Ebony Bird
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3 things that factor into Baltimore Ravens pass rush situation

By Chris Schisler

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 25: Outside linebacker Matt Judon #99 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a sack against the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - NOVEMBER 25: Outside linebacker Matt Judon #99 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a sack against the Oakland Raiders during the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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FRISCO, TX – DECEMBER 20: Jaylon Ferguson #45 of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs during the 2017 DXL Frisco Bowl on December 20, 2017 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
FRISCO, TX – DECEMBER 20: Jaylon Ferguson #45 of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs during the 2017 DXL Frisco Bowl on December 20, 2017 in Frisco, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

The Baltimore Ravens are going to need a strong pass rush in the 2019 season. Here are three things that go into the Ravens ability to rush the passer:

1. Who steps up?

The real big question facing the Baltimore Ravens is who will step up at the pass rushing positions. The Ravens outside linebackers will be asked to provide the bulk of the pass rush. The Ravens have to count on players to step up. It’s a weird situation because it’s almost impossible to predict who steps up here. With the exception of Matt Judon all the outside linebackers are either new, or very inexperienced. You knew what Terrell Suggs was going to do. You knew Judon and Za’Darius Smith would be steady pass rushers. Judon is good for five to eight sacks a season but what about his fellow edge players.

There is not much to base a projection off of. Jaylon Ferguson is a rookie coming from Louisiana Tech. That’s a big jump. Ferguson is used to being much better than most of the offensive tackles he spars with however the NFL will offer him a much fairer fight. Tim Williams and Tyus Bowser have been after thoughts. It would be nice to say that one of them will step up and take be the sack artist on campus. It would also be premature. Pernell McPhee didn’t exactly tear it up with the Chicago Bears. Shane Ray is on a prove it deal for a reason.

The biggest question mark is personnel. The Ravens don’t have a true star at the position. Judon is good but he’s not a regularly a game changer. The lack of tested star power at the position combined with an unproven supporting cast gives Ravens fans a reason to be worried. A player or two has to step up. There’s no getting around it.

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