Harbaugh 'Knew' Baltimore Ravens' Justin Madubuike Was Going To Break Out

Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Justin Madubuike is having the best year of his career and head coach John Harbaugh isn't surprised.

Baltimore Ravens defensive lineman Justin Madubuike has burst onto the scene this season, contributing heavily to one of the top defenses in the NFL. 

"Nothing really has surprised me cause I knew he was gonna have a great season," Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said. "You could see it in the spring, summer, you kind of saw it the last couple years I mean the talent has really been there and again, its a developmental thing. I mean, guys grow as players. Third round pick, a lot of talent, and he's always played well for us. But man, just another level in terms of the combination of his explosive talent, the time in the weight room and all the things he's working on to just become bigger, faster, stronger, quicker, all those things. But also the technique, more consistent, much more consistent technique-wise play-to-play than he had been before and it's showing up in his stats."

Madubuike has recorded a career-high 9.5 sacks through 11 games this season. He has also added 36 tackles, 10 tackles for loss and a forced fumble. Every one of those statistics is a career-high with the exception of tackles, but he is approaching his mark of 42 from last season. 

The last time a Baltimore player reached double-digit sacks in a season was in 2017 when recent Ring of Honor inductee Terrell Suggs recorded 11.0 sacks.

Justin Madubuike has a career high 9.5 sacks this season.  / USA Today Sports

The Ravens drafted him in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Texas A&M, where he recorded 11.0 sacks and 24.5 tackles for loss across three seasons. 

The 26-year-old defensive lineman is currently tied for eighth in the NFL in sacks and fifteenth in tackles for loss. In addition, his 18 quarterback hits ranks fifth in the league. 

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Madubuike and the vaunted Baltimore defense will be back in action on Sunday Night Football when they play the Los Angeles Chargers on the road on Nov. 26 at 8:20 p.m.