Justin Houston mentioned in July that he had “too much juice” to retire. This season — and particularly Monday evening — he’s proved that.
The 33-year-old linebacker notched 2 1/2 sacks and a late interception, turning into the primary Raven to submit three straight multi-sack video games. Sparked by his huge performs, the Ravens’ protection terrorized the New Orleans Saints as Baltimore took residence a 27-13 victory to enhance to 6-3 heading into their bye week.
But earlier than he determined he had an abundance of “juice,” Houston thought of retirement this offseason. He and his spouse went on trip for just a few days, he mentioned, and he turned off his cellphone and prayed throughout that point. The end result: He opted to return again for a second 12 months in Baltimore, his twelfth NFL season.
Few pass-rushers are in a position to play a dozen years successfully, however Houston is constant to take pleasure in success, and his 8 1/2 sacks this 12 months (regardless of lacking three video games with a groin harm) are tied for second within the NFL. He’s on tempo for the second-most sacks of his profession, behind solely his league-leading 22 in 2014.
He’s amazed even himself.
“The things that are happening on the field, I can’t even explain,” he mentioned. “I don’t even know what I’m doing some of these times.”
He performed 65% of Baltimore’s defensive snaps Monday and pressured the quarterback 5 occasions, per NFL’s Next Gen Stats.
In addition to his sacks, Houston made a pivotal play within the fourth quarter when, after Brent Urban deflected a cross from Saints quarterback Andy Dalton, Houston snagged it out of the air for an interception. Afterward, he handed the ball to his son, who sat within the entrance row of the Caesars Superdome, carrying his father’s No. 50 jersey.
Houston’s choose gave the Ravens possession within the purple zone and arrange a last landing that every one however sealed the sport’s destiny.
As ESPN interviewed Lamar Jackson after the sport, the star quarterback embraced Houston.
“He did his thing tonight,” Jackson mentioned of Houston. “Hall of Famer, right there.”
Houston has already earned himself a $1 million bonus so far this season by surpassing 5 whole sacks (a $500,000 incentive) and, now, 7 1/2 sacks (one other $500,000), in line with Ravens wage cap knowledgeable Brian McFarland of Russell Street Report. With 1 1/2 extra sacks, he’ll attain double digits and one other $500,000, and he’ll obtain the identical quantity ought to he make the Pro Bowl.
Second-year linebacker Odafe Oweh beforehand dubbed Houston, “Yoda,” and he later revised that nickname to “Sensei.” After Monday, he was as soon as once more impressed.
“It’s like he was in God mode today, he wasn’t even sensei mode, he was [in] God mode. I just look and it’s another play, another play, another play,” Oweh mentioned.
“[Houston’s] a beast, man,” mentioned 36-year-old Calais Campbell, one other ageless stalwart of the Baltimore protection. “What he’s been doing the last few weeks has been special. Incredible. And I tell him all the time, I’m happy to be his teammate. He’s a great guy to play football with.”
Houston and Campbell each wished the Ravens had “pitched a goose egg” — that’s, held the Saints to zero factors — however Baltimore however appeared robust in holding the Saints to simply 243 whole yards.
The Ravens have a bye week in Week 10 however will search to construct upon their three-game profitable streak afterward. Meanwhile, Houston will search to proceed his streak of sacks; from the appears of it, he has loads of “juice” left.
“Justin’s doing a great job,” Ravens coach John Harbaugh mentioned. “He can still bring it. You watch him in one-on-ones, he still can win one-on-one, he’s just got a knack. But also, he’s still talented, he’s still explosive, he’s still strong.”
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Source: www.bostonherald.com