Marlon Brown becoming a Ravens target on third down

A lot of folks were wondering why Marlon Brown hadn't been used that much for the first two-thirds of the season.

Perhaps offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak couldn't figure out how to ease him into the new system he brought over from Houston. However, in the past two weeks, it's clear there's a role for Brown and one he's done a fine job at. He's been a third down specialist, coming through with some key plays in third down situations.

Two weeks ago against the Chargers, Brown caught three passes for 25 yards before sustaining a concussion that left him out the remainder of the game. Two of his three receptions were on third down, with the second one when he sustained the injury. But before exiting the game on that play, he was able to go up and grab what was a pretty tough catch to move the chains.

Against the Dolphins on Sunday it was more of the same. He had three catches for 30 yards, with two coming on third down on a drive that resulted in Baltimore's second touchdown of the game. In fact, his 14-yard reception over the middle was the play before Joe Flacco hit Kamar Aiken for a score.

Brown hasn't been the factor many thought he'd be this season, especially after going for 524 yards and seven touchdowns in 2013. But maybe Brown, who has 162 yards and zero touchdowns this year, is beginning to carve out a role in this new offense the more he gets used to it. And if he can help the Ravens move the sticks on third downs, the Ravens will gladly continue to put him on the field.