The Buffalo Bills handled the Baltimore Ravens 36-10 in Buffalo last Sunday, in a game that quickly went downhill after starting quarterback Lamar Jackson and backup Tyler Huntley both suffered potentially season-ending injuries. Despite the lopsided score, Baltimore's defense showed some signs of life, with two players standing out on tape. Roquan Smith arguably put together his best performance as a Raven, while rookie Zion Young continued to show why he could be an important piece of Baltimore's defense moving forward.
35 snaps | 21 run defense | 14 pass rush | 1 tackle | 1 assist | 1 pressure
Zion Young's box score may not immediately stand out, but turning on the tape reveals the type of impact that makes his long-term outlook so intriguing. Young finished with 1 tackle, 1 assist and 1 pressure while recording a 100% pass-rush win rate on true pass sets. While the statistical production was limited, his ability to affect running lanes, displace blockers and maintain gap integrity was evident throughout the afternoon. Young continues to show that his value extends well beyond traditional box-score production.
One of Young's most impressive traits throughout the season has been his ability to work down the line of scrimmage against the run, and Sunday was no different. On one rep, Young worked laterally down the line and made a key tackle to prevent Josh Allen from sneaking into the end zone. On another, he flashed his physicality and hand usage, displacing a blocker and forcing the running back to redirect into a different rushing lane. Perhaps his most impressive rep came when he engaged two blockers simultaneously and drove both into the backfield, disrupting the timing of the run and allowing the rest of Baltimore's defense to rally to the football.
With Tavius Robinson sidelined, Young is expected to assume a larger role as Baltimore's starting outside linebacker on early downs. His ability to set a firm edge, maintain gap discipline and use his length and power at the point of attack makes him a natural fit for that responsibility. Young has consistently demonstrated the technique, physicality and effort necessary to succeed as an early-down defender. The next step in his development will be expanding his opportunities as a pass rusher, where his power profile and developing arsenal of moves offer intriguing upside. As his workload continues to increase, Young has an opportunity to establish himself as a foundational piece of Baltimore's defensive front.
52 snaps | 25 run defense | 3 pass rush | 24 coverage | 8 tackles | 4 assists | 1 pressure | 1 forced fumble
Roquan Smith arguably had his best performance as a Raven against Buffalo, flying around the field in coverage, flowing downhill against the run and making key tackles both in the backfield and in open space. Smith finished with 8 tackles, 4 assists, 1 pressure and a forced fumble while allowing just 1 reception for 16 yards in coverage. One of the most impressive aspects of his performance was his ability to consistently put himself in position to make plays, showing the instincts, physicality and range that have made him one of the league's premier linebackers.
On one rep, Smith flashed his ability as a power rusher, knocking back a Buffalo offensive guard and driving him into Josh Allen's lap. Against the run, Smith consistently displayed excellent spatial awareness, navigating around blockers to keep himself clean and meet running backs in the hole. On a toss play to James Cook, Smith showed excellent tackling technique and body control to bring him down in open space. His biggest play of the afternoon came on a shot over the middle, where he rallied to the football and punched it loose to force a fumble that Baltimore recovered.
After receiving a pregame speech from Ravens legend Ray Lewis, Smith delivered arguably his most complete performance of the season. His play over the past several weeks has been inconsistent, particularly compared to the standard he has established throughout his career. However, Sunday's performance was an encouraging reminder of the impact he can have when playing with confidence and decisiveness. If Smith can build on this performance, it could go a long way toward helping Baltimore's defense return to form.
has an opportunity to establish himself as a foundational piece of Baltimore's defensive front.
