When NFL analysts talk about the Baltimore Ravens' run defense, it’s nearly blasphemous to ignore the impact Roquan Smith has had at linebacker
Baltimore linebacker Roquan Smith logged 154 total tackles, 81 solo tackles, and 12.5 stops for the Ravens defense last season. When NFL analysts assess the team’s ability to hold opponents to an average of just under 82 rush yards per game last season, it’s nearly blasphemous to ignore the impact Smith has had at inside linebacker.
At age 28, health and endurance will be important for Smith and his teammates in 2025. If the Ravens morph into a pass-heavy attack on offense, yielding quick scores, this may simultaneously cause the defense to spend more time on the field. Smith's humanity (ability to be hurt) appeared when he finally missed one game in 2024 due to a nagging injury. Nevertheless, even at 90 percent, Smith is ready to wreak havoc on the opposing offense.
Practicing against all-pro running back Derrick Henry and quarterback Lamar Jackson has also edified the attributes of Smith day in and day out at Training camp. Reps versus such a dynamic offensive strategy play into the instincts and confidence of Smith, who is responsible for signaling in play calls and identifying pre-snap designs. Ultimately, stats show that Smith is up for the task, and his statistics exemplify his tenacity on every play.
With optimism regarding the emergence of linebacker Trenton Simpson and rookie Teddye Buchanan, Simth might finally get the help he needs at linebacker to push the Ravens defense back to the fearful level defensive coordinator Zach Orr has been talking about at training camp.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens' linebacker Roquan Smith is a tackling machine
Category: Football
