Eagles compare Roquan Smith to LB legend for reasons you might not expect

Baltimore Ravens Roquan Smith is already known as one of the most physical and instinctive linebackers in the NFL. But his performance against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday revealed a skill opposing players couldn’t ignore. In the Ravens’ 24-19 loss, Smith showcased his elite football IQ by repeatedly diagnosing plays before they happened, drawing high praise from Eagles offensive tackle Lane Johnson.

Smith’s return to the lineup after missing one game with a hamstring injury was nothing short of spectacular. He led the team with 11 tackles and added half a sack, but it wasn’t just the numbers that stood out. His ability to read Philadelphia’s offense and anticipate their moves turned heads, with Johnson comparing him to legendary Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly.

The praise is well-earned. Kuechly, a likely first-ballot Hall of Famer, was renowned for his ability to call out plays and put his defense in the perfect position. Johnson’s comparison speaks volumes about Smith’s dominance on the mental side of the game and solidifies his place as one of the NFL’s most complete defenders.

Roquan Smith drawing comparisons to Luke Kuechly for mental makeup

Lane Johnson’s postgame comments shed light on just how impactful Smith was against one of the league’s top offenses. “You've got Roquan Smith calling out lots of plays we were about to run,” Johnson said. “Since Luke Kuechly, he's probably the guy calling out the most stuff. Very smart player. Instinctive player. That's why he's had so much success.”

Smith’s ability to diagnose plays at the line of scrimmage disrupted the Eagles’ rhythm, forcing them to adjust throughout the game. While Philadelphia’s offense eventually broke through, including a late long run by Saquon Barkley, Smith’s defensive leadership kept Baltimore competitive. The Ravens held the Eagles to just 252 total yards, a testament to the impact Smith had on the field.

Smith’s return couldn’t have come at a better time for the Ravens, who are entering a bye week before a critical four-game stretch to close out the season. Despite the loss, Smith emphasized the importance of learning from the game and regrouping. “We can't let this game beat us twice,” Smith said. “We have to recharge... and just knowing it’s going to be down the stretch, these four games are going to be very important.”

With Smith anchoring the defense and showing shades of a Hall of Fame-caliber player like Kuechly, the Ravens have a leader capable of elevating the entire unit. If Baltimore can build on the positives from Sunday, Smith’s football IQ and leadership will be pivotal in their push for a division title and a deep playoff run.

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