Baltimore Ravens DL Justin Madubuike will be a major catalyst against Houston Texans

When the Baltimore Ravens take on the Houston Texans, it will be John Harbaugh's 29th game against a rookie quarterback, one that is now even his team's captain. The Ravens are currently 21-7. If Harbaugh wants to extend that to 22 wins, one player who should have a huge game is Justin Madubuike.

Baltimore Ravens DL Justin Madubuike will be a major catalyst against Houston Texans

Madubuike could be in for a big year. He went from one sack as a rookie to two sacks in year two, and last season he had 5.5 sacks. Now, in year three, he is looking to increase that total. That would be a nice move for his bank account because he is set to be a free agent this year. What better way to enter free agency than to do it coming off your best season, and ascending every year?

The good news is not only does he get a rookie quarterback, but he also gets a banged-up interior offensive line. The Houston Texans will be without Kenyon Green, Juice Scruggs, and David Quessenberry. That is their starting left guard, center, and backup at both spots.

The team is scrambling, and we are not even sure who will start, although it is likely a day three rookie Jarrett Patterson and potentially Kendrick Green, a former bust from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The reality is that the Houston Texans will want to run the ball early to help their rookie quarterback. If they run behind their interior line, Madubuike has to be there to stop things. If that happens, the Texans will be losing and forced to pass late.

Stroud is a rookie quarterback on the road against a good defense, and his line is at a disadvantage. This could be a huge chance for the floodgates to open for Madubuike and company. If the Ravens have a lead late, it will be time for Madubike to open up his pass-rush arsenal and try to pick up some sacks.

If Madubuike can be that guy who helps in the run and passing game, he will not only earn himself a lot of money, but he will take this Baltimore Ravens defense to the next level. if he does not take advantage of this juicy matchup, you know his days in Baltimore are done, and he may just not have that high-end upside that the team wants to see from a step forward.

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