Tag: Roquan Smith

Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton finished 9th in voting for the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year

Ravens’ Kyle Hamilton finished 9th in voting for the 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year

The Ravens finished the 2024 season with one of the NFL’s top defensive units, and it showed in the Defensive Player of the Year award voting.

All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton finished ninth in voting for the award.

Hamilton has the second-highest Pro Football Focus (PFF) grade of any safety in the league, trailing only Lions safety Kerby Joseph and his league-leading nine interceptions. Hamilton is the NFL’s only defensive back to post at least 100 tackles, an interception, two sacks, and two forced fumbles.

NFL stats leave no debate, Ravens WR Rashod Bateman can be great

Baltimore Ravens WR Rashod Bateman finished the 2024 NFL season ranked No.9 in the league in touchdown receptions.

Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Rashod Bateman is somewhere living life right now, away from football. Nevertheless, we must praise him for his performance at wideout this past NFL season.

Bateman caught six touchdowns over the last six games (including playoffs) and finished the season with a 16.8 yards per catch average. He also ranked No. 9 in the NFL in touchdown receptions. Often overshadowed by the superstar prowess of teammate Zay Flowers, Bateman turned his seven post-season targets into six catches.

Flowers will return from injury next season, and both Ravens’ tight ends, Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, will continue to be at the top of the league in their craft. Hopefully, Bateman will continue to improve winning on routes at the intermediate level to give quarterback Lamar Jackson a viable target.

The Ravens continue to fall short of championship glory, but faith tells us it’s only a matter of time. Bateman has definitely proven his weight in gold, though.

Steelers linebacker to replace Roquan Smith in 2025 Pro Bowl Games

LB Patrick Queen is set to represent the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2025 Pro Bowl Games, replacing Ravens LB Roquan Smith.

Former Raven and current Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen will replace his former Baltimore teammate, LB Roquan Smith, in the 2025 Pro Bowl Games.

Queen led all Pittsburgh Steelers defenders in combined tackles with 129, while also accumulating six tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and one sack.

This will mark Queen’s second Pro Bowl appearance, as he previously made the 2023 Pro Bowl last season with the Baltimore Ravens.

Queen’s best game of the season was arguably against his former team back in Week 11, when he recorded 10 combined tackles, one tackle for loss, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery versus the Ravens.

Queen was one of the biggest signings of the 2024 offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and his Pro Bowl appearance in 2025 should excite fans about what’s in store for his second season with the Black and Gold.

Tune in to watch Queen compete in the 2025 Pro Bowl Games‘ Thursday Skills Showdown on January 30 at 7:00 PM EST, as well as in the Sunday Pro Bowl Championship on February 2 at 3:00 PM EST.

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Steelers’ Patrick Queen trolls Roquan Smith with vacation joke after Ravens loss

Steelers’ Patrick Queen trolls Roquan Smith with vacation joke after Ravens loss

The Ravens ended the Steelers season in the wild-card round, and Roquan Smith joked about Patrick Queen taking an early vacation. However, Smith and Baltimore could only celebrate for a week after Sunday’s 27-25 loss to the Bills.

After the ‘Ravens’ heartbreaking loss, Queen joked with his former teammates about riding on a private jet to an island they chose.

Baltimore finished with 416 yards of offense and outgained Buffalo by over 143 yards, but three costly turnovers doomed a Ravens offense that didn’t make enough winning plays when it mattered most.

Sights and sounds from first half as Bills hold a 21-10 lead over Ravens in divisional round

Sights and sounds from first half as Bills hold a 21-10 lead over Ravens in divisional round

The first half appeared to be a reverse of Week 4, and two Lamar Jackson turnovers played a pivotal part in Baltimore trailing 21-10 after 30 minutes of football in Buffalo. The Bills held the Ravens to 73 yards rushing in the first half and 28 offensive plays. According to Next Gen Stats, Jackson has been under pressure on over half of his dropbacks (54.5%) for the first time since Week 4, 2023. He’s been pressured 6 times and sacked once on 11 dropbacks (as of Damar Hamlin’s strip sack).

With the second half underway, here are seven takeaways from the first 30 minutes.

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Josh Allen will want to avoid Ravens LB Kyle Van Noy in AFC Divisional

Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy led the team in total sacks with 12.5 in 2024.

Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Kyle Van Noy led the team in total sacks with 12.5 in 2024. Soft-spoken, Van Noy has thrived as a game-wrecking force for defensive coordinator Zach Orr, who will be looking to contain Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen this Sunday.

With teammate Nnamdi Madubuike on the inside and Odafe Oweh on the opposite, Orr uses a swarm attack to contain opposing quarterbacks and keep them inside the numbers. The Bills’ O-line protected Josh Allen exceptionally in the AFC wildcard game, but he still was sacked twice—a key point to remember versus the novice Broncos opponent.

Linebacker Roquan Smith mentioned in an interview on NFL Network earlier this week that the Ravens wanted to make a goal of stopping the run and forcing the Bills to be one-dimensional on offense.

Expect Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady to use quick pass plays, screens, and misdirection to nullify the defensive line’s intensity. If not, Van Noy and company may weary the Bills offensive line as the game progresses.

