The Baltimore Ravens’ All-Pro Kyle Hamilton receives the majority of the attention when it comes to safeties, but head coach John Harbaugh thinks Marcus Williams is about to have a breakout season.
One day after Williams recorded five solo tackles in Baltimore’s 41-38 overtime victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5, Harbaugh spoke with media on Monday, October 7.
According to Williams’ manager, “he’s on the verge of breaking out.” According to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, “I fully expect him to come up with some big plays for us very soon.”
Harbaugh said that Marcus Williams is working hard and making a lot of good tackles. "I think he's on the verge of breaking out. I fully expect him to come up with some big plays for us very soon."
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) October 7, 2024
That is high regard for an experienced defensive back who has had difficulty staying fit and performing consistently on the field since joining from the New Orleans Saints in 2022 during free agency.
For the Ravens, Williams returning to the level that made him one of the top free safety in the NFL while he was with the Saints would be a welcome lift. In 2024, it will be difficult for a defense that was formidable enough to dominate the league charts in multiple categories the previous season to stay at that level.
Marcus Williams Needs to Step Up
A team that seeks to apply pressure in as many ways as the Ravens must have a capable presence along the last line of defense. Williams applauded the promotion of first-year defensive coordinator Zach Orr this offseason. Orr takes chances up front, which puts more of the load on the secondary to handle one-on-one matchups.
Williams can give underneath coverage defenders an additional degree of protection. Regardless, that is the theory. It’s also what the 28-year-old did during his greatest years in New Orleans, where Williams nabbed 15 interceptions and broke up 38 passes.
Despite intercepting four passes in his first season at M&T Bank Stadium, he hasn’t been nearly as successful while wearing the Ravens uniform. The primary issue has been injuries. Williams’ wrist issue put him on injured reserve in 2022, and last season, a torn pec cost the natural ball hawk six more games.
Williams has been the focal point of a number of the Ravens’ secondary’s numerous coverage blunders this season, despite being well enough to start every game thus far.
Ravens Being Dissected Through the Sky
When Ja’Marr Chase scorched the Ravens for a big score in Cincinnati, Williams miscalculated. Theo Ash of Pro Football Network noted that a mix of routes run by wide receiver Chase and teammate Andrei Iosivas turned around No. 32.
The little shake in the middle of the route is so brilliant pic.twitter.com/KZoeqefZ6I
— Theo Ash (@TheoAshNFL) October 6, 2024
Williams was judged inadequate in deep coverage on other occasions as well. To further circumvent Orr’s defense, Iosivas outran him to the catch point for another lengthy completion.
Burrow DEEP to Iosivas!
📺: #BALvsCIN on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/ZMmXqSep76— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2024
Through five games, the Ravens have given up the second-most throws of 20 yards or more in the NFL with 23. On the back end, there’s a deficiency in range, which Williams is meant to supply.
While Harbaugh seems happy to wait for Williams to develop to the proper level, the player’s difficulties cast doubt on one summer decision. especially the choice to let third safety Geno Stone to sign a free agent contract and join the Bengals.
Stone’s knack for the big play is being missed, as he led the defense with seven interceptions in the previous season. The Ravens signed Eddie Jackson as a notable replacement, but the former Pro Bowler for the Chicago Bears hasn’t met the grade.
It implies that Williams is under increased pressure to prove that Harbaugh was right when he said what he said.
