Pernell McPhee isn't one to step down from a challenge.
Considering the Ravens have Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil on the roster, it will be tough for McPhee — who moved from defensive end to outside linebacker in 2014 — to best them in the sack column when the end of the season comes. But that's not going to stop him from trying.
Speaking to BaltimoreRavens.com's Ryan Mink, McPhee said his goal isn't just to improve upon his strong finish in 2013, but to lead the team in sacks.
"That's going to be hard to do when you have Elvis Dumervil and Courtney Upshaw and Terrell Suggs on the field," McPhee said. "It's going to be hard, but that's my personal expectation. I want to get at least seven or eight sacks this year."
When McPhee was a rookie in 2011, he had a surprise campaign as a fifth-round draft pick, recording six sacks as a defensive end. Injuries slowed him individually in 2012 (1.5 sacks) before he moved to outside linebacker a season ago (two sacks).
If the Ravens can get anywhere between six-to-eight sacks out of McPhee, they'll be in extremely great shape. While his goal is to lead the Ravens in sacks, Suggs, Dumervil and Upshaw should all have plenty of opportunities to get after opposing quarterbacks.
And if McPhee is getting to the quarterback, that means others should be doing so too. It's a deep group and one that should excel if all of the moving parts to the defense work accordingly.