Tag: Trenton Simpson

Ravens vs. Raiders: Top photos from Week 2 matchup at M&T Bank Stadium

The Ravens have gone from a Super Bowl hopeful, to a team searching for answers after a shocking 26-23 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday.

The loss dropped Baltimore to 0-2 on the season, while creating more discourse centered on the offensive line, secondary, run-pass ratios, and Lamar Jackson. The disappointing loss also creates something of a hotseat for head coach John Harbaugh with a difficult matchup against the Cowboys looming.

Here are the top photos from Week 2.

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Trenton Simpson on competing against Derrick Henry in practice: ‘It’s been cool’

Ravens inside linebacker Trenton Simpson said that it’s been “cool” going up against running back Derrick Henry in practice

The Baltimore Ravens signed running back Derrick Henry to a two-year deal during the early stages of 2024 free agency. He will open up plenty of options for Baltimore offensively this season, with his unique size of blend and speed set to cause problems to defenses everywhere yet again.

Ravens inside linebacker Trenton Simpson talked about going up against the veteran running back in practice and revealed how it’s a full-circle moment for him. Simpson watched the former Titans rusher growing up and hopes that the two parties are making each other better.

“It’s been awesome. Growing up watching [Derrick Henry] at a young age to being on the practice field with him now, it’s been awesome, and it’s full circle. But it’s been cool. [I’m] just bringing my energy every day, [and] I’m just matching … I know he’s going to make me better, and I hope I’m making him better, as well, and it’s been awesome.”

Simpson will play a big role in Baltimore’s defense this year, while Henry will try to acclimate himself to a new team as quickly as possible. The two will have different but important roles in the Ravens’ potential Super Bowl journey, as the team will need both its veteran and young players to step up.

Trenton Simpson says it’s ‘awesome’ to be teammates with Nate Wiggins again

Ravens inside linebacker Trenton Simpson says that it’s “awesome” to be teammates with cornerback Nate Wiggins again

The Baltimore Ravens drafted Nate Wiggins in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft. He is expected to play a big role as a young member of Baltimore’s defense, but he isn’t the only former Clemson star to have that role with the Ravens this year.

Wiggins’ college teammate Trenton Simpson was selected in the third round of 2023, which means the two are re-united in Baltimore. Simpson was asked about playing with Wiggins again, to which he said it’s been “awesome” to have Wiggins on his team once more.

“It’s been awesome. Just us being at Clemson and growing together, winning some games together, [and] being on the ACC championship team with [Nate Wiggins] was awesome. But [I’m] just seeing him come in every day, competing. I mean, he’s young, just like I was last year, so him asking ‘Marlo’ [Marlon Humphrey] questions, ‘B. Steve’ [Brandon Stephens] questions, it’s awesome, because the vets we have in this organization are taking all the guys under, and I feel like that’s good to help improve a lot of guys’ careers.”

Simpson had plenty of good things to say about Wiggins, a player that the Ravens will need to play well in order to continue being a top defense in the NFL this season. Both Clemson alumni hopefully have big things ahead, and have the tools to have long and successful careers.

Ravens LB Trenton Simpson says he watched ‘a lot’ of Patrick Queen film this offseason

Ravens inside linebacker Trenton Simpson said he watched a lot of Patrick Queen film this offseason

The Baltimore Ravens knew they would lose plenty of key pieces and talent from their 2023 team once the season concluded. As predicted, the offseason saw them say goodbye to multiple talented players and coaches, including inside linebacker Patrick Queen.

The former LSU star is now a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers, which means that fellow inside linebacker Trenton Simpson will need to step up in his place. Simpson revealed that he has been watching a lot of Queen’s films this offseason in preparation for his new role, saying that his former teammate played at a “very high level.”

“A lot, because [Patrick Queen] played at a very high level. And just to see him and learn from him my rookie year … I mean, he had a great year. [With] the way he played, he got [the contract] he deserved, and I learned a lot from him. [I’ve been] just watching how he moves, his pre-snap alignments and things like that. I did a lot of studying of him this year.”

Simpson is one of the underrated pieces of Baltimore’s defense, which is looking to continue its dominance from its historic 2023. The team is leaning towards its youth this season, and Simpson will be a big part of that.

Ravens LB Trenton Simpson says he’s ready to be three-down player

Ravens inside linebacker Trenton Simpson is ready to be a three-down player in the NFL

The Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for the 2024 season, where they’ll play the Kansas City Chiefs in a rematch of the AFC Championship game. There will be plenty of motivation on both sides, with Baltimore feeling the disappointment from last year’s heartbreaking loss.

One of the biggest losses the Ravens endured during the 2024 offseason was inside linebacker Patrick Queen, who departed for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Inside linebacker Trenton Simpson will be called upon to step up, and he shared his readiness to be a three-down player in his new role.

“That’s the goal, but [I’m] coming in, attacking every day, and that comes with earning the trust of my teammates, my coaches and everybody around me. So, the more I go out there every day, perform in practice and uphold to the standard, that will [lead to] the more playing time I earn and what my coaches believe that I should get out there.”

Simpson will slot in with fellow inside linebacker Roquan Smith as the two look to replicate the defense’s success at the position, minus Queen. The second-year player will be a big part of what Baltimore does this season and will need a big year for the defensive unit to reach its potential.

