How Declan Doyle and Ravens Offense Can Attack Saints without Zay Flowers

New Orleans will face a formidable challenge against the Baltimore Ravens without Pro Bowl wide receiver Zay Flowers due to a hamstring injury. Baltimore's new offensive coordinator, Declan Doyle, will have to adjust his offensive game plan accordingly. Here are five ways Doyle might attack the Saints:

1. Give Derrick Henry ample running opportunities: Baltimore's running game, led by Derrick Henry, could be a key focus in Flowers' absence. Henry accounted for 144 rushing yards and three touchdowns against Indianapolis, creating a matchup that New Orleans might struggle to defend. Doyle has shown a willingness to use unbalanced lines, multiple tight ends, misdirection, and Lamar Jackson's dual-threat capabilities to generate favorable angles for the run game.

2. Allow Jamari Lattimer and Rashod Bateman more playing time: With Flowers out, Baltimore can spread his workload among several players. Bateman, who went without a catch in the opener, could receive more targets and become a primary conventional receiver for Lamar Jackson, particularly on intermediate and deeper routes when play-action pulls defenders toward Derrick Henry.

3. Maximize the versatility of Baltimore's receiving corps: With Flowers sidelined, Baltimore's receiver corps consists of Rashod Bateman, Devontez Walker, Chris Moore, LaJohntay Wester, and rookie Elijah Sarratt. Head coach Jesse Minter emphasizes the importance of using the talent at hand rather than trying to find another Flowers. Each player has specific strengths that can contribute to the offense, such as Walker's vertical speed, Moore's physicality, and Sarratt's versatility.

4. Keep New Orleans guessing: By using numerous formations, unbalanced lines, and misdirection, Doyle aims to keep New Orleans' defense guessing. This strategy not only makes it difficult for the Saints to prepare for the Ravens' offense but also creates favorable matchups for Henry and Jackson.

5. Emphasize the physicality of the Ravens' running game: Doyle is pleased with the physicality he saw on tape, which he believes can create space for the backs against New Orleans' secondary. By employing violent, high-effort play-calling, the Ravens can further exploit any defensive weaknesses and generate big plays.