The Ravens are now just hours away from a much-anticipated home opener against the Raiders, with both teams looking to avoid o-2 starts on the season. It’ll be an emotional afternoon with the franchise honoring the late JaCoby Jones and Joe D’Alessandris before Sunday’s home opener.
Baltimore will look to get running back Derrick Henry more involved in the offense, while DC Zach Orr must scheme up a way to contain Raiders star pass catcher Davante Adams. On offense, a retooled offensive line must find a way to corral Las Vegas All-Pro pass rusher Maxx Crosby on the edge.
With kickoff fast approaching, we’re looking at five matchups to watch when the Ravens are on defense.
Sep 8, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) is stopped by Los Angeles Chargers safety Alohi Gilman (32) after a compete pass in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Over his 11-year career, Adams has caught 877 passes for 10,840 yards and 95 touchdowns. He still merits extra attention from secondaries, and you could see any combination of Marlon Humphrey, Brandon Stephens, and Kyle Hamilton traveling with Adams, depending on where he’s lined up.
Nov 5, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Odafe Oweh (99) celebrates after making a defensive play against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports
The Raiders had three players on the injury report this week, including left tackle Kolton Miller, whose matchups with Odafe Oweh and Kyle Van Noy will be critical to Las Vegas keeping Gardner Minshew upright.
Sep 8, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) runs for a first down before he is stopped by Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Kristian Fulton (7) in the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers made his highly anticipated NFL debut on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers and contributed to a stale offensive performance.
The Raiders drafted Bowers with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Georgia product finished the Week 1 game against the Chargers with six catches for 58 yards on eight targets. Bowers will face the ultimate eraser in Ravens All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton.
Sep 8, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew (15) throws the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The first-year defensive coordinator will match wits with Gardner Minshew, and it’ll be on Zach Orr to pressure the Raiders signal-caller while corralling Davante Adams on the outside. Minshew had 33 pass attempts in Week 1, and OC Luke Getsy will look for more balance on offense while giving Minshew chances in the play-action game.
Sep 5, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith (0) during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Zamir White and Alexander Mattison combined for 18 carries, 63 yards, and no touchdowns in Week 1 against the Chargers, and that result has to be different against a Ravens team equipped to stop the run.
