In a strategic move that aims to bolster their pass rush, the Baltimore Ravens have opted to reunite with a familiar face, veteran edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue, for their 2024 squad. This marks the second stint in Baltimore for Ngakoue, who initially joined the team midseason in 2020 following a trade from the Minnesota Vikings.
Ngakoue’s Journey in the NFL
Yannick Ngakoue has traversed an extensive journey through the NFL, spanning nine years and six different teams. Originally drafted as a third-round pick by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Ngakoue rapidly made his mark in the league. He played for the Jaguars from 2016 to 2019, amassing significant stats that have kept him in high regard within professional football circles.
After his initial successful seasons with the Jaguars, Ngakoue’s career path saw multiple transitions. In 2020 alone, he had brief stints with both the Vikings and the Ravens, before moving on to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021, the Indianapolis Colts in 2022, and the Chicago Bears in 2023. During his first term with the Ravens, Ngakoue played nine games, recording three sacks and 26 quarterback pressures.
Despite his travels, Ngakoue has posted impressive career numbers, accumulating 69 career sacks. This places him in a tie for the ninth most in the NFL alongside Joey Bosa since he entered the league. What stands out even more is his consistency; Ngakoue totaled at least eight sacks in each of his first seven NFL seasons.
Challenges in 2023
However, the veteran edge rusher faced significant challenges in 2023. Playing for the Bears, Ngakoue suffered a broken ankle that sidelined him for the final four games of the season. This injury contributed to him finishing the season with a career-low of four sacks.
Ravens’ Current Season and Pass-Rush Performance
The Ravens have not had the most auspicious start to their 2024 season, currently holding a 1-2 record. As a team, they have logged 10 sacks, which places them ninth in the league. However, their overall quarterback pressure rate of 27.1% stands as the fourth worst in the NFL as they head into Week 3. The Ravens hope that Ngakoue's familiarity with their defensive schemes and organizational culture will facilitate a smoother transition and quicker assimilation back into the team.
Looking forward, Ngakoue will aim to bring his veteran presence and proven pass-rushing skills to a Ravens’ defense eager to make an impact. His track record, despite recent setbacks, suggests he can still be a key contributor, potentially elevating the team's overall defensive performance.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how this reunion plays out for both Ngakoue and the Ravens. Will this strategic move be the catalyst needed to enhance their pass rush and improve their standings? The answer lies in the upcoming games and Ngakoue’s ability to re-establish himself as a disruptive force on the edge.