Well, we all knew we'd arrive here. There was no way we were going to discuss a Baltimore Ravensroad game against the Indianapolis Colts without talking about the stars they have on offense. Perhaps you've heard they have a stud in the backfield in Jonathan Taylor, who is as close as it gets to Derrick Henry, and last season, thanks to a career resurgence and a change of scenery, Colts QB Daniel Jones came oh so close to becoming an MVP finalist. You know... before the injury.
Fast forward to the present, and Jones is back and expected to make his first start of the new season in Week 1. Sure, much of the attention will flow towards Taylor's direction, but Roquan Smith made it clear that limiting Jones is another priority Baltimore cannot afford
to overlook.
Jones is nine months removed from being placed on injured reserve due to his Achilles injury. Naturally, that creates questions about what version of the veteran quarterback will take the field Sunday. Smith isn't interested in finding out the easy way. When asked about Jones' return while recently speaking with the media, one of the Ravens' five captainsdismissed any notion that Baltimore could approach the matchup expecting a diminished player.
"You always have to be prepared for [Daniel Jones] to look like his best version of himself. You never can go in and think he is a wounded animal by any means. I think the guy is very efficient. He is definitely able to process very quickly and get the ball out. So, [we] definitely have to change the picture and things like that on him and make him go to the second hitch and things of that nature."
That answer alone was noteworthy. Many teams might quietly wonder whether a quarterback returning from a major injury will be hesitant in the pocket or less willing to use his mobility. Smith's comments suggested the Ravens are preparing for the opposite scenario. His theory came from respect for what a dual-threat quarterback brings to his offense's table.
"[I have] a great deal of respect for the guy, even from his days up in New York. So, [I am] excited to go out [there], and definitely, coming off [an] Achilles [injury], I do not know how that is mentally. I have never had to deal with that personally, knock on wood, but I know he is going to be prepared mentally and physically, and I am sure the coaching staff [and] medical staff would not put him out in harm's way if he is not ready. So, I am sure he will be ready, and so will we."
Forcing Daniel Jones beyond the first read
Smith's statements may offer the clearest glimpse into the Ravens' defensive priorities entering Week 1. "Changing the picture" typically involves disguising coverages, rotating defenders after the snap, and creating uncertainty for quarterbacks who believe they know what they're seeing before the play begins.
Baltimore's goals are seemingly simple. Make the quarterback hesitate. Make him hold the football. Then, make him move beyond his initial read. Smith's reference to forcing Jones to reach a second hitch suggests Baltimore wants to disrupt the rhythm that helps quarterbacks operate efficiently.
If Jones has to process longer, the Ravens' pass rush gains time to disrupt the pocket and potentially create mistakes. That philosophy also aligns with another theme that surfaced throughout Baltimore's press conferences this week. Players repeatedly discussed forcing Indianapolis off schedule and preventing the Colts from operating comfortably within their offense.
Smith's comments showed that effort extends beyond stopping Taylor. The Ravens know Jones is healthy enough to start. They are treating him accordingly. Rather than testing whether the Colts quarterback is fully recovered, Baltimore's defense appears focused on making sure he never feels comfortable in the first place.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Roquan Smith reveals Ravens’ plan for disrupting Colts QB Daniel Jones
