Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith is arguably the best at his position in the NFL. Smith has been named first-team All-Pro twice since coming to Baltimore via a trade with Chicago in 2022. He’s also made the last two Pro Bowls.
Smith is off to another fantastic start in 2024, leading Baltimore with 50 tackles through five weeks. Unfortunately, the rest of the Ravens defense hasn’t played as well.
Smith and Baltimore have a difficult task in Week 6. The Ravens host the red-hot Washington Commanders and sensational rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Smith is confident and believes Daniels could be in for a long day.
“When he’s in the open field, he’s a dangerous guy to tackle, but we love challenges,” Smith said Wednesday via Cordell Woodland of 105.7 The Fan in Baltimore. “He’s still a rookie at the end of the day, and he hasn’t seen a defense like ours just yet.”
Smith is correct. Baltimore’s defense will present challenges that Daniels hasn’t seen yet. Although the Browns came into last week with a solid defense, Daniels was so good that he sat almost all of the fourth quarter in a blowout win.
The Ravens brought back legendary former defensive coordinator Dean Pees to serve as an advisor for first-year defensive coordinator Zach Orr this week. Orr played for Pees, and they have a strong relationship. Baltimore is currently ranked 19th in total defense and No. 1 in run defense but 31st in pass defense.
There will be opportunities for Daniels to make plays against the Ravens this weekend. Smith is also right in saying Daniels will see some things he hasn’t yet seen in his young NFL career.