Michael Pierce – Page 2 – Syndication Server

Ravens DL Michael Pierce on practicing against RB Derrick Henry: ‘It’s not fun’

Ravens defensive lineman Michael Pierce said that practicing against running back Derrick Henry is not fun

The Baltimore Ravens signed running back Derrick Henry to a two-year, $16 million deal once free agency opened at the start of 2024. He will play a major role in how Baltimore does things over the course of the 2024 season, and will be a nightmare for defenses to defend alongside quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Baltimore defensive lineman Michael Pierce has gotten a first-hand look at Henry during practices, especially going up against him over the course of training camp. Pierce revealed that Henry is ‘not fun’ to go up against, describing what it’s like to be involved in a play with someone who’s bigger than him.

“It’s not fun. Normally, I get a double team, and then by the time the double team comes off, there is a guy [in Derrick Henry] who’s taller than me running through the hole, really, really fast. So, it’s good to have him on my side. As of right now, it’s not fun for camp, but I’ve been on the other side of playing against him a few times. One went terribly wrong, so I know what he’s capable of. It’s not fun, but also, I’m glad he’ll be doing that for us instead of against us now.”

Pierce is glad that Henry is on his side now, as the former Tennessee Titans running back will help the Ravens’ offense tremendously. Henry has a unique blend of size and speed, something that the team will be able to capitalize on in a big way.

Ravens DC Zach Orr has high praise for Travis Jones, Michael Pierce

Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr had high praise for defensive lineman Travis Jones and Michael Pierce

The Baltimore Ravens house one of the best interior defensive line units that the NFL has to offer. They have a wide array of veteran and young talent that can carry the group far, with stars and promising potential being their calling card.

When defensive coordinator Zach Orr was asked about some of the talent on the defensive line in Travis Jones, he also made it a point to bring Michael Pierce into the conversation. He talked about how he believes both players are going to play a lot of great football for the Ravens in 2024, with their rotation abilities being a big part of how Orr wants to do things defensively.

“I think both of those guys [Travis Jones and Michael Pierce] are heck of players. Obviously, Travis [Jones] is going into Year Three; I mean, we expect big things out of ‘Big Trav.’ With the D-Line [defensive line], it’s great to have guys who can rotate there in and out [and] keep those guys fresh. I think our D-Line is one of the best in the National Football League, and Michael Pierce and Travis are a big part of that. I think both of those guys are going to play a lot of great football for us this year.”

Baltimore will need their defensive front to help them try to repeat their historic success from the 2023 season. Jones is expected to one of the breakout players on the Ravens’ roster this year, while Pierce will likely be a veteran mainstay on the team’s defense once again.

Ravens vs. Packers: Top photos from preseason finale at Lambeau Field

We’re looking at the top photos from the Baltimore Ravens preseason loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field

It’s only the preseason, but the Ravens will head towards the 53-man roster cutdown date with a sour taste after a 30-7 loss to the Packers at Lambeau Field on Saturday afternoon. Josh Johnson was 5-7 for 71 yards and one passing touchdown, while Michael Pratt led Green Bay in passing, going 8-12 for 80 yards and one touchdown. The Packers were dominant on the ground, amassing 193 rushing yards, as Ellis Merriweather led all ball carriers with 16 yards for 74 yards. The Packers held the ball for nearly ten minutes longer than the Ravens and out-gained Baltimore by 326 yards to 177 for John Harbaugh’s bunch. With Baltimore now turning its attention toward the Chiefs, here’s an instant analysis of the loss. ***

Ravens vs. Falcons: Top photos from Baltimore’s 13-12 win in preseason Week 2

We’re looking at the top photos from the Baltimore Ravens 13-12 win over the Atlanta Falcons in the preseason Week 2 matchup

Backup quarterback Josh Johnson was perfect on the afternoon, and rookie Emory Jones added a 56-yard touchdown throw to Dayton Wade in the second half to lift the Baltimore Ravens to a 13-12 victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens snapped a three-game preseason losing streak, while Atlanta had 343 yards of total offense but was 4-13 on third downs. Baltimore had another putrid day on the ground, rushing for 71 yards on 30 attempts. With the team set to start preparation for the preseason finale, here are the top photos from the win over Atlanta. ***

Top photos from Ravens 16-13 loss to Eagles in preseason opener

We’re looking at the top photos from the Baltimore Ravens 16-13 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the preseason opener at M&T Bank Stadium

The Ravens returned to the field for live game action for the first time since their heartbreaking, 17-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC title game.

Baltimore hosted Philadelphia at M&T Bank Stadium, with both teams on similar arcs, and championship paths. Starting quarterback Lamar Jackson sat out along with key starters on both sides of the football.

Eagles kicker Jake Elliott made a 49-yard field goal with no time remaining to give the Philadelphia Eagles a 16-13 victory after Baltimore quarterback Emory Jones — who had just entered the game — was sacked and fumbled on the next play.

