If you have played and won 2 Super Bowls with Tom Brady under center, you probably know a thing or two about intensity. Things have changed drastically for the Ravens linebacker, Kyle Van Noy. He has played 11 seasons in the league. Two of those have been with the QB Lamar Jackson (one with RB Derrick Henry). While the intensity he’s used to from the Patriots hasn’t dropped, similar results, especially in the playoffs, have been hard to come by. In fact, as one of the strongest contenders for the trophy, they face heat from their AFC rivals. Sometimes, it crosses the line. The LB has seen it firsthand.
When Colin Cowherd asked him about the 3 AFC teams he hated, Van Noy first laughed. But then he revealed his choices on the March 21 episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd and said, “Those teams know it. The Buffalo Bills! I played him all those years, Dion Dawkins, Josh Allen. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce (of the Chiefs). And then recently it’s been the Steelers.”
All three choices are understandable. The Ravens flock often has them for company in the playoffs. Even a minor error can make the difference between glory and a long offseason. Along with it, a severe dent in reputations. So, they always have to be prepared. The names called out are understandable too. The 3 signal callers, Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Patrick Mahomes, are always fighting each other for the AFC Championship.
Image CredIsiah Likelyits: Joe Robbins/AP
For the last few years, it’s either the Ravens or the Bills against the Chiefs. So, that’s understood. But the additional reason behind the Steelers being on his list was surprising. The SB winner explained his stance. What he said was unexpected. While talking about Pittsburgh, Van Noy added, “The Steelers players, they’re relatively good. But it’s been more the coaches. Like it’s stuff on the sideline that no one gets to see. The mic dubs haven’t picked up the coaches’ trash-talking. It’s a competitive game. And I love trash-talking. But all those games have been close. It hasn’t been like we’ve beat (you), we’ve whooped you.” Looks like Mike Tomlin and co. have more interesting things to say than “The standard’s the standard” on the sidelines.
The Ravens have been dominating the Black and the Gold for a long time now. Joe Burrow and his Bengals have been on and off with making it to the playoffs. But the Steelers have been a more consistent competitor to Lamar Jackson & co. In 2024, the Ravens first defeated the Steelers in the Week 16 game, followed by the wildcard victory with a 28-14 domination.
This year, it was an upset when they lost to the Bills in the AFC divisional game. Their O-line was lethal, capable of trouncing any defense into the ground. One of its leaders having a stellar first season in purple.
Ravens star lauds the RB for supporting Lamar Jackson
One thing that the coaches always check is the balance of the locker room. Oftentimes, the signal-caller is the star. But another star could change the chemistry. It didn’t happen with the Ravens though. They brought in the RB Derrick Henry. He gave valuable support to the QB Lamar Jackson while performing in his role as well.
Van Noy praised the RB-QB duo for playing their best game in tandem, helping each other at times. He added, “When it was their time to shine, they took it up another level. That’s something that I watched during the season, it was awesome. The leadership that Derrick Henry brings, the attitude he brings, is exceptional. It exudes through the entire building. Everybody likes to be around those two.” Sounds like a flock that sticks together!
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry (22) rushes for a touchdown as Dallas Cowboys†Caelen Carson (21) defends in the second half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. (AP Photo/Gareth Patterson)
While teammates wanted to be around these two, rivals had nightmares. Lamar Jackson had a 66.7% completion rate (316 of 474 passes) for 4,172 passing yards with 41 touchdowns and 4 interceptions. He displayed a dominant rushing game as well, with 139 rushes for 915 rushing yards and 4 TDs.
Derrick Henry showed up with the same grit and determination. Last season, he finished with 325 rushes for 1,921 rushing yards and 16 TDs. He even had 19 receptions for 193 receiving yards and 2 TDs. At one point, he was also in the race for the 2024 MVP Award.
Their team is solid. The only thing they need to cement their place in history is a Super Bowl win or at the least, an AFC championship. With players such as Jackson, Henry, and Van Noy, they are never out of the race. Any year could be their year. Will it be 2025?
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