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HOT TAKES: Locker Room Leaks Revealed

Friday, July 25, 2025 10:05
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I’m on record sharing my biggest concern with the Ravens roster as they head into training camp. It’s not edge. It’s not offensive line. It’s not wide receiver. It’s not even kicker. My biggest concern is inside linebacker or as it’s popularly described today, off-the-ball linebacker. What happens if Roquan Smith isn’t available?

Roquan, by most measurements, didn’t have his best season in 2024. He didn’t play as fast and made far less impactful plays, so much so that it raised questions about his conditioning and/or his health.

Smith is extremely dedicated to his craft, so I expect a bounce back season in 2025. Maybe he had some nagging injuries that sabotaged his conditioning. Whatever the case was, there’s too much at stake this coming season and Roquan is wired to win. And he will.

But what if there was an injury that he fought through last season and what if it lingers into 2025 and causes him to miss some time? The depth behind Roquan is limited and inexperienced. I’d be surprised if GM Eric DeCosta doesn’t find a veteran to bring in if Trenton Simpson proves to be ineffective this summer. So when I heard that the Ravens had discussions with C.J. Mosley about a reunion, it made sense.

Until it didn’t…

“[The Ravens were] my only choice. It was the only team I talked to… would’ve been a great fairytale ending.”

[Related Article: State of The Ravens 2025: The Front Office]

Addition by Subtraction

When Marcus Williams joined the Ravens in 2022, he looked like an excellent fit for the Ravens defense. But injuries sabotaged most of 2022 and 2023 for Williams and his big 5-year, $70M began to look like another free agent swing-and-a-miss for DeCosta at the position of safety. Things got even worse in 2024.

Communication became an issue. Williams willingly owns some of it but adds in the video below that there was more to the story than that. Communication breakdowns were common in the Ravens secondary for nearly half the season and Williams spreads the blame.

I’m sure there’s some truth in Williams’ words. But communication issues don’t explain away Williams tackling “efforts”. He was as committed to tackling as Charlie Sheen was to fidelity. There’s a reason Williams remains a free agent.

Ravens Playoff History

The Ravens recent playoff history has been well documented and widely discussed. In a nutshell, the Lamar Jackson led Ravens are a regular season juggernaut and a postseason underachiever. There’s no denying it. It’s not all on Lamar, but as Bill Parcells would often remind us, “You are what your record says you are!”

That said, I was surprised to see this on X recently.

Since 2015 the Ravens are (3-6) v. the Jaguars who during that same period are (3-2).

Film Study

Some athletes have innate gifts but lack the work ethic and dedication to achieve greatness. Some athletes have relatively average skill sets yet they achieve greatness because they invest the sweat equity and are devoted to their craft. And then there are those athletes who are gifted AND put in the work because they aren’t just interested in being great – they want to be the best.

Mutiny in 2012

You’ve probably heard the rumors of some locker room squabbles between the players and the coaching staff during the 2012 season. The most vocal players were said to be Bernard Pollard and Ed Reed. Anquan Boldin, a strong personality, was also said to be among those who expressed their displeasure during that season. Some have even speculated that John Harbaugh’s influence as a Super Bowl winning head coach led to the Ravens trade of Boldin, the release of Pollard and Reed not finishing his career as a Raven.

Believe what you will but in this video, “Q” is undeniably believable.

One More Time

Marcus, it’s hard to buy what you’re selling…

The post HOT TAKES: Locker Room Leaks Revealed appeared first on Russell Street Report.


Source: https://russellstreetreport.com/2025/07/21/tltakes/roquan-smith-in-2024/


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Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.


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