The New Orleans Saints nearly didn't make it through the whole week, suffering injuries to stars Chris Olave and Chase Young. Both listed as questionable, they're both expected to play on Sunday in Baltimore.
Olave had the best game of his career last week, with 182 receiving yards on 10 catches. However, he was limited on both Thursday and Friday with a hamstring injury, making the team quickly have to figure out a possible backup plan. Devaughn Vele would be the de facto WR1, but that would mean one of the rookie wide receivers (Bryce Lance or Barion Brown) would suddenly find themselves in a much larger role.
Young's injury came as more of a red flag, because the team captain missed five games due to a calf injury last season. A dominant force on the edge, his 18.5% pass rush win rate against All-Pro Penei Sewell from last week should make him priority #1 for the Ravens offensive line.
Chris Olave and Chase Young's value is evident
The Saints didn't beat the Lions on their own turf; however, they clawed back to force overtime. Olave and Young were central to that as the game went on, which is why both being on the field in Baltimore matters in more ways than the box score can show.
The current sample size isn't a lot, but it's enough to show what the team can look like with the offense and defense in sync; losing either piece right now risks interrupting something special before it really gets started.
Olave has clearly already set a good rhythm with quarterback Tyler Shough, as he was targeted the most out of any other receiver in the Motor City. Baltimore's secondary, while highlighted by safety Kyle Hamilton, still has quality corners in Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins. They're a real test, and it's the kind of matchup where you'd want your best receiver out on the field.
Baltimore isn't heading into this matchup with the healthiest offensive line (both their left tackle and left guard are listed as questionable), which is just the kind of O-line that an edge rusher like Young is paid to exploit. If he forces the Ravens to account for him on the early downs, then it'll open things up for the rest of the team like it did against the Lions.
Last Sunday, especially during the second half of the game, the Saints showed what they look like when they have their stars all on the same page. The week two game is a chance for their potential to compound, and against a much tougher opponent.
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