In a career that seems to defy the laws of aging, the veteran edge defender is proving that like fine wine, he only gets better with time. And now, he is finally getting the recognition he deserves.
This recognition comes hot on the heels of another stellar performance by the player, as he closed out September with his third consecutive game of two or more sacks. In the Ravens’ dominant 35-10 victory over the Buffalo Bills in Week 4, he tied a franchise record previously held by Justin Houston in 2022. What sets his production apart is not just the sheer volume of sacks he has accumulated, but the timing of those sacks. Most of them have come on crucial third downs, either ending drives or forcing opponents into long field goal attempts.
Currently, the edge defender ranks second in the NFL in sacks, trailing only Aidan Hutchinson of the Detroit Lions. Furthermore, he leads the Ravens in tackles for loss, quarterback hits, and pressures.
“I take it very personal that I wasn’t on a football team [at the beginning of] last year,” the player said. “I’m always trying to prove that I can play – each and every year – at a high level. I have goals and dreams that I’m always chasing, and I felt like I’ve been underrated my whole career, and I’m just going to continue to work.”
In his debut season with the Ravens, the two-time Super Bowl champion notched a career-best nine sacks in 14 games. Now, he is on track to surpass that mark and potentially become the team’s first defender at his position to record double-digit sacks since Terrell Suggs in 2017. Pro Bowl defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike set the bar high by becoming the first Raven at any position to reach the 10-plus sack threshold in 2023, registering a career-high 13.
The edge defender’s impressive performance has been a crucial factor in the Ravens’ success this season, and his impact on the field is undeniable. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on him as he continues to defy expectations and prove his worth as one of the league’s top defenders.
