Interceptions Are A 'Natural Instinct' For Baltimore Ravens' Geno Stone

Baltimore Ravens safety Geno Stone has become an interception machine this season and is looking to make history.

Baltimore Ravens safety Geno Stone is looking to make history this season after seemingly turning into an interception machine overnight. 

What caused the 24-year-old safety to become such a ball hawk this season after recording just one interception in his first 34 games?

"I actually think playing baseball growing up helped me a lot," Stone said. "I played centerfield, that was my favorite sport. It's just me reacting to the ball coming out of the quarterback's release from his hand, just like I used to read the ball off the bat. It just seems like a natural instinct."

This season, Stone has recorded a career-high six interceptions through nine games. He leads the NFL in interceptions, with New Orleans Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo and Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland tied for second with four. 

Geno Stone recorded his sixth interception in a 37-3 win over the Seahawks.  / USA Today Sports

With eight games left to play, Stone could challenge the single-season franchise record for most interceptions. The mark was set by Ravens legend and Hall-of-Famer Ed Reed, who had nine interceptions in 2004. He then tied his own record four years later in 2008. 

Now, Stone is well on pace to break Reed's record and needs just three more interceptions to tie the franchise record. Not only has he been an interception machine, but he has also just been really good at safety. 

PFF has Stone graded as the third best safety in the NFL this season at an 88.9 grade. He sits behind Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland and Atlanta Falcons Safety Jessie Bates III. 

Baltimore and Stone will be back in action this week to take on the Cleveland Browns on Nov. 12 at 1 p.m.