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Ravens Vs. Lions Could Be The Matt Judon Show

By Chris Schisler

Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Grand Valley State defensive lineman Matt Judon participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Grand Valley State defensive lineman Matt Judon participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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When the Ravens take on the Lions, Matt Judon has something to prove. Judon will face tougher opponents tonight, playing with the starters.

Matt Judon has arguably been the most impressive Ravens player, this preseason. When the Ravens selected Judon in the fifth round it looked like Ozzie Newsome added another draft steal to his resume. After his first two preseason games, Judon looks like he could be a star. However this is his first big test.

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Terrell Suggs, Elvis Dumervil and Za’Darius Smith will all sit this one out, according to reports. That means Judon gets to start at outside linebacker. Judon’s impressive play has only proven that he’s better than the Colts and Panthers backup offensive linemen. Against the Lions, we’ll see if he can take on starting offensive linemen.

At the end of this game, we will have learned something about Judon. Either he is as good as he has looked or he isn’t. How he handles the Lions’ offensive line will say a lot about his progress.

Judon has shown the ability to rush the passer and set the edge in the running game. Young outside linebackers often can do one or the other. Judon has at least pointed to the ability to do it all. It’s impossible not to be ecstatic about the rookie edge defender.

More than usual, depth is a very important thing for the Ravens to have at the pass rushing positions. Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil aren’t getting any younger. To get more out of the Ravens veteran sack artists, the Ravens have to get more out of their rotational players. Judon could play a pivotal role in keeping the Ravens prime time duo fresh throughout the season.

Tonight is also a big night for Albert McClellan and Kamalei Correa. It figures that they will get a decent number of snaps in the first three quarters. This is the preseason game where the starters typically play into the third quarter. For McClellan, this game is a chance to show that he is more than a special teams stud. For Correa this is an opportunity to show his versatility.

McClellan has made his living as a hard working special teams player. He wants to work his way up and become a part of this defense. He has to dazzle tonight. McClellan is one of those players who knows his roster spot is safe. He’s playing to increase his small (but important) role with the team.

Correa was the Ravens second round pick. While he has been moved to the inside linebacker position, he can play both positions. Zach Orr will not relent the starting job though, as he has impressed this preseason. What Correa needs is to show that he can do it all.

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Make no mistake about it however, this night is about Judon. Judon needs to shine in this game. He needs to show the football world that he is coming with a fury. This is his chance to announce that he is the next big thing. Judon’s potential is unlimited. When he was drafted, if you would have told me that he would look this good (this early) I would have been shocked. Let’s see what he can do against the number ones.

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