Tag: Justin Madubuike

Kyle Hamilton, Marlon Humphrey must sustain the Ravens’ pass defense

Baltimore Ravens DB’s Kyle Hamilton and Marlon Humphrey need to be anchors in the pass defense to propel the franchise in the NFL Playoffs.

Numbers never lie, and the Baltimore Ravens’ pass defense has been the only consistent weakness in 2024. However, over the last three games, they’ve allowed just 177.3 passing yards per game. Will star defensive backs Marlon Humphrey and Kyle Hamilton continue to build on this momentum as the NFL playoffs approach?

In hindsight, the Ravens’ last three opponents, the Houston Texans, Pittsburgh Steelers, and New York Giants, don’t nearly compare to the offensive powerhouses they will face if they catch stride in the NFL playoffs. However, like every other NFL team, the Ravens only play the teams the league puts on their schedule.

Humphrey and Hamilton are both polished veterans with credible experience who can be vocal leaders on the Ravens’ back end. Defensive back Brandon Stephen has held his own, and rookie Nate Wiggins is second behind Humphrey with 12 pass deflections on the season. Humphrey and defensive coordinator Zach Orr might want to increase interception drills in practice to sow up some of the bleeding and prepare their unit for upcoming turnover opportunities.

Ultimately, with the front seven or six producing sacks at a top-tier level, perhaps Hamilton and Humphrey should encourage their supporting cast to play a little ball-hawking on the back end.

Beyonce shines for Netflix on Christmas Day: Top photos from Ravens win over Texans

Top photos from the Baltimore Ravens 31-2 win over the Houston Texans on Christmas Day in front of Beyonce on Netflix

Some thought Baltimore had peaked too soon after its 24-19 loss to the Eagles, but the Ravens have been 3-0 since then, and they have had a much-needed bye week.

A team unsure about their AFC North status can win the division in Week 18 after an impressive 31-2 win over Houston on Christmas Day in front of Beyonce and a monstrous Netflix audience.

Lamar Jackson was 10-15 passing for 168 yards, two touchdowns, and a 143.9 rating.  As a rusher, Jackson carried the ball four times for 87 yards and a touchdown, moving past Michael Vick on the NFL’s all-time rushing yards list for a quarterback.

With preparation for the Browns set to begin, we’re looking at the top photos from Christmas Night.

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Sights and sounds from first half as Ravens hold a 17-2 lead over Texans on Christmas Day

Sights and sounds from first half as Ravens hold a 17-2 lead over Texans on Christmas Day

The Ravens can smell a division title. After watching the Steelers fall to the Chiefs in the earlier game, Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry have Baltimore rolling through one half in Houston. With Beyonce and Post Malone in the building, the Ravens jumped out to a 17-2 lead on the back of Jackson’s arm, Henry’s strong running, and a stingy defense that improves each week. Baltimore held Houston to 125 yards of total offense in the first half, and if not for a Texans safety, it would have been on its way to blowing out the host team on Netflix. With the second half set to begin and Beyonce’s incredible performance just finished, here are sights and sounds from the first half. ****

NFL Week 16: Zach Orr is systematic, Ravens rank No. 3 in total sacks

Baltimore Ravens DC Zach Orr is catching stride at the right time of the season and his unit rank No. 3 in the NFL in total sacks.

Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr is beginning to catch stride at the right time of the season. Using a shell coverage to beguile defenses, the Ravens allow just 20.3 points over their last three games.

Orr’s defense also ranks third in the NFL in total sacks this season. The Ravens picked up three sacks in their victory over the New York Giants in Week 15. With seven quarterback hits and seven pass deflections, the Ravens’ defense held the Giants to a 16 percent conversion rate on 12 third-down conversion attempts.



Linebacker Malik Harrison led the flock with eight tackles and tallied in one of the team’s three sacks mentioned above. Moving forward, Orr needs his unit to remain disciplined versus the run as he slowly deploys combo coverage packages that may lead to turnovers down the stretch. 

With defensive back Nate Wiggins coming into his own, the Ravens may be able to play more man coverage and approach games with a pass rush that complements their high-scoring offense.

Orr’s ability to yield sacks and tackles for loss will be pivotal to the team’s success as the Ravens prepare for the postseason. As the successor to Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald, Orr has been nothing less than fantastic. 

Marlon Humphrey must play well vs. Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb

Baltimore Ravens DB Marlon Humphrey needs to be the answer for Dallas Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb in week 3.

Baltimore Ravens defensive back Marlon Humphrey needs to be the answer for Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb in week 3.

With the Ravens’ pass defense struggling, it’s time for Humphrey to have a statement game. Humphrey may get help from rookie Nate Wiggins, who is listed as questionable, but if not, Humphrey will need to step up big.

Fortunately for defensive coordinator Zach Orr, the front seven for the Ravens have been exceptional. With a healthy pass rush, there’s no reason why the Ravens’ secondary can’t elevate themselves and get the job done.

Humphrey did, however, record an interception last week against the Las Vegas Raiders. He was sinking into zone coverage disguisedly when he picked off quarterback Gardner Minshew.

