[Blogs] ‘Explosive’ Barnes Leads Pass Rush

[BR News]

PLEASE NOTE: The opinions, analysis and/or speculation expressed on BaltimoreRavens.com represent those of individual authors, and unless quoted or clearly labeled as such, do not represent the opinions or policies of the Baltimore Ravens’ organization, front office staff, coaches and executives. Authors’ views are formulated independently from any inside knowledge and/or conversations with Ravens officials, including the coaches and scouts, unless otherwise noted.

The only thing that slowed down Ravens outside linebacker Antwan Barnes Thursday night was the slippery M&T Bank Stadium turf.

Carolina left tackle Jordan Gross – a 2008 Pro Bowler – tried his best, but was called for holding Barnes twice and wasn’t too successful otherwise.

Barnes didn’t register a sack in the preseason debut, but he was the Ravens’ leading pass-rush on a night when Baltimore dropped Carolina’s quarterbacks seven times.

“I thought Antwan was explosive coming off the edge,” Head Coach John Harbaugh said. “He had a couple near-sacks and rushed him out of the pocket a few times. He’s done that all camp.”

Barnes has been diligently working on his pass rush with new Outside Linebackers Coach Ted Monachino, who is known for teaching good technique. But it’s perhaps Barnes’ speed that has been most evident this preseason.

The fourth-year linebacker has taken on additional responsibility this season, especially with top draft pick Sergio Kindle, suffering a head injury. After registering five sacks over the past three seasons, Barnes said he wants to demonstrate that he can get to the quarterback, “especially in big situations.”

Thus, Baltimore’s coaches often lined Barnes up opposite Gross and Carolina’s first-string offensive line.

“I’m just out there to prove, to show that I can go against anybody,” Barnes said.

“It was just me coming into myself, getting adjusted to the game. The game has basically come down to my level now and that’s where I want it to be. Or I got up to the game’s level now.”

Barnes recorded four tackles and one assist and came up with an integral fumble recovery. Carolina’s Tyrell Sutton was churning towards the goal line when safety Haruki Nakamura punched the ball free. Barnes pounced on it on the 1-yard line to keep the Ravens ahead by a touchdown.

“It was just good eyes,” Barnes said. “When I was running, I was like, ‘Did he fumble it?’ But the ball went down and just made me go get it.”

[url=http://blogs.baltimoreravens.com/2010/08/13/explosive-barnes-leads-pass-rush/]View the full article[/url]

[murd410]

I'm Overly excited about Barnes. I truly believe he will live up to what we know he can do. Saw him jumping up mad intense after hits he fits the Organized Chaos perfect in my opinion just learning.

[BleedPurple24]

i'd love to see him take a starting role! It's fun watching guys like him mature into great players since day 1 !!! Keep up the hard work guys, long road ahead!!

[birdland blitz]

He's gonna get some time in this year. Especially in passing situations. Johnson is the better run stopper, but Barnes is way faster off the edge.

[Guest drycleanerman]

Very impressive football player if you ask me,hope he can keep this up for 16 games if he starts

[DrMoonTooth]

Barnes looked great last night. Let's hope this carries over into the regular season.

[RiseNconquer]

He is a baller. He has been a baller.Please dress him and get him in the game!

[hardnose]

hit som thats all you got to do, he looks goods

[Raven'sFan]

If he does this all year.... Barnes, keep that motor bruh, every game! We'll be sick in the pass rush. Barnes looked good last night.

[Ravenmaniac62]

he has been playing hard since he was drafted,now he has learned to control his speed.i've been a fan of his from the draft.

[touchdownwins]

Barnes is a keeper..message to ozzie..don't trade this hard hitter away for some prima donna DB..when we beat the jets n the patriots away,we will define our season..I like barnes as a raven..let's stop all the trade talk now n re-route our focus on better play calling on the offensive side..I still remember the playoff game in Indy..I believe it was our worst game of the season..check the stats..our old kicker(matt) outscored us..Leave the D alone..get the O going..

[luckie618]

I Like barnes he is a trooper and a real pass rusher. I like him standing up and moving around when needed.

[RicknRoll]

I like what I see in Barnes. He is definitely a Raven. Can't let him get away, we have some great Linebackers and we need to keep them away from other teams.

[wrm#1]

When he gets more playing time like a lot of other ravens on the team,we'll start to see that this team has improved it's talent quietly,and still has a ways to go in finding out,how it will all fit together!the one blessing in having all these injuries[if blessing it can be called],is finding other players that step up,give the coaches real opportunities the see how they perform.What I liked most about the game just past was that the young players did not shy away from the opportunity given to them,with playing time they will only get better,they didn't look shell shocked at all,played with confidence in their knowledge and preparations;having had a taste of the NFL now they can only get better!!