Tag: kyle van noy

Ravens coach John Harbaugh praises Kyle Van Noy’s leadership this offseason

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is happy that outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy has been there from the start this offseason

The Baltimore Ravens found a gem in Kyle Van Noy in the early stages of the 2023 season. The team signed him to a one-year deal to see what he had left in the tank, and delivered with an extremely impactful season that saw him rack up nine sacks while displaying immense veteran leadership.

Since Van Noy signed with Baltimore at the beginning of the year last season, he didn’t get a full offseason with the team. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh touched on the importance of having Van Noy around for training camp, calling it a “big difference”.

“Kyle [Van Noy] to be here from the beginning is a big difference. Kyle is a pro. He knows how to get himself ready – he proved that last year, but then also the fact that he’s a leader. Having him on board as a leader from the beginning is a big plus for us.”

Van Noy’s running mate from last year is now with the Carolina Panthers in Jadeveon Clowney. Baltimore needs others to step up around him such as Odafe Oweh, David Ojabo and more, but Van Noy is now the unquestioned veteran leader of the Ravens’ pass rush, something that comes with big responsibilities both on and off of the field.

Ravens DC Zach Orr talks about replacing Jadeveon Clowney’s production

Zach Orr says it’ll take a group effort to replaceJadeveon Clowney’s production

The Baltimore Ravens finished the season with a league-high 60 sacks in 2023. One major component to the success of the Ravens’ pass rush last season was veteran outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney. Clowney finished with 9.5 sacks, the second most on the team behind defensive tackle Justin Madubuike.

With Clowney’s departure to sign with the Carolina Panthers this offseason, Baltimore will need several players to step up this season to fill the hole on the edge. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr was asked who could make up for the production in Clowney’s absence.

“I think the production can be made by a lot of those guys,” Orr said. “[There are] a lot of candidates in that room, specifically. Obviously, you’ve got David Ojabo, and we’ve got Kyle Van Noy back, which helps out. ‘Daf’ [Odafe Oweh] – we expect him to have a big year. ‘T-Rob’ [Tavius Robinson], Malik Hamm … I mean, [there are] a lot of guys. But I don’t think the production just has to come from that room. You mentioned Travis Jones earlier. [Justin] Madubuike, Michael Pierce, ‘Broddy’ [Broderick] Washington … That whole front, the [linebackers], blitzes … I think we can make that production up in a lot of different ways.”

The Ravens did not make any significant moves at the outside linebacker position after losing Clowney; instead, they relied on the young talent on the roster. A veteran signing closer to the start of the season would not be a surprise, though, as the Ravens did the same thing last year with Clowney and Kyle Van Noy.

Ravens initial 90-man roster arranged by uniform number ahead of training camp

Baltimore Ravens’ 90-man roster at the start of 2024 training camp

The Baltimore Ravens have officially reported to the Under Armour Performance Center for the start of training camp with the first practice scheduled for Sunday morning.

There will be starting jobs and roster spots up for grabs, which should make for some intriguing position battles throughout camp and the preseason.

Currently, the Ravens have 90 players on their roster, and that will be trimmed down to 53 ahead of the start of the regular season, and by August 27.

With training camp underway, here’s an updated look at the Ravenss’ initial 90-man roster at the start of training camp, organized by jersey number.

Ravens LB Kyle Van Noy shares his expectations for the 2024 NFL season

Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy shared his expectations for himself for the 2024 season

The Baltimore Ravens found one of the steals of 2023 free agency when they signed outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy. The veteran was signed after the first few weeks of the season but fit right in and turned in an incredible season for Baltimore both on and off the field.

Following his 2023 dominance, the Ravens decided to re-sign Van Noy to a two-year deal this offseason. When asked about his 2024 expectations, Van Noy explained that he wants to continue to show everyone that he can play at a high level, including himself.

