Lock and load Steelers Nation! It's the beginning of the Lombardi Trophy playoffs..
In this week's matchup, we'll be looking at the Ravens outside linebacker, 6-foot-3, 255-pound Kyle Van Noy.
The 11-year veteran checks in sporting a hefty 12.5 sacks, which surprised me. Interestingly enough, this season is Van Noy's first double-digit campaign. He's not a flashy guy, nor an overpowering physical specimen. But what you get is a wily veteran presence on the outside who provides consistent performance, play-for-play.
Van Noy checks in with 41 tackles and 14 tackles for loss. He also added 21 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery, as well. In other words, this is a well-rounded veteran who brings the usual things you seek in an older player. Steady, game-in, game-out performance.
When Van Noy plays the run, he's almost business-like in his performance. There's noo wasted motion. Whether he's holding the point or disengaging from an offensive lineman, it's with a minimum of excessive movement. He's got excellent football IQ.
When you flip on the tape, you'll see Van Noy conducting business in a performance-positive way, play after play. He's not one to bring a big bang, yet seemingly is always there when called upon to make the play.
Van Noy won two Super Bowl rings with Bill Belichick, and I can't help but see a little "Beli-chickian-type of performance" come out when you watch his tape. The film clip of Belichick comes to mind when he goes down the line telling each player to "Do your job." And that's exactly what you get out of Van Noy.
Van Noy will line up primarily over the right offensive tackle, but switch over to the other side as well. He will move about per defensive call, even to the inside over a guard. In this instance, Broderick Jones will see him most often.
When Van Noy is on the hunt, he's an up-the-field rusher who gets out in front of his skis from time to time. And when he does that, because of his heavy forward lean, the OT has an opportunity to go slam-city on him.
However, he's primarily a bull rusher, using a "bench press" type lockout on the offensive tackle with whom he's locking horns.
Van Noy isn't as twitchy as a lot of other edge rushers, but part of the problem is you can't sleep on the guy. If you do, that's when he can really get problematic. His game is more between the ears than just pure physical prowess.
But like I said, don't sleep on the guy. He's a double-digit sacker and he's a bit testy like nitroglycerin. You never know when he might go off.