Ravens see Trey Hendrickson as team’s closer on defense

Owings Mills, MD – At Friday’s introductory news conference trey hendricksonone of the first words Baltimore Ravens Coach Jesse Minter used to describe his new pass rusher as a “closer.”

Minter presented statistics on how Hendrickson ranks second in the NFL in fourth quarter sacks with 26.5 since 2021.

“When we talk about having a close mentality and being able to finish games and dominate in the fourth quarter, Trey epitomizes that [with] How he’s played the last four or five years,” Minter said.

The ability to finish games is a major reason why Baltimore signed Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million deal that includes $60 million guaranteed. Baltimore added Hendrickson less than 24 hours after his trade was completed las vegas raiders pass rusher max crosby.

The Ravens are hoping Hendrickson can turn their fortunes around late in games. Baltimore has allowed an NFL-worst 16 leads in the final five minutes of a game over the past five seasons.

Hendrickson believes he is at his best in the fourth quarter because he is “intrinsically” motivated.

“I think winning on defense and getting the ball back to our quarterback is something I’m driven to do,” Hendrickson said. “I want the other 10 guys to trust me. If we’re in a spot and it’s tough, you have to have gas in the tank and be able to push when everyone else doesn’t want to do it.”

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta mentioned earlier in the week that there was a possibility that Hendrickson and Crosby could play together. Baltimore was in talks with Hendrickson before backing out of their trade for Crosby. League sources told ESPN that the Ravens had medical concerns that arose during Crosby’s physical.

Hendrickson said that pairing with Crosby would have been a “phenomenal opportunity”.

Hendrickson said of Crosby, “Nothing but respect for him and the way he handles himself on and off the field, the adversity he’s overcome in his personal life.” “At some point, you knew it was going to be something that was a tremendous opportunity for a great defense. Whoever is on the other side of the ball, you have guys who have been in this building that I’m excited to play with as well.”

Hendrickson has given Baltimore one of the most prolific pass rushers in years. Since 2021, Hendrickson’s 61 sacks rank fourth in the NFL miles garrett (83), tj watt (65.5) and Micah Parsons (65). Over that span, the most sacks produced by a Ravens edge rusher kyle van noy With 23.5.

In his five seasons with the AFC North rival cincinnati bengalsHendrickson has watched the Ravens’ defense and has been impressed with the safety’s choices kyle hamilton and middle linebacker roquan smith.

“Well, I’ve seen a lot of purple at Pro Bowls the last four years,” Hendrickson said.

Hendrickson said that playing with the Bengals twice a season did not really factor into his decision to sign with the Ravens. But he was happy to be in the division.

“It’s serious football and it’s the type of football I like to play,” Hendrickson said. “Winning games is the most exciting thing in the Ravens building. There is a standard of winning here that is unmatched in the entire league.”