Ngata paving way for Lewis
Just reviewed some more tape of the Pittsburgh Steelers game, and Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata is having an outstanding season. Part of the reason inside linebacker Ray Lewis had 13 tackles was because Ngata was creating such big holes by penetrating and pushing back the Steelers' offensive linemen. A lot of times, good defensive tackles hold ground, and then move along the line of scrimmage. But Ngata gets off the ball so well and then drives opposing linemen two yards into the backfield. At times, he looked like the lead blocker creating holes for Lewis. Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth is a great player, but Ngata is right there with him.
Comments
Haloti is a rugby player, enough said!
Posted by: Fells Point Craig | October 2, 2008 11:06 AM
Ngata is a beast! I too watched the tape focusing on the offensive and defensive lines. He is so strong that the Steeler linemen could not get to his body. I saw one play where he stood the lineman up with his arms, and as the running back approached, flicked him aside like a rag doll and made the tackle.
Posted by: Rick H. | October 2, 2008 11:08 AM
Is this the same Mike Preston that claimed the Ravens made a mistake by drafting Ngata so high, because he takes to many plays off during a game?
Posted by: Notty28 | October 2, 2008 11:20 AM
Ngata is awesome, and fills his role as Rays wrecking ball just as it was predicted when he was drafted. However, just because he got a gift INT doesn't mean we want him dropping back in zone coverage on 3rd down in OT. Moore easily beat him in the open field to convert that game sealing play.
Posted by: Nathan | October 2, 2008 12:06 PM
Harbaugh is stressing team, and I'm all for it... (Seems redundant - Football Team) I totally agree with your assessment as I'm not hearing enough about the great play exhibited by Ray Lewis. As a fan base, are we taking him for granted? He's had tackles resulting in key interceptions. He's stripped balls creating key a key fumble. And, in a symbiotic nature by leveraging his team mate Ngata, played another great game against Pittsburgh. Example: We don't hear much about that defensive stand in the fourth quarter whereby we stopped the Steelers on the one yard line. That was an incredible test of wills, and we came out on top, giving Flacco the opportunity to go down and get the TD. Ray may have lost a step, but he's compensating with superior conditioning, desire and heart. Ray is having an incredible year individually, and as a result, the team's number one defensive rating says it all.
Posted by: Bob | October 2, 2008 1:01 PM
The goal of every NFL team is to reach the super bowl, the Ravens will not make it until they stop playing not to lose. A great NFL team buries their opponet.
Posted by: Benny | October 2, 2008 2:48 PM
I agree Ngata helped Ray have a big game on Monday but he himself has become a stout run stuffer as well. The defense overall is not young but it's got its share of great young pieces and Ngata is definitely one of them.
Posted by: Anonymous | October 2, 2008 4:28 PM
Haloti is having fun and being successful in his own right.I'm happy he's a Raven and so is Ray,I bet.He could make an all pro team if he does'nt get too dinged up;just my opinion.
Posted by: Dan R. | October 2, 2008 5:52 PM
Nathan and Bob have good points: Nathan, they should have let him rush!! Bob, too many so called fans are too upset at Ray for a 10 second dance to notice what he means to our team! How can a fan really look forward games without Ray? I bet nobody else will get a text message about what their going to do to our team this season!!! While i'm at it, Back in Camp, some fans wanted to get rid of Gaither. I feel he is doing a pretty good job.
Posted by: B | October 2, 2008 6:59 PM
Nagata is fantastic and getting better can't wait for Kelley to get back Baltimore is goona be strong this year
Posted by: davidd | October 4, 2008 7:35 PM