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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Larry Brown Jr.

Nate Wiggins and Marlon Humphrey must excel playing man coverage in Ravens’ pass defense

 

Baltimore Ravens defensive back Marlon Humphrey will significantly benefit from the emergence of rookie Nate Wiggins. Contrary to popular belief, deploying Wiggins as the No. 1 defensive back on the depth chart allows Humphrey to be more dynamic.

Under defensive coordinator Zach Orr, the Ravens will bring the heat (blitz), so Humphrey’s health will be pivotal in passing defense.

Orr should consider allowing Humphrey to play as a slot defender to take away those quick reads opposing quarterbacks like to go to when they are under pressure.

Humphrey may have declined in acceleration because of injury, but he still has the wingspan and upper body strength to defend on underneath and intermediate routes.

Placing Humphrey as the slot defender also gives him help from the safety position on those sneaky seam and inside post routes.

Orr should allow Wiggins’s youth and agility to be an asset to the Ravens on the outside, especially early in the season against the Kansas City Chiefs.

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