Roquan Smith: Ravens' Biggest Reason For Excitement?
The Baltimore Ravens have plenty of reasons for optimism as they kick off OTAs.
Of course, many fans are excited to see how Lamar Jackson performs after his shiny new extension this offseason. The new-look offense around Jackson, featuring new offensive coordinator Todd Monken and receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Zay Flowers, is another reason for excitement. Even with all the changes on offense, the Ravens' biggest source of excitement may be on the other side of the ball.
According to Ebony Bird, the Ravens-centric website of FanSided, the Ravens' biggest reason for excitement is getting a full season of linebacker Roquan Smith. The former Chicago Bears linebacker thrived after a midseason trade to Baltimore, and expectations are even higher after a full offseason with the team.
"The Roquan Smith trade was so impressive for the Baltimore Ravens because he hit the ground running," Ebony Bird writes. "He was having an average type of season with the Chicago Bears but still made the All-Pro because his nine games with the Ravens were that of the best player at his position.
"This is just the start. Now, he gets a full offseason to work with Mike MacDonald. Roquan Smith will now be wearing the green dot, calling plays, and getting everything in line. That is a lot easier after a summer of studying compared to picking things up on the road with a few days until the next game."
In nine games with the Ravens, Smith recorded 86 tackles, seven tackles for loss, two sacks, three passes defended and an interception. His 169 total tackles on the season were third-most in the league, and he earned a first-team All-Pro selection for his play.
Smith's presence made an immediate impact on the Ravens' defense. Baltimore allowed 22.9 points per game in eight games before acquiring Smith, but just 14.7 points in the nine games after.
If Smith's performance last season was just a taste of what's to come, Ravens fans should be very excited to see him in action again after a full offseason.
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