No matter how often you pass, you’re safer with Marshal Yanda blocking for you.
Surely, Joe Flacco would agree with that statement.
It took long enough, but a Raven was finally named to the NFL’s Top 100 list. Marshal Yanda is the first (and so far only) Raven to be named to this year’s list. This is Yanda’s third consecutive appearance on the Top 100, and his highest ranking ever.
We can continue to beat a dead horse and talk about how miserable last season was for the Ravens, or we can talk about the bright spot(s) of last season.
Marshal Yanda is only one of five players in Ravens history to be named to at least five Pro Bowls. He has also earned two First-Team All-Pro selections during the course of his nine year career. It’s also worth mentioning that no team has surrendered fewer sacks than the Ravens over the past two seasons with Yanda as the anchor for the offensive line.
“He’s an Iowa lineman. We know how to play football,” said Mike Daniels, a Packers defensive tackle. “He’s technical, he’s tough, and he’s strong. He’s a monster – and that’s how we build linemen in Iowa. Good luck against him.”
Despite facing multiple ankle injuries during the 2015 season, Yanda still started in all 16 games that the Ravens played in. His selflessness, toughness, and consistency had him named as the Baltimore Ravens MVP for the 2015 season. He is the highest ranked guard on this year’s list – meaning that the players in the NFL feel that he is the best guard in the game today.
The players aren’t the only people who feel this way. In 2015, Marshal Yanda was ranked as the No. 1 guard in the NFL by Profootballfocus.com.
Defensive linemen know that they have to bring their A-game when they face Yanda. If they don’t, they’re going to get flat out manhandled and shut down. Not only is he known for dominating his own assignments, he helps his fellow linemen look great as well.
“You’re going to see him up front blocking his guy, then, helping the guy beside him, and then he’s going to run and try to get somebody in the next level,” said Ravens running back Justin Forsett.
He’s an ultimate team player. He never whines or complains; he just goes out and dominates his opponents. That’s what makes him so special – and so rare. The Ravens are very fortunate to have him on their roster.
You can watch his Top 100 video right here.
