Heading into the season, Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Mike Green felt poised for a breakout year. Not only did the second-year player have another season of experience under his belt, but he also had a better system, and he could learn from Trey Hendrickson.
Thankfully, Green is starting to live up to the hype, recording two sacks, four tackles for loss, six QB hits, and nine combined tackles. He has nearly topped his rookie production of 3.5 sacks and seven TFLs. Furthermore, Green ranks ninth in pass rush win rate per ESPN.
In Week 5, Green had arguably the best game of his career with Hendrickson sidelined. During the Ravens' Week 5 win over the Atlanta Falcons, Green recorded one sack and two TFLs. He showcased his athletic gifts, both pressuring Michael Penix and containing Bijan Robinson in the run game.
Green also had a stellar game in Week 4, while Hendrickson was sidelined with a finger injury. He recorded two tackles and three QB hits. Green has always had the physical tools to succeed, but he's starting to put everything together in year two. Likewise, his run-stopping looks much better, and being impactful without Hendrickson is an encouraging sign for the Ravens.
Once Hendrickson returns (which could very well be this week), Green and the Ravens' defense should level up, which is a scary thought for opposing offenses.
The Baltimore Ravens' defense could surge once Trey Hendrickson returns
Of course, Hendrickson is one of the league's best pass rushers, and with Green's emergence, the Ravens' defense could become an elite unit.
It's no secret that Ravens have had past issues generating pressure, and despite the Ravens' offseason improvements, they still could improve in this area. They notably rank 18th in pressures and 25th in sacks so far this season.
Some of these stats need to be taken with a grain of salt since we are still so early in the season. Moreover, Green's recent emergence eases some of these concerns, and the Ravens are coming off a week in which they generated an impressive 18 pressures.
Once Hendrickson returns, the Ravens' pass rush could become an undeniable strength that causes headaches for opposing offenses.
Now, the two players often split snaps and don't play much together due to their similar playstyles. Regardless, always having at least one disruptive pass rusher on the field would be a major advantage for the Ravens.
Minter could also look to mix things up by using the two players together in certain situations; Hendrickson's gravity could open up more opportunities for Green to generate pressure. And with how productive both players have been, it might not be practical for the Ravens to mainly stagger their snaps.
The bigger picture is that having two players who can be so disruptive in the pass-rush game is a massive advantage. In turn, this could help Baltimore become a truly elite defensive unit.
The talent is certainly there, and the Ravens are turning over a new leaf largely thanks to Green's stellar play.
All in all, if Green can keep up his play when Hendrickson returns, the Ravens' defense could truly become a force to be reckoned with.
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