By Tiffany Williams –
Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey expressed excitement Friday about the addition of Jaire Alexander and said the team’s deep, versatile secondary can be a game-changing asset this season.
“I like it a lot,” Humphrey said of Alexander’s arrival. “A quote that’s never been said and probably never will be said in NFL history is, ‘We’ve got too many corners that can cover.’ So I think that’s a great problem to have.”
Humphrey said he and Alexander had discussed teaming up during joint practices last season and praised the former Packers All-Pro’s energy and leadership.
“With the other guys we’ve got, it can be a serious matchup,” Humphrey said. “If there’s a guy that we feel this guy can cover better, we can match him up with him. We can have four first-round corners out there.”
Humphrey, entering his eighth NFL season, said he’s embraced the flexibility required to play both outside and inside. Once unsure about playing in the slot, Humphrey now enjoys the aggressive style and physicality it demands.
“You get in the mix and in ‘the trenches,’ as the big guys call it,” he said. “Now, I’ve come to like it.”
Off the field, Humphrey said a recent shift in mindset—prompted in part by his decision to get married—has helped him slow down and stay focused.
“You never know when your last breath is going to be,” he said. “That’s the approach I took last season. I’m usually here every single day, off day or not. I just like to slow down and enjoy where I’m at.”
Humphrey also spoke highly of veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, praising his humility and fit within the team culture.
“He’s ‘Mr. Contested Catch,’ that’s for sure,” Humphrey said. “To hear a veteran guy, All-Pro guy say he could be or could not be that missing piece—that was humbling.”
When asked whether the team believes it’s among the NFL’s elite, Humphrey said there’s a collective sense of urgency following last season’s AFC Championship Game loss to the Bills.
“I feel like we’ve had championship-caliber rosters. We’ve prepared like a championship team. There’s just been something we have to do,” he said. “I want the Ravens’ identity to be defense like it was when I first got here.”
Humphrey said defensive coordinator Zach Orr is leading a renewed effort to increase takeaways and raise the standard.
“Everything is graded—literally every single thing you can possibly grade,” Humphrey said. “I think it’ll ultimately help us be the defense Baltimore deserves.”
As for Alexander’s fit, Humphrey said the former Green Bay standout already feels like part of the locker room.
“He asked, ‘Do you guys hang out?’ which is always a great thing,” Humphrey said. “I think he’ll mesh really well with the team, and it’ll be a good secondary.”
The Ravens report for training camp later this month.
Sports Insider Daily 