Matt Judon:
Aside from Jackson another player that has extremely high expectations heading into the 2019 season is edge rusher Matt Judon. The rising fourth-year pro will be the head dog of the Ravens pass rushing group for the first time in his career. With a great secondary a near certainty, it will be Judon’s responsibility to ensure the pass rush can pull their weight.
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Judon has tallied 19 sacks over his first three seasons in Baltimore, leading many to believe he could be due for a career year. Many experts last year predicted a career year for Judon, but he was unable to deliver, posting just seven sacks and only one over the last six games of the season.
Last year, Judon was a part of a pass rush that featured future Hall of Famer Terrell Suggs and breakout star Za’Darius Smith. With both players playing elsewhere in 2019, the burden will fall on Judon to pick up the slack. I’m left worrying if he handle the offensive line’s undivided attention or will he struggle dealing with the added pressure to produce as well as that added attention.
The Ravens did bring in pass rushers Shane Ray and Pernell McPhee to add to a group that already includes third-year, early round draft pick disappointments Tyus Bowser and Tim Williams. Still, the Ravens ability to get to the passer will be heavily reliant on Judon this upcoming season. Can he deliver?