Ravens Show Offensive Efficiency Despite Week 2 Loss to Saints
The short version
- Ravens lost to the Saints in Week 2 at M&T Bank Stadium.
- Baltimore averaged 5.6 yards per play to New Orleans' 4.7.
- Ravens rushed for 4.9 yards per carry versus the Saints' 2.4.
- Failed third and fourth downs in the second half hurt Baltimore.
Baltimore outgained New Orleans on a per-play basis in Week 2, offering encouragement despite the defeat at M&T Bank Stadium.
The Baltimore Ravens fell to the New Orleans Saints in Week 2 at M&T Bank Stadium, but the underlying numbers offered some encouragement for the home side.
Baltimore averaged 5.6 yards per play compared with New Orleans' 4.7, and the Ravens' rushing attack was roughly twice as efficient, averaging 4.9 yards per carry against the Saints' 2.4. The Ravens also posted a notably higher offensive success rate than New Orleans, with a small number of failed third and fourth downs in the second half proving costly.
The game was the home debut stretch of Declan Doyle's new offense in Baltimore. Analysts noted that while the system may still have growing pains, it moved the ball effectively enough to keep the Ravens competitive in every game.
The difference between comfortable wins and close results will likely come down to execution on late downs and in the red zone, areas where Baltimore struggled against the Saints.
