Baltimore Ravens: 3 players who need to avoid a sophomore slump

Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Kenneth Dixon (30) runs the ball against Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 25, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Kenneth Dixon (30) runs the ball against Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Lawrence Timmons (94) during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 31-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
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Sep 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Luke McCown (7) is pressured by Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce (78) during the second quarter of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 1, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Luke McCown (7) is pressured by Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Michael Pierce (78) during the second quarter of their game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Pierce

Pierce came in as a surprise on the defensive line. He went undrafted out of Samford, but quickly showed that he can play. As a rookie he appeared in all 16 of the Ravens games and finished with 35 tackles and two sacks. This offseason, he was set to be the successor to Brandon Williams if Williams left in free agency. Luckily, the Ravens were able to bring Williams back and now have a very good duo with those two anchoring the defensive line.

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Even with Brandon Williams back, Pierce is going to have an increased role. The Ravens need to continue the dominance on the defensive line that they had last year. Behind Pierce there is a lot of unproven talent. We have not been able to see what Willie Henry and Carl Davis can do. Chris Wormley comes in as a talented rookie, but will need some time to develop to the pace of the league. If the defense wants to continue another season of dominance against the run, they are going to need the production from Pierce once again.