2018 Secondary

[Tank]

We were up against a good Steelers offensive line, which gets away with a lot of holds, and gave Roethlisberger all day to throw. That's what killed us more than secondary, in my opinion. (I don't really understand any anger about Carr/our secondary. Brown might be the best player in the league and we didn't have enough money to sign a free agent corner who could cover him, if one even exists.)

That said, I do think it's recency bias to overly blame our pass rush. We're 7th in total sacks this season. We do lack rushers outside of Siz but we've managed to cope with that all year.

I'm worried that our next opponents will copy Pittsburgh's tactics against our everyone's on the line/who's rushing? blitzes, however. I hope Pees has a plan to counter that.

Yeah, there really wasn't much of a rush against Detroit either until late. It may be recent, but the better teams will obviously block better and that doesn't spell success if they make it to the tournament. As always,stats don't tell the whole story.

 

[RayRayRaven]

Limited? He started full time and gave up next to nothing all night, in a night where the whole defense got shit on Humphrey was perhaps the best and most consistent player.

He made some nice tackles and limited the success of receivers he guarded. He looked for the ball quickly when in coverage, which was something I'd never seen him do before. That is what was most encouraging.

Little effort to go at him, being more content to test Carr, went TE, check downs and screens. He performed well on the screens to his side.

His M.O. however is to stay upfield of his man at all cost and it leaves him extremely vulnerable to squared off routes, comebacks and stop and go. which is surprising because his cone drill was exceptional. (His two pics were due to being upfield on overthrown balls. He has not made a real play. ) It doesn't translate to recognition and game reaction though and that was apparent in his bama film. He is fast, but the reason hes gonna have trouble isn't due to this athletic skill set. He's got athletic ability.

Lets see him repeat an unscathed performance vs Cleveland and Cincy before we elevate him. He's not a corner.

 

[JoeyFlex5]

He made some nice tackles and limited the success of receivers he guarded. He looked for the ball quickly when in coverage, which was something I'd never seen him do before. That is what was most encouraging.

Little effort to go at him, being more content to test Carr, went TE, check downs and screens. He performed well on the screens to his side.

His M.O. however is to stay upfield of his man at all cost and it leaves him extremely vulnerable to squared off routes, comebacks and stop and go. which is surprising because his cone drill was exceptional. (His two pics were due to being upfield on overthrown balls. He has not made a real play. ) It doesn't translate to recognition and game reaction though and that was apparent in his bama film. He is fast, but the reason hes gonna have trouble isn't due to this athletic skill set. He's got athletic ability.

Lets see him repeat an unscathed performance vs Cleveland and Cincy before we elevate him. He's not a corner.

He stays up top because he doesn't wanna get beaten downfield and has an incredible ability to break on passes in front of him, it literally is what he does best and it's what makes him a special corner. Why are you faulting him for having a skillset that let's him stop receivers from getting deep and simulataneously being able to defend the underneath well?

 

[rossihunter2]

He made some nice tackles and limited the success of receivers he guarded. He looked for the ball quickly when in coverage, which was something I'd never seen him do before. That is what was most encouraging.

Little effort to go at him, being more content to test Carr, went TE, check downs and screens. He performed well on the screens to his side.

His M.O. however is to stay upfield of his man at all cost and it leaves him extremely vulnerable to squared off routes, comebacks and stop and go. which is surprising because his cone drill was exceptional. (His two pics were due to being upfield on overthrown balls. He has not made a real play. ) It doesn't translate to recognition and game reaction though and that was apparent in his bama film. He is fast, but the reason hes gonna have trouble isn't due to this athletic skill set. He's got athletic ability.

Lets see him repeat an unscathed performance vs Cleveland and Cincy before we elevate him. He's not a corner.

Um both his picks came from reading the qb and breaking on the ball - they were bad throws but they weren’t thrown right to him without him recognising the play and the mistake before it properly happens

The reason the steelers stopped testing marlon was because he wasn’t allowing any receptions or big plays to the receivers he covered and was a threat to pick one off - so they avoided him for much of the 2nd half - can’t really criticise marlon when the reason he’s not being thrown at is because he’s made it fruitless for the other team

And after everything even you just wrote I can’t believe you would still say he’s not a corner when he has demonstrated some brilliant tight coverage and mirroring for long periods - there was one coverage in the end zone where he had to cover his guy for ages and had him in his pocket the whole time

 

[Jacquouille]

Any interesting FA CB to give a look next year? Although I'd prefer getting one through the draft

 

[rossihunter2]

Any interesting FA CB to give a look next year? Although I'd prefer getting one through the draft

There’s definitely some intriguing options (especially if we are shopping for depth/replacement level starters rather actual starters)

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/cornerback/

 

[RavensMania]

Um both his picks came from reading the qb and breaking on the ball - they were bad throws but they weren’t thrown right to him without him recognising the play and the mistake before it properly happens

The reason the steelers stopped testing marlon was because he wasn’t allowing any receptions or big plays to the receivers he covered and was a threat to pick one off - so they avoided him for much of the 2nd half - can’t really criticise marlon when the reason he’s not being thrown at is because he’s made it fruitless for the other team

And after everything even you just wrote I can’t believe you would still say he’s not a corner when he has demonstrated some brilliant tight coverage and mirroring for long periods - there was one coverage in the end zone where he had to cover his guy for ages and had him in his pocket the whole time

I think he was covering Bryant in the end zone.

