Ebony Bird
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Is Courtney Upshaw Entering His Final Season as a Raven?

By Brett Foote

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Sep 11, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) pressured by Baltimore Ravens linebacker Courtney Upshaw (91) and linebacker Elvis Dumervil (58) at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Last offseason, we heard a lot of hype surrounding a player who had shown a lot of promise in his first few seasons, but for various reasons had yet to live up to his potential.  The team talked of his upside as a pass rushing threat, and the player himself predicted a breakout season.  Sure enough, a breakout season ensued, and he cashed in via free agency.

Of course, we are speaking of outside linebacker Pernell McPhee, now a Chicago Bear.  I mention this because this offseason another player is being talked up as his replacement.  A player who hasn’t necessarily failed to live up to expectations, but one who has only tallied three career sacks in his NFL career.  And now he too is in a contract year.

That player is Courtney Upshaw, who is going to get a chance to fill McPhee’s pass rushing shoes after spending the first three years of his career as an edge setter.  And they are being surprisingly open and honest about 2015 being his chance to use a sack number as a springboard to financial reward.  Ozzie Newsome was quite candid during a recent PSL owners conference call.

"“I think Courtney is realizing that he’s in his contract yet, and getting to the quarterback only adds to his value as he moves forward.” Newsome admitted."

To his credit, Upshaw has been very professional about his role, but you’d be amiss if you thought that he isn’t very aware of the potential boon a nice season might have for his bank account balance.

"“Any player would be lying if they said it didn’t cross their mind that it’s their contract year. At the same time, in order for me to get a big payday like Pernell or anybody, I have to go out and handle business on the field,” Upshaw said.  “Whatever it is, I’m going to go out there and do it to the best of my ability.”"

As far as Upshaw’s previous role on defense, the Ravens drafted a potential replacement, Za’Darius Smith, just a few weeks ago.  He figures to take over on first and second downs (or at least share the role), allowing Courtney Upshaw to fill in on passing downs as a pass rushing specialist.

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It’s pretty clear that Courtney Upshaw is following the same career trajectory as not only Pernell McPhee, but Paul Kruger as well.  Kruger spent his first four seasons in Baltimore, racking up sack totals of 0, 1, 5.5, and 9.0 respectively.  McPhee recorded 6, 1.5, 2.0, and 7.5.  Upshaw?  1.5, 1.5, and 0.

Whether or not Courtney Upshaw follows the pattern and has a breakout year remains to be seen.  If he does, don’t be surprised if the Ravens allow him to cash in via free agency as a result.  They have shown a willingness to let these types of players walk before, and historically they have done a fine job of replacing them as well.

Next: Ravens roster breakdown: linebacker

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