Bills’ hype may be disproportionate, thanks to a weak AFC East

Each AFC East team not named the Buffalo Bills combined for a record of 17-34 in 2024. Talk about lack of competition.

While it might be unfair to shade the thriving Buffalo Bills, their AFC East division wasn’t the most competitive in 2024. Each AFC East team, not named the Bills, combined for a record of 17-34, which was a strong indicator and added emphasis to the statement above.

Still, the Bills ranked just No. 17 in opponent yards allowed per game, and none of their AFC East rivals ranked within the top 15 teams in the league in total yards per game. Bills defensive coordinator Bobby Babich can posture all he wants, the Bills better have an answer for Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry or things can and will get out of hand fast in the AFC Divisional.

The New York Jets were a bust, the Miami Dolphins were mediocre, and I don’t think the typical NFL fan can name you any of the New England Patriots wide receivers. With six all-pro players on the roster, the Ravens should be easy favorites over the Bills. Again, however, NFL games aren’t played on paper.

49ers legend Patrick Willis reveals favorite linebackers in today’s NFL

Pro Football Hall of Famer Patrick Willis reveals his favorite linebackers in today’s NFL w/ @EdEastonJr

This week, Touchdown Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Pro Football Hall of Famer and former San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis.

In his interview with Easton Jr., Willis—on behalf of Verizon—discussed the First-Ever “Super Bowl FanFest,” which will bring a Super Bowl LIX experience to 30 NFL cities across the country. He also shared his thoughts on some of his favorite linebackers in the NFL today.

In a first-of-its-kind event, Verizon transforms stadiums and venues across all 30 NFL markets into a nationwide FanFest. Fans will enjoy free Super Bowl LIX Sunday celebrations with food and beverages from locally owned small businesses, meet-and-greets with local football heroes, live local music acts, interactive games, and unique football fan experiences.

Verizon customers can bring a select number of guests to FanFest to share the afternoon of celebrations with family and friends.

Willis played eight seasons in the NFL, all with the 49ers, earning numerous All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors as one of the best linebackers to play the game. He opened up about some of his favorite players from his position group to watch in the league today.

“It’s kind of hard to compare,” Willis explained. “I’m a person. I don’t like to compare it. I always feel like everyone is their own individual. I will say there are some great linebacker play happening in the NFL. Maybe I’m a little biased, but I feel Fred (Warner) is still the number one linebacker, him and Roquan (Smith).

“feel like they are 1A, 1B. They’re both right there, and both are very good. The different things that they do make them All-Pros, which they are. I enjoy watching good football and seeing guys get after it, and I have a fanatical effort. Dre Greenlaw, when healthy, is one of the best. When Dre and Fred are together, man, they are a joy to watch.”

Smith and Warner were again first-team Associated Press All-Pro members for the 2024 season, continuing their exceptional play.

“I enjoy watching good defense, good football, and the play of Fred and Roquan,” Willis said. “I like Nakobe Dean from the (Philadelphia) Eagles; I’m just a fan of defenders, as I was when I was a kid. You had the people they show you; they say these are the superstars. I’ve always been one of the ones. I just watched the game, and you see the effort. You see guys getting after it, land, the boom, high energy, 100% effort. Those are guys I’ve always been a fan of, so I’m just a fan of the game, defenders, and those who get after it.”

Visit VerizonFanFest.com for a full list of events and locations and access to free tickets on a first-come, first-served basis. FanFests across the country will take place on Sunday, February 9, beginning at 4pm ET / 1pm PT.

Ravens’ Roquan Smith ain’t buying what Bills HB James Cook is selling

Buffalo Bills HB James Cook and Baltimore Ravens LB Roquan Smith are scheduled for a meet and greet in the AFC Divisional Round.

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.

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.

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.

AFC Divisional Round: Ravens’ All-Pro Marlon Humphrey is ready for war

Baltimore Ravens DB Marlon Humphrey knows the time is now and his decision lessen his internet podcast and focus is paying off.

Baltimore Ravens defensive back Marlon Humphrey has been the All-Pro player his team needed in 2024. Plagued last season by injury, and the distraction of his punchline podcast, Humphrey has shown an ability to refocus and be the staple in the defensive secondary.

Humphrey totaled six interceptions this season and ranked No. 3 in the entire NFL category. Humphrey’s 15 pass deflections also rank him in No. 9 amongst league defenders. Knowing that the Ravens have two all-pro defensive backs anchoring their secondary and a developing supporting cast to contribute to the team’s endeavors is imperative. 

Humphrey has been operating as a slot defender in defensive coordinator Zach Orr’s passing defense for most of the season. In the slot, Humphrey has excelled, taking away the immediate and easiest targets for opposing quarterbacks by playing smothering man coverage. The Ravens’ defense has resurged with Humphrey locking down and the front seven working steadily in the pass rush.

Sunday, Humphrey will need to have his best game versus Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. As the Ravens look to keep their Super Bowl aspirations alive, their defense must be the iron door that allows the offense to pull away in this game.