Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith means business when his chin strap and helmet are on. Allowing just 80.1 rush yards per game this season, Smith and the Ravens ranked No. 1 versus the run all year.
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook is ultra-talented, and his swift cuts and churning legs make him a massive factor of concern for the Ravens’ defense. Smith, however, will be ready to meet and greet Cook, preferably in the backfield before she starts.
“I think it’s gonna be very simple for us. We just gotta stick to who we are as a group.”
Roquan Smith and the @Ravens are locked in ahead of their Divisional Round matchup vs. the Bills.
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— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 16, 2025
Last weekend, the Bills dictated the pace, tallying 26 first downs and winning the time of possession against the Denver Broncos with a total hold time of just over 41 minutes. Cook contributed to the endeavors by producing 120 yards on 23 carries, and his backup running back, Tyus Johnson, also had 44 rush yards.
Roquan Smith falling back into the fit and delivering a hit stick pic.twitter.com/gEmqTTs5Cj
— Theo Ash (@TheoAshNFL) January 15, 2025
Denver had 79 rushing yards last weekend, likely due to the Broncos’ inability to sustain offensive drives. Sean Payton’s team converted just two of their nine third-down attempts, allowing the Bills to silk the clock and impose their offensive will.
With Smith piloting the agenda on the Ravens’ defense, one would have to be drunk off a gallon of Jim Bean to believe the Bills will come anywhere near 200 rushing yards in the AFC Divisional Round. However, Cook will be asked to make his impact in the ground game to make things more manageable for quarterback Josh Allen in passing situations.
Ravens have 6 All-Pros while the Bills only have 1
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— NFL on CBS
(@NFLonCBS) January 14, 2025