Ravens’ 2022 season-in-review: Cornerbacks
Though it’s very arguable that they were led by their linebacker corps in 2022, the Baltimore Ravens defense was bolstered by solid play in their secondary all season. When it came to their cornerback room it was a bit of a mixed bag with players such as Marlon Humphrey playing phenomenal football while Marcus Peters struggled in an up-and-down year.
In terms of raw production, Baltimore’s cornerbacks weren’t particularly impressive on the stat sheet. Humphrey and Peters accounted for just four combined interceptions on the year, which paled in comparison to the efforts of even the Ravens’ linebackers, who managed to come down with six between five players.
Safety Marcus Williams also went toe-to-toe with the cornerback group, equalling their season total by himself as he patrolled the back end of the Ravens’ secondary.
However, Baltimore’s cornerbacks proved to be a force to reckon with when they were tackling ballcarriers, forcing three fumbles and recovering four total on the season.
The unit also led the team in passes defensed, with Humphrey and Peters combining for 13 total over the course of the year while also being helped by second-year pro Brandon Stephens who had seven, which tied for second place on the team. Others at the position who recorded passes defensed were Pepe Williams, Daryl Worley, and Jalyn Armour-Davis who managed five between them.
Outside of their core group, the Ravens didn’t see much production from the lower tiers of the depth chart at the cornerback position. Veteran Kyle Fuller saw his season cut short in Week 1, while Kevon Seymour was in-and-out of the lineup.
As Peters will enter next season at 30 years old, it may not be the worst time for Baltimore to consider investing in another stud cornerback in the offseason. The stats paint a picture of a team that relied on two cornerbacks for the bulk of their production at the position in 2022 and in the new age pass-first NFL, that might not be a recipe for success moving forward.
If they can find a player in the draft or free agency that they think could produce but wouldn’t necessitate that they use a high pick or fork over too much guaranteed money, expect the Ravens to possibly explore their options at the position.
