OWINGS MILLS, Md. — As dominant as Baltimore Ravens Pro Bowl defensive tackle Haloti Ngata is against the run, it’s his emergence as a pass rushing threat that’s truly impressive.
Ngata leads the Ravens with a career-high four sacks.
He ranks second among all interior defensive lineman for sacks behind Detroit Lions rookie defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who has a half-sack more than Ngata.
“I think it’s just me working on my techniques and coaching,” Ngata said. “I’m a big guy who moves differently. My coaches are showing me different ways of getting better pressure.”
Ngata has also recorded 36 tackles to rank third on the defense in tackles.
He has 4 ½ tackles for losses, tying him for second in the NFL among interior defensive lineman.
“The sky is the limit for him,” Ravens defensive coordinator Greg Mattison said. “He’s having a tremendous year right now.”
Ngata has registered 184 career tackles, including a career-high 11 stops against the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this season and 10 ½ career sacks.
“This is the guy that I wouldn’t want to be facing if the game is on the line,” Indianapolis Colts center Jeff Saturday said. “I think Haloti could play free safety. He’s got that kind of athletic ability. He will bring all 340 pounds to you. He’s an absolute monster.”
The 6-foot-4, 350-pounder has lined up occasionally at defensive end, but says he has no preference where he plays.
For his career, Ngata has intercepted three passes for the most of any defensive tackle in the league since he entered the NFL four years ago.
“Wherever they want to put me, really,” Ngata said. “I don’t really care, as long as I’m out on the field. I’ve played three-technique more because I’ve always been used to that. I’m getting used to playing defensive end now. It’s been a lot of fun. Hopefully, I can do even more. I don’t care what they do to me.”
