Terrell Suggs has been the Ravens'leading pass rusher during his 10 years in Baltimore.
Now he has some serious competition for that distinction.
The Ravens added outside linebacker Elvis Dumervil this offseason, and the eight-year veteran is expected to challenge Suggs for the team lead in sacks. Dumervil and Suggs have been two of the NFL's most feared pass rushers during their careers, combining for 148 sacks over that time.
Both players are motivated to have big seasons. Suggs is looking to rebound after an injury-riddled 2012 campaign where he finished with just 1.5 sacks. He has lost weight and hopes to return to his Defensive Player of the Year form of 2011.
Dumervil wants to make a splash in his new home of Baltimore, and he's already taken on a leadership role in the defense. He was a regular participant in the offseason program, not missing a day of voluntary practice.
With the two of them coming off the edges, the Ravens will give opposing offenses fits.
Suggs and Dumervil headline the pass rush, but they aren't the only players who could end up as the sack leader. Some other candidates for the newly-named Deacon Jones Award are Haloti Ngata, Pernell McPhee, Arthur Jones and Chris Canty.
Ngata is expected to play more inside this season with some of the additions to the defensive line. He's able to beat guards and centers inside, and has shown good pass rush when going up against interior linemen. He was second on the team with five sacks last year, and that number could increase in 2013.
McPhee showed tremendous pass-rush potential as a rookie in 2011 before injuries limited his production last year. He's a natural pass rusher, and to maximize those abilities the Ravens moved him from defensive end to outside linebacker. He could be a situational pass rusher – similar to Paul Kruger – and capitalize on his ability to get after quarterbacks.
Jones came on strong last season and finished the year with 4.5 sacks. He proved to be more than just a run stopper, and the attention paid to Dumervil and Suggs could open opportunities for him inside.
Canty drew rave reviews for his performance during mandatory minicamp, and he's expected to provide a boost to the defensive line this year. He was a solid pass rusher during his time with the New York Giants, and he's looking to bring that ability with him to Baltimore.
So who do you think will have the most sacks in 2013?
