News & Updates: Roquan Smith States Ravens Defense Was ‘Shameful’
Although the Ravens triumphed at M&T Bank Stadium last Thursday evening against the Bengals, the defensive players weren’t in a celebratory mood.
Ravens Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr expressed feeling “devastated” as he left the stadium, returning early on Friday morning to collaborate with coaches throughout the weekend in search of remedies.
On Tuesday, the defense engaged in what appeared to be a vigorous meeting to discuss the issues at hand.
“You can’t let a team achieve some of the things that occurred this past week,” defensive captain Roquan Smith noted. “It was undeniably humiliating in some ways. However, we’ve moved past it. Our focus is now on Pittsburgh. We must improve.”
Baltimore’s storied defense sits 27th in the league for yards allowed, 25th in points given up, and dead last against the pass.
The Ravens conceded 428 passing yards and four touchdowns to Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, along with 264 receiving yards and three touchdowns to wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, which included long scores of 67 and 70 yards.
Significant plays have plagued Baltimore throughout the season. The Ravens have already allowed more completions of 15+ yards this season than they did in the entire previous year, with seven games still to play.
“We’re evaluating our calls, our plays [and] assessing what we’re asking from the players to execute, and just attempting to determine the optimal way to go out there and deliver the best performance possible,” Orr stated.
