The Baltimore Ravens followed up their unexpected Week 8 loss to the Jameis Winson-led Cleveland Browns with a dominant victory over the Denver Broncos in Week 9. Despite Baltimore’s success, the team has primarily been led by its offense through the first two months of the season. Entering Week 9, the Ravens were just 25th overall in total defense. While Baltimore ranks at the top of the league in rushing defense, the team’s dead last against the pass, allowing 291.4 yards per game.
These struggles are entirely foreign to the Ravens, as the organization prides itself on playing ferocious defense. Because of the significant drop off, Baltimore’s defensive coordinator Zach Orr has faced criticism. However, cornerback Marlon Humphrey is pushing back.
“I hate when coaches are under scrutiny when it’s the player’s fault,” Humphrey said, per Ravens insider Kyle Phoenix on X. The Pro Bowl defensive back pointed out that the team’s issues have mostly come from a small error made by one defender, which ended up costing the team.
Humphrey was unable to play against the Browns due to a knee injury but the eighth-year veteran returned to the field Sunday and helped the Ravens improve to 6-3 on the season.
Marlon Humphrey demands accountability on defense
The Ravens’ defense showed up against the Broncos in Denver on Sunday, making life difficult for rookie quarterback Bo Nix and holding Denver to just 10 points. It was only the second time this season the Ravens have held an opponent below 23 points.
