Matt Judon is entering a contract year. There is obvious motivation for him to have a big year. Here are three goals for the Baltimore Ravens top outside linebacker:
1. Double Digit Sacks
The Baltimore Ravens need to have a big season from Matt Judon and he needs to have a big year to earn the contract of his dreams. Judon’s first goal is to do what gets outside linebackers paid, sacking the quarterback. Judon has proven to be a capable pass rusher with 19 sacks in three seasons. He had seven sacks last year and eight sacks the year prior. He’s on pace for an incredible pay day one way or the other. However a 10 sack season would put him on the map.
Judon has been one of the most consistent players the Ravens have had in the past few seasons. He’s on his way to building an enviable career, but he has to prove that he hasn’t reached his ceiling. 10 sacks or more would prove that Judon hasn’t peaked yet and that he’s entering the prime of his career. He needs the kind of year that takes him into the upper echelon of NFL pass rushers.
There’s nothing wrong with seven or eight sacks per season. Smith saw Za’Darius Smith get a fat contract after 8.5 sacks. In all honesty, Judon would have to suffer an extremely disappointing season not to get good money. There are few players capable of double digit sacks. The players that are capable of doing it get paid the most at this premium position. To steal a line from Tony the Tiger, Judon has to be more than good; he has to be great.