Haloti Ngata Suspension Isn’t as Bad as Jimmy Smith Injury
By Brett Foote
Oct 26, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive end Haloti Ngata (92) knocks the ball away from Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during the fourth quarter at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Welcome to the Daily Caw, where we round up all the latest Ravens news and notes from around the web for your convenience. Today we recap the Haloti Ngata suspension and all the repercussions, why Jimmy Smith’s absence is worse, Torrey Smith says he is playing Sunday despite missing practice all week, and Marlon Brown is ready to rock after his concussion.
Torrey Smith is Going to Play, Unless He’s on Crutches
Despite missing practice all week with a gimpy knee, wide receiver Torrey Smith told the press on Thursday that the only way he won’t play is if he is on crutches. Smith has not missed a game in his four year career.
Brown was cleared for practice Thursday after suffering a concussion against the Chargers, a game in which he started off hot for the first time this season.
More from Ebony Bird
- Will Baltimore Ravens be rewarded for risky Lamar Jackson decision?
- The Baltimore Ravens Big Gamble
- Ravens Super Bowl odds present fascinating insight on Lamar Jackson’s future
- Should Baltimore Ravens be interested in this recently released WR
- Do the Baltimore Ravens have serious interest in this free agent wide out?
Can the Ravens Make the Playoffs Without Haloti Ngata?
Ngata is Pro Football Focus’ #8 ranked 3-4 defensive tackle, but the Ravens have an excellent rookie in Timmy Jernigan that is ready to step up and fill Ngata’s role. Unlike the situation with Jimmy Smith, the Ravens actually have decent depth at the tackle position.
Haloti Ngata’s Poor Judgement is a Surprise
Ngata has had a squeaky clean career to this point and is a well respected nine year veteran. Obviously, everyone was shocked following the announcement of his suspension for violating the league’s performance enhancing substances policy on Thursday. And now the Ravens’ highest paid defensive player is going to be watching the team fight for a playoff spot from the sidelines.
One thing we’ve learned in recent weeks is that Jimmy Smith is by far and away the team’s best player in the secondary, but is he the team MVP as well? If the Ravens miss the playoffs, you can pretty much attribute it to losing Smith. And even if the Ravens do make the cut, can they get past Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Andrew Luck without their lockdown corner?