The Ravens left Buffalo with a 36-10 loss and a whole lot of damage, but the tape still offered Baltimore a couple of bright spots on defense. Roquan Smith looked like the best version of himself, and rookie Zion Young kept flashing the kind of traits that make you think his role is only going to grow from here.
Young’s stat line was modest: 35 snaps, 1 tackle, 1 assist and 1 pressure. But the numbers don’t tell the whole story.
He was active against the run, held up well at the point of attack and finished the day with a 100% pass-rush win rate on true pass sets. That kind of impact doesn’t always jump off the box score, but it showed up on film.
The rookie’s best work came working laterally and staying attached to the play. On one snap, he tracked down the line and made a key stop to keep Josh Allen from sneaking into the end zone.
On another, he used his hands and physicality to knock a blocker off balance and force the running back to bounce into a different lane. His most disruptive rep came when he locked up two blockers at once and drove both backward, blowing up the timing of the run and giving Baltimore’s defense time to collapse on the play.
With Tavius Robinson sidelined, Young is in line to take on a bigger early-down job as Baltimore’s starting outside linebacker. That fits what he’s shown so far: firm edge-setting, sound gap discipline and the kind of length and power that plays well at the line of scrimmage. The next step is clear enough - more pass-rush chances, where his power and growing move set could unlock even more.
Smith, meanwhile, delivered the kind of all-around performance Baltimore has been waiting for. He played 52 snaps and filled the stat sheet with 8 tackles, 4 assists, 1 pressure and a forced fumble, while allowing just 1 catch for 16 yards in coverage. He was everywhere: closing downhill against the run, matching up in coverage and showing the range that has made him one of the league’s top linebackers.
He also flashed as a rusher, driving a Buffalo guard backward and into Josh Allen’s lap. Against the run, he stayed clean by working around blocks and meeting runners in the hole.
On a toss to James Cook, he finished the play with strong tackling technique and body control in space. His biggest moment came on a throw over the middle, when he got to the ball and punched it loose for a Ravens recovery.
Smith got a pregame speech from Ravens legend Ray Lewis, and he responded with what was arguably his most complete game of the season. His play had been uneven in recent weeks, especially for someone with his track record, but Sunday was a reminder of how much he can tilt a defense when he’s decisive and playing with confidence.
In Other News...
Ravens Trade Chatter Around Justice Hill Should Make Fans Uneasy
Justice Hill has become one of those Ravens players who matters more than his role might suggest, the kind of steady backup every contender leans on when the season starts to grind. He has carved out value in Baltimore as a runner, a receiver, a pass protector and a special teams contributor, which is exactly why his name has started to surface in trade conversation as the deadline approaches.
For a team that prizes depth and versatility, moving a player like Hill would create more questions than answers. He is under contract for one more year, and while he is not built to carry an offense as a featured back, the Ravens have relied on him as a reliable piece in multiple phases of the game. If Baltimore is serious about staying balanced and prepared for the stretch run, this is the sort of roster decision that could quietly matter a lot. [Read more 🡒]
Ravens Losing Streak Is Raising A Bigger Question About This Staff
The Ravens four-game slide has pushed the record to 4-5 and turned every week into a referendum on how quickly this staff can grow into the job. Injuries have certainly played a part, including the absence of Lamar Jackson, but the bigger concern is the feel of a team still learning on the fly under first-time head coach Jesse Minter and first-time offensive coordinator Declan Doyle.
What has stood out most is how often Baltimore has looked a step behind in the details, from defensive scheme issues to an offense that has not always found the right answers when the game tightens. There is still time for this group to settle in and develop, but the losing streak has made it hard to ignore how much more seasoning this staff may need before the Ravens look like a complete team again. [Read more 🡒]
Ravens May Be Ignoring An Easy Offensive Spark
Adam Randall is back on the practice field and, on paper, looks like the kind of low-risk roster move that can give Baltimore a little extra juice. The rookie running back has been designated to return from injured reserve and has been a full participant since rejoining practice, putting him in position to help as both a backfield option and a special teams piece.
For a Ravens offense trying to find more consistency on the ground and through the air, Randalls size, pass-catching ability and route running make him an intriguing fit. Baltimore does not need him to carry the load, but it could use another versatile player who can create a few easy answers for the offense if the team decides to turn to him soon. [Read more 🡒]