Like many Baltimore Ravens, linebacker/defensive end Terrell Suggs suffered through a tough 2005 season that included off-the-field issues and career-low statistics. Also like many of his teammates, Suggs learned from that experience and did everything in his power to ensure he wouldn?t endure a similar season in 2006.
The former NFL defensive rookie of the year and Pro Bowler has changed his diet habits, put in extra work in the weight room and came into this year?s training camp with a more mature outlook, which includes plans to get married next spring.
The goal, Suggs said, is to improve on his pass rush after recording just eight sacks last season, compared to 10.5 sacks in 2004 and 12 in 2003. At the same time, he did record a career-best 86 tackles and two interceptions. Also, Suggs can now concentrate on football and planning a marriage after being cleared of felony aggravated assault charges in Arizona last summer.
“I think I?ve fully reached veteran status now and understand the speed of the game,” said Suggs, 23. “Before, I was relying mainly on my ability, but now I know what?s coming at me, why we are running this coverage package and what everyone on the field is doing.”
The Ravens? coaching staff knows it has a gifted defender in the 6-foot-3, 260-pound Suggs ? one who can help them as a pass-rushing defensive end or linebacker. At the same time, they know he can be an even better player if he maintains his current mindset and remains composed on the field.
Suggs knows this and understands he can?t have games like he did at Detroit last October, when he was ejected after arguing a roughing-the-passer call in a 35-17 loss to the Lions. He said that starting a family has played a big role in this realization.
“I think having someone with you makes your life better because you have someone to go through the hard times with,” Suggs said. “It also motivates me as a football player because it?s not just your life at stake.”
Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan said Suggs is a player with unlimited potential.
“He?s really developed into a complete player,” Ryan said. “I think if you look at what he?s done on the field and how he took his offseason conditioning to another level, we can expect huge things from Terrell this year.”
THE SUGGS FILE
Age: 23
Height: 6-foot-3
Weight: 260
College: Arizona State
How acquired: First round of 2003 draft (10th player taken overall)
Did you know? Suggs has 30.5 career sacks through his first three seasons ? He set school, conference and NCAA records with 24 sacks in 2002 ? He is a former recipient of the Bronko Nagurski Award (top college defensive player), Lombardi Trophy (top college lineman) and Morris Trophy (top Pac-10 lineman).
