Change is unavoidable in the NFL. Coaches leave. New voices arrive. Systems evolve, and rules are altered. The Baltimore Ravens are as consistent an organization as one can find, but even the league's most successful organizations eventually adapt.
Baltimore is experiencing plenty of transition this summer. Jesse Minter is leading the franchise into a new era witha new staff working alongside him. Anthony Weaver has taken overas his defensive coordinator, and players are learning new terminology, responsibilities, and expectations.
Those transitions can often create uncertainty. Veteran linebacker Roquan Smith welcomes the challenge. He sees change as less of an obstacle and more of a speed bump. He sees change as an opportunity, as he discussed
during a recent chat with the media.
"I think this was the second day of camp. Obviously, every human being is always different. Just like all 32 teams, things are going to be different. Jesse has his unique way of doing things, John Harbaugh had his unique way of doing things, and I am enjoying it out here with the guys, getting better and just controlling what I can control, and that is just my attitude and effort day in and day out."
Roquan Smith believes growth begins with embracing change
Smith acknowledged that change naturally makes people uncomfortable, but he also added wisdom. He believes resisting it only slows progress.
"I think the thing that most human beings fear, and I am sure we all can attest to that, is change. I think that is just part of life, and when things are different, people may not know how to adjust right away. I think Jesse is a unique individual, a brilliant mind (who is) very cerebral. (He has) seen a lot, and obviously called a lot of great defense over the years. I just think what he brings to the table, who he is as a person. I think it is just going to be good for everybody and just allow everybody to really play to the best of their ability, very calculated."
Smith's comments weren't simply an endorsement of his new head coach. They reflected a veteran leader encouraging teammates to view change as an advantage rather than an obstacle. Instead of comparing the new staff to the previous one, he's focused on learning a different approach and trusting the process.
Anthony Weaver and Jesse Minter are creating a new chapter
Baltimore's transition extends beyond one coach. Smith is also working with defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, someone he already knows well, and he believes the combination of Weaver's experience and Minter's vision allows the Ravens to build something special.
"I think it is a beautiful dynamic, and it is a beautiful situation. Knowing 'Weave' from in the past, I think he is a tremendous person first and foremost. I think he is a tremendous coach as well. Just having him here, and then obviously Jesse's track record speaks for itself. I think when you tie two brilliant minds like that together, it just brings out the best in everyone, because two great minds are a lot better than one."
The Ravens won't be judged by how quickly they adjusted during training camp. They'll be judged by what those adjustments produce this fall. Still, if Smith's outlook reflects the rest of Baltimore's locker room, the organization isn't viewing change as something to fear. It's viewing it as the next step in its pursuit of another championship.
"I am excited for the journey with those guys, and I know a lot of other guys can attest to that in the locker room as well as on the defensive side of the ball. So, we are definitely excited about those two, and I know it is going to be pretty sweet."
There's perhaps no better way to frame it. Perhaps that's the biggest takeaway from Baltimore's transition. The Ravens aren't simply adjusting to a new coaching staff. They're embracing the opportunity to grow under it.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Roquan Smith sends strong message about Baltimore’s new direction
