The Lions replaced Ndamukong Suh—the Pro Bowler who has been criticized for his aggressive style of play—who signed with the Miami Dolphins.

The Ngata trade frees up $8.5 million of salary cap space, according to ESPN. Reportedly, Terrell Suggs restructured his contract to free up another couple million.

Ngata, a five-time Pro Bowl player, has been the backbone of the Ravens’ run defense for the past eight seasons and has was poised to have his best year yet last season until he was suspended for violating the league’s PED policy.

Ravens fans have come to depend on watching the hulking #92, University of Oregon-graduate make instrumental plays for our defense. He became especially crucial after Ray Lewis’ retirement.

“Haloti has been an outstanding player for us for many years,” general manager Ozzie Newsome told BaltimoreRavens.com. “He consistently showed tremendous leadership in our locker room and on the field. At times, he was one of the NFL’s most dominant players.”

In related news, Ravens tight end Owen Daniels signed with the Denver Broncos today, new home of coach Gary Kubiak, who Daniels has played under for all of his nine NFL seasons. Daniels followed Kubiak from the Texas to the Ravens last off-season and he stepped up last year to replace the injured Dennis Pitta.

Additionally, several teams—including the Atlanta Falcons, Washington Redskins, and Indianapolis Colts—have been eyeing up running back Justin Forsett, who was crucial last year in revitalizing the Ravens’ running game after the termination of Ray Rice.

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Ravens star defensive player Haloti Ngata has been suspended for four games according to the NFL’s PED policy, the Baltimore Ravens announced. Ngata released a statement saying it was for his use of Adderall.

This is particularly distressing for Ravens fans, as the veteran defensive tackle has been the anchor in the middle of the Ravens defense, which has otherwise been lackluster this season.

“Haloti is having a really standout year,” said defensive coordinator Dean Pees told BaltimoreRavens.com last month. Ngata is topping the Ravens roster with his stats of two interceptions, seven passes defensed, two forced fumbles, 32 tackles, and two sacks.

This, of course, comes after losing top cornerback Jimmy Smith to an injury earlier this season, and at a crucial time when the Ravens head to Miami for a must-win game.

We can’t help but think of another Baltimore sports star who was busted for Adderall at a crucial time in the season. Who knows what consequences that had on the Orioles’ playoff success and what Ngata’s suspension will mean for the Ravens going forward.

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Here’s three reasons the Ravens take down the Falcons Sunday:

1. Justin Forsett: The Steve Smith Sr. signing got all the attention in the offseason and early into this year, but where would the Ravens be without Forsett, who is averaging 6.4 yards per carry—far and away tops among NFL rushing leaders. We’re looking forward to seeing him lead the ground game this week. Did we mention Atlanta ranks 29th in run defense?

2. Ravens’s Front Seven: The Falcons’s offensive line wasn’t great to start with and now it’s injured to boot. Haloti Ngata and Brandon Williams have been tremendous inside so far and Chris Canty, Pernell McPhee, Courtney Upshaw, Terrell Suggs, Elvis Dumervil, C.J. Mosley, and Daryl Smith will be a handful for Atlanta. 

3. M&T Bank Stadium: Okay, the weather is supposed to be pitch-perfect for football this weekend, but still, dome teams like the Falcons traditionally struggle on the road at outdoor stadiums. The Falcons fit the bill this year, with both wins coming at home and three of their four bad losses, including to the Vikings and Giants, not exactly powerhouses, coming outside on the road. Also, we kind of feel like Baltimore fans will be extra revved up this weekend, seeing how we could use a win after that ALCS debacle. (Not that the O’s didn’t have a great year, they did, but you know what we mean.)

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