The Unheralded Big Man Earns Some Flowers

He took a step back this year, claiming that it was Travis Jones’ turn to step up. He’s recently returned from a calf injury and all 355+ pounds of him willingly absorbs the bodies to allow others to come in, clean up and add to their stats while he takes a back seat. And if you’ve ever watched Ravens Wired, you know that he brings a boyish enthusiasm to the sidelines that obviously endears him to his teammates. Of course I’m describing Michael Pierce.

Pierce is one of those great foot soldiers that each team needs. He brings his lunch pale and goes to work, does what he’s told to do. Most will never notice the dirty work. The same cannot be said for his teammates. They get it. Like an unheralded bass player who keeps his band together enabling the lead guitarist and singer to shine, Pierce absorbs the body blows so his mates can get their flowers.

On occasion, Pierce will be asked to drop out of his stance and drop into coverage. The intent is to confuse the quarterback, make him hesitate while occupying a zone to disrupt throwing windows, and if he’s lucky, he just might force a mistake. And a mistake from Bailey Zappe is exactly what unfolded on Saturday night at The Bank.

BIG MAN INT

Michael Pierce thought about it pic.twitter.com/MLmRVxzr12

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 5, 2025

Maybe Zappe made a bad throw. Maybe his receiver zigged when he was supposed to zag. Maybe Zappe just didn’t think that Pierce possessed the athleticism to make a play on the ball because let’s face it, the man is about as svelte as Fat Albert. But Pierce made a play on the ball and picked it off effortlessly, as though he’s done it before.

My only regret is that Pierce didn’t do his best to make a house call. Up by 25 with just over 2 minutes to go in the game, why not, right? The highlight could have been epic and certainly capture the attention of NFL Network’s Kyle Brandt for potential Angry Runs content.

But it wasn’t meant to be.

What is meant to be is Michael Pierce being named the Week 18 Big Crab Cake as the Ravens unsung hero.

Something tells me, his teammates would concur…

This is one of the most electric celebrations you’ll see

Look at how happy the Ravens are for Michael Pierce after his interception pic.twitter.com/Jcb3z6tcdr

— Kevin Oestreicher (@koestreicher34) January 5, 2025

[Related Article: Some Fun Ravens and League Insights]

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