Yesterday the Baltimore Ravens traded for 2x 2nd Team All-Pro ILB Roquan Smith, and there were numerous takes across the internet to the acquisition. We will get to to the opinions elsewhere, but I’ll begin here with my own thoughts.
In my opinion, the Ravens entered yesterday as one of the 7 or 8 (Buffalo, Philadelphia, Kansas City, Minnesota, San Francisco, Dallas, Miami) teams in the league best positioned to win the Super Bowl. This addition just solidifies my feeling there. I respect what the Bills and Eagles have achieved so far this year, but I don’t believe they (or anyone else) is some super team.
There has been understandable angst amongst the fanbase given how the Ravens have suffered their 3 defeats. That made people question how good the Ravens are. What I see is a talented team, that stacks up pretty well vs. anyone; especially in the 2022 NFL where parity reigns. The Ravens had held a double digit lead in every game they’ve played this year. Football Outsiders’ DVOA has the Ravens 4th Overall (2nd Offense). They’ve got the 5th best Points Per Game average in the league. This is a team capable of hoisting this year’s Super Bowl trophy, and I like the decision of ‘going for it.’
Now if you feel the Ravens ‘going for it’ should have meant prioritizing the addition of a WR vs. adding a ILB – okay, but I disagree.
People have pointed to how Tyreek Hill has changed the Miami offense, or how AJ Brown has elevated the Philadelphia offense.
Those are fine arguments. And yes, the Eagles are also a rushing first offense.
There shouldn’t be any argument that the addition of a game-changing WR, would help the Ravens offense.
It’s basic logic that everyone can follow. Premier talent = better.
Got it.
The larger discussion (beyond availability) is the allocation of resources.
Sure, the Ravens could have made a run at someone like DJ Moore, and Moore would have made the Ravens that much more potent offensively.
But again, the offense has been not just productive – but according to DVOA and PPG – elite.
Elite level offensive production, without the offense even really clicking so far.
Elite level offensive production, with Stanley missing time, Dobbins missing time, Edwards missing time, and now Bateman missing time.
Yes, if the Ravens had obtained someone like Moore, that would be another WR that teams have to account for and could change what you could run offensively. Having a WR like Moore could pull defenders from the box, and make it easier to run, or give Jackson that much more time to throw.
I get the appeal.
But the Ravens have options that could potentially help the WR passing game beyond Bateman and Duvernay… and they haven’t been looking to run many 3-4 WR sets.
Why?
Now you could believe they don’t run 3 WR sets because they lack confidence in Robinson, Proche, Wallace, and now Jackson; and maybe there is some level of truth there.
Or it could be (and imo this is the more likely answer), that the Ravens want Ricard on the field as the FB, and they like utilizing Andrews, Likely, and Oliver together to help with the blocking, and the overall scheme they want to run.
And someone can say, “That’s a problem, they should adjust.”
And I’d counter and say yeah at times, I’d like to see them spread the field, and get more of their WR’s on the field together – but how much can I complain about the offense given their overall production?
For me, if you want want to see this offense really take off, it’s about wanting to see the Ravens get to a point where Stanely, Dobbins, and Bateman are healthy together and providing some level of consistent performance. If Dobbins can actually get healthy and team with Edwards, I think that 1,2 punch at RB will have this offense start obliterating the opposition.
Back to the defense, and the addition of Smith.
It’s a team-game.
Smith is regarded as one of the better tacklers in the game. Presumably the Ravens tackling should improve.
Queen has been playing better over the last Month, but having an All-Pro next to him should only further help Queen continue to elevate his production.
We know how important it is for the Ravens (any offense) to play on schedule.
Maybe Smith’s addition has the Ravens Defense facing more 3rd and 6’s vs. 3rd and 4’s?
Maybe the Ravens get off the field more consistently, and Lamar gets another offensive series a game to work with?
Maybe you would have rather seen the Ravens obtain help in the Secondary?
I think the Ravens have all the talent you need in the Secondary (another Dimeback would be nice).
The Ravens issues vs. the pass should be reduced as the pass rush improves. You’ve already added JPP. You’ve got Bowser returning. Ojabo has a chance to help as well. Their additions should help Houston and Oweh.
Smith gives the Defense not only physical talent, and improved tackling; but some added (and imo needed) leadership.
I anticipate the Ravens reach an extension with Smith. If I’m wrong, they’ll gain Draft compensation which will further reduce the Draft capital they gave up to get him.
Lastly, I’ve seen the commentary that Smith hasn’t graded well (particularly vs. the pass) according to Pro Football Focus, and that worrying about the play at ILB is antiquated thinking for the game today.
Okay, we’ll see. I think with Smith the Ravens are one giant-step closer to reaching Super Bowl LVIII in Arizona.
Those are my thoughts, let’s check out the comments others had:
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Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.