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Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey didn't mince words when discussing his upcoming assignment against Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Humphrey expressed a lighthearted wish to see less of Chase on the field.
"It would be cool if I didn't match up with him so much," Humphrey said, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. He quickly acknowledged Chase's elite status, calling him "obviously one of the best in the game" and noting that teammate Tee Higgins is also among the top 10 receivers in the league. Humphrey emphasized the challenge of containing such playmakers, stating, "There will be plays made, I think the biggest thing going into this matchup is to try to win more than they win and try to limit the explosives." He added that guarding top-tier talents requires a team-wide effort: "It's an all-hands-on-deck game. We look forward to the challenge. I think it'll be a great opportunity."
Humphrey and Chase have squared off in nine career games, with Chase totaling 77 receptions for 1,245 yards and eight touchdowns in those matchups. While they haven't been locked up on every snap, Chase has remained productive when Humphrey is in coverage. According to Pro Football Focus, Chase has caught 16 of 23 targets for 357 yards and two touchdowns in their eight regular-season meetings, and Bengals quarterbacks have earned a 104.9 passer rating when targeting Chase against Humphrey. Humphrey does have two interceptions in those one-on-one situations, but Chase has largely had the upper hand.
This season, Humphrey has recorded 22 tackles, five passes defended, and a forced fumble. Chase, meanwhile, has hauled in 27 receptions for 289 yards and four touchdowns in five games. The Ravens enter Week 7 with a 4-2 record, while the Bengals are 3-2. Kickoff is set for Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
Key Analysis
Humphrey's candid comments highlight the respect—and perhaps a bit of apprehension—that comes with covering an elite receiver like Chase. The statistical trends suggest Chase has typically gotten the better of Humphrey, making this a critical matchup to watch. With both teams jockeying for position in the AFC North, how well Humphrey and the Ravens' secondary contain Chase could go a long way in determining the outcome.
Originally reported by bleacherreport.