Baltimore Ravens: 5 thoughts following the Week 2 win
By Joe Schiller
4. Terrell Suggs is a legitimate DPOY candidate
If you would’ve told me Terrell Suggs would have been playing this well to start the season, I wouldn’t believe you. Not because Suggs isn’t a talented player, but because he’s 34-years old and coming off some major injuries in recent years. This offseason he slimmed down and has looked in some of the best shape of his career. So far, it’s paid dividends for this Ravens defense.
In the first two games Suggs has seven total tackles and three sacks. On top of that he’s forced two fumbles. He’s playing like a legitimate Defensive Player of the Year candidate right now. Watch the tape and you’ll see, Suggs is making life a living hell for opposing offensive lineman. He’s beating them left and right and getting to the quarterback with ease. We’ve gone from questioning how many years Suggs has left to wondering how many sacks he’ll total this season. If he keeps this up, he’ll be in the conversation at the end of the year.
It’s not just Suggs’ play, but his veteran leadership that’s crucial to the younger pass rushers. Guys like Matt Judon, Tyus Bowser and Tim Williams are all learning from the vet. At some point, Suggs will be gone and those three will be the future of the pass rush. Having a potential Hall-of-Famer leading the way is a pretty good position for this defense to be in. Much of the talk will be on the secondary, but don’t forget about Suggs, he’s playing out of his mind early on.