Baltimore Ravens: Midseason Grades for Every Player
Wide Receivers
Oct 26, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith (89) is tackled by Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Leon Hall (29) during the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Steve Smith – A
Anybody who claims to have predicted Steve Smith finding the fountain of youth is a liar. His renaissance has been a completely unexpected and welcome surprise.
Everyone knew Smith could catch the football and scowl at opponents, but nobody could have predicted how explosive he would be in doing it. He has looked remarkably fast and physical, both breaking tackles and running away from them. His 6.6 YAC (yards after catch) average is a remarkable number showing how explosive has really has been.
Torrey Smith – D
There is no way around it, Torrey Smith has been bad this year. He has not created separation on deep routes, he hasn’t won jump ball battles and he is not on the same page with Joe Flacco at all.
I wrote an article weeks ago about how Torrey Smith’s struggles were his own fault. That’s still true. The stat that illustrates those struggles best: Joe Flacco is completing just 42.9 perecent of his throws to Torrey. That’s a huge problem to have a receiver that inefficient. Torrey needs to get it together, or this could be his last season in Baltimore.
Jacoby Jones – F
The only bigger disappointment in the Ravens’ receiving corps than Torrey Smith has been Jacoby Jones, who has gotten benched in two different roles this season. Jones has caught just four of his thirteen targets this season and has lost two fumbles. Those numbers are indicative of just how bad he has been this season, and now, Jones has been reduced to handling only kick returns.
Marlon Brown – C-
After a productive rookie season, expectations were high for the second-year Marlon Brown. Those expectations have not been met, as Brown has struggled through injuries and a lack of playing time. Brown has actually received the third most reps on the team at receiver, yet he has just five receptions this year.
The chemistry that Flacco and Brown had developed last season has seemingly vanished, and Brown is now on the outside looking in for a role in this receiving corps.
Kamar Aiken – B+
Kamar Aiken has some work to do to become a difference maker, but the young receiver has been a pleasant surprise in becoming a contributor. The second-year receiver has managed 11 catches this year, third most among Ravens receivers. Aiken has shown the ability to make some tough catches, which is a plus with his size-speed ratio already being excellent.
From a healthy scratch to start the season to the Ravens’ leading wide receiver in Week 8, Michael Campanaro’s story has been one of growth. Remarkably, the rookie has caught all six of his targets for 85 yards, including an incredible touchdown in his first action in Week 6.
Campanaro seems to have sticky hands and great explosion out of his cuts, and his role should only increase as he gets more experience.