Pierce on his way back

[tsylvester]

In the early stages of what’s being deemed “football school,” a mixture of young talent and a sprinkling of veterans participate in the earliest stages of offseason workouts. Among the veterans is defensive tackle Michael Pierce.

Pierce, 30, signed with the Ravens last season to a three-year, $16.5 million deal as the Ravens attempted to bolster their pass rush after a deal with outside linebacker Za’Darius Smith fell apart. But four weeks into the season, Pierce suffered a torn biceps injury against the New England Patriots and was placed on season-ending injured reserve. Now, fully healthy, he’s returned and involved in the early stages of team workouts, and Defensive Coordinator Mike Macdonald is appreciating the veterans attendance.

“You saw the start that [Pierce] was off to last year so it was disappointing to lose him,” Macdonald said. “Having Mike back in the middle of the defense will definitely be a big point of contention for us moving forward. I’m excited to see what he does.”

The start Macdonald’s referring to was significant, as Pierce was the No. 7 ranked defensive lineman by PFF, directly behind Los Angeles Rams defensive star Aaron Donald through the four games he played. His overall grade sat at 86.9, and he graded above a 70 in run defense, tackling, pass rush and coverage.

Now, with defensive end Calais Campbell joining the Atlanta Falcons, Macdonald sees Pierce as a person to help subside the loss of one of the NFL’s most unique defensive players.

“Just having another vet guy that’s done it at a a high level, of course that’s going to help us,” Macdonald said. “[He has a] different skillset, but I think Michael Pierce is an underrated interior rusher, too. When the time comes, I think you’ll see what he can do in pass downs as well.”

https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2023/5/18/23727011/ravens-dc-mike-macdonald-on-michael-pierces-return-i-think-youll-see-what-he-can-do

 

 

[oldno82]

That is really good news. I'm very impressed with McDonald too. And also with Monken and the whole concept of 'football school'.

[tsylvester]

Yeah, Pierce has shown flashes each year but keeps getting bit by the injury bug it seems. If he can stay healthy, he can be a real beast, take this run stuffing and pocket collapse to a new level

[tsylvester]

I was a bit skeptical of McDonald at first, but he has shown the ability to adjust game to game, and especially in game. Give him a healthy hungry defense, man, this could be real fun, Rex Ryan like fun like back in the day

[papasmurfbell]

McDonald should be kicking some cash to Roquan since he did save the D.

[oldno82]

4 hours ago, tsylvester said:

I was a bit skeptical of McDonald at first, but he has shown the ability to adjust game to game, and especially in game. Give him a healthy hungry defense, man, this could be real fun, Rex Ryan like fun like back in the day

Well, they are hungry so if they stay healthy with the guys they have, the rest of the league better take notice.

[tsylvester]

10 hours ago, papasmurfbell said:

McDonald should be kicking some cash to Roquan since he did save the D.

So Rex should have for Ray? Sure, Smith was a missing piece, but there is no argument for McDonald and all of the excellent in game adjustments with coverages, with the types of pass rush he called, different stunts, blitzes etc.

[GrubberRaven]

11 hours ago, papasmurfbell said:

McDonald should be kicking some cash to Roquan since he did save the D.

Did Roquan save Chicago's D?  Sure he was a boost, but McDonald put Roquan AND Queen in the best positions to succeed.

 

[papasmurfbell]

13 hours ago, tsylvester said:

So Rex should have for Ray? Sure, Smith was a missing piece, but there is no argument for McDonald and all of the excellent in game adjustments with coverages, with the types of pass rush he called, different stunts, blitzes etc.

Roquan came in and made the parts around him better.  The D was floundering before he got there.

[oldno82]

Yes...Roquan is the real deal. And so is McDonald. I'm glad we have both of them.

And Monken too.