Linebacker Roquan Smith, who was acquired via trade by the Baltimore Ravens last October, was a major contributor as earned a first-team All-Pro nod after racking up 169 tackles, 4.5 sacks, three interceptions, and six passes defended.

The Ravens as a unit improved drastically on the defensive side of the ball last season after a horrific showing in 2021. They ended the year third in scoring defense, third against the run, and 10th defensively overall. 

Smith took some time to talk to the media after the Ravens training camp practice on Saturday and he talked about how essential getting the communication aspect down is for them this season, which would help the Ravens' defense reach that level of success again.

“It’s huge. [It’s good to be] on the same page even if we’re wrong," Smith said. "If we’re all wrong – all eleven [of us] wrong, doing the same thing, then likelihood we’ll still be alright if you ask me. So, it’s critical in this defense as long as you communicate, that solves a lot of problems, and knowing where someone else is each and every given play, [it] gives you a lot of confidence as well. Communication breeds confidence in my opinion.”

Baltimore's defense effort in 2022 should be commended simply on the fact that it was Mike Macdonald's first season as defensive coordinator. Yes, Macdonald had been with the organization for seven years prior (coached at Michigan in 2021) as a defensive assistant, defensive backs coach, and linebackers coach. But it's different when you're running the whole show, so salute to him for pulling that off.

Smith spoke on what he's seen from the Ravens' defense since they've taken the field over the last few months in Year 2 under Macdonald.

“I feel like since we’ve been out here, since we’ve got to camp, since OTA’s honestly … [It’s] just how everyone has been so eager to just be together, bust our tails day in and day out and come out and just find ways to get better," said Smith. "It’s no player looking at it like, ‘Oh, I’m too good for this. I’m too good for that.’ We’re all in here each and every day busting our tails trying to get better, trying to find little things to improve on. I feel like [if] we continue at that rate, the sky’s limit for us. I don’t feel like we have – I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I don’t feel like we have any weaknesses on defense. We just can’t get complacent. [We have] to do our jobs to the best of our ability and then I think the sky’s the limit.”

The Ravens finished first, fourth, and seventh in total defense before the eyesore of an effort they put forth two seasons ago. So what they displayed last year was about re-establishing a standard. 

According to the three-time All-Pro, 2023 is shaping up to be another banner year in Baltimore stopping opposing offenses. 

“I think the sky is the limit for us," said Smith. "I feel like each and every game we go out – and it starts here in practice – each and every game we go out, we give everything we have and don’t let complacency creep in, and we just keep our standard at a very high level. I feel like if we do that, everything will move smoother. There’s always going to be bumps in the road, but that’s just adversity, and that’s likely to happen. But it’s going to be about how we respond, and I like the way we’ve responded so far. It’s just about how we as the team do it, day in and day out throughout the season.”

Well, it's almost time to time and the talking and get it on. 

Ravens defender is taking a commanding presence as he embraces new role

He’s primed for a big year.

Feature image via Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports