Jeff Wolfson

It's-a me, Mario!

by Dan Kolko View Comments

When people discuss the top defensive ends in the league, you'll hear Dwight Freeney, Julius Peppers and Jared Allen's names tossed out there.

Somehow, the Texans' Mario Williams often gets overlooked.

How that can happen when a guy posts at least nine sacks in four straight seasons, I'm not really sure.

Maybe it's the Reggie Bush factor. Maybe it's that he plays all the way down in Houston. Maybe it's the fact that Williams shares his name with that of a loveble Nintendo character.

Who knows? All we do know is that Williams is quite a threat off the edge, and could give the Ravens fits tonight if they don't bring their A-game.

"He's a big factor," head coach John Harbaugh said. "Mario Williams is another premier player. You know, both their defensive ends are dominant players, both in run and pass, and you've got to know where Mario Williams is at all times."

The No. 1 overall pick in 2006 has 8.5 sacks on the season, including three in his last three games.

After excelling in third-down passing situations early in his career, Williams, who checks in at 6-foot-6, 295 lbs., has recently developed into a quality player on first and second downs as well, and has been one of the few bright spots on a Texans defense that ranks 31st in the league in yardage allowed.

Ravens left tackle Michael Oher struggled a bit last week against the Steelers, getting called for a holding penalty and two false starts.

He might be aided this week by the fact that Williams is coming off a groin injury and likely won't be at full strength after missing some practice time this week.

But Oher and the rest of the Ravens' offensive linemen will have their hands full with Williams - even if he doesn't bring Luigi with him.

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