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Should Devontez Walker see more targets in the Ravens’ offense?
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- Should Devontez Walker see more targets in the Ravens’ offense?
The Baltimore Ravens ' offense obviously sputtered in Week 2, and the reasons for the 24-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints are widely debatable. What fans don't clearly understand is the franchise's tendency to leave its younger, talented skill players languishing on the sideline while veterans play pedestrian football in their stead.
Ravens wide receiver Devontez Walker was targeted only twice in Sunday's loss yet had the third-most receiving yards for the team, according to the game box score. Ravens rookie tight end Matt Hibner wasn't used in the game plan at all, and with star wide receiver Zay Flowers out, it would've been likely for offensive coordinator DeClan Doyle to use more 12-personnel sets for pass protection. Fans still haven't seen rookie wide receiver Elijah Sarratt get his chance, as Sarratt stood on the sideline while the Ravens offense failed to score a single touchdown in the entire second half of Sunday's matchup.
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In Sarratt and Walker's stead, head coach Jesse Minter and Doyle relied on veteran wideout Chris Moore and the blatant force-feeding of veteran wide receiver Rashod Bateman . Bateman did follow through by posting a touchdown reception against a soft zone coverage scheme early on but struggled to get loose against the Saints' man coverage in the second half. Bateman's inability to create consistent separation is obviously frustrating for quarterback Lamar Jackson , who tried to thread the needle on a seven-route in the final 21 seconds of Sunday's contest before throwing an interception to Saints defensive back Julian Blackmon .
Nevertheless, the Ravens need to let go of their attachment and give the younger players a chance. Last season, DeAndre Hopkins and Tylan Wallace took his reps. Now, Walker has to accept that he offers a less favorable skill set than Moore, a player the Washington Commanders released last season. Sarratt also deserves some deployment, and Doyle should consider featuring some trick plays with wide receiver LaJohntay Wester as well. Ultimately, it's time for the Ravens' franchise to fully transition from its typical strategy of playing it safe and instead bring to fruition the potential of its roster by relying on innate talent instead of ideal tactics. Hopefully, Doyle won't repeat the same mistake his predecessor, Todd Monken, made throughout the 2026 season as the Ravens' play-caller.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Should Devontez Walker see more targets in the Ravens' offense?
