Linebacker Roquan Smith, coming off his second consecutive Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors, described the Baltimore Ravens’ defense for 2025 as the most talented unit he has played with. Speaking through Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, Smith expressed optimism about this season despite last year’s team-wide disappointment. His remarks highlighted both his personal growth and the potential strength of the Ravens’ defensive squad moving forward.
Roquan Smith’s Perspective on His Performance and Team Potential
Reflecting on last season, Smith acknowledged his strong individual play when healthy and the recognition he received. He noted, however, that the team did not meet its collective goals, maintaining a realistic but hopeful outlook. Smith stated,
“When I’m (healthy), obviously, I put out great film,”
and added,
“(I was), what, All-Pro last year, maybe? Obviously, we didn’t get to where we needed to personally, but it is what it is.”
Looking ahead, he expressed enthusiasm for working alongside his teammates, affirming,
“This is probably the most talented defense that I’ve been on, so I’m excited about the opportunity to get out here with these guys and go to work.”
His comments underline the anticipation surrounding the Ravens’ defensive prospects in the upcoming season.
Key Updates on Other NFL Players and Teams
Across the league, notable developments have emerged from several teams. Cincinnati Bengals kicker Evan McPherson admitted that adjusting his technique after his rookie season hurt his power and accuracy. He is now reverting to his original style, aiming for a more natural and consistent approach.
“I feel more comfortable in my technique now, and I can focus on the kick and not really focus on my steps,”
McPherson said via the New York Times.
“As a professional athlete, you are always looking for perfection, but you have to realize you are never going to get it… all I need to focus on is my target line, and my body just kind of does the rest.”
Meanwhile, Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher praised wide receiver Jermaine Burton for his dedication to becoming a professional, especially in learning the playbook and fulfilling his assignments. Pitcher commented,
“He was where he was supposed to be when he was supposed to be there,”
emphasizing the importance of reliability in a player’s development.
“That gives you a chance to be a successful pro. He’s making the right steps in that direction.”
Injury and Roster Updates Impacting Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns face some challenges heading into the season, as head coach Kevin Stefanski revealed that starting quarterback Kenny Pickett is dealing with a hamstring injury and will be sidelined for now. Backup Joe Flacco will take most of the first-team reps, while rookies may get additional practice time depending on the drills. Stefanski assured,
“[He] felt something… we will just treat it. He will be fine. His mindset, my mindset, we will go day to day.”
Cornerback Martin Emerson Jr., who sought to improve after a tough 2024 season by adding six pounds of muscle, suffered a setback with a torn left Achilles tendon during practice. This injury leaves a notable gap in the Browns’ secondary.
Owner Jimmy Haslam weighed in on various topics, including his expectations after the prior 3-win season. Although he declined to specify a target number of wins, he indicated the team must improve:
“You know I’m not gonna answer that… I think we will know what better looks like.”
Regarding the decision to trade down from the No. 2 pick to select wide receiver and cornerback Travis Hunter, Haslam stated,
“We just thought it was too good to pass up. Time will tell whether we did the right thing or not.”
On the quarterback situation, Haslam explained,
“We made the decision last year to take a step back after last year’s disaster and looking at our roster and knowing that we needed a quarterback to do this over a two- or three-year period.”
Despite last season’s results, the Browns’ general manager Andrew Berry and coach Stefanski remain firmly supported by ownership.
“Do they need to do better, yeah, but so do Dee and I… We really like them in their roles as coach & GM, & we really like them. And I say this all the time. They’re 38 & 42 years old.”
Additional Player Health News and Prospects
Undrafted free agent tight end/fullback DJ Thomas-Jones received promising news from medical tests, which ruled out a torn Achilles and indicated his injury is not believed to be season-ending. This update offers some relief for both the player and the team as practice continues.
Broader NFL Updates
The ongoing developments across the NFL highlight the importance of player health, adjustment to professional play, and strategic roster decisions. Players like Roquan Smith and the Ravens look poised to capitalize on talent depth, while teams such as the Bengals and Browns navigate challenges in performance and injuries. The close scrutiny of rookies and adjustments to techniques and lineups will be vital as the 2025 season approaches.
Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how these changes impact team performances, making the coming months critical for many franchises vying to improve on previous seasons.