OWINGS MILLS — Ravens defensive tackle Justin Madubuike had a breakout season last year with a career-high 13 sacks and was named second-team All-Pro.
Madubuike now has his sights on another dominant season. He said the goal is to finish with “double-digit” sacks again.
“I know I’m that type of player,” Madubuike said. “I know I expect highly of myself and I have to hold myself to that standard. Just taking it one day at a time. Staying present and put the work in.”
Last season, Madubuike, 26, started all 17 games for the Ravens, producing career highs in tackles (56), sacks, tackles for loss (12), quarterback hits (33) and forced fumbles (2).
His 13 sacks led the Ravens and all NFL defensive tackles last season. He also recorded at least a half-sack in 11 consecutive games between Weeks 4 to 14, tying the NFL record held by Jared Allen, Chris Jones, Trey Hendrickson, and Shaun Ellis.
In March, Madubuike agreed to a contract extension worth $98 million over four years. The contract came just three days after the Ravens placed the franchise tag Madubuike, which would have cost them $22.1 million next season.
Madubuike, who was drafted in the third round (71st overall) of the 2020 NFL draft from Texas A&M, is part of a talented group that will play under new defensive coordinator Zachary Orr. Madubuike expects the defense to be even better than last year when it ranked No. 1 in the NFL in points allowed (16.5 points per game), sacks (60), and takeaways (31).
“Zach is a defensive mastermind,” Madubuike said. “He knows where to put us in positions to be successful. He knows our weaknesses. He knows our strengths. He knows how he can utilize us to play great on defense. I feel like our defense is going to be even better than last year. I just feel like guys are being accustomed to each other and just growing, as just not only as players, [but] as brothers.
“I think we just create strength and growth and trust in each other. I think it’s going to be a testament to how good we’re going to be this year.”
