The Ravens are getting a very different look from the Saints in Week 2, and the changes run all over the roster.
New Orleans spent the offseason reshaping itself around coach Kellen Moore and quarterback Tyler Shough, building more depth and more ways to attack. Shough is still the starter after what the source describes as an encouraging rookie season, but the supporting cast around him has been turned over in a big way.
The backfield is suddenly loaded. Travis Etienne Jr. joined Alvin Kamara and Kendre Miller, giving Moore three players who can work both as runners and as receivers. At wideout, the Saints added Devaughn Vele to bring more size, and he lined up opposite Chris Olave in the opener, where he also scored a touchdown in New Orleans’ 31-30 overtime loss to Detroit.
There’s more punch at tight end, too. Noah Fant arrived to pair with Juwan Johnson and made his presence felt right away with an overtime touchdown in Week 1. Up front, David Edwards stepped in at left guard, adding stability to an offensive line built around Kelvin Banks Jr., Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz and Taliese Fuaga.
The defense has been reworked just as aggressively. Kaden Elliss is back in New Orleans and starting at linebacker next to Pete Werner.
Davon Godchaux bolstered the interior line, while Anfernee Jennings and Tyree Wilson helped deepen an edge group that already includes Chase Young, Carl Granderson and Cameron Jordan. In the secondary, the Saints brought in veteran safeties Julian Blackmon and Justin Reid, and Martin Emerson Jr. adds cornerback depth behind Kool-Aid McKinstry and Quincy Riley.
Even the specialist spots changed. Daniel Carlson is the new kicker and Ryan Wright is handling punting duties, while Barion Brown has emerged as the primary returner and a significant offensive contributor.
Week 1 offered both the upside and the warning label. Shough threw for 410 yards and three touchdowns, but the Saints also turned it over three times and dug themselves a 21-0 hole before forcing overtime. That’s the version Baltimore has to prepare for: a deeper offense, a more experienced secondary, and a Saints team capable of producing explosive plays from a variety of personnel groupings.
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