This Monday night, Haloti Ngata will be inducted into the Ravens Ring of Honor.
In nine seasons with the Ravens, Ngata made the Pro Bowl five times and was named a 1st team All-Pro twice (2010, 2011). In 2012, the year Baltimore won Super Bowl XLVII, Ngata finished 9th in the NFL’s Top 100 players list. As a defensive tackle, he made five interceptions and knocked down 32 passes. Those numbers are unheard of from someone of his stature.
(You can discuss this on the BSL Board here.)
The 12th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft was no stranger to high expectations as he entered the NFL. In 2005, Baltimore’s defense was already very good. Ngata played a big part in helping them become great.
| 2005 | 2006 | |
| Yards allowed | 284.3 (5th) | 264.1 (1st) |
| Points allowed | 299 (10th) | 201 (1st) |
| Rush yards allowed per game | 99.4 | 75.9 |
| Rush yards allowed per attempt | 3.7 | 3.3 |
| Rushing touchdowns allowed | 8 | 5 |
| 1st downs gained by rushing | 79 | 59 |
To see that kind of marked return in just one year is not only extremely gratifying but also encouraging. It validates the goals you envision for your team when you select that player. It gives you boldness as a coaching staff to push your guys even farther. Sure enough, results followed.
Ngata wasn’t your average defensive lineman. He was a freak of nature, uniquely gifted in both talent and temperament. At 6’4”, 340 pounds, he was as quick and as agile as a sub linebacker. He fit perfectly within the scheme and culture of Baltimore’s defense, so it’s no surprise that he’s been selected for this rare honor.
Ray Lewis often talked about how valuable Sam Adams and Tony Siragusa were to his success, as their control of interior offensive linemen allowed him to perform at an elite level. Ngata’s performance was no different. It also allowed Defensive Coordinators Rex Ryan, Greg Mattison, Chuck Pagano, and Dean Pees to be especially creative as they knew Ngata was as forceful and as dependable as defensive linemen come.
As critical as some Ravens fans can be, it’s obvious how deserving Ngata is to be in the Ravens Ring of Honor. Now the question becomes: Who’s next? Which of the current Ravens will be remembered at M&T Bank Stadium when they’re finished playing?
The only Ravens currently in the Ring of Honor without winning a Super Bowl are Ernest Byner and Todd Heap, so the standard is high. It’s safe to say Lamar Jackson, Justin Tucker and John Harbaugh are surely on their way. Perhaps Marlon Humphrey and Jimmy Smith will make it, too.
Who else gets your vote?
Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.
When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.
To engage with Mike on social media, follow him on Twitter @MikeFastNFL.