The better of Michael Pierce is perhaps on its manner.
The Ravens’ seventh-year nostril deal with has began solely 11 video games over the previous two years in each Minnesota and Baltimore due to accidents, and he feels the identical as new teammate and large receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who missed all of final season recovering from a knee damage.
Pierce missed Sunday afternoons and all of the euphoria that goes with sport day. He believes that he and Beckham have one thing to show, solely Pierce, who began his profession in Baltimore as an undrafted free agent out of Samford in 2016, might need extra incentive.
This season, Pierce has to exchange a large each on and off the sector in defensive finish Calais Campbell, who signed a one-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons on March 29.
“I don’t think you replace Hall of Famers in general,” Pierce stated. “Do you replace Terrell Suggs or Ray Lewis? I don’t think you do. I think you just feel the role that is put out for you in your position, and if you do that, you will bring people along. It will all come together.”
No one can exchange Campbell. That raspy, deep bass voice and neighborhood contributions set him aside from most of his teammates. On the sector, the 6-foot-8, 307-pound Campbell had 36 tackles final season because the Ravens completed No. 2 within the NFL in run protection, permitting solely 92.1 yards per sport. He all the time appeared to dam no less than one or two additional level or area purpose makes an attempt a season, too, regardless of being on the draw back of his 15-year profession.
Pierce has the vertical leap of a groundhog, and at 6 toes and 355 kilos, he isn’t going to be swatting down many kicks. But he can fill that gaping gap on the line of defense.
His girth and energy virtually make him the prototype for a nostril deal with. His thighs are as thick as two phone poles and you could possibly present a wide-screen film on his chest.
Last yr was only a glimpse of how dominant Pierce may very well be. He had six tackles and was working sideline-to-sideline early within the season. He didn’t have a sack, however he was forcing quarterbacks to maneuver or step up within the pocket. Then he tore his biceps in Week 3 in opposition to New England and was positioned on the injured reserve checklist to endure season-ending surgical procedure.
Last yr may have been particular. Instead, Pierce was as bored as Beckham, sitting residence and watching video games on TV.
“It’s definitely hard to watch,” stated Pierce. “Being lowered to yelling on the TV …It’s tough, to be sincere with you. That can result in some powerful, very totally different feelings and temper swings on Sunday.
“I really just focused on myself, just trying to find different things I could do in the offseason.”
Pierce suffered the same destiny with Minnesota. After opting out of the 2020 marketing campaign due to coronavirus issues, he began the primary 4 video games for the Vikings in 2021 earlier than an elbow damage ultimately sidelined him for 2 months. He performed in solely eight video games.
So, after final yr’s damage, he modified his offseason exercises. He had all the time been a powerlifter going again to his days at Samford, however the Ravens introduced in a brand new energy and conditioning coach in Scott Elliott, and Pierce purchased in.
He additionally began taking yoga courses. Pierce misplaced seven to eight kilos earlier than voluntary organized staff actions began, and had little issue passing the vaunted conditioning check.
That produced a sigh of reduction as a result of, in June 2019, coach John Harbaugh pulled Pierce from follow on the primary day of minicamp due to security issues.
“I haven’t had any conditioning issues or anything else,” Pierce stated. “I feel pretty good. I got really deep into yoga; stretching my muscles, just trying to find different things to make sure I stayed healthy. I needed to find something in my offseason program to reverse the trend.”
There has been a special Pierce within the voluntary practices open to the media. His quickness and burst are clearly evident. Many established veterans don’t even attend the voluntary classes, however Pierce has embraced them as a result of he desires and wishes to search out his groove once more.
Maybe extra importantly, he desires to be a pacesetter amongst a younger group that features linemates Justin Madubuike (age 25), Broderick Washington (26) and Travis Jones (23).
“I don’t look at it as pressure; I look at it as if I still have something to prove,” Pierce stated. “I feel I’ve been progressive in numerous areas of my profession, however no matter motive I’ve been injured.
“Being an undrafted guy and now being looked on as the guy is beyond my wildest dreams. So whatever pressure comes with it, that’s fine. If I do play at a high level and show a strong work ethic, it will be fine and others will follow.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com