Football has always been a game of reaction. The quicker a defense recognizes what an offense is trying to accomplish, the better its chances of disrupting the play before it develops. That's why communication, pass rush and recognition remain three of the most important ingredients for any successful defense. The Baltimore Ravens believe they have an advantage in all three.
Unlike most NFL teams, which aim to find the next offensive genius, Baltimore enters the season with a defensive-minded head coach.Jesse Minter isn't simply overseeing the defense from the sideline. As you've probably heard 200 times by now, he'll serve as the play caller.
Roquan Smith wears the green-dot helmet and relays calls to his teammates. His situation is unique in
that he'll have a direct line to one of football's most respected defensive minds until the communication system cuts off before the snap. Smith believes that relationship could becomeone of Baltimore's biggest strengths.
Roquan Smith trusts Jesse Minter's football instincts.
Smith, his head coach, and teammates were made available to the media on Wednesday post-practice, and the 'quarterback on defense' said having Minter on the headset provides more than play calls. It provides another experienced set of eyes capable of recognizing offensive tendencies before the ball is snapped.
"It is awesome. I think just honestly having a mind like his actually calling the defense, and then if there are little things he may see... Like, 'Hey, maybe this here may come up this play or that play. Be alert for this.' Just those reminders when you have that in the headset, because at the end of the day, he is at the top of the food chain, and he has seen a lot and can see some things that I cannot see, and vice versa.
Smith's direct line to Minter seems an advantage. Those last-second reminders could make the difference between reacting to a play and anticipating it. When players recognize concepts a split second sooner, they can play faster, trust their instincts and spend less time thinking after the snap.
"Just having that in the headset, and just knowing what type of mind he has... I am just truly excited for it. I am excited for it to echo throughout the defense throughout the season. Obviously it started now, and it is just going to continue to build."
Roquan Smith believes Baltimore's pass rush completes the formula
Recognition alone isn't enough. Even the best defensive calls require execution and a pass rush capable of forcing quarterbacks to make hurried decisions. Smith spent some time discussing his belief that Baltimore has assembled the personnel to do exactly that.
He pointed to newcomers and returning veterans alike, highlighting the depth the Ravens have built along the edge.
"I expect Mike [Green] to have a big year, 'T-Rob' [Tavius Robinson] whenever his number is called, [Zion] Young, and each and every guy that goes into that role because there are so many guys. I think once you have that, it takes so much stress off of everyone, from the back seven especially, because you know the ball actually has to come out.
Smith's explanation highlights how Baltimore views defense as an interconnected system rather than a collection of individual positions. Minter's ability to recognize offensive tendencies gives the defense a head start before the snap.
"Truly, it is not a lot of [time for] padding unless you are doing a max protection or something like that, but then that is like what, two- or three-man routes and things of that nature. Once you have those type of guys, it just lightens the load for everyone. I am very excited about Trey obviously being here, and it's pretty sweet watching him and Mike and 'T-Rob'... All of those guys. I am excited, and I think it is going to be great."
Football, despite its complex schemes, can also be a simple game. Use the rushing attack to set up play action for passing. The screen is used to counter the blitz (at least it should be). On defense, the pass rush and pass coverage work in tandem.
A relentless pass rush shortens the quarterback's internal clock. Together, those elements allow the Ravens to play faster, freer and more aggressively. Those are qualities they'll hope define one of the NFL's most talented defenses throughout the season.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Roquan Smith explains why the Ravens' defense is built to play faster
