Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs raised eyebrows by skipping organized team activities, with some observers questioning whether he’s no longer committed to staying in shape after signing a huge contract extension last year.
But Suggs says he stands by his decision.
“As far as the OTAs thing goes, a lot of guys get hurt,” Suggs said, per Dan Kolko of MASNsports.com. “I don’t think a lot of guys would like to take that risk. It’s OTAs, we’re not winning any games or any Super Bowls in OTAs, so I’d rather just stick to my training and be in top shape come training camp.”
Suggs showed up to training camp out of shape last year and ended the season with a career-low 4.5 sacks. He says this year he’s working out on his own and fitness won’t be an issue.
“Some guys need to be under the supervision of the coaches and the strength coaches and working out with the team, but some guys just don’t need that,” Suggs said. “Some guys, it’s better for them to work individually with a trainer. I’ve always worked out with a trainer, and it’s worked out thus far for me pretty good. But some guys do feel as though they work better with the team, within the group.”
Suggs is only 27 years old, and there’s no reason he can’t bounce back from his disappointing 2009 and have a big 2010. No reason, that is, if he shows up to training camp in shape.