The focus for the New Orleans Saints’ upcoming Week 2 matchup with the Baltimore Ravens will rightfully be on the run game.
However, if the Saints want to keep things manageable in a bout with a Super Bowl contender, they’ll have to minimize the electric impact of quarterback Lamar Jackson, an area that should be at the forefront of the defense’s strategy.
Jackson’s ability as a rusher will always be the primary concern for any defense tasked with trying to limit him. But his passing acumen is one of his best assets as well.
The Baltimore passer’s uncanny ability to extend plays, and find open receivers downfield, is what’s made him an MVP in the past and was a large part of the team’s scoring output in the opening week of the season against the Indianapolis Colts.
His 17 of 25 passing day for 324 passing yards and a touchdown pass blended with a 40-yard rushing day with a scoring run exemplifying his impact. The mix of passing efficiency, production and rushing numbers while facing a greater than 48% pressure rate is the kind of play that frustrates defenses.
New Orleans put up only a 22% pressure rate last week against the Detroit Lions, per Pro Football Focus. Edge rusher Chase Young and linebacker Kaden Elliss provided the majority of the team’s limited success in that area.
Against the Ravens, expect another low pressure output with the Saints’ focus on a “mush that” game plan centered around containing Jackson when he drops back rather than pinning their ears back at the risk of overpursuing.
This will be a test of discipline for New Orleans to both defend running back running back Derrick Henry and the Ravens’ talented pass-catching options, while not carving out escape lanes for Jackson to blast through or utilize to buy time for his receivers to get open.
Henry and the Ravens’ run game are undoubtedly a tough matchup for New Orleans, who surrendered 165 rushing yards to running back Jahmyr Gibbs last week, but Jackson is the Ravens’ biggest threat to stay multi-dimensional.
