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Terrell Suggs, not C.J. Mosley is the Ravens’ best DPOY candidate

By Richard Bradshaw

BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Tom Savage #3 of the Houston Texans is sacked by outside linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 27, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 27: Quarterback Tom Savage #3 of the Houston Texans is sacked by outside linebacker Terrell Suggs #55 of the Baltimore Ravens in the second quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 27, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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We’ve talked all season that star linebacker C.J. Mosley should be in the DPOY conversation. But, it’s Terrell Suggs, not Mosley, who is the top Ravens candidate for the award.

At 35-years old, Terrell Suggs is considered ancient by NFL standards. Suggs is in his 15th season and in the twilight of his career. In fact, Suggs isn’t even a lock to make the Ravens roster in 2018, recently stating that he is “preparing myself for it just in case.”

Looking at it from a fiscal standpoint, it does make some sense. Following the 2017 season, the Ravens have an opt-out clause in Suggs’ contract and would only absorb $2.95 million in dead cap space.

With that being said, how much stock should we put these rumors? None. None at all.

Let’s look at the facts: Terrell Suggs is the Ravens all-time sacks leader, topping 124.0 following the Texans game. Suggs has 17.5 sacks in his last 27 games, including 9.5 on the season. Suggs is turning back the clock this season and looks like his old, unstoppable self. In fact, this Terrell Suggs looks really good, but good enough to garner Defensive Player of the Year conversation?

Now I know what you’re thinking, shouldn’t C.J. Mosley be in that conversation for DPOY? Perhaps. After all, Mosley is fifth in the league in combined tackles (95) and fourth in solo tackles (69). Mosley also has two interceptions, including a 63-yard pick-six, and ranks sixth in the league in interception return yards (94). That’s impressive, to say the least, but he isn’t the Ravens’ top option right now.

Terrell Suggs should be Ravens DPOY candidate

Let’s look at it from the same perspective we just took with Mosley. Statistically, Suggs’ 9.5 sacks on the season rank eighth in the NFL and second for linebackers, only behind Arizona’s Chandler Jones. Suggs is also tied for second in the league with four forced fumbles.

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But, stats don’t make a player great but their impact does. Any Ravens fan could tell you how important Terrell Suggs is to the Ravens defense. The intensity Suggs brings on every snap is priceless. The way he anchors against the run is vital to the Ravens improving run defense. More than anything, it’s all about the veteran leadership Suggs brings to the Ravens.

Suggs is the heart and soul of this team, let alone the defense. He’s the face of the organization and the swagger he brings to the team along with the passion he carries onto the field is unrivaled. That kind of presence cannot be replaced, emulated, or taken lightly.

The bottom line

It will be extremely difficult for Suggs to crack the top three of the DPOY voting, since fans are enamored by stats and marque names. Standout seasons from Jacksonville’s Calais Campbell, Dallas’ Demarcus Lawrence, and Los Angeles Chargers’ Joey Bosa will steal the spot light. Meanwhile, the heavy weight names like Denver’s Von Miller, Houston’s Jadeveon Clowney, and Seattle’s Bobby Wagner will keep the conversation going.

While no doubt those players are extremely deserving of this title, Suggs at a minimum deserves to be in that conversation. After all, he is on pace for a career high 15.0 sacks and six forced fumbles, one shy of his 2011 mark in which he took home the DPOY award.

Next: Ravens beat Texans 23-16: The good, bad and the ugly

If it’s stats the NFL is after, Suggs has them. If it’s impact, Suggs has that, too. Terrell Suggs should find his way into the DPOY conversation, and he should be the Ravens top candidate for the award. No offense C.J. Mosley, but T-Sizzle isn’t slowing down any time soon. The fact the Suggs is on his way to perhaps a career year shouldn’t be taken lightly. It’s time for the NFL to acknowledge Suggs’ season and place him in the DPOY conversation.

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