Jeromy Miles Has Been Ravens’ Best Safety Over Three Game Stretch

Dec 14, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens strong safety Jeromy Miles (36) is tackled by Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Tommy Streeter (13) after intercepting a pass during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated Jacksonville Jaguars 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

I know, the title was pretty shocking to me when I first realized that Jeromy Miles was outplaying the likes of Will Hill and some pretty high draft picks.  Not that anybody else has been playing lights out, but Miles has seemingly come out of nowhere to both earn and secure a starting job going forward.

Miles has seen action in 11 games this season, and has received a positive grade from Pro Football Focus in 8 of those 11.

Perhaps the only positive thing about the Ravens’ ridiculous number of injuries in the secondary is that they have gotten a good look at a number of guys who may not have gotten a chance otherwise.  And they may have a couple of keepers in cornerback Rashaan Melvin and safety Jeromy Miles.

Miles recorded his first NFL interception in week 15 that ended the Jags’ hopes of a comeback win, but that wasn’t his first nice performance.  Miles has seen action in 11 games this season, and has received a positive grade from Pro Football Focus in 8 of those 11.

After playing ten snaps or less in weeks 7 through 12, injuries and poor play forced the Ravens to give Miles a bigger slice of the pie.  He has since played on 72 of 74 snaps in week 13, 46 of 63 in week 14, and 48 of 69 in week 15.  His grade in those three weeks was 2.3, -0.3, and 1.3, respectively.  That’s a total grade of 3.3.

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Let’s put that into perspective.  Will Hill has graded out with a three game total of 1.6, Darian Stewart with a -0.3, and Matt Elam a -3.6.  Miles has clearly been the team’s best safety since they decided to give him a chance, and has shined in coverage as well. He gave up 0 receptions on one target last week, 0 for 2 in week 14, and 1 for 1 in week 13 (for 2 yards).

Can Jeromy Miles keep it up, and carve out a more permanent role over much more ballyhooed draft picks and “stars” in the future?  Only time will tell.  But one thing is very clear, and that is he has shined this season whenever the Ravens have given him a chance. They may not have a choice this year due to injuries, but after three games, Miles looks like a keeper.