Breaking News: The New Orleans Saints passing attack starts with Chris Olave. Everyone knows who Tyler Shough’s top target, and Baltimore Ravens star cornerback Marlon Humphrey put the spotlight directly on Olave ahead of the Week 2 matchup.
On Wednesday, Humphrey told media "I think putting a cap on Olave is where it starts. If we can hold him to the lower side of receptions and yards, I think we have a good chance, then we have to deal with everyone else." He also pointed to Olave's 47 yard catch as the beginning of the Saints' offensive hot stretch.
Olave had an explosive season debut, but it isn't like he needed that type of game to catch the eye of the Baltimore secondary. The Saints receiver is coming off his best year yet and a second team All-Pro season, but 182 yards a week prior is a pretty good reminder for the Ravens defense.
Week 1 was the Chris Olave show, but the Saints supporting cast may have to step into the lead vs Ravens
Olave dropping 182 yards for a second week in a row was unlikely, but the Ravens’ performance last week could lead to a much lower output. Through one week, the Ravens have the fifth ranked passing defense in the league.
They have the resources to make it a long day for Olave, and per Humphrey's stance, it doesn't sound like many one on one looks are on the way for the receiver. That extra attention could open the door for someone else though.
Humphrey isn't wrong. Stopping Chris Olave is the first step towards stopping the passing attack, but like Humphrey mentioned, it's far from a one man show for Shough to throw to.
Devaughn Vele is the second receiver, and the big plays he provided the Saints in Week 1 shows that he's up for the challenge for being leaned on more. He had 7 receptions, so it wouldn't be that much of a step forward.
Interestingly, the Ravens didn't use Humphrey in the slot much in Week 1, though he has frequently pivoted between outside and inside. New head coach Jesse Minter has instilled a new defensive system, so changes in usage were natural. We'll see if Minter diversifies or keeps things standard, but the latter would mean the Saints receivers can expect Humphrey or Nate Wiggins on the boundary at all times.
If true, Kellen Moore could choose to attack on the inside, prioritizing a matchup over a specific Saints receiver.
Another target is Juwan Johnson. He was surprisingly quiet for most of the game before making some big catches at the end of the game. Shough showed great chemistry with Johnson, making it even more surprising that he didn't register a catch in the first 59 minutes.
Noah Fant didn't have that problem in his Saints debut, and Shough's chemistry with the tight ends could come in handy this week. Baltimore is going to rightly hone in on Olave, and the Saints' other receiving threats needs to make them pay by making the most of advantageous looks.
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