Stopping the run and putting pressure on the inside of the pocket hasn’t been easy for the Baltimore Ravens without injured defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, but a trade to reunite with a 39-year-old who’s still a game-wrecker would fix those problems.
That’s according to ESPN’s Seth Walder, who names Arizona Cardinals veteran Calais Campbell as a suitable candidate to reunite with the Ravens. Walder pointed out how “Campbell is still producing. His 15.4% pass rush win rate ranks third at defensive tackle and his run stop win rate would rank in the top five among interior defenders if he qualified. Campbell would be a short-term solution and wouldn’t require an over-investment in draft capital or contract. That limits the downside in case the Ravens can’t recover this season.”
The idea of getting an interior lineman still dominant against both phases of an offense for a bargain price should appeal to the Ravens. Especially when two-time Pro Bowler Madubuike is out for the season because of a neck injury.
Not having Madubuike at the heart of their front seven has meant less double teams from opponents. That’s led to more success on the ground for opposing running games and reduced pressure generated by Baltimore’s D-line.
Bringing back Campbell, who played for the Ravens from 2020-22, would give a struggling defense an instant boost. Perhaps one significant enough to turn recent hints of a revival on that side of the ball into something disruptive enough to inspire a turnaround for a 2-5 team.
Calais Campbell Reunion Perfect for Ravens
The fact Campbell is still playing at a high level is testament to the enduring brilliance of a six-time Pro Bowler who can make plays anywhere along the front. He can be formidable as an edge-setter playing defensive end, but Campbell causes more havoc when he slides inside.
What Campbell does best is collapse the pocket. Like he did when the 18-year pro used a dynamic swim move to sack Sam Darnold against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4, highlighted by Pro Football Journal.
Quick pressures like this one have been missing from the Ravens’ pass rush without Madubuike. So has a sturdy wall against the run.
Ravens Uncharacteristically Generous vs. the Run
Being tough against the run had been a franchise staple for the Ravens until this season. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s unit is allowing 4.5 yards per carry and has already given up seven runs of 20-plus yards.
That’s an unusual amount of generosity from a traditionally rugged run defense. Injuries have depleted the front seven in key areas, with nose tackle Travis Jones and middle linebacker Roquan Smith both missing time.
The Ravens are healthy now, with ESPN’s Jamison Hensley reporting they “had full participation from everyone on their 53-man roster in Wednesday’s walkthrough,” but the run defense could still use some help.
Adding Campbell to the mix would go a long way toward repairing the damage already done. Big No. 93 is still plugging gaps, bossing double teams and stuffing running plays at source.
Those talents are why Campbell has been credited with 5.5 run stuffs by ESPN. His presence, along with having All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton operating in a more aggressive, downhill role, would make the Ravens’ defense a force again in both phases.
Perhaps even something strong enough to power a revival that can last until the playoffs.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Ravens Named Trade Fit for 39-Year-Old to Replace Nnamdi Madubuike appeared first on Heavy Sports.