In a strategic maneuver to invigorate their pass rush, the Baltimore Ravens have decided to bring back veteran edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue for the 2024 season. This decision marks a notable reunion, coming four years after Ngakoue's initial stint with the team following a midseason trade from the Minnesota Vikings in 2020.
Ngakoue's return to Baltimore adds a seasoned presence to the Ravens' defense. Over a nine-year career that has seen him lace up for six different teams, Ngakoue has distinguished himself as a formidable pass rusher. Initially drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars as a third-round pick, Ngakoue quickly made a name for himself in the NFL.
Career Journey and Stats
Ngakoue's career began with the Jaguars, where he played from 2016 to 2019, racking up substantial stats and establishing his reputation as one of the league's persistent threats on the edge. In 2020, after his brief tenures with the Vikings and Ravens, Ngakoue went on to play for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021, the Indianapolis Colts in 2022, and the Chicago Bears in 2023.
During his initial spell with the Ravens in 2020, Ngakoue participated in nine games, recording three sacks and 26 quarterback pressures. Competence and consistency have been the hallmarks of Ngakoue's career, evidenced by his 69 career sacks—a tally that ties him for ninth in the NFL alongside Joey Bosa since he joined the league. Impressively, Ngakoue managed to rack up at least eight sacks in each of his first seven NFL seasons.
Challenges and Resilience
However, the 2023 season posed significant challenges for Ngakoue. While playing for the Bears, he suffered a broken ankle, which sidelined him for the season's final four games. This injury contributed to his registering a career-low four sacks, a dip that was an anomaly in his otherwise stellar career.
Ravens' Current Performance
The Ravens enter Ngakoue's return with a 1-2 record at the start of the 2024 season. As a team, they have accumulated 10 sacks, ranking them ninth in the league. Yet, their overall quarterback pressure rate of 27.1% is the fourth worst in the NFL as they approach Week 3 of the season. This lackluster pressure performance undoubtedly influenced the decision to reintegrate Ngakoue into their defensive lineup.
Ngakoue's familiarity with the Ravens' defensive schemes and organization is expected to facilitate a smooth transition back into the team. His understanding of the team's culture and gameplay should enable him to make an immediate impact, bolstering a team that is keen to turn their early-season fortunes around.
In conclusion, the return of Yannick Ngakoue to the Baltimore Ravens is more than just a homecoming; it is a calculated step to reinvigorate the team's defensive edge. Given his track record and experience, Ngakoue's presence is set to provide much-needed dynamism to the Ravens' pass rush as they navigate the 2024 NFL season.