The Baltimore Ravens have cut their roster down to 53 men but the starting lineups and rotations are far from set and stone. This applies to multiple positions across the roster, one in particular coming at the wide receiver position.
This is how the wide receiving corps should look like when the season opens up on Sunday:
No. 1 | Torrey Smith |
No. 2 | Steve Smith Sr. |
No. 3 | Marlon Brown |
No. 4 | Jacoby Jones |
No. 5 | Michael Campanaro |
No. 6 | Deonte Thompson |
No. 7 | Kamar Aiken |
However, the order and group are subject to change in many aspects. The last three are all interchangeable and one of those guys may not even be on the roster come opening day.
We're going to talk about the third and fourth slot, in which Marlon Brown and Jacoby Jones occupy. Although it surely looks like the 6-foot-5 receiver, Brown, will grab the number three slot, who will really receive more snaps of the two?
It's an intriguing question to ask and one that we will delve into.
Why is it so intriguing? Well, Jones has made some huge plays for the Ravens over the last two years which are obviously highlighted by the big play he made in the divisional round of the 2012 playoffs against the Denver Broncos.
What scares opposing teams the most about Jones is his speed in kick returning abilities. However, he has made some huge plays in the passing game over the years, and has shown strides as a receiver.
There was obviously that big touchdown pass he caught at the end of the first half in Super Bowl XLVII against the San Francisco 49ers. There was also that time when he returned a kickoff 108 yards for a touchdown in a regular season game against the Dallas Cowboys. Oh, and did I mention that he also returned a kickoff 108 yards for a touchdown for a second time in his career. By the way, that play took place in the Super Bowl as well.
Yeah, he has made some pretty huge plays.
The eight-year veteran caught 37 passes for 455 yards in 2013, while playing just 12 games. That's compared to Marlon Brown's 49 receptions and 524 yards, but Brown participated in two more games than Jones.
Albeit, Brown did catch seven touchdown passes compared to Jones' two. However, if the Ravens are far away from the red zone and in need of a big play, don't be surprised if they look to Jones in those situations.
Both players are great talents. Jones is one of the best (if not the best) kick returners in the league and Brown proved last year that his imposing figure is a force to be reckoned with. The Georgia standout caught 49 passes in his rookie season last year, and he will only get better.
There's no question that Brown is the better receiver. But when it comes to who will receive more snaps, I'm not sure that Brown is entitled to that, solely due to Jones' big-play ability.
Will he be a bigger part in the Ravens every down offense? Probably. However, don't be surprised if Jones is featured in as many if not just a little less plays than Marlon Brown is.