Baltimore Ravens star cornerback Marlon Humphrey isn’t one to shy away from criticism, but this week, he’s deflecting it off Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr and directing it right back at the players, himself included.
Despite an impressive showing against Denver last week, the Ravens’ defense has been a shadow of last year’s elite unit, which led the NFL in points allowed. With Baltimore currently ranked last in passing yards allowed and 23rd in points, fans and analysts have quickly called out Orr’s first season as DC.
Humphrey, though, wants people to look a little deeper.
Humphrey was blunt in his assessment: the issues are on the players, not the coaches. “For me as a player, knowing what's going on, I hate seeing coaches get under scrutiny when it’s the players’ fault,” he said, emphasizing that the execution on the field often doesn’t match what’s practiced.
“It really sucks when the product we’re putting out there isn’t what we’re being coached,” Humphrey admitted, stressing that breakdowns in execution, not game-planning, are plaguing the defense. He cited his own missteps as a case in point, owning up to plays where his errors translated into big gains for opponents.
Ravens’ Defensive Woes Are a Matter of Execution, Not Playcalling
Humphrey’s defense of Orr goes beyond loyalty. The veteran CB has seen what top-level coaching looks like from his time under previous DC Dean Pees, who returned this season as an advisor.
Pees’ presence has already impacted the team, according to Humphrey, who finds it “surreal” to work with him again. He believes Pees is helping to elevate Orr’s approach, adding a new set of eyes that may make a difference for the Ravens as they head into critical games.
He’s highlighted a recurring theme that keeps haunting the Ravens: small mistakes turning into big plays. “So many times this year, just one guy is not exactly where he’s supposed to be, and that’s where it’s been hit,” Humphrey explained, adding that Baltimore’s opponents have been ruthlessly efficient at capitalizing on their errors.
The Ravens have no time to waste. With a quick turnaround to tomorrow's showdown against Cincinnati, the secondary will face a relentless Bengals offense led by Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase. Baltimore might have narrowly escaped in their last matchup, but Humphrey knows the team can’t bank on luck.
The Ravens will need more than a few solid plays to keep Burrow in check. They’ll need discipline, unity, and near-perfect execution.
Now under the microscope, Baltimore's defense has a shot at redemption. But as Humphrey and his teammates have clarified, the key lies within. It’s about honing in on details and cleaning up the costly mistakes.
For the Ravens to turn their season around, players need to step up, not just tomorrow, but every week that follows.