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Top 10 NFL players older than 35 in 2018 - Austin Gayle
7. TERRELL SUGGS, EDGE, BALTIMORE RAVENS – 35 YEARS OLD
Returning from a torn Achilles in 2016, Suggs earned an unconventional 77.7 overall grade across 697 defensive snaps, pushing some to believe his best days were behind him. Of course, Suggs proved his doubters wrong in 2017.
The 35-year-old Suggs earned an 87.0 overall grade this past season, his highest mark since 2011. He also recorded 79 total pressures and 33 defensive stops, which ranked fourth and 15th among edge defenders in 2017, respectively. Suggs’ production speaks for itself. He can still get after the quarterback and his play against the run hasn’t wavered in the slightest.
PFF views Suggs as the best defender over 35 years old, behind only a few quarterbacks and offensive lineman as the top aging player in the NFL.
The biggest question for all 32 NFL teams: From Eli’s future to the Brady-Belichick feud - Pete Prisco
Can Joe Flacco keep Lamar Jackson from taking his job?
Let’s be real: Flacco hasn’t exactly lit it up the past few seasons. In fairness to him, his weapons have been limited. But he’s got to be better. The Ravenstraded back into the first round in the April draft to take Jackson with the idea he would be their quarterback of the future. The question now is whether that starts this season. If Flacco can play well, Jackson will obviously sit and watch. If Flacco struggles, Jackson should take over.
Prisco goes on to speculate that Le’Veon Bell’s contract situation could negatively impact the Steelers in 2018. The Ravens are set to square off against their arch rivals in a Week 4 primetime showdown at Pittsburgh.
Fantasy Football Booms/Busts 2018: The Baltimore Ravens - Liz Loza
Without much competition for looks, particularly on the opponent’s side of the field, Crabtree is more than capable of an 80-catch, 900-yard, 7-9 TD campaign in his Ravens debut.
But that doesn’t negate Snead’s ability or talent. Let’s not forget that he posted a 72-895-4 stat line in 2016, demonstrating sticky mitts (catch rate of 69.2 percent) and dominating after the catch (373 yards). Given the Ravens’ lack of pass-catching weapons, Snead figures to get fed.
I’ve been a long-time Smokey apologist, but after starting just 11 games over two seasons, it’s hard to imagine him making a major impact in 2018… even on the talent-shallow Ravens. Despite flashing in his sophomore outing, Brown’s receptions, yards, and TD totals have dwindled in back-to-back years. In fact, Brown’s 2015 production outshines his 2016 and 2017 output combined.
Last year, Collins contributed minimally in the pass game (23 receptions) and, oddly, averaged only 1.9 red-zone touches per game. He should lead the team in workload, but with Kenneth Dixon and Buck Allen very much in the mix, repeating what he achieved a season ago seems far fetched.
In all likelihood, the Ravens will field a diverse offense in 2018. Expect Michael Crabtree, Willie Snead, John Brown and Alex Collins to each have some big games mixed in with mediocre outputs.