Patrick Queen will be a major factor in Baltimore Ravens’ success
By Mervin Walls
After some success as a rookie in 2020, Baltimore Ravens fans should be excited about Patrick Queen’s future on the team. 2021 could be a breakout year.
For nearly two decades, the Baltimore Ravens have been regarded as one of the NFL’s top defensive teams. For the Ravens to remain one of the AFC’s elite defenses, there will need to be dominant play from the team’s top talents.
In 2020, the Ravens defense ranked as a top 10 defensive unit in the league featuring a host of promising young talent. Furthermore, this unit led by defensive coordinator Don Martindale has been one of the league’s best statistical defenses over the last three seasons. During the 2020 season, the Ravens defense allowed less than 19 points per game and 329 total yards per game. The defense also showed the ability to create big plays with 10 total interceptions and 12 fumbles recovered.
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While the Baltimore Ravens are host to NFL Hall of Famers such as linebacker Ray Lewis and safety Ed Reed that disrupted offenses each Sunday, Patrick Queen may be the next great NFL talent to emerge out of the Ravens organization. The first-round draft pick out of LSU made an immediate impact as an integral piece of this talented defense. Moreover, after ranking third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting the second-year player stated that he would be playing with an edge in 2021. Could this upcoming season be a breakout year for linebacker Patrick Queen?
In his first year with the Ravens’, Queen created chaos for opposing offenses finishing the season with 66 solo tackles, three sacks, and 10 quarterback hits. Additionally, Queen was able to haul in forty assisted tackles, two fumble recoveries, and an interception over the course of the season. Throughout the season, Queen showed great tackling skill and the ability to rush the quarterback.
As NFL quarterbacks continue to evolve it is important to find defensive players that not only have the physical talent but also the mental aptitude to wreak havoc on their opposition. In his rookie season, linebacker Patrick Queen made a huge impact on the Ravens’ defense using a merger of power, toughness, and high football IQ.
According to former Ravens Head Coach Brian Billick, Queen displays the same timing and anticipation that is “reminiscent” of Baltimore Ravens’ legend Ray Lewis. This is quite a comparison and could pay huge dividends for the Ravens for years to come.
The Ravens finished the 2020 season with an 11-5 record and will aim to solve the offensive issues that plagued the team this past season. Nevertheless, the Baltimore Ravens organization prides itself on outstanding defensive play and they will need huge contributions from Queen to remain a contender in the AFC North division. This competitive division included three playoffs teams last season, including the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns.
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Recently, the Ravens re-signed linebacker L.J. Fort and also have a host of elite players who also offer huge contributions to the defense such as Pro Bowl cornerback Marcus Peters, defensive end Calais Campbell, and the talented Marlon Humphrey. However for the Ravens’ to remain one of the league’s best defenses they will need Patrick Queen to play at an elite level.