Mink: There's been a flurry of trades for wide receivers already, with the Jets landing Davante Adams, Bills getting Amari Cooper, and Chiefs (reportedly) acquiring DeAndre Hopkins. That, not surprisingly, has led to Ravens fans wondering if their team will enter the arms race.
The Rams have reportedly put Cooper Kupp on the trade block and there continues to be media/fan buzz around Baltimore and Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton, but I don't see either of those moves happening. The Ravens have a great thing going at wide receiver right now with Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman. Sure, another proven piece could give them even more firepower with a third option, but Baltimore already has other very strong options with Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, who are basically big slots.
I think a defensive addition is more likely, but I don't see Baltimore spending big resources to get one. I have heard zero buzz about safeties being on the market. So long as Marlon Humphrey's knee injury isn't serious, which it doesn't seem to be, they are not disrupting their top three corners of Humphrey, Brandon Stephens, and Nate Wiggins.
The Ravens' pass rush hasn't been as productive in recent weeks, and it makes me wonder whether General Manger Eric DeCosta could look to add some juice to that unit, which would help the secondary. But Baltimore already brought in Yannick Ngakoue to help.
The short answer is I don't see an obvious personnel upgrade for this team right now. Even though I'm sure DeCosta will turn over every stone, I'm not as sure that a trade actually happens.
Mink: One name that is floating around is bringing back Jadeveon Clowney, who had just a $1.2 million base salary this season for the Carolina Panthers. The Ravens obviously know what he brings to the table, and he could be a plug-and-play boost. Clowney is currently dealing with a shoulder injury, however.
According to Cleveland Browns reporter Brad Stainbrook, the Ravens are also one of a handful of teams that have reached out to the Cleveland Browns about Za'Darius Smith. This would be another reunion, and Smith is off to a hot start this season with four sacks in seven games.
There has been plenty of salivating amongst Ravens fans about the thought of adding Raiders dynamo Maxx Crosby, but with a $24.5 million cap hit, the Raiders would have to eat a lot of that salary to make a deal happen. Plus, Raiders Owner Mark Davis shut down trade talks and Crosby has made it clear he doesn’t want to go anywhere.
Teams are reportedly “fishing” for star Browns pass rusher Myles Garrett. While it would be great if he were traded before the Ravens head to Cleveland this weekend, it's highly doubtful the Browns would send him to a division rival.
Brown: That's a question Orr will be asked until the Ravens' pass defense improves, not just in the fourth quarter, but overall.
The Ravens enter Week 8 ranked last in the NFL in pass defense giving up 287.1 yards per game. Nobody expected that, and it's a cause for concern despite their five-game winning streak. The main issues include consistently allowing passes to be completed in the middle of the field, busted coverages, and missed tackles after the catch.
Baltimore has also faced some top tier quarterbacks through seven weeks, including Patrick Mahomes, Dak Prescott, Joe Burrow, Josh Allen, Jayden Daniels, and Baker Mayfield. Those guys are difficult to defend regardless of what you scheme up.
Arthur Maulet has joined the 53-man roster, and his coverage skills and tenacity will strengthen the nickel corner position. Perhaps Maulet's return will impact Kyle Hamilton's role and allow him to be even more versatile.
It will be an ongoing group effort between the players and coaches to tighten things up. But I believe in the Ravens' talent, and I believe in Orr and the coaching staff. Orr's been part of Baltimore's success as a defensive assistant before becoming coordinator. Historically, the Ravens play better as the season progresses. I expect that to happen with their defense.
Brown: We should find out more from Head Coach John Harbaugh after Wednesday's practice, when I'm sure he'll be asked about Humphrey.
However, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Humphrey's knee injury isn't serious.
Humphrey is having a splendid year with four interceptions, and his takeaways have been crucial. The Ravens likely don't beat the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5 without Humphrey's fourth-quarter interception. His first of two interceptions against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Monday night changed the game's momentum, and he made a brilliant read to make the play.
Humphrey could make a case as the team's most valuable defensive player this season. The sooner he returns, the better for the Ravens.
