Baltimore Ravens: Top 5 concerns heading into 2020
2. Do the Ravens have enough pass rushers?
The Baltimore Ravens built the middle of the defense despite what many believed was a glaring need for edge rushers. One way or another, we’re going to see if this was a good idea. The Ravens outside linebackers include Matt Judon, Pernell McPhee, Jaylon Ferguson and Tyus Bowser.
None of these outside linebackers have ever had a double digit sack season. There is also a big drop off behind Judon, who has at least proven to be a very solid player.
McPhee is a decent pass rusher and he’s the safest bet to perform well other than Judon. McPhee had three sacks last year before getting hurt. Going into this season, you have to wonder two things. First, how many snaps can the Ravens get out of McPhee. Secondly how many snaps do they need out of him? McPhee is a player that is impossible to dislike, yet he’s a 31 year old outside linebacker with an injury history.
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This is a make it or break it year for Bowser. While Jaylon Ferguson is an exciting project at the position, he was very raw in his rookie season. The Ravens did get better on the defensive line. They did add a decent number of potential sacks from positions other than outside linebacker. That being said the Ravens didn’t attack the outside linebacker position the way most teams in the NFL tend to. It’s a premium position. While I’ll argue all day that Judon is a premium edge player, Baltimore may not have enough tried and tested talent here.