“I just want to continue to show myself and show people that I can still play at a high level. I feel like I’ve been underappreciated in my career. I don’t think I’ve lost a step – in my eyes – just because I’ve been playing different positions my entire career. In college, I played on the ball, and then in the NFL for my first – I think it was until 2019 – I played off the ball. I would love to see how many people could stay in the league making that transformation. Or, I’ve been asked to do both in one season. So, I’ve been asked to do a lot, and I think that may have hindered some things because I wasn’t able to focus on pass rush or covering people. I was never able to focus on just one specific thing. This year, stemming from last year, I was able to focus on pass rush that entire time. I feel like hopefully – it’ll be like my third year ever out of my 11 that I get to focus on just pass rushing. The other year was in 2019, where I had a really good year. Last year was just all pass rush. So, I’m expecting big things from myself, and hopefully you guys are, too.”

Van Noy put together a nine-sack season in 2023 when it was largely unknown what he could still bring. Baltimore lost pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney to the Carolina Panthers this offseason, so Van Noy will have to play an even more prominent role as a veteran leader both on and off the field this season.

Ravens LB Kyle Van Noy perfectly describes Odafe Oweh: ‘He’s a specimen’

Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy called outside linebacker Odafe Oweh a “specimen”

The Ravens selected outside linebacker Odafe Oweh in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft. While he’s had impressive moments in a Baltimore uniform over his first three seasons, he hasn’t had a true breakout yet, which many people are hoping will come in Year 4.

Oweh is one key to the Ravens’ defense reaching its full potential this year. Baltimore outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy was asked about Oweh’s progression to this point and called the fourth-year pass rusher a “specimen.”

“He’s impressive, man. He’s a specimen. [I’ve] really enjoyed working with him, building that relationship. I try to keep him next to me all the time and make sure he’s always pressing and doing the right thing. I expect high, high … I expect more from him than myself. I really expect him to bounce off the charts this year. He showed a lot of signs last year, but I think [with] him gaining confidence, understanding who he is – he’s still maturing. I just asked him how the hell old was he today, and he said ’25.’ It’s amazing to see how mature he’s gotten already. I’m excited to see his future, and I’ll be his cheerleader, that’s for sure. I’m sorry I’m saying this again, but I’m really excited to see how high of a ceiling he can get to.”

Oweh has 13 sacks in his three-year NFL career. The Ravens lost fellow outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney to the Carolina Panthers in NFL free agency, making Oweh’s hopeful breakout even more important.

Kyle Van Noy in favor of spending time with Ravens teammates ahead of regular season

Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy is in favor of spending time with teammates before the season begins

The Baltimore Ravens will kick off training camp in a few weeks in anticipation of the 2024 season. The team will open up the NFL season against the Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday Night Football, so Baltimore’s rookies and vets will report a few days earlier than most teams.

Players need to gain chemistry with each other, especially before the season begins. When asked about his thoughts, Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy talked about the importance of building relationships, such as getting to know his teammates and their families and hanging out with them off the field.

“I think it’s good because – I say this without saying it in the wrong way – the bullets aren’t flying yet. So, you get you get a better understanding that things are a little bit more calm, [and] you can build relationships. You’re not on the field, popping in Week Three [while] action is going on, [saying] ‘Hey, what’s your name’ type of deal. So, it’s fun to be around guys that I know and get to know them [and] their families, hang out with them off the field [and] build that relationship to when things get on the field and [it’s] a little hazy, you have a better understanding of where each and every person is coming from.”

While on-field performance is important, off-field chemistry can sometimes separate good teams from contenders. Baltimore is known as one of the best organizations in the NFL, and part of the reason for that distinction is its emphasis on off-field culture.

Ravens’ Kyle Van Noy has high praise for 2nd-year LB Tavius Robinson

Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy heaped praise on outside linebacker Tavius Robinson

The Baltimore Ravens will look for multiple players to step up in their outside linebacker room during the 2024 season. The team lost outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney to the Carolina Panthers in free agency, paving the way for younger players to take over his snaps and contribute.

One of the edge rushers expected to take on a much more significant role this upcoming year is second-year player Tavius Robinson. When asked what Robinson can bring to the table, fellow outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy praised the former Ole Miss star, saying that he’s getting better every day.

“Honestly, [he’s] getting better every day. I know that’s cliche to say, but he’s honestly getting better each and every day. He’s doing the right things. Every time you understand concepts and defenses, you graduate from football 101 to football 102, [and] you’re going to see improvements. I think his familiarity of understanding the defense more and more each day, he’s allowed to play faster, play with more confidence and swagger. I think that’s what we’re going to see this year.”