 

[Jacquouille]

I think he was covering Bryant in the end zone.

Confirmed.

 

[rossihunter2]

Confirmed.

Has anyone gone back and timed how long he covered him?

 

[Jacquouille]

Has anyone gone back and timed how long he covered him?

The commentators said around 4 seconds. I can check if needed

 

[29BmoreBird22]

Any interesting FA CB to give a look next year? Although I'd prefer getting one through the draft

There’s definitely some intriguing options (especially if we are shopping for depth/replacement level starters rather actual starters)

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/cornerback/

Two interesting names, one CB and one T, to watch will be Erick Flowers and Eli Apple.

Apple is no longer injured, but is playing with the scout team at practice and Steve Spagnola sounds like he wants to move on. Not to turn this into an OL thread, but we know about Flowers...

If they're cheap, Ozzie might call.

 

[Jacquouille]

Two interesting names, one CB and one T, to watch will be Erick Flowers and Eli Apple.

Apple is no longer injured, but is playing with the scout team at practice and Steve Spagnola sounds like he wants to move on. Not to turn this into an OL thread, but we know about Flowers...

If they're cheap, Ozzie might call.

Apple?? Really? That's how you treat your top10 pick?

This FO is looking more ad more ridiculous.

 

[RayRayRaven]

Um both his picks came from reading the qb and breaking on the ball - they were bad throws but they weren’t thrown right to him without him recognising the play and the mistake before it properly happens

The reason the steelers stopped testing marlon was because he wasn’t allowing any receptions or big plays to the receivers he covered and was a threat to pick one off - so they avoided him for much of the 2nd half - can’t really criticise marlon when the reason he’s not being thrown at is because he’s made it fruitless for the other team

And after everything even you just wrote I can’t believe you would still say he’s not a corner when he has demonstrated some brilliant tight coverage and mirroring for long periods - there was one coverage in the end zone where he had to cover his guy for ages and had him in his pocket the whole time

In the end zone Humpf didn't have to worry about being left flat footed while the receiver bolted upfield right. He can do certain things. He certainly can catch. Hes no Elam in that regard. I would tab him for a safety in short order, though he can outcover Jefferson, I don't think he can bring the Lumber to that job. Strong safety only. He is certainly not free safety material. But even at Strong Safety he's a "tweener" hes somewhere between a CB and Safety and really neither.

Heres his two pics. Not sure how you can say the pic vs the lions was "breaking on the ball." if there is one thing he clearly has not demonstrated as far back as college is breaking on a ball. that's just not his game. If Humpf doesn't snag that ball weddle does. Why is humpf always so far upfield? I already indicated why. if the receiver doesn't misjudge that ball humpf doesn't touch it.

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/20171...gameinfo|contentId:0ap3000000886854&tab=recap

Heres the pack pic courtesy of a huge rush. Humpf is on Jordy Nelson and he's giving him anything short. Hundley misfires long again...way deep. You really contend "No break on the ball Humpf" is breaking on these balls??....seriously?

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/20171...ameinfo|contentId:0ap3000000879315&tab=videos

I'll watch the whole steeler game again to see if I've missed something, but this guy is not a corner. But at least he caught those balls right? We've had some that couldn't and knew going in they couldn't!!!!

If I didn't believe half a dozen folks here can select better I wouldn't even bother. its time.

 

[JoeyFlex5]

In the end zone Humpf didn't have to worry about being left flat footed while the receiver bolted upfield right. He can do certain things. He certainly can catch. Hes no Elam in that regard. I would tab him for a safety in short order, though he can outcover Jefferson, I don't think he can bring the Lumber to that job. Strong safety only. He is certainly not free safety material. But even at Strong Safety he's a "tweener" hes somewhere between a CB and Safety and really neither.

Heres his two pics. Not sure how you can say the pic vs the lions was "breaking on the ball." if there is one thing he clearly has not demonstrated as far back as college is breaking on a ball. that's just not his game. If Humpf doesn't snag that ball weddle does. Why is humpf always so far upfield? I already indicated why. if the receiver doesn't misjudge that ball humpf doesn't touch it.

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2017120301/2017/REG13/lions@ravens#menu=gameinfo|contentId:0ap3000000886854&tab=recap

Heres the pack pic courtesy of a huge rush. Humpf is on Jordy Nelson and he's giving him anything short. Hundley misfires long again...way deep. You really contend "No break on the ball Humpf" is breaking on these balls??....seriously?

