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Baltimore Ravens: Ranking the top 3 strengths on the 2019 team

By Chris Schisler

SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 21: Free safety Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates an interception by teammate Kam Chancellor (not pictured) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at CenturyLink Field on September 21, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Broncos 26-20. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - SEPTEMBER 21: Free safety Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates an interception by teammate Kam Chancellor (not pictured) in the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at CenturyLink Field on September 21, 2014 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Broncos 26-20. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 30: Cornerback Marlon Humphrey #29 of the Baltimore Ravens breaks up a pass for wide receiver Breshad Perriman #19 of the Cleveland Browns in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – DECEMBER 30: Cornerback Marlon Humphrey #29 of the Baltimore Ravens breaks up a pass for wide receiver Breshad Perriman #19 of the Cleveland Browns in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

The 2019 Baltimore Ravens have a chance to be a contender in the AFC. Here is a look at their top 3 strengths:

1. An elite secondary

The Baltimore Ravens have a secondary so good that it absolutely needs an original nickname. The Ravens have a cornerback situation that is as impressive as it gets. Marlon Humphrey is arguably a top five player at his position. Jimmy Smith is very good, Brandon Carr has been rock solid for a very long time and Tavon Young is impressive as well. Behind that the Ravens have Anthony Averett, Maurice Canady and now Iman Marshall. The Ravens may actually have more quality cornerbacks than they have roster spots for. This is a defense that could basically live in sub packages.

With shutdown cornerbacks, the Ravens also have an impressive group of safeties. The headliner of the group is former Pro Bowler Earl Thomas. Thomas has had a legendary career and is one of the most important players in the history of the Seattle Seahawks. If Thomas is healthy he is a true ball hawk in the back end of the defense. When you have shutdown cornerbacks and a free safety with this kind of instinctual feel for the game, quarterbacks are in trouble. Tony Jefferson, is a strong safety that has great athleticism and toughness. The Ravens also have Chuck Clark, Anthony Levine Sr. and DeShon Elliott at this position.

In his rookie season, Marlon Humphrey was impressive. In the 2018 season, Humphrey took another step up and became the most important piece of the defense. In his third season, Humphrey has a chance to be one of the most feared cornerbacks in football. Teams won’t want to attack number 29, which will create opportunities for others in the pass defense. The combination of Humphrey, Smith/Carr and Tavon Young could be the best cornerback tandem in team history. Chris McAlister and Duane Starks were a huge part of Super Bowl XXXV, so that’s saying a lot.

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