Ravens seek home redemption

Baltimore hosts New Orleans on Sunday after a disastrous 3-6 home record last season, their worst in franchise history. Coach Jesse Minter is emphasizing the need to win at M&T Bank Stadium.

“When we play at home, we have to win. We have to use the fans, the energy, the loudness.”

Last year's home collapse

The Ravens lost to New England in Week 16 last December, losing Lamar Jackson to a back injury and blowing a double-digit fourth-quarter lead. They needed outside help to make the playoffs but couldn't help themselves in Week 18.

“Last year is in the past. Cannot control what happened last year, so it is a new year.”

Bateman steps up without Flowers

Wide receiver Zay Flowers is doubtful with a hamstring injury after playing in 17 games last season. Rashod Bateman, who had no catches in Week 1 despite leading the team in routes run, will be expected to fill the void.

“I cannot be worrying about my stats. I need to be worried about how we can win a Super Bowl.”

Flowers' impact on Jackson's stats

When Flowers was on the field last season, Jackson completed 64.8% of his passes for 2,468 yards, 17 touchdowns and six interceptions. Without Flowers, Jackson's completion percentage dropped to 50% with just 81 yards, four touchdowns and an interception.

Ravens' offensive line faces changes

Left tackle Ronnie Stanley and left guard John Simpson are both dealing with injuries and may not play Sunday. The Ravens could start Carson Vinson at left tackle and feature rookie right guard Vega Ioane and center Jovaughn Gwyn.

Ravens' run game dominates

Derrick Henry rushed for 144 yards and three touchdowns in Week 1, averaging 6 yards per carry. The Ravens ranked third in ESPN's run block win rate, showing they can move the ball on the ground despite potential offensive line changes.

“We want our tape to speak for itself, be playing violent away from the football, being high-effort players.”

Saints' Olave dealing with hamstring

Chris Olave led the NFL in Week 1 with 182 receiving yards but is now listed as limited on the injury report with a hamstring issue. Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey said containing Olave is key to winning the game.

“I think putting a cap on Olave is kind of where it starts. If you can kind of hold him to the lower side of receptions and yards, then you have a good chance.”

Olave's versatility creates matchup problems

Olave lined up in the slot and out wide against Detroit, playing 30 snaps in the slot and 47 snaps wide. The Ravens' cornerbacks didn't travel with assigned receivers in Week 1, with Marlon Humphrey on the right and Nate Wiggins on the left.

Saints' offensive line struggles

New Orleans' offensive line features three former first-round picks and a top free-agent signing but allowed five sacks to Detroit. Saints quarterback Tyler Shough was pressured on over 40% of his drop-backs and had a pressure-to-sack ratio of 22.7%.

Ravens' pass rush showed promise

Baltimore pressured Colts quarterback Daniel Jones on over half his drop-backs but got just two sacks. Trey Hendrickson and Tavius Robinson worked well together, with Robinson finishing seventh overall in ESPN's pass rush win rate.

“I thought those guys worked really well together. I thought it was coordinated the entire game.”

Hendrickson returns from finger injury

Outside linebacker Trey Hendrickson missed practice Wednesday and Thursday with a finger injury but returned Friday. He led the Ravens' pass rush in Week 1 and created favorable matchups for Tavius Robinson.

Minter emphasizes home field advantage

New head coach Jesse Minter told the team they must win at home and use the fans' energy and loudness. He previously coached in Baltimore from 2017 to 2020 and knows M&T Bank Stadium is an advantage for the home team.

“It is an advantage for the home team, and we need to play that way. So, we need to play the way that lets our crowd really be into the game.”

Historic home struggles to reverse

After winning their home opener last season, the Ravens lost six of their next eight games in Baltimore. Their 3-6 home record was the worst in franchise history and their first losing record at home in a decade.

Minter's first home game as head coach

Sunday marks Jesse Minter's first home game as Ravens head coach, as well as debuts for veteran signings like Trey Hendrickson and the team's rookie class. The Ravens will also debut their new 'White Noise' uniform combination.