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2017111902/2017/REG11/ravens@packers#menu=gameinfo|contentId:0ap3000000879315&tab=videos

I'll watch the whole steeler game again to see if I've missed something, but this guy is not a corner. But at least he caught those balls right? We've had some that couldn't and knew going in they couldn't!!!!

If I didn't believe half a dozen folks here can select better I wouldn't even bother. its time.

you obviously dont know wtf breaking on the ball means. he struggles to turn his head to play the ball, he has ZERO struggles breaking on the ball.

for starters, the pick vs detroit WAS a break on the ball, he had help over the top and inside so he stayed underneath and outside, he eliminated the back shoulder fade(his big weakness) from the first step by shielding the sideline and it was brilliant and showed great understanding of team coverage concepts. secondly, he was underneath as he should have been, and BROKE on the ball, marvin jones didnt break on it, he stayed in place despite having just as much time as humphrey did, but humphrey showed better ball attacking and ball tracking than a high end wr did.

go back and watch him in college, you are flat out wrong. he HAD an issue with sloppy footwork on occasion and taking a slow turn, that was cleared up before his first preseason game as he has consistently flipped his hips ever since, so your flat footed claims are wrong. he has an elite re-routing ability, an elite hip flip and deep speed, and he is a natural when it comes to positioning as he is excellent at staying over the top, and yes, he breaks on the ball very well when he doesnt have to turn his head in full sprint. how many yards has he given up on digs/curls/screens? my guess would be next to none because he breaks on the ball with authority.

 

[rossihunter2]

he HAD an issue with sloppy footwork on occasion and taking a slow turn, that was cleared up before his first preseason game as he has consistently flipped his hips ever since

yeah i remember through the offseason my main criticism of humphrey was his slightly awkward looking hip flipping and the way he didnt seem particularly balanced on that front but he looked pretty fluid doing it at the combine and ive seen no issue with it since we've seen him in a ravens jersey either

 

[JoeyFlex5]

yeah i remember through the offseason my main criticism of humphrey was his slightly awkward looking hip flipping and the way he didnt seem particularly balanced on that front but he looked pretty fluid doing it at the combine and ive seen no issue with it since we've seen him in a ravens jersey either

what i had always seen on film was more of a turnaround rather than flipping his hips, and it was only a consistency thing because when he did flip his hips it was lightning fast. he also had a tendency to backpedal really awkward from time to time, almost like he slacked off or got tired, his hips would be up high and he would just be trotting backwards and then turn and run. but then when he keps his hips low, feet chopping, arms churning, and he flipped his hips and darted upfield, he looked perfect form-wise.

seemed to be that he fixed that form and mechanics consistency immediately as it has never been an issue with us, matter of fact it looks like a strength

 

[rossihunter2]

what i had always seen on film was more of a turnaround rather than flipping his hips, and it was only a consistency thing because when he did flip his hips it was lightning fast. he also had a tendency to backpedal really awkward from time to time, almost like he slacked off or got tired, his hips would be up high and he would just be trotting backwards and then turn and run. but then when he keps his hips low, feet chopping, arms churning, and he flipped his hips and darted upfield, he looked perfect form-wise.

seemed to be that he fixed that form and mechanics consistency immediately as it has never been an issue with us, matter of fact it looks like a strength

i remember watching voch lombardi's breakdown of him and he said the same thing about his backpedal and hip flipping

 

[JoeyFlex5]

i remember watching voch lombardi's breakdown of him and he said the same thing about his backpedal and hip flipping

thats where i got it from. i always said his hips were stiff, and bmorebird kept telling me i was wrong and i was like dude no im fucking not lol. then i watched voch lombardis session on him and he pointed it out specifically and it all made sense lol. and my opinion on humphrey changed drastically after that because i really disliked him as a prospect at first

 

[rossihunter2]

thats where i got it from. i always said his hips were stiff, and bmorebird kept telling me i was wrong and i was like dude no im fucking not lol. then i watched voch lombardis session on him and he pointed it out specifically and it all made sense lol. and my opinion on humphrey changed drastically after that because i really disliked him as a prospect at first

The combine drills for dbs really helped me this year in cementing my evaluations of the corners - it was by far the most useful drill there and it was nice seeing all those guys back to back to back because it emphasised who can and can’t do it well etc. because of the immediate comparison

 

[29BmoreBird22]

So, I just want to put this one out there to toot my own horn a little and really point out how upset I am that this particular player got passed up for Bronson Kaufusi.

That player is Kendall Fuller. Fuller is currently sixth in the NFL in passer rating allowed, eighth in PFF coverage grade, has yet to allow over 38 yards in a game, has allowed one touchdown, and has four interceptions.

I was BEGGING for Fuller to the Ravens in the second round and when he was there in the third, I was screaming at my TV. He fit the Ravens scheme like a glove and he was there in the third round. I was so pissed off when Washington took him, but I had no doubts that he would excel in Joe Berry's zone heavy scheme.

It really sucks to think that this secondary could have been Jimmy-Fuller-Humphrey-Young. Like, damn... That's nasty looking.