New Orleans Saints At Baltimore Ravens: Week 1 Preseason Preview
By Erik Lambert
Aug 3, 2015; White Sulphur Springs, WV, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan instructs defensive lineman Tavaris Barnes (90) during training camp at The Greenbrier. Mandatory Credit: Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports
Biggest Questions
Saints: Can Rob Ryan rally the defense following Junior Gallette loss?
As if saving his job wasn’t difficult enough after a disastrous collapse in 2014, defensive coordinator Rob Ryan now has to try fixing the New Orleans Saints defense without one of its best pass rushers. Junior Gallette was released due to salary cap and off-the-field problems. Ryan must hope that veteran Anthony Spencer and rookie Hau’oli Kikaha can step up to plug that hole in spite of their injury histories.
If not, he may be looking for work again in 2016.
Ravens: Can Breshad Perriman replace Torrey Smith?
One of the standout features of quarterback Joe Flacco is his big arm. So it makes perfect sense to give him a receiver with deep speed. That was the job of Torrey Smith the past few years and the two did extremely well, winning a Super Bowl three years ago. However, Smith chose to leave in free agency, leaving a thin receiver position in an even worse state.
That is why the Ravens drafted Breshad Perriman in the 1st round. Like Smith, he has that tantalizing mix of speed and athleticism. What remains to be seen is whether he can operate like a pro in terms of route running and hands.
Next: Players Who Need Good Showings