Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith didn’t ask former teammate Patrick Queen to cross enemy lines, but it’s a reality he’ll face in 2024.
Smith visited The Rich Eisen Show earlier this spring to discuss his thoughts on Queen departing for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tastefully, Smith gave Queen many accolades, pointing to his strengths as one of the reasons the Ravens’ defense was so successful last season.
Smith understands that Queen was extremely valuable against opposing running backs on underneath routes, and the uncertainty of Queen’s replacement still lingers. Ravens’ inside linebacker Trenton Simpson has received recent attention in the media for his work at OTAs, but it would be premature to consider his skillset equivalent to Queen’s.
“Through the headset they actually sound the same.”
Ro on the defense under DC Zach Orr: pic.twitter.com/PUPq2w88x2— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) July 20, 2024
Ultimately, Smith, as the ” Mike” linebacker, will be responsible for assuring that defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s play-calling is precisely executed.
Smith will endeavor to lead the Ravens’ defense, which led the NFL in sacks last season, to newfound glory in 2024.