Justin Houston, We Don’t Have a Problem

For all the hand-wringing over a quiet first half of the season for second-year linebacker Odafe Oweh, and the angst over the anticipated return of some injured guys on the edges to boost that outside pass rush, one grizzled Ravens veteran is putting forth a terrific under-the-radar performance.

Ladies and gentlemen: Justin Houston.

He has been nothing short of outstanding this season, generating a team-leading six sacks in only five games. His back-to-back sacks against Tampa Bay last Thursday night destroyed a Buccaneers drive at the end of the first half, and he produced back-to-backers against the Browns the week before — with the second one producing a fumble.

If Houston is indeed “washed” and on the other side of his career, someone forgot to send him the memo.

He is currently the 13^th-ranked edge defender by PFF out of 117 eligible players, and is only slotted behind Michael Pierce as far as Ravens defenders go — sporting an impressive 82.1 overall ranking. Many pundits and fans feared the Ravens pass rush would be a severe weakness this season, but the team currently sits 12^th in adjusted sack rate by Football Outsiders, despite a rash of injuries and recoveries in the edge group, and they are tied with Dallas for eighth in the NFL in sacks per game.

And Houston is helping lead the way.

It was almost as an afterthought the Ravens brought back Houston this season for his second with the club. He contributed 4.5 sacks in 15 games last season, and though he helped, it didn’t seem like he was a big part of their plans going into 2022. But young edge defender Jaylon Ferguson unexpectedly passed away, and players like Tyus Bowser and rookie David Ojabo would not be ready for a good chunk of the coming season, if at all. But the Ravens signed Houston in July for a second season with the club, and he seems to have found the elusive Fountain of Youth.

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With Bowser seemingly on the verge of returning, and Ojabo recently completing his first practice, reinforcements should be on the way for this pass-rush unit. Limiting Houston’s snaps and keeping his legs fresh would appear to be a recipe for continued success going forward — and an improving interior rush that might be getting even better with the addition of linebacker Roquan Smith this week doesn’t hurt, either.

“Man, God is good, man,” he told reporters following the Ravens’ win over Tampa Bay. “I’m just happy he chose me to play through, man. I’m playing well. I feel young again. Like I said, I’m blessed beyond measure. God is filling my heart with joy, and he’s playing through me, and I’m just so happy to continue playing at this age.”

So are the Ravens, Justin. So are the Ravens.

The post Justin Houston, We Don’t Have a Problem appeared first on Russell Street Report.