A Meeting of the Minds Helped the Ravens Defense Find Solutions

Humphrey is a three-time Pro Bowler having one of his best seasons with a career-high five interceptions after an injury-plagued 2023. As one of the longest-tenured players, Humphrey is leading by example and others have followed.

“When Marlon’s healthy and playing at the level that he’s playing at, he makes us a better defense,” Assistant Head Coach/Pass Game Coordinator Chris Hewitt said. “He brings that grit; he brings the energy, and that’s what this defense is made up of it. He embodies everything that we talk about as far as being a Raven, so when he’s playing that way, we play better.” 

The bye week will be good for defensive tackle Travis Jones (ankle) and other players who have been nursing injuries. Nose tackle Michael Pierce (calf) could also be activated off injured reserve for the Ravens’ next game after the bye against the New York Giants.

Already ranked No. 2 against the run, the Ravens will be looking to solidify their rush defense after Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles became the first back to top 100 yards against Baltimore on Sunday. But after a meeting that helped the defense find its voice, the defense feels ready to make more noise.

“Obviously, we tweaked some stuff with personnel, with scheme and communication, but I still think there’s a whole other level we can get to,” Orr said. “We’re going to continue to work hard throughout this week, as coaches, while players get some time off.

“The expectation when we come back is, ‘Man, we’ve got to be dominant on defense.’ We took a step in the right direction, definitely, from early in the season, but there’s still a whole lot we can get better at.”