Former Wisconsin linebacker Zack Baun’s breakout season picked up even more steam on Sunday.
In the Philadelphia Eagles’ 24-19 win over the Baltimore Ravens, Baun registered 13 tackles, 1/2 sack, one tackle for loss, one QB hit and one forced fumble.
As he has been for the bulk of the 2024 campaign, Baun was everywhere against the Ravens. He made his first game-wrecking play in the second quarter to prevent Baltimore from gaining a first down.
On third-and-two with roughly seven minutes to spare in the second frame, quarterback Lamar Jackson pitched a handoff to all-world running back Derrick Henry. Baun, as versatile a linebacker as there is in the NFL, burst through the Ravens’ offensive line and made a solo tackle in the backfield.
The former Badger also pinned the Ravens near the Eagles’ 30-yard line on a third-and-five sack sequence in the third quarter. After sacking Jackson, Ravens kicker Justin Tucker missed a long field goal attempt.
Sack Baun:
– 13 tackles (leads game)
– 1 sack on 3rd down
– 1 TFL on 3rd down
– 1 QB hit
– 1 forced fumbleSingle handedly destroyed multiple drives.
All-Pro lock đź”’#Eagles pic.twitter.com/sEZEluTVnL
— Thomas R. Petersen (@thomasrp93) December 2, 2024
While he’s unable to line up at wide receiver or running back, Baun’s impact for the Eagles is monumental. He has recorded 118 total tackles, 2.5 sacks, four forced fumbles and one interception in his first year with Philadelphia.
At this pace, Baun will secure his first Pro Bowl appearance and earn his first All-Pro selection. For someone who recorded 88 total tackles in his four previous seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Baun’s progression is honestly startling.
The 10-2 Eagles will be back on the gridiron against the Carolina Panthers on Dec. 8.