The Ravens season opener is upon us, and we’re looking at several intriguing storylines to watch.
Baltimore’s offense is transforming under new OC Todd Monken, who wants to insert a vertical passing game that highlights all of Lamar Jackson’s strengths.
Buy Ravens TicketsWhat will the Ravens offense look like with Odell Beckham and Zay Flowers on the outside?
Can Patrick Ricard carve out a role?
We’re looking at seven storylines to watch as Baltimore gears up for their Week 1 matchup vs. the Houston Texans.
Ravens injury report
Mark Andrew and Odell Beckham are both veteran pass catchers to watch, with the wide receiver landing on the injury report with an ankle issue.
Andrew’s has been out since joint practice with the Commanders, and the Ravens are already short-handed with Marlon Humphrey nursing a foot injury.
Rookie QB
Playing quarterback in the NFL is already difficult enough, but C.J. Stroud will be making his first start on the road, against a solid Baltimore defense.
The Ravens are 21-7 against first-year quarterbacks since John Harbaugh took over in 2008 and only two players — the Chicago Bears’ Mitchell Trubisky in 2017 and the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Kenny Pickett last season — have won in Baltimore in that span.
Texans banged up offensive line
Houston has a rookie quarterback, but Laremy Tunsil could be the only starter available from the offensive line.
Rookie Juice Scruggs was just placed on IR, along with offensive guard Kenyon Green, and right tackle Tytus Howard.
Tank Dell a player to watch
The rookie out of Houston will be a focal point of the Texans’ passing attack this week and he’s the one player C.J. Stroud can depend on for explosive plays.
DeMeco Ryan's debut
DeMeco Ryans is beginning his head coaching career and he’ll face a huge test on the road against a motivated Ravens squad.
Ryans was an elite defensive coordinator, but can he now manage a coaching staff, clock, players and the expectations.
Lamar Jackson returns
Jackson returns to the lineup for the first time since suffering a knee injury in Week 13 against the Denver Broncos.
Jackson has a new contract, Odell Beckham on the roster and former Georgia OC Todd Monken hired in Baltimore for the same position.
Who starts at cornerback
Marlon Humphrey has not practiced since August 15, and he’ll likely be out for Sunday’s season opener against the Texans. Rock Ya-Sin, Brandon Stephens and Ronald Darby are candidates to play outside, with Arthur Maulet and Ar’Darius Washington in line to play nickel.
