Baltimore Ravens pass rush needs reinforcements: 5 Potential targets

If there’s one glaring weakness on the Baltimore Ravens right now, it’s their inability to create a consistent pass rush. This has to be fixed.

Through the first three games of the young 2020 season, the Baltimore Ravens have accumulated just six total sacks, all of which came in the first two games of the season. The lack of an effective pass rush was on full display vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes is terrific, but he got surgical against a great secondary because the pass rush couldn’t get home. This is inexcusable and needs to get fixed sooner rather than later.

It’s not as though Baltimore is lacking in options, either. Tyus Bowser has broken out so far with a team-leading two sacks and looks like the best pass rusher on the team right now. Calais Campbell has been solid as well, despite accumulating just one sack. Matt Judon has been disappointing playing on the franchise tag, but he’s far from the problem.

What the Ravens need to do is bring in another body to help out. I have four guys in mind who can come in and help right away:

Clay Matthews III:

The player Ravens Flock has clamored over the most to bring in this offseason has been Clay Matthews III. Matthews spent 2019 with the Los Angeles Rams and grabbed eight sacks in 13 games. Matthews may still have something left in the tank and is Baltimore’s best option to bring in should they opt to sign anyone.

Cameron Wake:

I’m personally a huge fan of Cameron Wake and believe he belongs in the Hall of Fame. Wake’s production has dipped in recent years, however, with just 2.5 sacks in nine games last year with the Tennessee Titans. Wake has had trouble staying healthy in recent years, too, making him a bit of a reach. The one thing Wake has going for him is size, as he can play with a hand in the dirt or stand up outside. If Baltimore wanted to roll the dice on this potentially versatile pass rusher I’d be all for it.

Tim Williams:

Tim Williams was supposed to be the next great pass rusher for the Ravens but instead played poorly and wound up getting cut during the 2019 season. While Williams has had an incredibly disappointing career, he does know Baltimore’s defense and makes sense to bring back for a trial run. Worst comes to worst, they just cut him again.

Jabaal Sheard:

Of all the guys on this shortlist, Jabaal Sheard intrigues me the most. Sheard has had no fewer than 4.5 sacks dating back to 2014 and is the “elephant” style edge rusher the Ravens have historically favored. Sheard is the kind of savvy veteran who could make an immediate impact for the pass rush and give production to match his play.

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Terrell Suggs:

The most familiar and high-profile name on this list is future Hall of Famer Terrell Suggs. Despite playing on two teams in 2019, Suggs grabbed 6.5 sacks and helped the Chiefs win a Super Bowl title. When the Arizona Cardinals cut him during last season it was thought that he could reunite with the Baltimore Ravens through waivers but was instead claimed by Kansas City. Perhaps a reunion could happen now, and he’d certainly be welcomed back with open arms.

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