The Baltimore Ravens, historically known for their dominant defense, have faced criticism regarding their recent defensive performance, particularly concerning cornerback Marlon Humphrey’s 2025 campaign. Hall of Fame cornerback Rod Woodson, appearing as a guest on the Ravens Flock podcast, pointed to the former coaching staff’s schemes as a key factor behind Humphrey’s struggles, emphasizing that changes in Humphrey’s technique contributed to his downturn.
Woodson remarked,
“I know this past year they went back to the old school way of playing him on the low hip, which I’m not a fan of. We got quite a few deep balls thrown against us because of that. … I think Humphrey has a lot still left in his tank; I just think asking him to play on the low hip put him in a bad spot. Especially when you don’t have the same foot speed as you had four or five years ago. … That’s a defensive coaching adjustment. A technical adjustment.”
?Rod Woodson, Hall of Fame Cornerback
Analysis of Humphrey’s 2025 Defensive Performance Decline
Humphrey experienced his most challenging season statistically in 2025. He allowed a career-high 64.6% of targets to be completed against him, yielding 920 receiving yards, which is 255 yards more than his previous peak. Additionally, Humphrey missed 11 tackles over the course of the year. Woodson directly attributes these declines to the guidance provided by former defensive coordinator Zach Orr and his coaching team.
With an extensive background as a player and coach, including 13 years primarily coaching defensive backs, Woodson brings a detailed understanding of defensive techniques. His perspective stresses that strategic adjustments in technique can significantly affect a player’s effectiveness.
Challenges in Coverage Style and Physical Limitations
Humphrey’s career has been largely defined by his proficiency in man coverage, a demanding role requiring exceptional speed and agility to shadow opposing receivers successfully. Over time and after logging over 7,375 defensive snaps, Humphrey’s foot speed has diminished, presenting challenges in keeping pace with faster wideouts. Despite these difficulties, he produced four interceptions last season, illustrating his ongoing ability to make impactful plays despite physical limitations.
Woodson’s observation about Humphrey’s reduced speed explains why positioning changes, such as playing “on the low hip,” placed the veteran cornerback at a disadvantage, causing greater vulnerability to deep passes and coverage breakdowns.
Potential Advantages Under New Defensive Leadership
With Jesse Minter stepping in as the Ravens’ new head defensive coach, there are signs that Humphrey’s situation may improve. Minter employs a defensive philosophy that emphasizes teaching and clear communication, ensuring players not only know their assignments but also receive guidance on positioning to maximize their effectiveness. This approach may better suit Humphrey’s current abilities.
The shift towards a zone defense in the secondary, favored by Minter, means cornerbacks like Humphrey won’t be required to cover receivers over long distances without support. This system reduces the burden on Humphrey’s declining speed and limits his exposure to chasing receivers deep downfield.
Minter’s frequent use of five players on the defensive line coupled with aggressive blitzing aims to pressure quarterbacks into hurried throws. Humphrey’s ball-hawking skills could be especially useful in this scheme, where forcing turnovers during rushed plays is a key goal. Additionally, covering less ground should help Humphrey reduce missed tackles.
Humphrey’s Contract and Role on the Team Moving Forward
Despite Humphrey’s rough 2025 season, his future with the Baltimore Ravens appears secure. Contract considerations factor significantly into this outlook. With one year remaining before the team can opt to void the rest of his contract, Humphrey’s current $19.25 million salary is manageable in relation to his proven performance and potential rebound.
As he approaches 30 and enters a contract year, this phase could define whether he secures a final long-term deal, contingent on reclaiming the level of play that made him a four-time Pro Bowl selection. Rumors of former head coach John Harbaugh potentially recruiting Humphrey to a new team add complexity, but the Ravens’ investment and the veteran’s experience position him well to remain a key defensive contributor.
Hall of Fame CB Rod Woodson on Marlon Humphrey's future and a conscious Ravens defensive coaching decision that was made in 2025:
"I know this past year they went back to the old school way of playing him on the low hip, which I'm not a fan of. We got quite a few deep balls… pic.twitter.com/BXOCSlieIX
— Bobby Trosset (@bobbybaltim0re) February 9, 2026
Marlon Humphrey with a HUGE play to rip the ball out of Breece Hall’s hands to force a MASSIVE turnover pic.twitter.com/6hbWX01FWg
— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) November 23, 2025
One of the most impressive plays by Chargers defense in the 4th quarter.
Look at the pursuit of Troy Dye and how much ground he covers to force Bo Nix out of bounds on a scramble. pic.twitter.com/EMBcSBzncZ
— Jake Hefner (@JakeTHefner) September 23, 2025
