Pernell McPhee Feels Rejuvenated By Return To Ravens

Pass rusher Pernell McPhee spent the first 4 years of his career in Baltimore. The Ravens organization drafted McPhee in the 5th round of the 2011 NFL Draft. The Mississippi State product wound up as an important pass rusher during Baltimore’s Super Bowl run the following year. In 2014, McPhee racked up 7.5 sacks and priced himself out of town signing a large contract with Chicago. We thought that was the last Pernell was going to play for the Black and Purple by now he’s back in 2019.

McPhee says he feels rejuvenated to return to the team that drafted him:

“I feel rejuvenated and can’t wait to join the No. 1 defense from last season,” McPhee said, via ESPN.com. “I have so much respect for this franchise and city, and I look forward to being a Raven once again.”

McPhee, 30, will have to return to form after a bad 2018 season. In 13 games with Washington in 2018, the once feared pass rusher didn’t record a sack. He’s going to have to do a lot better than that in Baltimore. As of now, It’s McPhee, Shane Ray, Tim Williams, Tyus Bowser, Jaylon Ferguson, and Matthew Judon. That’s not a group that inspires a lot of confidence.

Terrell Suggs is not walking through those doors. Za’Darius Smith isn’t either. Pernell McPhee is back but the problem is he isn’t the same player when he was first drafted. Maybe a return to Baltimore really will light a fire under the veteran edge rusher.

This is a defense that the best in the NFL in 2018 but they don’t look anything like the unit we last saw. Eric Weddle and CJ Mosley are also gone. Baltimore did sign Earl Thomas but he has major health concerns.