Ebony Bird
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Baltimore Ravens top Bengals at home: Three game balls

By Darin McCann

BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 13: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens scrambles against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - OCTOBER 13: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens scrambles against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 13: Marlon Humphrey #44 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with teammates after making an interception against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 13: Marlon Humphrey #44 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates with teammates after making an interception against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at M&T Bank Stadium on October 13, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

Marlon Humphrey

This is becoming almost boring at this point with Humphrey. He is playing at such an absurdly high level right now that it’s easy to take him for granted. Only, it’s nearly impossible to because he does something every single game that demands your attention.

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The interception he had off a deflection from linebacker Josh Bynes was huge, but it only tells part of the story. Humphrey blanketed notorious Raven-killer Tyler Boyd to the tune of three receptions for Boyd on the day, totaling a scant 10 yards. Read that figure again: Three receptions for 10 yards. To put that in perspective, if Boyd combined all his production for one single play in Sunday’s game, the old men with the chains would be slowly trotting out on to the field to see if he got a first down.

That is being locked down.

Humphrey is a unique blend of technique, athleticism and intelligence at the cornerback position, and he also has to be considered one of the best tacklers among defensive backs in the entire league. He showcased a ton of his skills against the Bengals, and is changing the ways offenses have to prepare for the Ravens.

It’s interesting that Jackson and Humphrey received these first two balls because they share certain qualities. Both are supremely talented, are lauded by their peers for their work ethic and appear to have sky-high goals for both themselves and their team. It would stand to reason that the powers-that-be inside the nerve center of the Baltimore Ravens are hoping to continue the building of this current edition of the Ravens around these two young men.

As well as our third game-ball recipient…

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