OWINGS MILLS — Ravens All-Pro inside linebacker Roquan Smith made a bold statement at the start of this year’s training camp.
When asked whether the Ravens ‘defense can match last year’s success, Smith replied: “I think we can be better, honestly.”
In addition to Smith, the Ravens have several playmakers back on defense, including defensive tackle Justin Madubuike and safety Kyle Hamilton, who were each named All-Pro last season.
“I have the utmost respect for each and every guy that’s in here, and I know the potential that each and every guy has, so it’s all about going out and proving it week-in and week-out, and I think it starts in training camp, day-in and day-out,” Smith said. “Everybody is excited early on, and I know we have the mindset of guys pushing through adversity when we face that, but I love the pieces that we have here, and we’ll be able to show that to the world soon enough, and maybe we’ll come back to this conversation at the end of the year, and we’ll be like, ‘Wow, can we be better than that?’”
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) passes the ball to Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (4) as Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith (0) defends in the AFC Championship football game at M&T Bank Stadium. By Geoff Burke-USA Today Sports.
Last season, the Ravens became the first team in league history to finish a season ranked No. 1 in the following categories: points allowed (16.5 points per game), sacks (60), and takeaways (31, tied with the New York Giants).
However, the Ravens lost defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, who is now the head coach for the Seattle Seahawks. Coach John Harbaugh promoted linebacker coach Zachary Orr to replace Macdonald, and Smith said it’s been a seamless transition.
“I have a great deal of respect for Zach and his mindset,” Smith said. “He’s been out there on the field, and believe it or not, obviously him and Mike [Macdonald] are two totally different people, and they’re unique in their own way, but through the headset, they actually sound the same.
“Every voice I’ve heard through a headset all sounds the same. I’m like, ‘Is that Mike or something?’ I told ‘Z.O.’ one day during OTAs, so it’s pretty funny. I’m excited for ‘Z.O.,’ for him to showcase what he’s able to do with the pieces that we have here and showcase it to the world.”
The Ravens did lose some experience on defense.
Outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney, who rejuvenated his career in Baltimore with a career-high 9 1/2 sacks, signed a free-agent contract with the Carolina Panthers. The Ravens are hoping third-year linebacker David Ojabo can overcome a rash of injuries over the past two seasons and boost the pass rush.
The Ravens lost outside linebacker Patrick Queen to AFC North rival, the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Ravens think second-year player Trenton Simpson can fill Queen’s role.
‘Trent, the guy works his tail off like no other,” Smith said. “[He’s] always trying to find ways to get better, and you can see in day-in and day-out, his approach to the game, his extra meeting time, and the guy is probably one of the most athletic people on the team, if not [the most]. [He] jumps out of the gym, [has] 4.3 [40-yard dash] speed; [he] can do everything.”
The Ravens will face a tough test in the regular-season opener against the defending Super Bowl champion, Kansas City Chiefs, who eliminated the Ravens in the AFC Championship Game, 17-10. Smith is confident the Ravens will be ready.
“I think it starts right now, and it starts with each and every person looking themselves in the mirror, day-in and day-out, and when times get tough, taking that extra step saying, ‘Hey, this is what is going to get us over the hump,’ and every person raising their standard, even myself,” Smith said.
