Baltimore Ravens top Bengals at home: Three game balls
By Darin McCann

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.
More from Ebony Bird
- Will Baltimore Ravens be rewarded for risky Lamar Jackson decision?
- The Baltimore Ravens Big Gamble
- Ravens Super Bowl odds present fascinating insight on Lamar Jackson’s future
- Should Baltimore Ravens be interested in this recently released WR
- Do the Baltimore Ravens have serious interest in this free agent wide out?
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…