The Baltimore Ravens will have a decision to make at the end of the season with regards to Haloti Ngata. Ngata has been one of the Ravens and the NFL’s most consistent performers along the defensive line, but he’ll be 31 in January and entering a contract season next year. His current deal counts $16 million against the cap next season, after which he’ll be 32 and an unrestricted free agent. The Ravens tried to do a long-term deal with him this past off-season, but that amounted to nothing. But if they don’t figure out a deal this coming off-season, they’ll risk having to use the franchise tag on a 32-year-old defensive lineman or let him walk.

(Discuss this post on the BSL forums here)

Most players see their play drop off once they reach 30, which is what makes this a difficult decision for the Ravens. They’ve done an excellent job rotating Ngata with their other defensive lineman, keeping him fresh. That’s allowed Ngata to be more effective in the snaps that he is playing.

He’s a complete player. He can line up in virtually any position along the defensive line and play the run and pass equally well.

3 tech run d 1a

Here against the Colts, Ngata lines up as a 3-technique defensive tackle. The Colts are running the ball to Ngata’s side.

3 tech run d 1b

Ngata penetrates through the double-team block attempt almost immediately and finds himself in the backfield before Andrew Luck has even handed the ball off.

3 tech run d 1c

Ngata’s presence in the backfield forces the running back to cut back much earlier than he would have liked to.

3 tech run d 1d

While Ngata can’t make the tackle himself, his quick penetration forced the early cutback into the waiting backside defenders, who wrap up the runner for no gain.

Running at Ngata failed for the Colts, so later in the game, they tried to run away from him.

run heavy 1a

Indy bring in two tight ends and two backs to line up in a very run heavy formation. Ngata aligns himself in the A gap between the left guard and the center. The Colts run the ball to the right, away from Ngata, hoping the left guard can block Ngata on his own.

run heavy 1b

But Ngata is too good and commands double-teams. He uses an excellent swim move to elude the left guard.

run heavy 1c

Like before, Ngata quickly finds himself in the backfield. This time, he cuts off the cutback lane, forcing the runner to bounce his run outside.

run heavy 1d

But the edge is well contained, leaving the runner with nowhere to go as he loses two yards on the play.

Ngata plays the role of penetrating defensive tackle extremely well, but he also knows when to take on the double-teams and free up his linebackers to make the play.

double team 1a

Ngata lines up outside the right guard’s shoulder on this play. The Steelers are in a short yardage situation, so are trying to run the ball to the right.

double team 1b

Both the right guard and right tackle team up to block Ngata and stop him from penetrating into the backfield. Ngata accepts the double team responsibility and occupies both blockers.

double team 1c

By staying stout and occupying both blockers, Ngata keeps rookie linebacker C.J. Mosley free to find the hole and make the play on the runner in the backfield, which is exactly what he does.

Ngata has proven to be an equally strong pass rusher. Like in the run game, he demands double-teams or he’ll drive a single blocker back and get pressure on the quarterback.

pass rush 1a

Against the Bengals, Ngata found himself one-on-one against the Bengals left guard.

pass rush 1b

Ngata takes full advantage of the rare one-on-one opportunity, driving the guard back towards quarterback Andy Dalton.

pass rush 1c

The pressure from Ngata forces Dalton to move off his spot and take his eyes away from down the field. Dalton feels the pressure and immediately reverts to his check down target. He does well to get rid of the ball before Ngata gets there, but still takes a big hit.

Ngata can take on double-teams when pass rushing too.

sack 1a

Back to the Steelers game for this play. Ngata is lined up over the left guard’s outside shoulder.

sack 1b

But Ngata makes sure to engage both the left tackle and the left guard. That leaves Pernell McPhee matched up one-on-one with a tight end, a match up he should win every time.

sack 1c

McPhee does win the match up and the left tackle is forced to peel off Ngata to help his tight end. Ngata is then left one-on-one with the left guard. Ngata controls the block, keeping the pocket contained against a mobile quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger. Ngata keeps his eyes on Roethlisberger, knowing he’s likely to try and escape the pocket under pressure.

sack 1d

Once Roethlisberger makes his move to escape the pocket, Ngata gets off his block in a flash and begins to chase him down.

sack 1e

The left guard and tackle both get back to try and help Roethlisberger recover, but Ngata grabs a hold of him and starts to drag him down, despite being blocked by two lineman. Ngata’s strength wins out and results in Roethlisberger being sacked.

Clearly Ngata is still playing at a high level and has yet to show many signs of age catching up with him. But the Ravens have good young depth on the defensive line, having drafted Timmy Jernigan in the second round of the draft this year and Brandon Williams having a breakout year, among others. The Ravens may decide that signing a defensive lineman in his 30’s to an expensive long-term contract might be too risky and the best decision might be to let Ngata walk and let the younger guys take over his responsibilities.

Mark Bullock
Mark Bullock

Mark is an NFL follower from across the pond. He began analyzing Redskins football for SBNation’s HogsHaven.com, before moving on to The Washington Post. He also helps with NFL Draft coverage on FanSpeak.com. Mark was born and still lives in England, often battling the time difference to watch every minute of football he can.

X