The Baltimore Ravens are eager to bounce back after an embarrassing blown lead to the New Orleans Saints last week. Baltimore needs to leave these problems in the past ahead of their Week 3 showdown with the Dallas Cowboys.
However, to maximize their chances of winning, the Ravens will need more from several notable players.
4 Baltimore Ravens who need to rebound in Week 3
Malaki Starks
There was some understandable buzz about second-year safety Malaki Starks making a big jump this season. Unfortunately, Starks has been a disaster so far this season, last week in particular. Starks missed several tackles and was found out of position in coverage, which in turn led to a big second half for the Saints' passing game and star wide receiver Chris Olave.
With the elite wide receiver duo of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, Starks will have his hands full trying to contain big plays and control the back end of the field. Plus, Dak Prescott has a lot more experience and overall talent than Tyler Shough. Honestly, I don't feel great about Starks bouncing back, given how poorly he performed last week and that he dealt with a hamstring injury that made him a limited participant in practice earlier this week.
Nevertheless, the Ravens need him to step up, or else they'll be in a shootout that they might not be able to win. The good news is that the former first-round pick has a ton of pedigree, so there's a chance he will right the ship despite all of the questions around him.
Jaylinn Hawkins
Starks took a lot of heat for the Ravens' defensive collapse, but Jaylinn Hawkins' struggles were also a clear factor. Hawkins had many of the same problems as Starks, including missed tackles and botched coverage, which helped the Ravens give up some big plays.
Surely, the Cowboys will look to test both him and Starks with their dynamic WRs. It will be a massive challenge for this safety duo, and frankly it might determine the game. Given Hawkins' extra experience and that Starks dealt with a hamstring injury earlier this week, he might be the more realistic candidate to have a strong impact.
The Ravens will be counting on him to set the tone for the back end of the defense and limit the big plays. It's clearly a big ask, but there's a chance that Hawkins is up for the task. Without a doubt, though, the Ravens' success on Sunday will start with the secondary.
Vega Ioane
I want to be fair to rookie guard Vega Ioane. Adjusting to the NFL isn't easy for linemen, and Ioane has a ton of upside overall. The reality is, though, he hasn't been impressive through two games.
Ioane was touted for his pass protection, but he's allowed six pressures in two games and has a subpar 38.5 pass protection grade per PFF. Last week, he gave up a costly pressure that contributed to Lamar Jackson's well-discussed interception. For the Ravens to get their passing game going, Ioane simply needs to be better.
Thankfully, the Cowboys' defense isn't strong, as they rank in the bottom 10 for pressure rate and sacks. Hopefully, this can help Ioane get back on track.
Jovaughn Gwyn
Center Jovaughn Gwyn is another lineman who needs to bounce back on Sunday. While he's been a force as a run blocker, his pass protection has been abysmal. Gwyn's 19.5 pass protection grade per PFF is the worst among all starting centers.
Even though the Cowboys' defense isn't a formidable unit, the Ravens won't win anything without better pass protection. A bounce-back week from Gwyn could help the Ravens get back in the win column and help him keep his job. Conversely, if his struggles continue, he might soon be relegated to a backup role.
In any event, Gwyn cleaning up his pass protection issues will be vital for the Ravens to maximize their chances of winning.
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