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We’ll continue a series of opponent preview posts for the New Orleans Saints opponents in 2018. Next, we’ll go to the new home of former Saints WR Willie Snead: the Baltimore Ravens. Vaslis Lericos of Baltimore Beatdown took some time to give us Saints fans the scoop on the “elite” Joe Flacco and the rest of the Ravens.
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Week 7: at the Baltimore Ravens
What were the biggest additions and/or subtractions (not via the draft) to the team’s roster from last year?
The Ravens completely remade their WR corps. Adding Michael Crabtree, John Brown and Willie Snead to replace Mike Wallace and Jeremy Maclin was a bold move that should pay immense dividends.
What was the biggest surprise move the team made - or didn’t make - this offseason?
Trading up into the bottom of the first for QB Lamar Jackson was a huge move. The Ravens had always publicly supported former SBMVP Joe Flacco until that pick. The selection caught most Ravens supporters by surprise and gives them hope for the future.
What is the biggest storyline heading into Week 1?
The biggest storyline is the offensive line. Baltimore lost two starters in C Ryan Jensen and RT Austin Howard and will be counting on young players including Orlando Brown Jr. to fill these crucial spots. OL play will make or break the season.
What is the outlook for the team? Are the playoffs in sight?
Ravens brass is stubbornly against a rebuild. They want to ‘contend every season’ and will lean on their defense to chase a wildcard spot.
Final answer: what’s your prediction for the team’s final record?
9-7 is my prediction. On paper they are more of a 7-8 win team but Harbaugh always finds a way to engineer an extra win or two with aggressive gameday adjustments and decisions
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A big thanks to Vasilis for taking the time to answer our questions. Make sure you check out his work and the rest of the good folks at Baltimore Beatdown for tons of Ravens content. You can follow the Vasilis on Twitter @playmakerFB, Baltimore Beatdown @BMoreBeatdown, and of course you can always follow me @dunnellz.
So what says you, you unbiased Saints fans? Can Drew Brees finally beat the Baltimore Ravens? Vote in the poll. Explain in the comments. And make sure you also check out DraftDividends.com, a website for a new book I’m writing currently titled Draft Picks and Dividends: A Fantasy Football Player’s Guide to Understanding the Stock Market.
Poll
How will the Saints fare against the Ravens?
This poll is closed
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92%
Win - Drew Brees can finally say he’s beaten all 32 teams!
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7%
Lose - the Saints come up just a little short on the road