Roquan Smith, recognized as a first-team All-Pro linebacker for the third consecutive year, has faced criticism suggesting his 2024 NFL season did not meet his usual high standards. Acknowledging this himself, Smith revealed that injury and conditioning affected his early-year play, but he has since focused on regaining peak fitness and consistency in his role.
Smith admitted to The Baltimore Sun’s Brian Wacker,
“Coming into the year, I was banged up early in the year,”
and added,
“Some of that was just [needing to be] in better shape; then just focusing on doing my job and not [doing] anything more or anything less.”
As the season progressed, Smith and the Ravens defense improved significantly, largely by resolving communication problems within the unit.
He explained,
“A lot of times last year, it would be like people would know what to do, but then not being on the same page sometimes would make this person look crazy or that person look crazy,”
emphasizing that these miscommunications ultimately affected everyone negatively. Smith noted that communication has become “crystal clear” during offseason training activities (OTAs), where the team has handled a high volume of new defensive plays with minimal errors.
Reflecting on his priorities this season, Smith expressed the importance of maintaining fitness and mental sharpness, stating,
“It’s about being in good shape and having a clear understanding of what’s going on. For myself, eating better and taking better care of myself and [making] sure I’m taking care of that and not letting it grow into something else.”
His dedication underscores the NFL’s focus on recent performance, as he remarked,
“In this league, it’s what have you done for me lately.”
Warren Moon Highlights Lamar Jackson’s Super Bowl Prospects for 2024
Among top-tier quarterbacks Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow—all seeking their first Super Bowl victory—Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon identifies Jackson as the most likely to secure a championship this season. Moon pointed to the Ravens’ consistent team-building efforts around their two-time MVP quarterback as a critical advantage.
“They just keep building that roster,”
Moon said on Up & Adams, praising Baltimore’s strong secondary as
“probably one of the best secondaries in the league right now,”
and emphasizing their physicality on defense. Moon also highlighted the offensive stability provided by Derrick Henry and a returning group of receivers, describing the team as “right there ready to go.”
Derrick Henry Excels Across Multiple Running Concepts in 2024
The Ravens’ star running back Derrick Henry demonstrated outstanding performance in several running schemes last season, earning top grades from Pro Football Focus analyst Lauren Gray. Henry led all running backs in three specific run concepts: outside zone, power, and trap runs, showcasing his versatility and effectiveness on the field.
In outside zone plays, Henry earned a 91.9 PFF grade, turning 131 carries into 933 yards—the most he has achieved in this category since 2020. He notched two touchdowns and 28 first downs, with impressive yardage both before and after contact, while forcing 40 missed tackles, ranking second in the league. His explosive plays and low “stuff rate” emphasized his dominance.
On power runs, Henry logged his highest volume since 2017 and attained a 90.0 PFF grade. Leading the NFL with 54 attempts, nine touchdowns, and 27 first downs in this category, Henry generated 227 yards while forcing missed tackles and producing explosive gains ranked among the league’s best.
Henry’s trap runs stood out as a record-setting achievement. With 13 carries for 200 yards and a touchdown, he averaged 11.8 yards before contact per attempt—a Pro Football Focus single-season record—and maintained a 0.0% stuff rate, showing his exceptional impact in this seldom-used running concept.
Moreover, Henry ranked third among running backs for pull lead carries, contributing to his overall 88.0 rushing grade. CBS Sports analyst Jeff Kerr praised Henry, noting that his career rushing yards (11,423) and touchdowns (106) since 2016 surpass all others by a wide margin. Kerr stated,
“There’s a good argument to be made that Henry is still the best running back in the NFL,”
asserting Henry’s trajectory toward the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Top Ravens Teams Ranked Among Best NFL Franchises in Recent Decades
Sports Illustrated writer Matt Verderame identified three Baltimore Ravens teams among the NFL’s 25 best squads of the past 25 years, including two teams from the Lamar Jackson era. The 2019 Ravens ranked No. 6, having posted a franchise-best 14-2 regular season record powered by dominant offense and defense.
Verderame described the 2019 squad as
“only the ’07 Patriots had a better point-per-game differential this century,”
with Baltimore ranking first offensively and third defensively in points scored. That season, Jackson earned league MVP honors after accumulating 4,333 total yards and 43 touchdowns. The team’s rushing attack set a post-merger NFL record with 3,296 yards.
The 2023 Ravens earned a No. 13 spot on the list with a 13-4 record and exceptional balance between offense and defense. Verderame noted,
“Few teams have been more dominant in the regular season than the 2023 Ravens,”
highlighting Jackson’s second MVP award and contributions including 3,678 passing yards and 821 rushing yards. Rookie receiver Zay Flowers led the team in receiving yards, but the defense under coordinator Mike Macdonald stole the spotlight with the league’s best sack total (60) and 31 takeaways.
Earlier Ravens Super Bowl champions were also recognized, with the 2000 team ranked No. 16, although the 2012 championship squad did not make the list.
Additional Developments and Team Updates Heading into 2025 Training Camp
The Baltimore Ravens made notable offseason moves that boosted their defensive roster, including the signing of cornerback Jaire Alexander and drafting of safety Malaki Starks and outside linebacker Mike Green. These moves were recognized among ESPN’s top 50 offseason acquisitions across the league.
Defensive coordinator Zach Orr has endured challenges and criticism throughout 2024 but has reportedly learned and improved from those experiences. Meanwhile, roster adjustments continue around the NFL, such as the New Orleans Saints signing veteran safety Julian Blackmon following Tyrann Mathieu‘s retirement.
Significance of Roquan Smith’s Commitment to Fitness and Team Success
Roquan Smith’s determination to enhance his fitness and maintain clear communication on the field is vital for both his individual success and the Ravens’ defensive prowess. Smith’s renewal of focus and physical readiness could be instrumental in Baltimore’s efforts to claim a Super Bowl title, especially as the team surrounds quarterback Lamar Jackson with a strong roster as noted by Warren Moon.
With Derrick Henry’s multifaceted rushing threat complementing the defense and a historically strong unit under coordinator Mike Macdonald, the Ravens appear well-positioned for a competitive 2024 season. Smith’s emphasis on health and accountability reflects the broader NFL reality: players must continuously prove their worth to sustain elite performance and team achievements.