Steve Smith confident in Marlon Brown for the upcoming season

Ravens receiver Marlon Brown had a bit of a sophomore slump as his numbers dipped considerably from his rookie season.

As a rookie in 2013, Brown caught 49 passes for 524 yards and seven touchdowns — the latter tying Torrey Smith's franchise rookie record. In 2014, these numbers fell to 24 catches and 255 yards without a touchdown.

Steve Smith, appearing on SiriusXM Radio on Wednesday, had an explanation for this.

"A guy came in named Steve Smith Sr.," he said, via BaltimoreRavens.com.

Steve Smith put a dent in everyone's production, including Torrey Smith, who signed a new contract with the 49ers on Wednesday. Steve Smith led the Ravens in receiving with 1,065 yards and six touchdowns.

That said, Steve Smith believes Brown can get back into the form he displayed as a rookie. Steve Smith said that with his arrival, Brown's role was changed a bit. However, now that Torrey Smith and Jacoby Jones are gone, the need for other receivers to step up is prevalent.

"I think that [Brown] will show you this year that he is a guy that has improved and continues to make strides," Steve Smith said. "He really just got caught in a situation of bringing in some new acquisitions, but he's a guy that I think is going to get a lot more playing time."