According to Patrick Queen, the Baltimore Ravens have the “best linebacker duo” in the NFL this season. Currently, Queen is projected to be one of the team’s starting linebackers, beside All Pro Roquan Smith.
.@Patrickqueen_ says he and Roquan Smith are the "best LB duo in the NFL." 😤
Need proof? PQ said "turn on the tape" 💪 pic.twitter.com/xQWlyNZm13
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 2, 2023
There is a good feeling around the facility that Baltimore’s defense will be one of the best in the league. A lot of that is down to the Ravens’ star linebackers.
Queen had a breakout year in 2022. After the Ravens made the trade for Smith, Queen’s production was elevated vastly.
The Ravens recently declined Queen’s fifth-year option, meaning he is projected to be a free agent in 2024. However, the young linebacker says that he views the decision as a “blessing in disguise” though he has still stated that he would like to be a Raven beyond 2023.
The team also drafted Trenton Simpson in the 2023 NFL Draft. Simpson, a supreme athlete coming out of Clemson, is touted to be Queen’s successor. He has been impressing coaches already and could find some valuable playtime in rotation, or if Smith or Queen miss any time.
Do The Baltimore Ravens Have The Best Linebacker Duo?
Roquan Smith’s Impact In 2022
Smith played nine games for Baltimore in 2022. In those games, Smith managed 86 tackles, seven tackles-for-loss, one interception and two sacks. For the whole year, including his time with the Chicago Bears, Smith managed a 70.6 PFF grade.
Prior to the acquisition of Smith, Mike MacDonald’s Baltimore defense was largely inconsistent. Games against the New York Jets and Cincinnati Bengals showed what they could do. However, other games against the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots showed their deficiencies. Smith changed that.
In the opening eight weeks of the season, Baltimore were giving up 364 yards and 23 points per game. Had they kept that trajectory, the Ravens defense would have ranked 27th in yards allowed and 23rd in points allowed.
Compare that to Week 9 onwards, after the Ravens traded for Smith. In those games, Baltimore gave up 289 yards and 15 points per game. Had they played this well all season, that would have ranked best in both points and yards allowed.
The evidence is clear: when Smith joined, Baltimore’s defense became the best in the league. And the tape backs that up too.
Smith proved to be a do-it-all linebacker. He plugged rushing lanes, disguised coverages, and became an effective leader.
ROQUAN SMITH INTERCEPTION!!!!
Tune in on CBS!! pic.twitter.com/7x8dkvb4ER
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 11, 2022
Looking Ahead To 2023
Meanwhile, in 2022, Queen pick started all 17 games. He made 117 tackles, nine tackles-for-loss, two interceptions, one forced fumble and five sacks. Queen’s respectable 70.0 PFF grade was testament to his solid year.
Truthfully, Queen’s start to the year was shaky. His production and numbers were truly salvaged after the addition of Smith.
With Smith around for a full off-season, the expectation is that Baltimore’s defense can build on the momentum that they found at the end of 2022. The safety group welcomes back a fully healthy Marcus Williams while Michael Pierce returns on the defensive line.
After a full off-season and star teammates back to full health, Smith is expected to return to Baltimore even better than last year. Together, with Queen, the linebacker duo is expected to shoulder a lot of responsibility in MacDonald’s 2023 defense.
“This offseason, we’re going to sit down and really go through film.”@raylewis plans to spend time working with Roquan Smith this offseason to help him take his game and the Ravens defense to even another level. pic.twitter.com/Ygy6MP3BWK
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) February 4, 2023
While Baltimore have added Angelo Blackson, the interior of the defensive line is still lacking in high-end talent. For this reason, Smith and Queen will be fundamental to helping stop the run.
It is also worth noting that Chuck Clark’s departure means that there will be a new green dot carrier in 2023. With Smith signed to a long-term deal, many have suggested he would be the best successor for this.
Given that the Ravens linebackers have been, and will continue to be, pivotal for Baltimore’s elite defense, Queen’s suggestion that they are the best in the league is not short of reality.
Patrick Queen 🤝 Roquan Smith
Best LB duo in the league #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/bRVcHxiwxD
— Nic Mason (@British_Raven19) June 2, 2023
Main Photo: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
