Could Marlon Humphrey/Jimmy Smith be Ravens greatest duo?
The “new blood” challengers:
The only thing holding back Marlon Humphrey and Jimmy Smith from elite status across the NFL is their lack of interceptions. The two have just four and 13 interceptions in their careers respectively, albeit Humphrey is entering just his third-season in the league. Still, fans want numbers and right now they don’t have those.
That could, and should, all change in 2019, however for many reasons. Of all the changes the Ravens will experience on defense, none will be more impactful than the addition of free safety Earl Thomas. With a true center-fielder in Baltimore’s secondary (and the best since Ed Reed), Thomas will force quarterbacks to the outside to try and complete passes. That couldn’t be a worse mistake for them.
While neither Humphrey nor Smith are known for having extraordinary ball-skills, it’ll be hard not to have career-highs in interceptions with the volume of bad throws coming their way. “Career-highs” for them would be three and four picks respectively, numbers that won’t be hard to top whatsoever.
Combine the turnovers with the ridiculously low passer rating they will allow and the media, not just the fans, will be talking about Humphrey and Smith all season long. These two will challenge the likes of Jacksonville and New England’s corners as the top tandem in 2019.
Next. Baltimore Ravens won’t lack leadership in 2019 season. dark
As the turnovers come, so will the talk of Marlon Humphrey and Jimmy Smith being an elite cornerback paring in 2019. The two are undoubtedly the best duo since Chris McAlister and Duane Starks roamed the team’s secondary, but the “new blood” here could usurp them as the best duo in Baltimore Ravens franchise history.