Tag: Larrytouchdown

Ravens’ Marlon Humphrey must focus on re-establishing himself as an elite CB in 2024

Baltimore Ravens rookie DB Nate Wiggins should be an incentive for Marlon Humphrey to focus in at training camp in 2024

When Bleacher Report alleged that Baltimore Ravens defensive back Marlon Humphrey was overrated, many were shocked. Bleacher Report’s statement, cited by Jon Alfano for Sports Illustrated on May 23. reads:

“Humphrey is the league’s fourth-highest-paid cornerback annually, but his impact on the game is rapidly diminishing. He’s been getting beat in coverage more often, and he’s coming dangerously close to a liability as he enters his eighth NFL season.”

While Humphrey’s decline may be largely due to injury, his passion for football has been frequently expressed in his “Punchline Podcast,” which has roughly 45,000 subscribers on YouTube.

Within the podcast, Humphrey gives endless NFL takes and operates as an Internet personality. Could Humphrey’s podcast be a distraction to his NFL career?



Humphrey’s apparent struggles need to be addressed. Expect defensive coordinator Zach Orr to re-ignite Humphrey in 2024 and help motivate the former pro bowler to prove the critics wrong.

Pittsburgh Steelers’ wide receiver George Pickens scorched Humphrey on a vertical route pass play that resulted in a 41-yard touchdown and Steelers victory on Oct. 08. With the long-lasting history of the Steelers vs. Ravens rivalry, it’s a hard play to forget for Ravens’ fans.

The emergence of rookie defensive back Nate Wiggins should incentivize Humphrey to reset. Perhaps spending less time creating podcasts may positively impact his performance. 

Are we ready to be honest about Lamar Jackson?

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson was unimpressive in the AFC championship game, and it’s time to be honest about his shortcomings.

After Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson lost again in the playoffs, it’s time to be honest about his shortcomings.

While offensive coordinator Todd Monken does deserve some blame for abandoning the running game, is Monken wrong for expecting his “MVP” to complete passes with accuracy and timing on three-step drops? Furthermore, Monken’s quick passing attack was the correct counter to the blitz scheme of Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.

Jackson’s play was pedestrian at best, holding the ball too long in the pocket, dropping back 15-plus yards aimlessly on the first play, and throwing into triple coverage at a crucial point of the game. The Ravens were 3 of 11 on third down. Jackson went 20 for 37 through the air and was sacked four times, losing a fumble on one of them.

As a result of Jackson’s inability to lead the offense, the Ravens defense had to be on the field for 73 snaps. After shutting the Chiefs down entirely in the second half, the Ravens still had to wake up to the false narrative that Patrick Mahomes carved them up. Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald didn’t even speak to the media before he decided to skip town.

Instead of presuming the Ravens will be back next season, Jackson needs to process the loss and know that the AFC North will be a much more challenging road in 2024. Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow will return from injury, and the Cleveland Browns will have running back Nick Chubb back from injury.

The Ravens didn’t sign Jackson to a five-year, $260 million contract last offseason for empty promises at the podium, locker room dance moves or his ability to win the MVP award. Jackson must improve his game as a pocket passer. It’s time to hold him accountable.