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Timmy Jernigan looks like next Baltimore Ravens star

By Shawn Brubaker

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Nov 9, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan (97) reacts after sacking Tennessee Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger (7) at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens won 21-7. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

In just 234 snaps this year, Timmy Jernigan already has twice as many sacks as Haloti Ngata. Yes, you read that right. And that’s not a knock on Ngata, who is among the NFL’s best at pushing the pocket. That is indicative of the dominance Jernigan has flashed early in his NFL career.

Pro Football Focus’s in-depth stats illustrate how incredible Jernigan has been in his limited snaps. To this point, he has racked up 18 pressures and 11 stops, which are tackles for a loss or very short gain. In over twice as many reps, Ngata has 16 stops and 18 pressures, showing yet again just how good Jernigan has been.

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    • Jernigan has been an excellent replacement for the suspended Ngata and looks to be a linchpin for the Ravens’ future. With Chris Canty 32 years old and a possible cap casualty this offseason, Jernigan could become a full-time starter as early as next season.

    What makes Jernigan special is his short-area quickness. He is very quick both laterally and off the snap, and with his obvious strength (he’s built like a fire engine), Jernigan is the ideal athlete for a defensive tackle.

    Heading into this season, the defensive line was a question mark. Brandon Williams was unproven, Canty was aging and Ngata was coming off a down year. Now, with Williams and Jernigan looking like stars and Ngata and Canty continuing to excel, the defensive line is a strength.

    Now, the Ravens have two young stars in Williams (25) and Jernigan (22). That is a huge reason for excitement.

    And give props to defensive line coach Clarence Brooks. Williams and Jernigan were both raw athletes coming out of the draft, and both have matured into impact players. The mark of a good position coach is how players develop, and Brooks has excelled with these two.

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