Baltimore Ravens 2020 season outlook: Tyus Bowser
A forgotten man on this Baltimore Ravens defense, Tyus Bowser enters a make-or-break season in 2020. Could low expectations could lead to a breakout?
It wasn’t long ago that the Baltimore Ravens spent a second-round pick on linebacker Tyus Bowser (2017). Bowser was expected to be an immediate difference-maker on a Ravens defense that needed youth and athleticism. Bowser had that potential, but up to this point, he’s yet to tap into his potential.
2020 could perhaps be the year that Tyus Bowser puts it all together.
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A blessing and a curse, Tyus Bowser is not guaranteed a significant role this upcoming season. Baltimore has some decent depth at edge rusher between Pro Bowler Matt Judon, veteran Pernell McPhee, and second-year man Jaylon Ferguson. This will put Bowser in a rotational role, which honestly isn’t bad news for him. If anything, reducing Bowser’s role could make him more effective.
Bowser is coming off a career-best five sack season, which placed second on the Ravens only behind Judon (9.5). Bowser was a solid contributor for the team following an injury to then-starter McPhee. Considering how mediocre Baltimore’s pass rush was in 2019, Bowser’s solid production was much needed.
The one thing Tyus Bowser has over his competition, being McPhee and Ferguson, is he is adept in coverage. Bowser is comfortable dropping back thanks to a basketball background, which gives defensive coordinator Don Martindale even more versatility defensively.
Besides the competition at edge rusher, the Ravens pass rush got a big boost this offseason in the forms of Calais Campbell and Derek Wolfe. The two had 6.5 and seven sacks respectively and will line up on the defensive line. Their presence will make life easier for the edge rushers, which could result in a surprisingly productive season for Bowser.
All in all, perhaps the stars are aligning for a quietly productive season for Tyus Bowser.
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How Tyus Bowser performs in 2020 will define how the remainder of his career pans out. While it’s hard to envision a big-time breakout for the 25-year old, we could see him have a career-best season thanks to all the talent surrounding him on defense. He’ll be in a reduced role, but that may just be a blessing in disguise.
Tyus Bowser 2020 projected stats: 25 tackles, six sacks, one forced fumble, one interception