As the late Al Davis, long time owner of the Oakland Raiders, famously said: “the other team’s quarterback must go down, and he must go down hard.” In the preseason opener last Thursday night, Baltimore Ravens edge rusher David Ojabo provided that service.
He knocked Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson out of the game, when he sacked him in the first quarter. Richardson suffered a dislocated pinky, on his throwing hand, during that play.
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However, Richardson will be back for the second preseason game, against the Green Bay Packers this upcoming week. Ojabo knows a thing or two about coming back from injury, as that has been the story of his career thus far. A second round pick in 2022, Ojabo only played in five games during his first two seasons in the league, due to the torn Achilles that he suffered during his Pro Day at Michigan.
Ojabo played in 13 games last season, upping his total to 18, but he only has 16 tackles and four sacks over the course of his career. Currently in the final year of his rookie contract, this is definitely Last Chance Saloon for Ojabo in Baltimore. He’s rumored to be on the trading block, and the Ravens could save some cap space should they find a suitor with a suitable offer.
He might benefit from a change in scenery, as he’s currently projected as the third-string edge rusher. Of course, if he wants to stay and fight for his place, the Ravens could certainly use more pass-rushing help.
You can never have enough good edge rushers, especially when you’re trying to shore up what was one of the league’s worst pass defenses last season. And depth is needed because Kyle van Noy and Odafe Oweh can’t do it all themselves.
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In addition to the sack, Ojabo had two tackles, one tackle for loss and a QB hit on Thursday night. He’s making a strong case to keep a roster spot.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: David Ojabo made the case to keep his roster spot against the Colts