Ravens CB Marlon Humprey Ready For 'Game Of The Year' vs. 49ers
The expectations heading into the Baltimore Ravens' Christmas matchup against the San Francisco 49ers aren't lost upon cornerback Marlon Humphrey.
For Humphrey, he expects the game pitting the top teams from their respective conferences to be the best played this season.
"I think it'll probably be the game of the year, and [we're] excited to be a part of it," Humphrey said. "They look really, really good. I know we're a good team, so I'm sure it'll be a good matchup."
Marlon Humphrey.
USA Today Sports
Both teams are playing their best football heading into the final three games of the regular season. The Ravens (11-3), who have already clinched a playoff berth, have won four straight games, while San Francisco (11-3) has won six in a row and has outscored its opponents 207-94 in that stretch. Of the 49ers' 11 wins, only one has been decided by less than 12 points.
The Ravens and 49ers are among the NFL's best on both sides of the ball. Baltimore is fourth in points scored (27.4) and have allowed the fewest points per game (16.1). The Ravens' defense also leads the NFL in sacks with 50. San Francisco, who has already clinched its second-straight NFC West title, is second in points scored (30.4), total yards (402.6) and points allowed per game (16.7).
Among the challenges the 49ers offense poses for an opposing defense is its All-Star cast of skills position players. Running back Christian McCaffery and receiver Deebo Samuel can do it all for a potent San Francisco offense on the ground and in the receiving game, as they've combined for 2,760 total yards and 31 touchdowns.
If the Ravens defense is going to slow down San Francisco's offense, Humphrey said the defense will have to be on the same page at all times.
"They really don't do that much, but they're just so efficient at what they do," Humphrey said. "The misdirection – it's like you want to take care of [Christian] McCaffrey. Then, you have to take care of Deebo [Samuel]. It's so many different things to where everyone has to be on point. Communication is just going to be key in order for us to win."
The straw that has stirred the drink for San Francisco's offense is Brock Purdy. The second-year quarterback has thrown for 3,795 yards, 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
While some have pondered if he's just a product of head coach Kyle Shanahan's system, that isn't what Humphrey has seen when preparing for Monday.
"When you look at the film, he's putting throws right where they need to be," Humphrey said. "He's reading coverages. He does a lot of good things. I think he's a guy that likes to give his receivers a chance. For such a young guy, he really handles himself like a pro. I know it won't be an easy day."
Rarely have the top teams in the AFC and NFC met this late in the season. Both teams have a strong argument to be the favorite to run their respective conferences.
And if they were to meet again on Feb. 11 in Las Vegas, it wouldn't shock anyone, though Humphrey's focus is on the Christmas matchup.
"I'd love it," Humphrey said. "That means we've taken care of business and got there, but right now, it's really good to have a really good challenge Monday on Christmas day."
The Ravens face the 49ers on "Monday Night Football" at 8:15 p.m. ET at Levi Stadium.
