Ravens playmaker's fiery postgame comments shows why he deserves an extension

The Baltimore Ravens earned a massive victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, 24-0. With the win, they eliminate the Bengals from playoff contention and continue to breathe down the Pittsburgh Steelers’ necks in the race for the AFC North. They control their own destiny and make the playoffs if they win out, and they crossed off the first team on their list in Week 15.

The offense looked like it was back in a rhythm in this one, but it was clearly all about the defense. They pitched a shutout. Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr’s unit limited the big plays after the catch and pressured Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow all day long.

Outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones was one player who was in the backfield time and time again. He did not tally a sack, but had several pressures and hits on Burrow. There were more than a fair share of moments where things got chippy between the two sides as a result, but Jones made it clear early and often that he was ready for the physicality.

In his postgame press conference, Jones doubled down with some fiery comments aimed at the opposition.

“We knew we had them on their heels, just by how they were calling [the offense], how they looked, their demeanor,” Jones said. “They didn’t feel lively to me, and I feel like we just wanted to attack, and I thought we did that.”

“I felt that play-one they weren’t ready to play. It was too cold for them,” Jones later added.

Jones also mentioned that if you play defense, you need to play with an edge. He undoubtedly played with that edge on Sunday, and it is the exact reason that he needs a contract extension.

Dre’Mont Jones must stay in Baltimore

Baltimore’s pass rush has had problems nearly all year. While Jones’ initial arrival seemed to spark a turnaround, they have been lackluster in the past few games. But in Week 15, the defensive front was everywhere, and Jones was leading it.

He set the tone with a controversial hit on Burrow after an incompletion. The Bengals obviously took issue with it, and things got heated from that point on.

As the Ravens look to rebuild their defensive front, they will need a veteran like Jones to pair alongside rookie outside linebacker Mike Green moving forward. He has just 1.5 sacks in five games in Charm City, but the mentality and relentlessness he plays with scream Raven.

With a stacked free agency class, General Manager Eric DeCosta has plenty of extensions to hand out. However, with tight end Mark Andrews and defensive tackle Travis Jones recently signing new deals, Dre’Mont Jones is creeping toward the top priorities of players who need extensions.

If Baltimore wants a defense that plays closer to the groups led by Ray Lewis, Ed Reed, and Terrell Suggs, Jones will need to be a part of it.