The recovery by Patrick Johnson gave Elliott his final opportunity of the night.

With Baltimore set to start preparation for the Falcons in the second week of the preseason, we’re looking at the top photos from Friday night.

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Michael Pierce believes Travis Jones will have a huge season for Ravens

Michael Pierce has pegged the guy directly behind him on the depth chart, Travis Jones, to have a very big season.

When you play nose tackle, you have to be utterly huge (Pierce is 6’0″, 355, while Jones is 6’4″, 338), and when you’re that big, you’re probably going to have to rotate quite a bit to avoid fatigue.

Every team needs two solid NTs, and the 31-year-old Pierce believes that Jones, 24, is developing into his complement.

“There’s been a lot of growth in Trav,” Pierce said after practice this weekend.

“He’s been making a lot of plays. I don’t mind splitting reps with him as I get older. To see that growth, to see him make those strides. I believe he’s going to have an amazing year for sure.”

Pierce, entering his seventh season in the league, is on his second stint with the Ravens. Other than 2021, when he was with Minnesota, he’s played his entire career with Baltimore.

His time with the Ravens has seen him rack up 199 combined tackles, 4.5 sacks, and six fumble recoveries.

While he started all 17 games last season, Jones started three contests as a rookie in 2022.

In 32 career games, “Big Trav” has accrued 60 tackles (34 solo, 26 assisted) and three passes defended. Taken in the 3rd round, 76th overall out of UConn two years ago, he has yet to hit his stride and reach his full potential.

However, the expectations were very high for him for a reason. There is no time like the present to live up to them.

Michael Pierce talks about playing with Zach Orr and now being coached by him

After playing alongside former All-Pro inside linebacker Zach Orr with the Baltimore Ravens in 2016, defensive tackle Michael Pierce will now be coached by his former teammate as Orr replaces Mike Macdonald as defensive coordinator. Pierce was asked …

Pierce was asked what he remembers about Orr as a player that signaled he could be a coach.

“I would say the thing that always stuck out about [defensive coordinator] Zach [Orr] is just how team oriented he was, [how] selfless he was, and then, when he got the opportunity, he became an All-Pro,” Pierce said. “So, not many people can have that trajectory, especially [for] being an undrafted guy. So, just [to] see how he worked and how he was diligent and waited patiently, just like his coaching career – I know his [playing] career was cut short due to something that he couldn’t control – but to see him rise through the ranks … Like I said, he was a brother of mine on the field eight years ago, so to see how he’s rising is awesome. That makes me want to play for him that much harder. I definitely enjoy to see him rise, and I think he’s doing a great job. I think we’ll play really hard for him.”

Pierce made the team after going undrafted in 2016, the same season that Orr—also previously undrafted—broke out and earned second-team All-Pro honors. This was the only season the two played together, as Orr had to walk away from the field due to a rare congenital spine condition.

Orr has big shoes to fill now in the prestigious role of defensive coordinator for the Ravens.

Ravens Michael Pierce sees a lot of potential in offensive guard Andrew Vorhees

Andrew Voorhees is the clear front-runner at left guard. He’s been spoken about quite favorably, early and often, this training camp.

The Baltimore Ravens are competing for the three new starting spots on the offensive line. The sooner they figure out who the new trio of starters will be, the better off the unit could potentially be.

Andrew Voorhees is the clear front-runner at left guard, as he’s been spoken about quite favorably, early and often, during this training camp.

Nose tackle Michael Pierce scrimmages against the offensive line every day, and when asked about the OL competition, he singled out Vorhees individually for high praise.

“Vorhees is going to be really good,” Pierce said.

“He’s just learning and getting back.”

Vorhees is not technically a rookie, but he will see his first action in the National Football League this season.

A star at USC, he was projected to go somewhere between the late first and mid-third rounds in the 2023 draft.

Then he tore his anterior cruciate ligament at the combine that winter and thus slid way down the draft boards. The Ravens took a flier on him, selecting him in the 7th around, at pick #229.

They knew that he would be a project and that it would be well over a full year before he returned to the field.

With that in mind, there will be some ups and downs with him. It’s inevitable. However, Voorhees was filled with promise before he blew out his ACL.

Pierce is seeing that promise in action every day.

Ravens training camp: Top photos from Day 5 of practice

We’re looking at the top photos from Day 5 of Baltimore Ravens training camp practices

The Ravens had a day off from training camp on Thursday but returned to the Under Armour Performance Center on Friday and Saturday for their first two full-padded summer practices. Lamar Jackson returned to the lineup after a medical evaluation for flu-like symptoms. At the same time, the team honored the late Jacoby Jones on the day that family and friends traveled to New Orleans for his funeral services. With Sunday’s practice quickly approaching, here are takeaways and notes from Saturday’s session. ***

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.