The Baltimore Ravens aren't messing around in their Week 2 matchup this afternoon against the Las Vegas Raiders. The offense has left a bit to be desired, but the defense has been stout as expected.
One player in particular has been an absolute menace early and often, sacking Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew not once, but twice in the first quarter.
It took Odafe Oweh one quarter to immediately become DPOY frontrunner
It didn't take Ravens linebacker Odafe Oweh long to get his first sack of the game. In fact, it only took one play. On the game's first play, Oweh blew right by the Raiders offensive lineman to hammer Minshew in the backfield for an eight-yard loss.
FIRST PLAY SACK FROM @DafeOweh!!!
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) September 15, 2024
Tune in on CBS and @paramountplus!!! pic.twitter.com/aUWKVdBDlZ
It was a tough first play for Minshew. The play was a bit of a preview for what was to come for the rest of the quarter.
Later in the first quarter, on a third-and-short, Oweh goes unblocked off the edge and annihilates an unprotected Minshew who's lucky he held onto the ball. He flies off the line like a rocket and there is no chance for Minshew to make a play.
We’re witnessing an Odafe Oweh breakout year pic.twitter.com/nWrQTbJsej
— The Ravens Realm (@RealmRavens) September 15, 2024
Oweh's first quarter is part of a bigger picture - we are witnessing a true transformation. He always had the talent, it was more about when he'd show his potential on Sundays. Suffice it to say, he has arrived.
After a relatively quiet Week 1 against the Kansas City Chiefs, Oweh is making sure he doesn't have another quiet game. We are truly witnessing a transformation.
If the Ravens want to secure a win here against the Raiders, getting after the quarterback will be essential. Their ground game is suspect, so Minshew will have to beat the Ravens with his arm if they want any chance in this game. Unfortunately, that strategy hasn't worked well for them so far, allowing Oweh to feast in the backfield.
Circle Sunday, September 15, 2024, on your calendars—it’s Odafe Oweh’s breakout party. He’s on fire today, and at this rate, smashing a new sack record wouldn’t be shocking. With two sacks under his belt already in today’s game, he’s matched his personal best.
If this is his breakout game, Oweh will surely be in the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) conversation by season's end.