Tag: Brandon Stephens

Ravens vs. Buccaneers: Top photos from Baltimore’s 41-31 win on Monday Night Football

We’re looking at the top photos from the Baltimore Ravens 41-31 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night in Week 7

The Ravens started the game down 10-0, then scored 41 unanswered points, jumping out to a massive lead before allowing 21 late points to the Buccaneers in the fourth quarter. Even with the defensive letdown, Baltimore’s performance won’t overshadow Lamar Jackson’s five-touchdown pass performance, as the Ravens moved to 5-2 on the season with a 41-31 win over Tampa at Raymond James Stadium.

Baltimore amassed 508 yards of total offense but had a dominant performance ruined as the defense allowed over 430 yards of offense for Tampa.

With preparation for the Browns in Week 8 set to begin, here’s an instant analysis of the big win on Monday Night Football.

***

Eddie Jackson calls “BS” on the Brandon Stephens pass interference call

Ravens backup safety Eddie Jackson called BS, literally, on the critical defensive pass interference call on Brandon Stephens,

Controversial officiating has been a common theme throughout the Baltimore Ravens’ first two games of the season. In both the season-opening loss at the Kansas City Chiefs and today’s home-opening defeat at the hands of the Las Vegas Raiders, the Ravens were on the wrong end of some questionable calls.

Ravens backup safety Eddie Jackson called BS, literally, on one specific play that was critical to determining the game’s outcome.

Here is the video replay of the call in question:

With Vegas down 23-16 and 4:36 to play, they faced third-and-goal from the Baltimore 17. Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew then threw an incomplete pass on an end-zone route to Devante Adams.

However, Brandon Stephens was flagged for defensive pass interference, setting Vegas up at the goal line. Adams threw a 1-yard TD pass to Adams on the next play, and the ensuing extra point tied the game.

It is worth noting that the DPI call was not made by the official who was immediately near the play but by a referee who was on the other side of the field.

The Ravens went on to lose 26-23, and Jackson did not hold back at all when asked about the penalty.

Last week, the Ravens received a higher-than-normal number of illegal formation penalties, prompting left tackle Ronnie Stanley to criticize the officiating.

Were some of these calls “ticky-tack”? Probably. Have the Ravens been shafted on some decisive and essential calls so far in the young season? Sure.

But you know what they always say when games are ultimately decided by officiating—try to play at a level that is so dominant that you decide the result, not the refs.

Ravens CB Brandon Stephens is not worried about being in contract year

Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens isn’t worried about being in a contract year

The Baltimore Ravens will rely heavily on cornerback Brandon Stephens during the 2024 season. He will play opposite Marlon Humphrey at the cornerback position and look to build upon his phenomenal 2023, which saw him take center stage as Baltimore’s No. 1 cornerback when Marlon Humphrey went down with injuries.

Stephens is entering a contract year, which presents him with a big opportunity to earn big money with another standout season. When asked about his situation, he said he’s not worried about it, wanting to focus on doing his job while the rest takes care of itself.

“I’m not even worried about it. I’m just here to do my job – the rest will take care of itself, and I’ll let that side just handle itself. I can’t really do anything about it on my own – all I can do is come out here on the field and continue to prove myself.”

Stephens has had quite the NFL journey, switching positions multiple times before finding his place as an outside cornerback. He is a big part of what Baltimore does on the defensive side of the ball and is needed to have a big year.

Ravens restructure Justin Tucker’s contract to create extra salary cap space

Ravens restructure Justin Tucker’s contract to create extra salary cap space

We previously wrote about Baltimore’s need to become salary cap compliant before Thursday’s season opener against the Chiefs. GM Eric DeCosta has several options at his disposal.

DeCosta used one on Monday, restructuring the contract of All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith, freeing up $3.65 million in salary cap space.

He did it again on Tuesday, restructuring All-Pro defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike and Justin Tucker.

Tucker’s restructure saves the Ravens over $1.7 million.

https://Twitter.com/FieldYates/status/1831093078729326787

Last season, Tucker (90.2%) connected on 31-of-36 field goal attempts and 50-of-51 points after tries, scoring a career-high team record and AFC-best 143 points in 2023. All but one of Tucker’s misses last season have been on tries of at least 53 yards, including a blocked 55-yarder. In 2023, Tucker posted his ninth-ever season, reaching at least 30 field goals made, with no other kicker in NFL history producing more than five such seasons. He also owns an NFL-record 12 straight seasons (each year of his career) with at least 25 field goals made.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Ravens restructure Nnamdi Madubuike’s contract to create extra salary cap space

Ravens restructure Nnamdi Madubuike’s contract to create extra salary cap space

We previously wrote about Baltimore’s need to become salary cap compliant before Thursday’s season opener against the Chiefs. GM Eric DeCosta has several options at his disposal.

DeCosta used one on Monday, restructuring the contract of All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith, freeing up $3.65 million in salary cap space.

He did it again on Tuesday, restructuring All-Pro defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike.

https://Twitter.com/FieldYates/status/1831093078729326787

Madubuike improved greatly in his fourth season with the Ravens. He led the team with 13 sacks, 33 quarterback hits, and 12 tackles for loss, which earned him his first Pro Bowl honor.

