Ravens News 10/16: Peters trade, power rankings and more

Ravens Trade for Pro Bowl Cornerback Marcus Peters - Clifton Brown

Since he came into the league in 2015, Peters has more interceptions (24) than any other NFL player, eight more than the next closest player. Peters has returned four of those interceptions for touchdowns, and he also has 208 tackles, six forced fumbles and six fumble recoveries, including one that he returned for a touchdown. Peters has two interceptions and a touchdown so far this season.

Baltimore Ravens acquire Marcus Peters: 5 thoughts on the deal and what it means - Aaron Kasinitz

2) Defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale has some tinkering to do

Peters figures to fit well with the Ravens’ schemes and thrive playing a physical style of man coverage. But how will the rest of the defensive backfield shake out around him?

Humphrey’s played well at the other outside cornerback spot and Smith could return from his knee injury soon (though it’s unlikely he’ll play against the Seahawks on Sunday). Then there’s Carr, who has spent much of his time covering slot receivers this season with Tavon Young sidelined.

Carr also played some at safety during training camp, and the Ravens could find a role for him there with Tony Jefferson and DeShon Elliott on injured reserve.

All this leaves defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale with tremendous flexibility to match up against different opponents, a roster trait the Ravens covet.

Grading the Marcus Peters trade: No-brainer for Ravens is head-scratcher for Rams - Steven Ruiz

Before the Rams dealt him to Baltimore, he had graded out as the 14th-best corner in 2019, according to Pro Football Focus. Now, nobody is going to confuse him for a prime Darrelle Revis, but the former Pro Bowler can still mirror receivers in man coverage and execute basic zone assignments while still looking to create those turnovers that made him one of the best defenders in football during his time in Kansas City.

But even if Peters is an epic disaster, this trade cost the Ravens nothing. Kenny Young is an uninteresting linebacker prospect who had been a healthy scratch in the Ravens’ last two games. And the impact on Baltimore’s cap is negligible. Peters will count $5.9 million against the cap this season before his contract expires, at which point, the Ravens will likely let him walk in order to help their compensatory pick formula. With Peters likely in line for a big contract, Baltimore could end up getting a third-round pick back for Peters in the end. That, and a half-season of Peters, is worth dealing a backup linebacker.

Week 7 NFL Power Rankings: 1-32 poll, plus every team’s biggest weakness - Jamison Hensley

9. Baltimore Ravens

Week 6 ranking: 11

Biggest weakness: Pass rush

The Ravens have 11 sacks through six games and are on pace for their second-lowest sack total over the past two decades. Only Matthew Judon (four sacks) is getting consistent pressure. To make matters worse, two of Baltimore’s biggest free-agent departures -- Terrell Suggs and Za’Darius Smith -- have nearly matched Baltimore’s sack total, combining for nine. The lack of sacks is a big reason for Baltimore’s No. 25 ranking in pass defense.

NFL Power Rankings Poll Week 7: Unbeaten 49ers at the Top; Eagles, Rams, Cowboys Sliding - MMQB

9. BALTIMORE RAVENS

Previous rank: 15

A historic week for Lamar Jackson and another win for the Ravens against a team they should beat leaves them at the top of the heap in the AFC North with room to spare after the Browns lost to Baltimore’s next opponent—Seattle.