Six overlooked Saints who could be factors against the Ravens
· Yahoo Sports
There's nothing like a Baltimore Ravens game at M&T Bank Stadium, and another comes in Week 2's home opener. They return to friendly confines this weekend, looking to improve to 2-0 as they welcome the New Orleans Saints.
Baltimore enters the matchup as the favorites. They carry momentum after a convincing Week 1 victory, but the Saints have talent. They showed plenty of fight in their season opener and nearly erased a significant deficit before falling short.
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Everyone knows the headline names. Chris Olave remains one of the NFL's premier young receivers. Alvin Kamara can still take over a game. Tyler Shough has generated plenty of attention after a productive opener. Those are the players most fans immediately identify when discussing New Orleans.
NFL games, however, are rarely won by stars alone. Every week, lesser-discussed contributors emerge with timely catches, key tackles, or momentum-changing plays. Baltimore's coaching staff has undoubtedly spent time discussing these players throughout the week. Ravens fans should get familiar with the tool.
Barion Brown, wide receiver
Barion Brown didn't post eye-popping receiving numbers in his NFL debut, but the Saints clearly have plans for the rookie's speed and versatility. The sixth-round selection was involved in a designed rushing attempt and continues to show the explosiveness that made him an intriguing draft prospect (even if it didn't produce big yardage).
Players like Brown can be dangerous because defenses spend so much time focusing on established stars. One missed assignment, one well-designed gadget play, or one special teams opportunity can suddenly change a game's complexion. Baltimore's defense will need to know where Brown is whenever he steps onto the field.
Noah Fant, tight end
Juwan Johnson remains New Orleans' starting tight end. He sat out of Thursday's practice session with an illness, but we'll assume at the time of this story's release that he'll play.
Noah Fant quietly played a significant role in Week 1. While Johnson generated more receiving yards, Fant was targeted more frequently and finished with one additional reception.
The former first-round pick still possesses the athletic ability that made him a dangerous weapon earlier in his career. Tight ends have often challenged defenses in the middle of the field, and Fant's involvement suggests the Saints intend to feature him regularly. Baltimore's linebackers and safeties could hear his name called more than once Sunday afternoon.
Devaughn Vele, wide receiver
Chris Olave led New Orleans in targets (13), but Devaughn Vele wasn't far behind (nine). Vele tied for the team's second-highest target total and finished second in both receptions (seven) and receiving yards (69).
That level of involvement shouldn't be ignored. Defenses naturally devote extra attention to Olave, which creates opportunities elsewhere. Vele demonstrated he can capitalize on those chances. If Baltimore focuses too much on slowing Olave, Vele has already shown he can make defenses pay.
Davon Godchaux, defensive tackle
Davon Godchaux's reputation has long centered around his ability to occupy blockers and help stop the run. While he still excels in that role, Week 1 reminded everyone he can contribute in other ways, too.
Godchaux led New Orleans' defensive line with five tackles and stayed close to the football. The Ravens want to establish Derrick Henry early and often. That objective becomes much more difficult if Godchaux controls the interior line of scrimmage.
Justin Reid, safety
Veteran leadership remains one of Justin Reid's most valuable traits, but his production shouldn't be overlooked. Reid opened the season with eight tackles, including one behind the line of scrimmage.
The veteran safety has built a reputation as a dependable defender who can impact both the running and passing game. Against an offense featuring Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, safeties often face difficult decisions. Reid's experience and versatility make him one of the more important pieces of New Orleans' defensive puzzle.
Pete Werner, linebacker
Kaden Elliss received much of the attention following Week 1, but Pete Werner quietly delivered a productive performance of his own. He finished with seven tackles, a tackle for loss, and a pass breakup.
Werner's ability to stay active around the football makes him an important part of the Saints' defense. Baltimore's offense thrives on creating confusion and forcing defenders to react quickly. Werner's instincts and range will be tested repeatedly throughout the afternoon.
Final thought
Week 2 conversations naturally focus on Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Chris Olave, and the game's other marquee names. Those stars deserve the attention they receive.
History suggests, however, that at least one lesser-discussed player usually finds a way to influence the outcome. Brown, Fant, Vele, Godchaux, Reid, and Werner may not dominate the headlines entering Sunday, but Baltimore would be wise to ensure they don't become major storylines once the game begins.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Six overlooked Saints who could be factors against the Ravens