The Baltimore Ravensentered the season believing they had one of the NFL's most talented secondaries... And they do. Week 1 offered an encouraging glimpse of why that confidence exists.
While much of the attention after Baltimore's 41-23 win over the Indianapolis Colts focused on Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and a defense that forced two turnovers, Nate Wiggins quietly delivered one of the stronger performances on the roster. The young cornerback wasn't targeted often, which can sometimes be the highest compliment a defensive back can receive.
For veteran cornerback Marlon Humphrey, the performance wasn't surprising. Speaking with reporters on Wednesday, the veteran pointed to Wiggins' growth and understanding of the game as reasons for his continued
development.
" I think this is kind of that third year, the year when the game is really slowing down for him. He did not get too many targets, but just on the tape he was all over his guy the whole time. So, it is really good to see him flourishing in that third year."
That observation reflects something coaches and teammates often look for beyond statistics. Cornerbacks can play outstanding football without producing interceptions or filling the box score. Staying attached to receivers, maintaining leverage, and consistently disrupting routes can discourage quarterbacks from throwing in a defender's direction altogether.
Wiggins appeared to do exactly that against the Colts in Week 1. The Ravens have never questioned his physical tools. His speed, length, and recovery ability were evident long before he arrived in Baltimore. The next step has always been turning those traits into consistent production against NFL competition. According to Humphrey, that process is happening. Wiggins says he's the healthiest he'sbeen since high school.
Baltimore's secondary already features proven playmakers in Humphrey, Kyle Hamilton, and Malaki Starks. If Wiggins builds on his Week 1 performance, the Ravens could become even harder to attack through the air.
That possibility becomes especially important heading into Sunday's matchup against theNew Orleans Saints. Chris Olave enters Week 2 as the NFL's leading receiver after posting 182 yards in the season opener, giving Baltimore's cornerbacks an immediate challenge.
The Ravens don't need Wiggins to suddenly become a headline-grabbing star every week, though he may do that anyway. What Baltimore does need is for him to keep doing what he did against Indianapolis: stay connected in coverage, make quarterbacks think twice about testing him, and let Baltimore's defense function as a complete unit.
If Week 1 was any indication, Humphrey believes Wiggins is moving in the right direction. And for a secondary with championship aspirations, that may be one of the most important developments from the opening weekend. What's encouraging is that this Ravens team is still learning and adjusting. They may only be scratching the surface of how good they can become.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Marlon Humphrey praises Nate Wiggins after a shutdown performance