Trenton Simpson on his favorite part of playing in Ravens defense

Ravens inside linebacker Trenton Simpson revealed his favorite part of playing in the Ravens’ defense

The Baltimore Ravens have been regarded as one of the best defensive teams in the NFL throughout their existence. Their dedication to that side of the ball has been their calling card, which is expected again in 2024.

Inside linebacker Trenton Simpson has seen a promotion in his role for 2024. When asked about his favorite part of playing in Baltimore, he responded with points such as being able to play fast and physical football.

“I’d say just being able to play fast, physical football and just allowing me to just be able to read and react. Like [when] I see something, trigger, don’t second guess, just play fast. Just playing 100%, it covers up a lot of things. I’m just excited for this year [and] to be able to just do me.”

Simpson was drafted in the third round of the 2023 draft and spent a year behind Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen, as they handled most of the snaps at the position. With Queen gone, Simpson’s role will increase, with plenty of responsibility coming his way.

Ravens LB Trenton Simpson shares how he deals with mistakes during a game

Ravens inside linebacker Trenton Simpson shared how he deals with mistakes over the course of a game

The Baltimore Ravens have leaned into youth this season, which could pay off big time or be a disaster, depending on how many of their young players perform. There will certainly be learning curves, but they will need to be few and far between if Baltimore wants to achieve its goals.

One young player who will have a significant role on the Ravens’ defense this season is inside linebacker Trenton Simpson. The second-year player was asked about how he handles mistakes made during a game, and talked about how moving on is the key.

“During the game, you’ve got to move [onto the] next play, and you get towards … When you’re studying the film … But you’ve got to have a short mindset in this game. [The] mentality [is that] you’ve got to put it behind you, next play and then in film, just correct it.”

Simpson is bound to make some mistakes this season, especially since this is his first full year starting at the NFL level. However, he has multiple All-Pro teammates around him, and that should help him grow into his role faster and more effectively.

Trenton Simpson describes his unique relationship with Ravens LB Roquan Smith

Ravens inside linebacker Trenton Simpson described his relationship with inside linebacker Roquan Smith

The Baltimore Ravens traded for Roquan Smith in the middle of the 2022 season, right before the trade deadline. They gave up a second-round pick, fifth-round pick, and inside linebacker A.J. Klein in the deal, and haven’t looked back since.

Second-year inside linebacker Trenton Simpson gave an inside look into what the relationship between him and Smith is, talking about the balance between the two both on and off of the field. He mentioned how he’ll ask Smith questions, calling him a great teammate and leader.

“I feel like it’s a good balance [of] us knowing each other as friends on and off the field, but also, when we’re together, we’re talking ball. And me, being a younger player, I’m going to ask [Roquan Smith] questions, and when I’m with him, he’s a great person to learn from, so I just get some advice every time I get around him. He’s a great teammate, a great leader, and I’m always trying to learn from him in any aspect of life.”

Smith is the heartbeat of the Ravens’ defense, as his passion and energy lifts the entire team. Simpson gets to benefit by learning from one of the best at his position day in and day out, which should help his growth in multiple key ways moving forward.

Trenton Simpson on expectations for 2024: ‘Playing like a Raven is my goal’

Ravens inside linebacker Trenton Simpson said that playing like a Raven is his goal

The Baltimore Ravens are relying on inside linebacker Trenton Simpson to step up in a big way for the team in 2024. Fellow inside linebacker Patrick Queen signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers during free agency, and Simpson will be asked to fill that void.

When Simpson was asked about what his 2024 season could entail he said that he wants to play like a Raven, and that’s his goal for his first big taste of NFL action. He mentioned how he wants to play as hard as he can, and match the energy of his running mate in Roquan Smith.

“Yes, just playing fast, physical, man, just playing relentless, playing like a Raven is my goal. Definitely, I feel like [the] offense and defense have been very physical; we’re just trying to protect each other [in practice]. But [I’m] just going out there and sending a message, just playing as hard as I can and matching Roquan [Smith’s] energy every day.”

Simpson was a star at Clemson University, and his versatility and athletic profile should help the Ravens win plenty of games in 2024. He looked more than ready to contribute following his preseason performance, and many around Baltimore are excited for what he can bring to the table this season.

Ravens LB Trenton Simpson is ready to flip the switch in 2024

Ravens inside linebacker Trenton Simpson is ready to flip the switch in 2024

The Baltimore Ravens suffered a tough defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game last season. The entire Baltimore organization is still feeling the after-effects from the defeat, and hopes to achieve their goal of winning a Super Bowl this time around.

Inside linebacker Trenton Simpson is expected to take on a massive role with the team in 2024, especially in the wake of the departure of Patrick Queen. The second-year player is ready to flip a switch when he’s on the field, much like his teammate Roquan Smith, from nice guy off of the field to menace on it.

“Yes, that’s real. When you get in between those lines, you’ve got to be locked in, focused in and just serious. [There’s] a goal, [and] you’ve got to go out there and perform, so there’s no time to play around on the field; you’ve got to be focused. And when I’m off the field, [I’m a] great guy, smiling all the time, [but] when it gets in between those lines, it’s time to play ball.”

The entire Baltimore team has to play with a certain level of passion this season, especially with so much at stake with how high expectations are. Simpson appears ready to live up to the billing, and he’ll be needed with so much youth on the roster  needing to step up.