making a
marquee impact By brooke balzano
MARQUISE BROWN IS ON PACE to produce one of the best – if not the best – seasons by a Ravens’ wide receiver. With 70 catches entering Week 15, he’s averaging 72.2 receiving yards per game and has tallied a team-high-tying 6 touchdowns, positioning him to surpass the likes of Michael Jackson’s 1996 campaign (76 for 1,201) or Torrey Smith’s 2013 season (65 for 1,128). In an offense that has a multitude of weapons, Brown brings consistency and speed every time he steps on the field. He’s become a favorite target of Lamar Jackson, totaling 174 receptions for 2,219 yards and 21 touchdowns over his three-year career. But the homegrown receiver hasn’t had the easiest path to success. Since he was selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft, Brown has valiantly battled through injuries at times, but has still managed to play a key role in the offense. While the Hollywood, Fla., native has always been a go-to target for the
10 | 2021 BALTIMORE RAVENS GAMEDAY
MVP quarterback, Baltimore’s receiving corps added more weapons this past offseason with the acquisitions of Sammy Watkins and first-round draft pick Rashod Bateman. In what may appear to be a crowded wide receiver room, Brown’s reliability certainly stands out. His unique chemistry with Jackson, coupled with his lightning-fast speed, allows him to often sneak behind opposing secondaries as one of the league’s most consistent deep threats. In 2021, the Ravens’ offense not only acquired talent on the field, but off of it, too. The offseason additions of wide receivers coach Tee Martin (below with Brown) and pass game specialist Keith Williams have helped take the passing game to another level. “Those guys are amazing,” Brown stated. “They're pushing to get the best out of us each and every day on the field and in the classroom.” Brown and Martin’s relationship predated their Charm City connection. While coaching at USC, Martin recruited Brown to join his Trojans. Though his efforts were unfruitful – as Brown ultimately chose Oklahoma – Martin recognized early on the natural talent Brown possessed, specifically his deep-ball tracking ability.
