MVP of the week: Calais Campbell

The Ravens had an up-and-down performance in their 30-28 win over the Eagles last Sunday. After jumping out to a 17-0 lead, Baltimore’s offense sputtered and the defense began to concede plays, though both sides were plagued by penalties. When choosing the MVP for the Ravens after this game, it was tempting to go with Justin Tucker. Tucker’s three field goals, including a 55-yarder, ended up being the difference in the game after all.

There was another player, however, whose performance was so dominant, that I couldn’t give the award to anyone else. Of course, the player I am referring to is none other than Calais Campbell, who terrorized Philadelphia’s offensive line and QB Carson Wentz for the majority of the game.

Against the Eagles, Campbell had five total tackles, three sacks, four tackles for loss, and 4 QB hits. The very first play of the game was a sack on Wentz by Campbell, which ultimately derailed their opening possession and forced a three-and-out. Campbell’s second sack came on 3rd-&-9 while the Ravens were up 17-0 in the second quarter. His third and final sack came late in the third quarter on first down, which ultimately led to another failed drive for the Eagles while down 24-6.

Campbell’s dominant performance earned him AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors, just a week after rookie ILB Patrick Queen claimed the award against the Bengals. Philadelphia has since released G Jamon Brown, who was the victim of Campbell’s brutality on Sunday.