Ravens defense hopes to slow Brees and Co.
The Baltimore Ravens are the only remaining NFL team that New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees has not beaten in his 18-year career.
Ravens head coach John Harbaugh wants to keep it that way.
However, Harbaugh and his players know they face a formidable challenge against Brees, who passed Peyton Manning to become the NFL’s all-time leader in yards passing Week 5 against the Redskins.
“His vision is unbelievable. His pocket awareness is the best, and he’s very accurate,” Harbaugh said. “So, he can see, he can find the open receiver, and he gets guys in position. They scheme guys open. He knows what he’s looking at pre-snap, and he knows what he’s looking at post-snap.
“So, he’s not going to miss an open guy very often, and he has a great feel for the rush. He’ll take some sacks if he has to, but only if he has to. He throws; he’ll hang in there and make some tight throws when he has pressure all around him. He has the numbers he has for a reason.”
The Ravens enter the game allowing the fewest points per game (12.8) and fewest yards per game (270.8) in the NFL. Baltimore also leads the league in sacks (25) after compiling a franchise record 11 in a 21-0 win over the Titans in Week 6.
The Ravens have also not allowed a second-half touchdown over their first six games, the longest streak since the 1970 merger, according to the Elias Sports Bureau.
The Saints are coming off a bye and had an extra week to prepare for Baltimore’s fearsome defense. New Orleans also averages a league-best 36 points per game.
However, a Ravens wide receiver might have the extra motivation this week.
Willie Snead IV was hit with a three-game suspension last season in New Orleans for violating the NFL personal conduct policy. He then suffered a hamstring injury and had just eight catches for 92 yards and no touchdowns.
During the offseason, Baltimore general manager Ozzie Newsome signed Snead to a two-year offer sheet that the Saints declined to match.
While Snead said he is not looking for revenge against his former team, he wants to have another big day. He is second on the Ravens with 30 catches for 313 yards and a touchdown.
“Last year just left a really bitter taste in my mouth, the organization and how everything was handled,” Snead said. “To be a part of this organization was just a breath of fresh air. I wanted to go somewhere where I’m wanted.”
SERIES HISTORY: 7th regular-season meeting. Ravens lead series, 5-1. The Ravens have won the last three meetings. Under head coach John Harbaugh, the Ravens are 2-0 against the Saints. These teams last met in 2014, when the Ravens emerged with a 34-27 win at the Superdome on Monday Night Football.
