While the Baltimore Ravens finished the 2015 season at 5-11, their worst mark since 2007, help seems to be on the way. According to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, the team expects star linebacker Terrell Suggs to return to them in 2016.
While not overly shocking, this is something of a surprise. During the offseason, Suggs, who turned 33 in October, referenced that he was on the “back nine” of his career.
Shortly after those comments, Suggs suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon tear in the team’s first game against the Broncos, which certainly put his return to the Ravens and NFL in general even more in question.
His return to Baltimore is greatly anticipated by the team’s general manager, Ozzie Newsome.
“He’s had that injury before, so he knows what it takes to get back. I’m just looking forward to him getting back in here and being involved in the [organized team activities] and going through training camp and seeing where he is.”
The impact of Suggs on the Baltimore pass rush is obvious. They recorded 37 sacks in 2015, good for only 17th in the league. Just one season ago, they were second in the NFL with 49 sacks. Their 37 sacks this season was their lowest total since 2012, when they also notched 37 sacks.
Not coincidentally, Suggs only played in eight games that season, but he was on the field during the Ravens’ playoff run that culminated in a Super Bowl XLVII victory over the San Francisco 49ers.
Terrell Suggs has made six Pro Bowls. He was also a first-team All-Pro in 2011, second team All-Pro in 2008 and won the Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2011.