OTL: All Eyes on Madubuike After Breakout ’23

I’m a Justin Madubuike guy. Big Justin Madubuike guy.

My first real exposure to the Ravens’ defensive tackle came the day he was drafted when I received a text from a co-worker who used to cover him in his high school days in Texas.

“You’re going to love Justin,” he said. “When he’s right, he’s like a bowling ball. Plus, he’s a really nice kid.”

Because of that, I went into training camp that year with Madubuike at the center of my mind. And he did not disappoint.

From the first day, he was a wrecker. Even without pads, his ability to find creases and explode off the ball were apparent. When the pads came on, he became even more disruptive.

“My God,” I thought. “What did they find in this guy?”

“Well, they found another rookie training camp wonder,” I found myself thinking a few months later. Madubuike only got three starts in 10 games he appeared that rookie year, and only recorded one sack and two tackles for loss.

The next training camp came, and guess who was being disruptive time and time again? He looked just as unstoppable as the year before, and I let my imagination run wild again.

Rookie stuff, I justified of his inaugural campaign. He’s really going to take off this year. Two sacks, seven tackles for loss. A few splashy games, but not what you’d consider a game-changer.

Year three? I took the bait again. But it did feel a little different. Madubuike wasn’t just everywhere, on every play, as he appeared to be the first few summers. He was behind the opposing line of scrimmage, snap after snap.

And it showed. Madubuike finished that third season with 5.5 sacks, eight tackles for loss and nine quarterback hits. He had officially become a disruptor.

And we all know how last season went for the big defensive tackle. How does 13 sacks sound? Or a whopping 33 quarterback hits? Or 12 tackles for loss?

In a contract year, Madubuike rose up, smashed opposing quarterbacks and earned a check that solidifies him as a player the Ravens expect to be a game-wrecker time and time again.

And now those expectations have changed, as well.

“While Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Patrick Queen is busy bumping his gums, he should be thanking Madubuike for the blitz lanes that allowed him to tally up ten stuffs last year,” wrote Larry Brown Jr. “Madubuike’s work in the a-gap cannot be overstated, pressing opposing guards out of position and causing significant disruption in the backfield.”

Another player drawing some interest this offseason is linebacker Trenton Simpson, expected to slide into Patrick Queen’s former spot after the latter jumped ship to Pittsburgh as a free agent.

Mike Preston: Ravens linebacker Trenton Simpson knows he has a lot to prove | COMMENTARY

The Sun’s Mike Preston wrote a piece about Simpson that talks about his journey and what he brings to the Ravens.

“There is so much potential with Simpson,” wrote Preston. “Like Queen, he can provide pressure from the outside as a pass rusher. He had 13 tackles last season, including seven in the regular-season finale when the Ravens rested starters and lost to Pittsburgh, 17-10.

“But there is one caveat for Simpson this season: He still has Smith working with him on the inside,” Preston continued. “Queen looked lost in that Jan. 6 game against the Steelers without Smith, but Simpson played well.”

Speaking of Queen, well… he’s still speaking. A lot.

“It was a no-brainer,” Queen said, per the story. “At the end of the day, money makes you happy, but you also have to win to be happy. I’d rather win and be happy than be miserable with a lot of money. It’s a better atmosphere here for me. Everybody is cool, the people are cool, the players are cool and the food spots are better. I am a big food guy. I love food. I am more of a true food guy rather than a seafood guy. I like meat and stuff like that. It’s just a better atmosphere for me here.”

Well, enjoy that atmosphere. As for winning?

Last playoff win:

2023: KC, SF, BAL, DET, BUF, GB, TB, HOU
2022: PHI, CIN, DAL, NYG, JAX
2021: LAR
2020: CLE, NO
2019: SEA, MIN, TEN
2018: NE, LAC, IND
2017: ATL
2016: PIT
2015: DEN, CAR, ARZ
…
2010: CHI, NYJ
…
2005: WSH
…
2002: LV
…
2000: MIA

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) June 5, 2024

Also of note:

The Ravens didn’t expect Nate Wiggins to be available late in the first round. Wiggins didn’t expect it, either.

Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at Wiggins’ emotional draft night — and everything that pushed him to be a star: https://t.co/48N7DJ8o6O

(via @giana_jade) pic.twitter.com/X41XgkqFiu

— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) June 5, 2024

Coming together only strengthens the impact: pic.twitter.com/7VcsJkHfHW

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 5, 2024

The Return of the MVP – Jackson Back at Action-Packed OTA Session

The post OTL: All Eyes on Madubuike After Breakout ’23 appeared first on Russell Street Report.