OTL: Smith Carrying Torch of Ravens Legacy

Following a first chapter in Baltimore NFL history that was largely defined by the golden arm of one Johnny Unitas, the second era of Charm City’s legacy — we’ll call it the Ravens Chapter — has been best captured by the menacing look, unbridled passion and on-field ferocity of Ray Lewis.

Oh, players like Ed Reed, Ray Rice, Todd Heap, Jonathan Ogden and Lamar Jackson have left their marks and won the hearts of the Ravens faithful over the years, but that “snapshot” synopsis of the purple and black is unquestionably the man whose image is captured in a sculpture as you enter M&T Bank Stadium. Love him, hate him or too young to watch him play at his best, the Ravens were Lewis’ team, and many still think of 52 when they think of the Ravens.

ESPN Jamison Hensley, who covered the Ravens during the Lewis years, wrote a very good piece this morning describing how Roquan Smith has taken on that role of the menace in the middle of another top-shelf Ravens defense.

Roquan Smith is Ravens’ most commanding presence since Ray Lewis. Just ask Ray.

“There’s only a handful of leaders that can actually lead a team to a championship. I think Roquan is one of them."

Story from Baltimore, where Ravens host Bengals tonight⬇️https://t.co/dnuiqN1HGV

— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) November 16, 2023

And Lewis himself agrees.

“When you look around the league, there’s only a handful of leaders that can actually lead a team to a championship,” said Lewis, who led the Ravens to Super Bowl titles in 2000 and 2012. “I think Roquan is one of them.”

And while maybe not quite as vocal as Lewis was during his heyday (who was?), Smith has not been afraid to speak his mind leading up to big games, and he is often seen picking up his teammates with encouragement during games. His motor is non-stop, as well.

“It’s just my approach to the day,” Smith said. “[I’m] just happy to be out there and excited and let the guys know every single day, I’m ready to attack the day by any means necessary.”

And while effort isn’t always an easily-quantifiable trait, there is some evidence regarding Smith’s hustle and enthusiasm, according to Hensley.

“Smith is just as tireless in his pursuit during games,” said Hensley. “His 14 hustle stops (covering 20-plus yards of distance from snap to tackle) are the second-most this season, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.”

There are many who argue that NFL players are grown men who aren’t going to be influenced by “rah-rah” guys or overly sappy speeches. There’s something to be said about that, as adults tend to look to their own motivations and self-accountability. But when seasoned veterans talk about Smith’s leadership, it’s time to take notice.

“In 10 years, no linebacker I’ve ever played with has been better than him,” outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney said. “They don’t have the attitude or intensity they play with like Roquan Smith.

“He’s bringing the best out of a lot of guys around him. When you have a leader like that, that’s going to put it all out there not just on Sundays, but on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, the whole week … it rubs off on people. It’s contagious.”

The Ravens still have some tuning up to take care of as this season progresses, but it seems like they are set at an iconic position in Ravens lore.

Also of note on the Twitterverse…

WR @ZayFlowers is tough to cover. 😈 #NextGenStats powered by @awscloud pic.twitter.com/Z5jI2VZNCi

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) November 16, 2023

Ravens OLB Tyus Bowser also told me he's doing "everything he can" to play this season. Says the knee injury is tricky & confusing. No ligament, surgery issue & no holdout either. Just isn't responding, but he's working hard & seeing improvements. Hoping for a return soon. pic.twitter.com/GY8GOnDSSN

— Morgan Adsit (@MorganAdsit) November 15, 2023

Good TNF Morning:

A high of 68 degrees expected today in Baltimore, MD.

Game time temp: 56.

Bengals at Ravens: pic.twitter.com/SSTMZDFw4l

— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) November 16, 2023

After dominating the #Ravens by the combined score of 82-38 in '21 the combined score of the 4 gms since is 92-79 in favor of the #Bengals w/ both teams winning 2x's. Burrow started & finished all 4 gms. Huntley started 2 games, losing both. More here: https://t.co/5kXO6lpijN https://t.co/hLHTVBPyMo

— Tony Lombardi (@RSRLombardi) November 16, 2023

Significant Bengals news ahead tomorrow night's game vs. Ravens:

Pro Bowl DE Trey Hendrickson is expecting to play despite hyperextending his knee on Sunday, a source tells the @Enquirer

A huge boost for Cincinnati's defense ahead of a critical gamehttps://t.co/ZDKTkPuCuQ

— Kelsey Conway (@KelseyLConway) November 15, 2023

#Ravens are a 3.5-point favorites against the Bengals, according to @ESPNBet.

Lamar Jackson is 4-1 against Cincinnati at home, totaling five touchdowns and three interceptions.

Bengals have covered six straight regular-season games as underdogs, per @ESPNStatsInfo.

— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) November 15, 2023