Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil will attempt to be the best pass rushing duo in the NFL
In 2013, a fax machine fortuitously malfunctioned, allowing the Ravens to swoop in and sign Elvis Dumervil away from the Denver Broncos. Dumervil joined forces with another great pass rusher in Terrell Suggs. In their two seasons playing together, Suggs and Dumervil combined for 49.5 sacks. Suggs missed the entire 2015 season. Now the Ravens are hoping the veteran pass rushers can recreate (or even improve upon) their epic success as the NFL’s most feared pass rushing duo.
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Without the presence of Suggs, Dumervil’s Pro Bowl earning numbers dwindled. Dumervil had just six sacks in 2015, 11 less than he did the year before. Suggs’s absence had a lot to do with the dip in productivity. Not only did Dumervil have to focus on more than just pass rushing, he was consistently double teamed. Before opponents had to pick their poison. In the 2015 season, teams knew they just couldn’t allow Dumervil to beat them.
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It’s not like Dumervil’s talent dropped off. He is still the incredibly explosive and powerful pass rusher that had 26.5 sacks in the previous two seasons. There is a reason that Dumervil sits four big plays away from his 100th career sack. He is an incredible pass rusher. In the right situation he goes from a dangerous threat to an unstoppable force.
The right situation is Terrell Suggs reprising his role as the electric “T-Sizzle.” If Suggs is the same linebacker, the one we’ve had the pleasure of watching since 2003, the Ravens pass rush numbers will go back up. Dumervil will have another season where he flirts with 20 sacks, he might even get there this time. Defenses will have to choose which player they try to contain. Even when they try both could have big performances.
I’m not overly willing to bet against the incredible freak of nature that is Terrell Suggs. In what could be the final chapter of his storied career, he may thrill us all. With Suggs being the ultimate do-it-all linebacker, Dumervil is free to reek havoc in any and every backfield. This could set Dumervil up for a career year.
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There is no doubt that a healthy Terrell Suggs is all it takes to refuel this epic pass rushing collaboration. Because I know that Suggs is the kind of player that can defy amazing odds, I believe the Ravens dynamic duo will reach new heights in 2016.