Vega Ioane’s first NFL start gave the Baltimore Ravens plenty to like, even with the rough edges. Now comes the real test: can he turn that debut into something bigger against the New Orleans Saints in Week 2?
Baltimore is banking on Ioane becoming a cornerstone on the interior of its offensive line, and after what the Ravens have dealt with there in recent years, they need that projection to hit. Week 1 offered the first glimpse.
It wasn’t spotless - Ioane erased two first downs with holding penalties, and his pass protection left room to grow - but his work in the run game stood out in a major way. That’s the part of his game Baltimore can build around.
That fit showed up right away against the Indianapolis Colts. Ioane’s 73.0 overall grade, per Pro Football Focus, ranked third among Baltimore offensive players with at least 25 snaps, and his 76.0 run-blocking grade helped clear the way for a strong Derrick Henry performance.
The pass game was a different story. Ioane posted a 44.2 grade in pass protection, and that’s the area that will keep getting tested as the season goes on.
He knows it, too.
“Lot of things to fix [from my debut]…it’s what I’m gonna build off the entire season,” Ioane said. “It’s all technique. Get your hands right, get your hands inside, low man wins.”
That’s the work ahead for a rookie guard making the jump to the NFL. The run blocking translated quickly. The pass protection is where the league starts speeding up on you, and where the adjustment really begins.
The matchup in Week 1 wasn’t exactly a soft landing either. Ioane drew DeForest Buckner, one of the league’s best interior defenders, and the rookie had his share of rookie moments against a player with three Pro Bowls and two All-Pro selections.
The Saints present another step, even if their defensive line is not quite on that level. Cameron Jordan still gives them a proven threat up front, and New Orleans has already shown it can be had in the passing game. In Week 1 against the Detroit Lions, the Saints pressured Jared Goff on only 22% of his dropbacks, according to Pro Football Reference, though Jordan did not play in that game.
For Ioane, though, the biggest value of Week 2 may be familiarity. He’s already taken the first hit of NFL speed, heard the coaching points, and seen where the game changes for him.
The early signs point in the right direction. There’s still plenty to clean up, but Baltimore has every reason to believe the rookie is moving forward.
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