Chidobe Awuzie needs to win Jesse Minter over in Week 5. He was re-signed this past offseason, but hasn’t gotten consistent playing time. He finally got ample reps last week against the Tennessee Titans after Marlon Humphrey’s calf injury, and with him missing the first two days of practice, the table could be set for Awuzie to start on Sunday.
Minter said last month that he’s trying to find ways to get Awuzie on the field. Against the Atlanta Falcons, he might have no choice. Even if Humphrey can play, he’s fighting both a calf and hamstring injury. This should be the moment to blend Awuzie into the game plan.
Awuzie didn’t really take advantage of the moment last week. He’ll have to re-route his course in Atlanta. This might be his best chance to find a consistent spot on the field.
Chidobe Awuzie should have his opportunity to get back to business in Week 5
Last year, the Ravens ranked second-worst in the league in passing defense. They allowed 247.9 passing yards per game, and their cornerback play was, for the most part, a disaster. Key word: for the most part.
Perhaps their only good corner in 2025? Chidobe Awuzie. In a poorly coached Zach Orr defense, Awuzie was the only guy who looked the part relatively consistently. The 31-year-old finished the season with a 74.7 overall grade and 75.3 coverage grade, per Pro Football Focus. He also notched seven pass breakups.
Unfortunately, the coaching change has left Awuzie floundering. Jesse Minter’s scheme has emphasized three-safety looks and utilized Nate Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey on the outside.
That’s left Awuzie out of the picture. Through the first three weeks, he played just 22 defensive snaps.
Awuzie saw 55 snaps in Baltimore’s Week 4 win over Tennessee, though. He wasn’t the best — he was targeted six times, allowed a couple of catches, and got tagged for a 39-yard pass interference penalty. However, he did flash at times with sticky coverage.
If he can keep taking steps forward when called upon, Minter will have no problem handing him more snaps. This is a big matchup for him, too.
Awuzie’s play could be critical in capturing a win in Week 5
The Ravens’ secondary has struggled. After a hot start in Week 1, it’s pretty much been Kyle Hamilton and Nate Wiggins carrying the group. So far, it looks like another year where the secondary had all the hype in the world, just to be underwhelming.
On Sunday Night Football, they may lean on Chidobe Awuzie more than ever. Again, Marlon Humphrey might not be healthy enough to play at his best, and outside of Nate Wiggins, there’s really no other proven boundary cornerback in the room. It’s Awuzie’s time to shine.
And who better to prove yourself against than the Falcons' offense? They’ve been firing on all cylinders since Michael Penix Jr. returned, posting 35 points in Week 3 and 45 in Week 4. In that stretch, Atlanta has put up easily the most points in the league.
Awuzie’s physicality will be most crucial. His 6-foot, 202-pound frame brings the punch, which should come into play against Drake London.
London is as good as it gets for an X receiver, and he makes up almost half of Atlanta’s receiving yards in 2026. With all that offense’s motion, Awuzie is bound to draw some battles with London. He must be on his A-game.
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