When the Baltimore Ravens traded for inside linebacker Roquan Smith from the Chicago Bears, they knew that their defensive unit was going to get a lot better. So far with Smith they’ve played has played exceptional football, with the exception of the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 12.
After a practice leading up to Baltimore’s Week 14 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers, head coach John Harbaugh was asked about Smith. He mentioned how he’s been very impressed with the inside linebacker, saying that he’s been a “little bit of a spark” for the team and their defense.
“Roquan’s been a little bit of a spark for us.” #ProBowlVote Roquan Smith pic.twitter.com/HDSGPzx6X1
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 7, 2022
“That’s a good stat. I’m very impressed with him. Roquan [Smith] has played at a very high level … All the guys have played at a high level on defense of late. He’s obviously been a little bit of a spark for us too, I think you could say that for sure. I love him; I love the fact that he’s here and love his attitude and everything, and [I] feel that way about all our guys on defense.”
The Ravens defense’ needed a type of player that was going to be able to rush the quarterback, stop the run, and contain pass catchers from the inside linebacker position, and Smith has fit the bill. He’s solidified the middle of Baltimore’s defensive unit, and has made the inside linebacker group one of the best in the league.