C.J. Mosley’s interception a timely reminder why Ravens need to pay him

Late in the fourth quarter, the Baltimore Ravens sealed a victory over the Cleveland Browns, thanks to an interception by star linebacker C.J. Mosley.

Let’s revisit the events of this past Sunday…

It’s 4th and 10 with a minute and two seconds left in the game. The season is on the line. Baker Mayfield and the Cleveland Browns are within one play of causing yet another gut wrenching upset that will end the Baltimore Ravens’ 2018 playoff hopes. The whole of M&T Bank Stadium anxiously awaits the outcome of the next play, with Cleveland’s “dangerous” rookie quarterback on the verge of completing another upset. But this time around, someone makes a play. The defense makes a stop and prevents Cleveland from taking a late lead. The Ravens would hold off the Browns in a 26-24 victory.

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And who made the game winning interception that secured Baltimore’s first AFC North championship since they won the Super Bowl in 2012? Inside linebacker C.J. Mosley, who is due to become a free agent in 2019. Mosley deflected and then intercepted Mayfield’s pass over the middle, allowing Baltimore to line-up in victory formation and breathe a sigh of relief.

It goes without saying that the former 17th overall pick out of Alabama has been an integral part of the Ravens’ defense since his arrival in 2014. Recently, Mosley was selected to his fourth Pro Bowl in his five year career.

The linchpin of the Ravens’ defense in recent years, Mosley has often led his team in tackles, doing so for the third time in his career this season with 105. It’s worth noting that given the dominance of Baltimore’s run-heavy offense, the defense has seen much less of the field over the past seven weeks. Over five seasons, C.J. Mosley has 579 tackles, as he continues following in the footsteps of legendary Baltimore Raven linebacker, Ray Lewis.

Back in August 2018, the Hall of Fame linebacker told ESPN that C.J. Mosley was the “best middle linebacker in the game,” citing his technical ability and football instincts. That’s some high praise, coming from the most famous player to have ever worn the purple and black.