‘Relax A Little Bit’: Kyle Van Noy Challenges Ex-Teammate Justin Herbert To Step Up

“Relax A Little Bit”: Kyle Van Noy Challenges Former Teammate Justin Herbert to Step Up

LOS ANGELES – As one of the veteran players in the NFL, Baltimore Ravens pass rusher Kyle Van Noy is straightforward when discussing those he has mentored, including Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert.

“Part of me says [Herbert] needs to relax a little bit because he cares so much,” Van Noy shared. “He’s a perfectionist. Just go out there and play ball.” Van Noy, who defied age by recording a career-high of 12.5 sacks in 2024 and making his first Pro Bowl in his 11th NFL season, was a teammate of Herbert during the 2022 season.

The Chargers made it to the playoffs but faced a humiliating defeat against the Jacksonville Jaguars after blowing a 27-0 lead. During that season, Van Noy had a locker next to Herbert, forming a bond in their only year together with the Chargers. He noted Herbert’s work ethic, likening him to a layered “onion” as they grew closer through the season.

“If he could share what he gave me in that year with everyone else in the locker room, I believe it would change people’s perception of him,” Van Noy added. “He’s already accomplished so much. I know he wants to achieve even more, but I feel like he takes the game very seriously. One thing I can say about Justin is that he works really hard, and I appreciate that as a teammate. But sometimes you don’t have to work as hard. Let’s take a step back for just a second and analyze – am I doing other aspects of the game, like film study, enough?”

While he believes that the Chargers need more playmakers around Herbert to ease his responsibilities and that constant changes in offensive coordinators have affected the team, Van Noy acknowledged that Herbert should also share some responsibility for the team’s overall 41-40 record (including playoffs) and the lack of playoff victories betting app philippines.

Van Noy further expressed that Herbert must work on building better connections with his teammates. “I believe he’s making some efforts,” Van Noy stated. “He attends team dinners, but I think he could also do more. And that’s just from my experience during the year I was with him. He’s still young, and I’m sure he’s much better now than when I was there. But that’s something he could enhance.”

Justin Herbert faced his second playoff defeat last season, suffering a rough loss against the Texans. While attending the NFL’s player personal branding and social workshop in late June, Van Noy provided these candid remarks. The BYU alum is exploring opportunities in television and content creation after his playing career and is keen on sharing his unfiltered opinions based on his league experience. He has appeared on shows like FS1’s “The Herd,” NFL Network’s “Good Morning Football,” and ESPN’s “NFL Live.”

“This has been a great education on, ‘OK, once I’m done, what lane do I want to go in?’” Van Noy mentioned. “Do I want to pursue content creation? Broadcasting? Or do I want to do something entirely different? It’s been very valuable information lodi 777 casino login register.”

Now at 34 years old, Van Noy has amassed 21.5 sacks over the past two seasons, which ties him for 10th overall during that period. What’s the secret behind Van Noy’s successful late-career performance? casinoplus login Known for his versatility, he has focused on pressuring the quarterback more frequently to make game-changing plays, resulting in increased production.

“I have a lot of juice left,” the two-time Super Bowl champion revealed. “If I keep producing and playing the way I am, I can see myself continuing to play. A lot of it has been my mindset. I’ve always felt underappreciated. Just that chip on my shoulder keeps me going. I love playing on Sundays, and I connect with the players.”

Entering his third season with the Ravens, Van Noy expressed gratitude toward his teammates for a more robust defense in 2024, which includes safety Kyle Hamilton, linebacker Roquan Smith, and fellow pass rushers Odafe Oweh and Nnamdi Madubuike.

He also credited defensive coordinator Zach Orr for his growth in a new role after taking over from Mike Macdonald last season, expressing his belief that Orr will be a great head coach in the future. However, the real engine behind the Ravens is two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson.

“He’s a special dude,” Van Noy stated x777 casino. “I tell everyone he’s 1-of-1 as a person. He’s one of my favorite teammates, and I enjoy being around him. sw888 online casino.com Regardless of who you are, he makes you feel valued. I appreciate that a quarterback of his caliber can connect with anyone, whether a practice squad player or a star like Derrick Henry. That’s what draws the whole locker room toward him and earns their respect—he simply hangs out with everyone.”

With insights shared by Eric D. Williams, who has covered the NFL for over ten years, what are your thoughts on Van Noy’s perspective on Herbert’s growth as a player?