Baltimore Ravens players whose starting jobs are on the hot seat entering NFL Week 2

Scott Davis

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Baltimore Ravens players whose starting jobs are on the hot seat entering NFL Week 2 image

The Baltimore Ravens are looking to get on track after a somewhat sloppy Week 1 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

That close was loss was somewhat dispiriting for Baltimore, given how much a win over the Chiefs would have meant.

However, it could also leave Ravens fans optimistic — the team had a chance to win in Kansas City, despite an uneven performance.

Now, as the Ravens prepare for their Week 2 home-opener against the Las Vegas Raiders, it's too early to be looking at wholesale changes on offense, defense, or special teams.

However, some players enter Week 2 needing an improved performance to retain their starting spots.

Here are three players whose starting jobs are on the hot seat going into Week 2.

Daniel Faalele, RG

Part of the Ravens' re-tooled offensive line has been switching the 6-foot-8, 380-lb Faalele from right guard to right tackle. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has said they believe Faalele has the quickness to handle the switch.

The results haven't been promising. Faalele did not stand out in training camp, and he had a tough time blocking Chiefs' defensive tackle Chris Jones in Week 1.

Faalele didn't give up a sack, but he didn't do well in pass protection or in the run game. According to Next Gen Stats, Faalele allowed a team-high six pressure on 52 pass blocking attempts.

Harbaugh praised the offensive line after the game and said he's not worried about their performance. GM Eric DeCosta has said he understands there will be "hiccups" along the O-line this season. But it's worth wondering if the Ravens try switching backup guard Ben Cleveland in place of Faalele, or moving the versatile Patrick Mekari to guard and starting rookie Roger Rosengarten at tackle.

Deonte Harty, KR/PR

Harty has experience returning punts and kicks, which seemed to give him a head-start in securing a roster spot this season.

However, as The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec noted in preseason, Harty had missed a lot of time during training camp with injuries and didn't flash much in preseason. In Week 1, he returned just one punt for three yards.

Not all of that is on Harty; not every kick/punt was returnable. And teams are still figuring out the new dynamic kick-offs.

However, it's worth wondering how long the job will remain Harty's if he doesn't make explosive plays. Behind Harty is Tylan Wallace, who last year had a game-winning punt return touchdown. There is also Justice Hill, who spells Derrick Henry in passing situations. Both could get some reps if Harty doesn't show something on returns.

Kyle Van Noy, LB

This is admittedly a cheap one — Van Noy suffered an orbital fracture in Week 1, and it's not clear how long it'll keep him out.

If Van Noy misses time, the Ravens will need to find a replacement. Second-year linebacker Tavius Robinson is listed second on the depth chart behind Van Noy. 

The Ravens could also try moving in another promising backup like David Ojabo into Van Noy's place.

It's hard to imagine Van Noy will lose the spot if healthy, but if he's out several weeks, the Ravens defense will look different.

Scott Davis

Scott Davis Photo

Scott Davis covers the Knicks and Ravens on The Sporting News. He previously spent much of the last decade as a sports reporter for Business Insider, covering all sports, with a specific focus on the NBA and NFL. Follow him on Twitter/X @WScottDavis