One of the best ways the New Orleans Saints can work to keep the Baltimore Ravens’ offense from firing on all cylinders will be to control the ball not on defense, but on offense.
Last week, against the Detroit Lions, the Saints were unable to do that in the first half, failing to string together lengthy drives and gaining just 34 rushing yards (3.1 per carry) through the first two quarters.
In order for New Orleans to minimize the impact of the Ravens’ offense, getting its ground game churning more effectively is a must.
The Saints’ best path to doing so may come with a pair of new wrinkles the team is expecting to rely upon this season; runs from under center and setting the point of attack outside of the tackles.
Per Next Gen Stats, the Ravens allowed 4.7 rushing yards per carry in under-center rushes during their Week 1 matchup with the Indianapolis Colts. Meanwhile, they surrendered 5.3 yards per rush when runs were directed outside of the tackles against their defense.
Against the Lions, New Orleans ran the ball on 32% outside of the tackles. A number that could certainly skyrocket if the team has both running backs Travis Etienne Jr. and Alvin Kamara available.
Meanwhile, the Saints deploy their run game with 56% of their 25 rushing attempts coming from under center, a healthy increase from their average in 2025.
New Orleans will need to get both of those attacks going in Baltimore in order to manage the clock and control the possessions it gets against the Ravens.
In doing so, the Saints would give themselves their best chance at a major upset in the road.
