The Baltimore Ravens signing Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million deal was a polarizing move this offseason, given his lack of run-stopping ability and age. Nonetheless, Hendrickson is an elite edge rusher, and given how much the Ravens struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks, I always defended the Hendrickson signing.
Unfortunately, we haven't been able to see much of Hendrickson, who has missed the past two games with a finger injury. Thankfully, he's ready to return to the field this week as the Ravens take on the Cleveland Browns—a matchup that offers him a golden chance to make a statement and prove the Ravens right for signing him. Notably, Cleveland allowed eight sacks against the New York Jets last week.
In fairness, Hendrickson has performed pretty well during his three games this season. He recorded a sack in Week 2 and helped open up opportunities for his teammates with his gravity in Week 1.
Still, Hendrickson hasn't had a typical explosive game where he looks absolutely unstoppable. That could certainly change this week, though. And a big game on Sunday could start to validate his contract.
Trey Hendrickson is poised for a statement game on Sunday
Beyond the Browns' eight sacks allowed last week, Deshaun Watson lacks mobility after numerous injuries and is prone to being sacked. In fact, Watson has taken 19 sacks this year, which is the most in the league, and he's on pace to take the sixth-most sacks of all-time in a single season.
Plus, Tytus Howard, whom Hendrickson will often match up with, is having a rough season. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranks 61st out of 72nd qualifying tackles, and he's allowed 14 pressures.
So yeah, it's safe to say that Hendrickson is positioned to feast against the Browns on Sunday.
As the Ravens are playing short-handed without Lamar Jackson for the second straight week, their defense must step up. Thus far, they've been mediocre at generating pressure and sacks. Getting Hendrickson back in the fold could be a game-changer, though. And with second-year pass rusher Mike Green showing signs of growth in the past two weeks, the Ravens' pass rush could start to surge this week.
The Ravens paid Hendrickson a hefty $112 million contract to transform their pass rush. Hendrickson hasn't had a real chance to do so yet, but this could change quickly, which will start with a big game on Sunday.
Of course, sacks will be what everyone is watching. That's what Hendrickson is best known for, and those plays will make the highlight reel. While I think Hendrickson will record at least one sack, his ability to generate pressure could have a positive ripple effect throughout the defense.
Even though he's coming off an injury, the Browns' matchup offers Hendrickson an ideal chance to prove his worth as a sack machine and elite pressure generator.
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