comfortable will also be vital. Last week, he was sacked five times, and it's clear he's not the same under pressure. While the Ravens have the talent and coaching needed to succeed, it won't be easy against this Saints squad.
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