Cornerback Marlon Humphrey said he's not on social media as much as he used to be, but he's not deaf to the online criticism of Ravens first-year Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr.
Last year's defense that finished atop the league in points allowed per game (16.5) lost three coaches, including coordinator Mike Macdonald to Seattle, and it hasn't been smooth sailing yet this season.
The Ravens defense took a step forward in Sunday's win, holding the Denver Broncos to just 10 points, but Baltimore is still ranked last in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (280.9) and 23rd in points (24.3).
Humphrey said it has been the players' fault – not coaches – for the breakdowns, particularly in the secondary.
"For me as a player knowing what's going on, I hate seeing coaches get under scrutiny when it's the players' fault," Humphrey said. "If I felt that this ain't being coached this way right, this ain't being this, this ain't being this, it's a little different. But it really sucks when the product we're putting out there isn't what we're being coached, isn't what we're practicing, and that's kind of what hurts me.
"Some of the plays I've given up, is that the coach's fault, or did we practice it this week, and then I got in the game, and I didn't play it exactly how it was supposed to be, and it results in a big play? That is the NFL … but I hate that just because, when it's your fault sometimes, while somebody's getting scrutinized, that's never a good thing."
Senior Advisor Dean Pees, who was brought back on Oct. 9 to help, was Humphrey's coordinator during his rookie season. Humphrey shared a story about Pees being tough on him calling him up to his office to review his tape versus the veterans' and said it's surreal to be coached by him once again.
"I think Pees coming in has been a really good help for us," Humphrey said. "I think the knowledge he has there, and then being that Zach was already communicating with him throughout the season, it's been really good. … I've really felt like over the past week or so, he's really kind of started to help out a little bit more."
Lamar Jackson Didn't Run Because He Didn't Have To
Lamar Jackson rushed for only four yards against the Broncos, the second-fewest yards he's ever run for since becoming a starter.
He didn't have a designed run for just the fourth time in his career, per Next Gen Stats. There was what looked to be an option play that went awry, and Jackson once scrambled from pressure to pick up 11 yards.
Considering that Jackson missed two practices last week with what was listed as knee/back injuries, he was asked Monday whether that played a part in him running less.
"I just didn't feel like I had to [run]," Jackson said. "Things were working in our favor. Guys were getting open, guys were catching the ball, line was protecting."
Keaton Mitchell 'Has a Chance' to Face Bengals
Ravens running back Keaton Mitchell (knee) was a full practice participant all last week and was estimated to be so again Monday.
The Ravens still have until next Tuesday to bring Mitchell off injured reserve, but Head Coach John Harbaugh said there's a chance that Mitchell could be activated for Thursday night's game.
Baltimore would have to clear a 53-man roster spot, but even with numbers tight, Harbaugh said the Ravens will make room for Mitchell when he's ready to make his debut.
"When he's ready to go and compete and protect himself and all those different things, I promise you, he'll definitely be out there," Harbaugh said.
Marcus Williams Had an 'Excellent Game' in Return
Safety Marcus Williams was back in the starting lineup Sunday against the Broncos and didn't waste any time making his impact felt.
Williams ran the alley to make an impressive tackle for nearly no gain on Denver's first offensive play of the game, helping to set the tone early. Williams played 88% of the defensive snaps and got his second-highest Pro Football Focus grade (65) of the season.
"Marcus had an excellent game," Harbaugh said. "He started off the game, came right out of there, the deep half and had to hit right in the line of scrimmage, a great tackle play and numerous other really good plays throughout the game was in great position, discouraged a lot of throws downfield because of where he was at numerous times."
Safety Eddie Jackson was a healthy scratch for the game, but Harbaugh said that was just a numbers game. The Ravens needed extra defensive linemen considering the injuries and that Travis Jones is dealing with an ankle injury. Jones had just one special teams snap.
