Big things were expected of wide receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown in 2020, but the Baltimore Ravens’ 2019 first-round pick has been less than stellar thus far.
Brown burst onto to the scene in his first NFL game, torching the Miami Dolphins for 147 yards and two touchdowns, including an 83-yard score, in a 59-10 Baltimore romp that opened the 2019 season. However, he played his entire rookie season with a screw in his foot, as a result of Lisfranc surgery one year earlier. The injury hampered him throughout the season, limiting his practice time and causing him to miss two games.
He finished 2019 with just 46 catches for 584 yards, but the flashes were there as he scored seven touchdowns. The screw was removed during this past offseason and all systems were go for 2020.
Related: If you’re a fan of the Ravens, check out #RavensFlock rumors, rankings, and news here.
Social media was ablaze in the offseason, as Brown posted several video clips of his workouts, showcasing his health and a stronger physique which was expected to lead to a breakout campaign. Add those facts to his blazing speed and Brown entered 2020 with big expectations.
Hollywood’s been in the lab ? ⚡
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) May 14, 2020
(via @Primetime_jet /Instagram) pic.twitter.com/AUtcMqvaEK
Instead, Brown has struggled to get open and has posted disappointing numbers.
Hollywood Brown’s OFF-BROADWAY 2020 stats
• 32 receptions for just 431 yards through 10 games
• Two touchdown receptions in 2020
• Ranked 53rd in the NFL in receptions of 10 yards or more
• Just one 100-plus yard receiving game in 2020
Former Raven receiving great Qadry Ismail, now an analyst for WJZ TV in Baltimore, has been critical of Brown’s rout running.
“Simply put… that was a poor rout,” tweeted Ismail during the Ravens 23-17 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 10. “Gotta do better on a double move… #1 WR make plays like that!”
Later in the contest, Ismail grew even more critical.
“Gotta be way more aggressive at the point of attack! Then use a strong acceleration to stack on top of the defender… and make the catch… Mother Of Pearl!!!”
Making matters worse for Brown was a tweet he posted after having just two targets and one catch in a 28-24 loss to Pittsburgh in Week 8, the start of a streak in which the Ravens have lost three of four.
The tweet has since been deleted.
Brown’s production has been even more lacking of late, prompting Ken Weinman, co-host of Inside Access on 105.7 The Fan radio in Baltimore to say, on Monday, “Hollywood Brown, he’s on a milk carton somewhere.”
Marquise Brown stats past four games
Week 11 vs. Tennessee: 3 Targets, 0 Receptions, 0 Yards, 0 TD
Week 10 vs New England: 7 Targets, 2 Receptions, 14 Yards, 0 TD
Week 9 vs. Indianapolis: 5 Targets, 3 Receptions, 38 Yards, 0 TD
Week 8 vs. Pittsburgh: 2 Targets, 1 Reception, 3 Yards, 1 TD
Totals: 17 Targets, 6 Receptions, 55 Yards, 1 TD
Baltimore is not ready to give up yet on its former No. 1 pick, but the team knows it needs more production from him.
Related: Ravens think Marquise Brown will ‘become a feared front-line receiver’
“We want (Marquise) to be a big part of the offense ,” said Ravens’ head coach John Harbaugh in his Monday press conference. “we have to find ways to get that done. he’s playing very hard.We just have to get that done. lamar and hollywood have to get that done, and we as coaches have to get that done. That’s too important for us. Those are big plays to be had.”
The time is now for Hollywood Brown to step up.