Ravens MVP of the week: Marlon Humphrey

The Baltimore Ravens kept their playoff hopes alive with a win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Baltimore’s top ranked defense shut down the Buccaneers number one passing offense, only allowing 156 yards through the air. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey had another standout performance on Sunday, further solidifying his position as the team’s top corner.

Dealing with a nagging groin injury in recent weeks, Humphrey’s status against Tampa Bay was questionable before Sunday. Thankfully, he was able to play and delivered the best performance of his young career.

Humphrey finished the game with four passes defensed and an interception, although his first highlight of the day was a tackle for loss. On 1st-and-10, Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston threw to running back Ronald Jones II in the flat, who was immediately blasted by Humphrey for a one-yard loss.

Just two plays later on 3rd-and-8, Winston’s pass to tight end Cameron Brate fell incomplete when Humphrey delivered a crushing hit to upend Brate and knock the ball loose.

Humphrey’s interception came at a critical point in the game. With the Ravens leading by eight with 13:26 left in the game, Winston’s pass to wide receiver Mike Evans was intercepted by Humphrey. This was Humphrey’s first interception of the season and only the seventh of the year for the defense.

Humphrey’s most important play came later in the game, however. On 4th-and-4 with 7:12 left to play, Winston’s pass to wide receiver Chris Godwin was broken up by Humphrey at the sticks. This was the last time the Buccaneers possessed the ball as Baltimore ran the clock down and escaped with a 20-12 victory. According to Pro Football Focus, Humphrey allowed two passes for just 13 yards all game.