The Ravens’ defense is turning over a new leaf.
After generating just four takeaways — the second fewest in the league — in the first seven games, the Ravens nearly doubled that figure Thursday night. Two fumbles and one interception helped pave the way for a 28-6 win over the Dolphins.
First, it was Alohi Gilman. Then it was Marlon Humphrey. Then it was Malaki Starks.
Gilman and Humphrey both have double-digit takeaways under their belt. But for Starks, his first career interception was a payoff of rarely taking a snap off.
With Baltimore leading 28-6 in the fourth quarter, Starks snatched the ball on a heave by Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Starks tracked the pass, leaped up in the air, and secured the catch to slam the door shut on any hope of a Dolphins comeback.
Starks had six interceptions wearing Georgia’s colors in college. Now he has his first wearing purple and black.
“It’s special. That’s the goal, is to always to get one,” Starks said. “We had a bunch of turnovers tonight. We really did. I think the defense showed out and showed who we could be.”