4 Ravens starters who must step up vs. Titans in Week 4
4 Ravens starters who must step up vs. Titans in Week 4
Geoffrey A Knox, Ravens WireThu, October 1, 2026 at 8:16 PM UTC
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With three weeks of the season in our rearview mirror, the Baltimore Ravens have already tested every emotion possible. They've dominated in Week 1 en route to elation. Week 2 brought stress and a loss to the New Orleans Saints. One week later, a stress-inducing win over the Dallas Cowboys has reinvigorated the fan base.
The highs have been impressive. The lows have been frustrating. Baltimore enters Week 4 with a 2-1 record after playing in the most-watched international game in NFL history.
Questions remain about the pass rush, offensive line, passing game, and defensive identity. The encouraging news is that several Ravens appear to be moving in the right direction at the perfect time. Whether it's a veteran finding his rhythm, a young player stepping into a larger role, or a key contributor showing signs of a breakthrough, these four Ravens enter Sunday's matchup against the Tennessee Titans with positive momentum.
Trey Hendrickson, EDGE
When the Ravens signed Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million contract with $60 million guaranteed, they were investing in a player expected to help elevate the defense. Through three games, the results have been solid, even if they haven't yet matched the lofty expectations that accompanied his arrival.
There are reasons to believe a bigger performance could be coming. Nnamdi Madubuike's return should create more favorable situations across the defensive front, and Tennessee's offensive line offers another opportunity for Baltimore's pass rush to make its presence felt. Hendrickson doesn't need a three-sack performance to make an impact, but the Ravens would welcome a game that reminds everyone why they made such a significant commitment to him.
Rashod Bateman, wide receiver
Nine receptions for 125 yards and a touchdown represent respectable production through three games, but it still feels like there is another level available for Rashod Bateman. Baltimore has continued leaning heavily on Derrick Henry and its rushing attack, while Zay Flowers remains Lamar Jackson's most frequently targeted receiver.
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That could create opportunities for Bateman as the season progresses. Defenses that devote extra attention to Henry and Flowers inevitably leave chances elsewhere, and Bateman remains one of the roster's most dangerous threats. The Titans could give him a bigger role in the offense and help him build on an encouraging start.
Vega Ioane, offensive line
Few Ravens have seen their stock rise more quickly than Vega Ioane's. What began as an emergency situation against the Cowboys now looks like it could become a much larger, more focused responsibility. Injuries to Jovaughn Gwyn and Ethan Pocic forced Ioane into action at center, and he handled the assignment well enough to earn praise from Jesse Minter, Lamar Jackson, and Derrick Henry afterward.
Now comes the next challenge. Stepping into a game unexpectedly is one thing. Preparing all week with the possibility of starting is another. If Ioane performs well against Tennessee, Baltimore may feel significantly better about an offensive line that has spent much of the season searching for continuity.
Marlon Humphrey, cornerback
Marlon Humphrey's impact has quietly grown over the past several weeks. The veteran continues to provide stability for a secondary that has struggled at times, and his leadership remains important as Baltimore works to establish a defensive identity. Tennessee's passing attack has shown flashes of explosiveness, making Humphrey's presence even more important this weekend.
Final analysis
The Ravens need each to continue building on what they've shown recently. If Hendrickson becomes more disruptive, Bateman expands his role, Ioane solidifies the center position, and Humphrey helps anchor the secondary, Baltimore will have more than a victory to celebrate. The Ravens would also leave Week 4 with several important questions moving closer to answers.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: 4 Ravens starters who must step up vs. Titans in Week 4
Source: “AOL Sports”
