The Ravens led the NFL with 60 sacks in 2023 and pass rush guru Chuck Smith earned high praise for his work as a new member of the staff.
Improving on last year’s sack total leaves the Ravens with a tough act to follow. But Smith isn’t worried about anyone who is skeptical about the outlook for Baltimore’s pass rush in 2024.
“I really don’t care what people think,” Smith said. “At the end of the day, we’re going to do our best.
“My goal is to impact quarterbacks by beating them up. Simple as that. If we beat up the quarterback, and his ending is not always the way he wants, then we’ve had an impact. And the numbers will come.”
Two of Baltimore’s top three pass rushers from 2023 have returned – All-Pro defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, who had a career-high 13 sacks, and Kyle Van Noy, who also had a career-high with nine.
The biggest pass-rushing departure was Jadeveon Clowney, who had 9.5 sacks. However, 16 different Ravens had at least one sack last season and 14 of those players are back. Once again, Smith sees a scenario where the pass rush will come from many directions.
“Everybody on the front can be a threat at some point,” Smith said. “Mike P. (Pierce) was rushing last year. Broddy (Broderick Washington) got sacks Travis (Jones) got sacks. Urb (Brent Urban) had three sacks. You want everyone to be able to do that. We want everybody to be a threat.”
Outside linebacker Odafe Oweh, who has enjoyed an excellent training camp, is a player Smith believes can take a major jump in sacks.
“Odafe came out smoking,” Smith said. “Odafe ended up having five sacks, he missed four or five games. He ends up being on a team that brings in two veterans (Clowney and Van Noy) that get over 250 snaps easy.
“I know it’s all about production and I do understand that, (but) when you look at it from a pass rush standpoint, the numbers just didn’t equate because the guys absorbed a lot of his reps. He just needs to have those reps. He needs to continue doing as he’s doing now, playing fast, executing his moves. If gets those five games and those other 400 or 500 reps, he’s a double-digit sacker. He’s going to be an A-list rusher. I’m excited for him.”
Tavius Robinson Continues to Climb
Outside linebacker Tavius Robinson played in every game as a rookie last season and with 335 snaps, built a strong foundation. Smith loves Robinson’s work ethic and believes he has a high ceiling heading into his second year.
Smith called Robinson a “glass eater.”
“Tavius Robinson has never turned down one rep since he’s been here – that’s the best way to describe this dude,” Smith said. “Every play, and I’m not exaggerating, he has given effort. Every day, Tavius Robinson listens to the coach. Every day, he works out hard, he’s early. Every day, when he gets in those drills, he puts hands on people in the run. He continues to work hard to continue to develop as a pass rusher.
“I really can’t say enough about him, as far as who he is and how physical he is, and he shows no mercy. Tavius Robinson is everything you look for, and like Coach Harbaugh says, in a Raven.”
John Harbaugh Gives Injury Updates on Kyle Hamilton, Rashod Bateman, T.J. Tampa
Wide receiver Rashod Bateman practiced for the first time in a week, participating in the early portion before shutting it down. Harbaugh was encouraged to see Bateman back on the field.
“He’ll be fine,” Harbaugh said. “He’s trying to get himself out there as much as he can, and he’ll be out there soon.”
All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton, who suffered an apparent lower leg injury in Sunday’s practice, ran and stretched with a member of the training staff early in Monday’s practice.
“We’ll kind of ramp him back a little bit, he’s good,” Harbaugh said. It’s kind of a minor, I’d say sprain. He kind of got out there and moved around a little bit today. He’ll kind of progress each day a little more.”
Rookie cornerback T.J. Tampa did individual drills after coming off the PUP list on Monday. Harbaugh hoped Tampa would be healthy enough to see game action before the preseason ends.
“It’s just going to depend on his ability to do it with the recovery from bilateral sports hernia surgery,” Harbaugh said. “I think he’s got a good shot; we just have to see how it comes along in the next week or so.”
Hollywood Brown’s Status Up in Air for Week 1 vs. Ravens
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Hollywood Brown, who spent his first his first three seasons with the Ravens, is undoubtedly looking forward to playing against Baltimore in Week 1. Unfortunately for Brown, he suffered a shoulder injury in the preseason opener which leaves his status in question.
Head Coach Andy Reid said Brown will not require surgery. However, when asked if he thinks Brown will be ready for Week 1, Reid said, “We’ll see.”