Robinson played a much bigger role during his rookie season than anticipated, finishing the year with 26 total tackles and one sack while also defending the run well. His development could be key for a Ravens defense that needs their younger contributors to step up, with Robinson hopefully being one of those options.

Ravens’ Kyle Van Noy says DC Zach Orr ‘eats, breathes, sleeps football’

Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy says defensive coordinator Zach Orr eats, breathes and sleeps football

Following the departure of former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, the Baltimore Ravens needed to move quickly to find his replacement. The team’s assistant coaches were hot commodities, but Baltimore kept inside linebackers coach Zach Orr and promoted him to be Macdonald’s successor.

When asked about Orr, Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy mentioned that while he was aggressive as a former player, he’s also astute and knows defenses. Van Noy added that Orr eats, breathes, and sleeps football, speaking to his passion for the game.

“He was an aggressive player, so I think that’s what you’re going to want to see him [be] as a [defensive] coordinator, is be aggressive. But, he’s also really smart – very, very smart. He knows defenses. He eats, breathes [and] sleeps football. That’s what you want – playing for a coach like that, who has literally dedicated his – I believe it’s 32 years now – just straight football.”

Many in Baltimore are excited for Orr’s tenure as the Ravens’ new defensive coordinator, especially with the passion he brings to the table. He has an opportunity to follow in Macdonald’s footsteps while also making his own name along the way.

Kyle Van Noy discusses differences between Year 1 and Year 2 with Ravens

Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy discussed the difference between his first and second year with the team

The Baltimore Ravens signed Kyle Van Noy at the beginning of the 2023 season after the team had already played a few games. It turned out to be a wise move for general manager Eric DeCosta, as Van Noy was a significant factor in Baltimore’s defense and became an exceptional team leader.

Van Noy re-signed with the Ravens this offseason on a two-year deal, returning to what was a historic defense last year. The veteran talked about the differences in preparation from Year 1 to Year 2 in Baltimore, saying that everyone knows him now and knowing the defense in general are big points to keep in mind.

“The biggest difference is that everybody knows me now – the staff behind the scenes, just getting to know them and their families. Knowing them, [having] that relationship and just coming back with the guys that I already know, having that relationship with guys like Kyle Hamilton, Roquan [Smith], ‘Daf’ Odafe Oweh], and [David] Ojabo, guys like that that you get to come back with, [having] familiar faces and getting to know [them] better. And, knowing the defense – that helps. Coming back, and you know what you’re doing – that just allows you to play a little bit faster.”

Van Noy had nine sacks for the Ravens last year and was one of many veterans to have a career resurgence in Baltimore in 2023. He hopes to continue his strong play in 2024 and continue to mentor the younger players on the roster.

Ravens Kyle Van Noy ‘loves’ new DC Zach Orr

Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy “loves” new defensive coordinator Zach Orr

The Baltimore Ravens lost defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to the Seattle Seahawks just days after their devastating AFC Championship loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Macdonald took Seattle’s vacant head coaching position, while Baltimore moved quickly to replace him and nabbed inside linebackers coach Zach Orr as his successor.

When asked about Orr in his new role, Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy heaped praise on the defensive coordinator. He said he loves Orr, and mentioned that he’s been a big fan of him ever since he played in Baltimore for three years from 2014 to 2016.

“I love ‘Z.O.’ [Zach Orr]. [I am] a big fan of his [and] have been since he played. He played the right way when he played, and he coaches the right way, too. ‘Mike Mack’ [Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald] going on, moving on, congrats to him again. It’s awesome to see him and his efforts of what he did here. He got the benefits of that, becoming a head coach, which I believe he was ready for. And ‘Z.O.’ [defensive coordinator Zach Orr] stepping in, he’s going to do a great job. He has a relationship, I would say, with everybody on defense. You don’t see that everywhere you go. ‘Z.O.’ passions himself on relationships and communication. He’s done a really good job of communicating what he wants done, and you better do it.”

Orr has never been a defensive coordinator at any level in the past, making this his first stint in such a capacity. He will hope to start fast and keep his foot on the gas throughout the 2024 season, as the Ravens as a whole don’t have much room for error.