Humphrey is far too talented a player to squander his career while chasing internet fame. Of course, ranking last in opponent pass yards allowed is embarrassing. However, it’s Humphrey’s lack of self-reflection that makes his online podcast feel like a real distraction.

Justin Madubuike changes his name to Nnamdi Madubuike ahead of Week 1 vs. Chiefs

Justin Madubuike is changing his name to his middle name of Nnamdi ahead of 2024 season

Justin Madubuike has officially arrived, and nothing says you’re a star in this league like your peers naming you to the NFL’s Top 100 Players list, a brand new contract, and a fresh, new name.

Looking to stay centered in his roots and be true to himself and his family, Madubuike is undergoing a name change and is set to take on his middle name, Nnamdi. Ravens reporter Kyle Phoenix was among the first to notice the change to the nameplate on his locker.

https://Twitter.com/KylePBarber/status/1830338451129913592

Madubuike made the change to his Instagram page as well.

Madubuike explained his decision to Giana Han of the Baltimore Banner. 

Madubuike improved significantly 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.

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Ravens’ Michael Pierce sees benefit of bringing back same defensive line in 2024

Ravens defensive lineman Michael Pierce sees the benefit of bringing back their entire offensive line

Over the past few seasons, the Baltimore Ravens have had one of the most consistent defensive line rooms in the NFL. Their mix of veteran and young talent has ensured that they never miss a beat regardless of who’s in the game, and their star power makes them a force to deal with on every snap.

Baltimore defensive lineman Michael Pierce was asked about the benefits of bringing back the team’s entire defensive line from 2023 to the 2024 season. He said there are significant reasons why it’s a big deal, including continuity and having players that contribute to winning on the roster.

“I would believe so. Anytime you can have continuity, more so, bringing back guys who actually impact winning. We brought back ‘Beeks’ [Justin Madubuike] – one of the best D-tackles in the league [and] obviously [an NFL] Top 100 kind of guy. [As far as] myself I played well, obviously Broddy [DE / DT Broderick Washington] will be here again, and Travis [Jones] here again; they’ve taken tremendous steps. [The Ravens] bringing back ‘Urb’ [Brent Urban who is a] solid five[-technique]. They don’t have a lot of those around the league, so [I’m] glad to have him back.” [Additionally] adding a lot of guys like [Deadrin] Senat and Josh [Tupou] and all those guys. Anytime you want to have a great defense, you bring back guys throughout the secondary and in front that I just spoke on. [But] having continuity, having guys who contribute to winning and understand how things go and how things fit together is important.”

Pierce is a crucial cog in the Ravens’ defensive line unit, especially as a player who can both stop the run and rush the passer at a high level. The veteran has carved out an excellent career and should have another productive year in Zach Orr’s defense.

Ravens vs. Packers: Top photos from preseason finale at Lambeau Field

We’re looking at the top photos from the Baltimore Ravens preseason loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field

It’s only the preseason, but the Ravens will head towards the 53-man roster cutdown date with a sour taste after a 30-7 loss to the Packers at Lambeau Field on Saturday afternoon. Josh Johnson was 5-7 for 71 yards and one passing touchdown, while Michael Pratt led Green Bay in passing, going 8-12 for 80 yards and one touchdown. The Packers were dominant on the ground, amassing 193 rushing yards, as Ellis Merriweather led all ball carriers with 16 yards for 74 yards. The Packers held the ball for nearly ten minutes longer than the Ravens and out-gained Baltimore by 326 yards to 177 for John Harbaugh’s bunch. With Baltimore now turning its attention toward the Chiefs, here’s an instant analysis of the loss. ***

Ravens vs. Falcons: Top photos from Baltimore’s 13-12 win in preseason Week 2

We’re looking at the top photos from the Baltimore Ravens 13-12 win over the Atlanta Falcons in the preseason Week 2 matchup

Backup quarterback Josh Johnson was perfect on the afternoon, and rookie Emory Jones added a 56-yard touchdown throw to Dayton Wade in the second half to lift the Baltimore Ravens to a 13-12 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium.  The Ravens snapped a three-game preseason losing streak, while Atlanta had 343 yards of total offense but was 4-13 on third downs. Baltimore had another putrid day on the ground, rushing for 71 yards on 30 attempts.  With the team set to start preparation for the preseason finale, here are the top photos from the win over Atlanta. ***

Top photos from Ravens 16-13 loss to Eagles in preseason opener

We’re looking at the top photos from the Baltimore Ravens 16-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the preseason opener at M&T Bank Stadium

The Ravens returned to the field for live game action for the first time since their heartbreaking, 17-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game.

Baltimore hosted Philadelphia at M&T Bank Stadium, with both teams on similar arcs, and championship paths. Starting quarterback Lamar Jackson sat out along with key starters on both sides of the football.

Eagles kicker Jake Elliott made a 49-yard field goal with no time remaining to give the Philadelphia Eagles a 16-13 victory after Baltimore quarterback Emory Jones — who had just entered the game — was sacked and fumbled on the next play.

The recovery by Patrick Johnson gave Elliott his final opportunity of the night.

With Baltimore set to start preparation for the Falcons in the second week of the preseason, we’re looking at the top photos from Friday night.

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