Baltimore Ravens Marlon Humphrey Says DB Brandon Stephens is Playing at a 'Pro-Bowl Level!'
With the Baltimore Ravens being depleted with injuries in the early part of the season, they've needed players to step up in positions that they haven't been in before.
Among the players who have thrived is third-year defensive back Brandon Stephens. Stephens' play has been instrumental to the Ravens' success on defense and has stood out to veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey.
"I feel like Brandon Stephens is playing at a Pro Bowl level," Humphrey said. "For the years in the past, we all knew the ability that he had. It was showing in practice and it wasn't always showing in the games. This year he's really taking off."
Through five games, Stephens has 34 tackles, four passes defended and an interception that came on Oct. 1 against the Cleveland Browns, which was the first of his career. Stephens is tied for the team lead in passes defended with cornerback Ronald Darby and linebacker Roquan Smith.
Brandon Stephens (21) with his first career interception against the Cleveland Browns. Photo from David Richard.
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"To some, it might be a surprise but to the people internally, he was always coaches in that fashion," Humphrey said. "He was always talked about in high regard, so it's really good to see that showing up on the field day in and day out...Brandon Stephens is really high-level football."
Baltimore's (3-2) defense has been one of the best in the league to begin the season. They're third in points allowed per game (15), second in yards allowed per game (266.4) and second in sacks (18).
If Humphrey and safety Marcus Williams can continue to progress as they return from injuries, and Stephens continues to play at a high level, the Ravens' defense may reach another level.
The Ravens' defense will look to continue its strong start when they face the Tennessee Titans (2-3) on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET in London at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