Madubuike had a breakout season in a contract year, setting himself up for a four-year, $98 million extension.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]

Brandon Stephens on Ravens secondary: ‘The sky is the limit’

Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens says the sky is the limit for the team’s secondary in 2024

The Baltimore Ravens have an extremely talented secondary that should pave the way to another great defensive year for the team. With players such as Kyle Hamilton, Marlon Humphrey, Marcus Williams and others, there’s plenty of potential for the group to excel once again this season.

Another member of the Baltimore secondary in cornerback Brandon Stephens gave his opinion on the team’s depth at the position, and had good things to say. He mentioned how while they do have a deep secondary, that doesn’t mean that fact alone will get the job done for a group that he says the sky is the limit for.

“We definitely have depth, like you said. But, just because we have depth doesn’t mean that’s going to get the job done, so we know that we still have to go out [and] attack each day and take what’s ours. The sky is the limit for us, and we know that, but we just [have] to continue to work and work as a unit.”

The Ravens have historically worked through a massive amount of secondary injuries, so having depth at the position is a must. Stephens understands that having a deep secondary is valuable, but they need to also get the job done and play to their skills in order to have a successful season.

Ravens CB Brandon Stephens has high expectations for himself in 2024

Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens has high expectations for himself in 2024

The Baltimore Ravens drafted cornerback Brandon Stephens in the third round of the 2021 NFL draft. He went through multiple position changes until re-finding his home as a cornerback last season, excelling and surprising many people with his high level of play.

Stephens shared the expectations he has for himself in 2024, which cover a lot of goals he has for the upcoming season. He mentioned how he wants to become a better version of himself, and is turning the page to hopefully becoming one of the best defensive backs in the NFL.

“Just like I said, just become a better version of myself. Last year was last year, so my focus this year is just taking it up a notch – making the plays that I left out on the field last year and just becoming one of the best DBs/corners in the league.”

Stephens stepped up in a massive way for the Ravens last season, filling in for an injured Marlon Humphrey as the team’s top cornerback while maintaining a great level of play throughout the whole year. He is entering a contract year, and can earn a good deal of money with another great season in 2024.

Ravens CB Brandon Stephens still looking to prove himself after breakout 2023

Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens is still looking to prove himself after a breakout 2023

The Baltimore Ravens will be relying on multiple big playmakers over the course of the 2024 season. One of those will be cornerback Brandon Stephens, who established himself as one of the premier players at his position in 2023.

Stephens went a long way in proving that he’s a quality NFL cornerback. However, he isn’t done writing his story, as he told the media that he just got his feet wet last year and has a chip on his shoulder entering 2024.

“Absolutely. Last year, I just felt like I just got my feet wet last year, and I don’t even think about last year anymore to be honest; it’s a new year – I’ve got to go out and prove myself. I’m sure there’s a lot of doubters still out there – like I said, I’m expecting the ball every play, and so yes, I definitely have a chip on my shoulder.”

The fourth-year cornerback is entering a contract year, to which he can make a lot of money by having another great season. He’s going to do everything in his power to take advantage of his opportunity, something that the Ravens need him to do in order for their defense to reach their full potential.

Ravens’ Brandon Stephens impressed with speed of rookie CB Nate Wiggins

Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens is impressed with the speed of fellow cornerback Nate Wiggins

[anyclip-media thumbnail=”undefined” playlistId=”undefined” content=”dW5kZWZpbmVk”][/anyclip-media]

The Baltimore Ravens invest plenty of assets into their secondary every year. From trades to big-money signings to high-level draft picks and more, Baltimore brings in a lot of talent to ensure their secondary is up to the level it needs to be.

Ravens cornerback Brandon Stephens was asked about his early impressions of Baltimore’s first-round draft pick this past April, fellow cornerback Nate Wiggins. Stephens said that Wiggins’ speed has been a big part of his early thoughts, but also the way that the rookie approaches every day with an eagerness to learn.

“His speed – he’s definitely got the speed; also, the way he just approaches every day – always trying to learn, asking the right questions and just trying to learn from guys that have been here.”

Wiggins will play alongside Stephens and Marlon Humphrey at the cornerback position for Baltimore in 2024 and hopes to lock down plenty of opposing pass catchers. The Ravens’ defense played at a historic level in 2023 and will try to replicate that success once again this upcoming season.

Ravens restructure Roquan Smith’s contract to create extra salary cap space

Ravens create $3.65M in cap space by restructuring Roquan Smith’s deal

We previously wrote about Baltimore needing to get salary cap compliant before Thursday’s season opener against the Chiefs, with GM Eric DeCosta having several options at his disposal.

DeCosta used one on Monday, restructuring the contract of All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith, freeing up $3.65 million in salary cap space.

Roquan Smith approaches the game with an intense mindset, always playing with anger and never showing signs of weakness. The star linebacker was acquired by the Baltimore Ravens from the Bears in 2022, and since then, he has recorded over 245 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and two interceptions and earned a 75.0 grade from PFF in 25 games.

Smith had 84 solo tackles, 74 assists, 1.5 sacks, and one interception in 16 games in 2023, and he’s the best leader the Ravens have had since Ray Lewis retired.

[lawrence-auto-related count=5]