Marlon Brown showed last season that he's a valuable weapon to have in the red zone.
He also showed in last week's preseason victory over the Cowboys that he's not afraid to stick his nose in the pile and make a tackle on special teams. As a gunner on punt coverage, Brown broke free from blockers and delivered a perfect form tackle on returner B.W. Webb.
"Marlon has done a great job on special teams, and he did have a big tackle," Head Coach John Harbaugh said.
NOTE: Brown will be mic'd up for this weekend's game against the Redskins, and we will feature that Wired segment next week.
Brown caught people by surprise last year with an impressive rookie campaign as an undrafted prospect, snagging a franchise-record seven touchdown passes. He will likely be an important piece of the offense again this season, but his contributions could be tougher to come by considering the increased depth at receiver.
The addition of veteran Steve Smith Sr. and return of tight end Dennis Pitta gives the Ravens a crowded lineup of pass catchers, and Brown is showing the coaching staff that he can also contribute on special teams if his offensive snaps get trimmed.
"I'm very coachable," Brown said. "I don't mind it. That's my job. At the end of the day if the coach tells me to go out there, then I'm going to go out there and do it. Whether it's blocking or defending a punt. I'm just going to be really coachable and do what I'm told."
Playing special teams is relatively new for Brown.
He worked on various special-teams units during last year's training camp and preseason, but then wide receiver Jacoby Jones went down with an injury in Week 1. Suddenly Brown was the team's No. 2 receiver and he wasn't used much on special teams anymore.
He ended up starting 12 games, catching 49 passes for 524 yards and seven touchdowns.
"Last year is over and all the things I did last year don't really matter. I'm just trying to focus on today and getting better today," Brown said. "I have the same mindset as I did last year, but I'm just trying to go in and every time a ball is thrown my way I'm trying to make a big play."
In addition to seeing time on special teams, Brown is also expected to share snaps with Jones as the team's third wideout between Torrey Smith and Steve Smith. Brown has proven himself as a playmaker, and his focus this year is to be reliable wherever the team needs him.
"It's all about being consistent," he said. "That's the thing with me. I'm trying to be as consistent as possible because I love playing football and I love making plays for my team."
