The Baltimore Ravens lost some pass-rushers in the 2019 offseason. The team witnessed long-time staple Terrell Suggs leave for his home state Arizona; signing with the Cardinals. Then, the young Za'Darius Smith left for a gaudy contract given by the Green Bay Packers. In all, they lost 15.5 sacks of production from 2018.
But, defensive coordinator Don “Wink” Martindale isn't concerned with the pass-rushing unit. Instead, the second-year coordinator will get creative with how he gets to the quarterback in 2019. According to The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec, he calls concerns about the group ” a fair question” and that he looks forward to getting creative on how he'll create a pass-rush before Week 1.
In the preseason, the Ravens have amassed nine sacks in three games.
Though the Ravens' pass-rush is devoid of some of their top players from 2018, it's not a reeling unit. Fourth-year outside linebacker Matt Judon returns, as he's coming off of a season in which he tallied seven sacks, 20 quarterback hits, and ten tackles for loss. His backup, Tyus Bowser, hasn't put potential into production in his first two years, but is talented and will see an uptick in snaps in 2019.
Baltimore added Shane Ray. Pernell McPhee, and Jaylon Ferguson in the offseason.
Ray, a former Denver Bronco first-round pick, has recorded 14 sacks, 33 quarterback hits, and 15 tackles for loss in 49 games played. McPhee, an eight-year veteran, compiled 17 sacks, 48 quarterback hits, and 24 tackles for loss in his first (four-year) stint in Baltimore.
Ferguson was a highly touted draft prospect that fell due to a bad pro-day. Nonetheless, he recorded 17.5 sacks and 26 tackles for loss in his senior season at Louisiana Tech. He's the all-time NCAA FBS career sack leader with 45.
Wink Martindale will likely rotate his pass-rushers in the 2019 season. Considering he wants to get creative, expect him to dial up the zone blitz often.
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