:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/34523695/20140123_kkt_st3_004.0.jpg)
Move over Justin Timberlake, Terrell Suggs is bringing the sizzle back in 2014.
In the words of ESPN.com's Ravens team reporter Jamison Hensley:
Terrell Suggs bringing back sizzle to his game #ravens... http://t.co/xG79JfwSnx
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) June 18, 2014
The passionate linebacker is bringing the fire to Baltimore's barbecue and is looking to cook quarterbacks this season. Suggs admitted that he gained a little weight as the season went on last year but is looking trim and promises that he is dedicated to playing better this season and staying on the ball.
One of the things was you get a little cold and you gain a little weight. I probably put on a little too much weight down the stretch there. But that was one of my big focuses going into this year. Definitely, if I keep my weight down, I can have a strong finish.
A defense and linebacking corps--who barely missed the top ten last season in rushing yards allowed-per-game (105.4)--will rely on the 31-year-old to lead and captain their ship.
Again, the role he'll play on defense is larger than himself. In 2013, Suggs registered the most assists (33) of his career. He's chaperoning; directing the crew, giving and receiving support from the youthful Matt Elam and new rookies Terrence Brooks, C.J. Mosley, Brent Urban and Timmy Jernigan. They will seek mentorship from the 31 year old, six time Pro Bowl linebacker. Suggs just recently signed an extension with the Ravens worth $28.5 million with an $11 million signing bonus in the offseason that will see him remain a "Raven for life".
The Ravens defense allowed seven rushing touchdowns in 2013 (5th). With a year under Darryl Smith's belt, coupled with a "frustrated" Elvis Dumervil, I'd go as far as to say that the Ravens defense might be in their prime under a hungry Dean Pees.