The Ravens, Chargers may boost playoff success with Pro Bowler Yannick Ngakoue after his release from the New England Patriots. Ngakoue has an opportunity like most free agents who might be looking for a postseason team to sign with to help them on a playoff run. Originally selected in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, the 70.5-sack veteran has been a journeyman for the majority of his career after spending the first three seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Patriots brought him in rotation to see what he could do in the team’s defense after trading Josh Uche to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Ngakoue has a chance to win a Super Bowl ring, rather than sitting on the sidelines with a losing team. He might be past his prime after having one of his best seasons playing for the Baltimore Ravens. However, he could still be an effective disruptor in the run defense in rotation. Ngakoue doesn’t have a strong market just like this past offseason but after Week 18, there should be several teams looking for his services in time for the postseason.
However, it might come down to a race that could get Ngakoue since he’ll already be a free agent at the time this post comes out. Two AFC contenders like the Ravens, Chargers need a new disruptor to give this quality journeyman a chance in a situational role.
Ravens, Chargers May Boost Playoff Success With Pro Bowler Yannick Ngakoue
Reunion Once Again?
The Baltimore Ravens came into the season with a huge change in their offense, signing Derrick Henry to help boost the momentum under Lamar Jackson’s wing. Furthermore. they may be the new AFC team that could go on a legitimate run for a couple of seasons like the Kansas City Chiefs winning back-to-back Super Bowls. However, the pass defense has been a weak link in this team that is stopping them from becoming greater than everyone was anticipating. Since losing several key free agents like Jadeveon Clowney and Geno Stone, the Ravens were bound for a few inconsistencies down the regular season stretch.
Baltimore struggles with a consistent balance and experience that could creep up on them come the postseason. It makes sense for the Ravens to sign Ngakoue given the familiarity he has with the system. Kyle Van Noy, Roquan Smith and Odafe Oweh are all reliable edge disruptors but one more veteran might keep the stability together. Ngakoue doesn’t need to play full-time but could be an effective force in situational plays like on crucial third downs.
Old-School Football
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers have a promising roster with plenty of promise but they need more veterans if they want to go on a deep run this postseason. While Head Coach Jim Harbaugh has done handsomely well changing the roster around after enduring inconsistent seasons, they could use more talent to keep the team veteran. Justin Herbert thrives when the opportunity is given to him, so the team needs to do all they can to keep on the field to drive down the ball. However, the Chargers will be the underdogs no matter who they face in the playoffs.
Ngakoue isn’t a god with a lightning bolt, but his presence might be an efficient pairing with Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa. He won’t check every down but the former Pro Bowler could be reliable to stop the runs and fill the gaps.
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