Sizzle SMASH!
There has been plenty of talk over the Bye week about what can be done to cure the Ravens struggling defense.
Recently I’ve read about a string of possible trades that would improbably turn the Ravens fortunes around. Seriously I think people are too blinded by Fantasy Football. For real Pro football rarely sees such impact moves occur during the deadline.
So instead let’s focus on what the team has and what it got back in the form of Terrell Suggs two weeks ago.
Last season’s Defensive player of the year was active against the Texans just five months removed from surgery on his injured right Achilles tendon. But, he didn’t just play – he excelled. Suggs finished his day with four tackles, one sack, two quarterback hits, and one batted ball in 44 snaps of action.
It was a superhuman performance for a player returning from that type of injury and for a defense that is need of some good news and some inspiration Suggs’ return provided hope that the group can turn itself around.
“We’re excited to have him back for this game knowing he’s got a game under his belt. He got the feel for it. It’s exciting to watch him for the next game knowing what he’s going to do,” nose tackle Terrence Cody said. “I feel it boosts our confidence and we kind of find that little swagger we’ve been looking for. You can expect a show Sunday.”
Said safety Ed Reed: “I think he’ll [have] even more of an impact as this year goes by. It’s a matter of getting your legs under you and keeping it that way … I think going forward you’ll see a lot more out of Suggs. I could see him getting closer to that sack lead.”
Just reading into those comments you get the feeling that Suggs can help provide a lift not only from a physical standpoint but also in terms of leadership. The latter part is really the focus of this post.
As Ray Lewis begins to show his mortality and we start to realize that he won’t be a Raven forever you wonder who will take up the mantle of Defensive Captain. I think any questions as to whom that player might be should have been answered during pre-game warm-ups as it was Suggs who led the chants getting the team prepared for the Texans.
It’s clear that Suggs’ time to lead is now and while he’ll bring a different style than Lewis he can be equally as effective due to his play on the field and for who he is.
If the Ravens were holding out for a hero, he’s already here and he’s shown that he’s not your average player in more ways than one.
