The Baltimore Ravens held their second OTA of the offseason on Wednesday as they prepare for the upcoming 2021 NFL season.
The Ravens’ rookies showcased their abilities to coaches and veterans proved why they remain on the roster. On a day that reached a temperature above 80 degrees Fahrenheit, wide receiver Marquise Brown did not let the heat steal his cool.
Brown, entering his third season, was targeted by quarterback Lamar Jackson throughout the team’s organized activities.
He made catch after catch sporting his new jersey number — a number once worn by former Ravens’ Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco.
😈😈@Primetime_jet | @Lj_era8 pic.twitter.com/MWLrzr1cGV
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) May 25, 2021
A jersey swap of a former Super Bowl MVP is enough to get any player’s attention. When asked about what he expects in year three, Brown made it clear what his priority has been.
Marquise Brown and the Ravens have their eyes on the Super Bowl
"“The No. 1 goal is the Super Bowl, and there’s no other goal you could really think of, so that’s really what we’re chasing. When we’re outside, that’s all we talk about all the time. Just chilling, we’re talking about Super Bowl, Super Bowl, and that’s what we really want. Everything that comes with it can come with it; and everything that doesn’t come with it, we don’t want it.”"
Last season with the Ravens, Brown played in all 16 regular-season games, accounted for 58 receptions on 100 targets, had 769 receiving yards, and found the end zone eight times.
Brown started off the 2020 season slow, but by Week 12 he found his groove and helped push Baltimore into the playoffs.
From Weeks 12 through 17, Brown had 338 receiving yards and six touchdowns. During that stretch, Brown was held without a touchdown in just one game.
Brown has been criticized for not being a true No. 1 receiver. But when Baltimore needs a big play, the best target at wide receiver on the field is none other than Hollywood.
The play that fans remember most from last season came with a pass from Jackson in Week 14 that Brown took 44 yards into the end zone. The play kept the Ravens’ postseason hopes alive. Baltimore went on to win 47-42.
The play from Brown is the real reason Baltimore won in Week 14. If Brown fails to make that catch, the Ravens more than likely lose the game and have a small chance of securing a playoff spot with three weeks remaining.
Whether some believe Brown is a true No. 1 receiver shouldn’t really be the debate. His play on the football field is enough to help Baltimore win football games.
Maybe in February, Marquise Brown will find himself competing for a Lombardi Trophy.