Defensive Veterans Lead Charge for the Baltimore Ravens

In the high-stakes race for an AFC playoff spot, the Baltimore Ravens’ defense has leaned heavily on its veteran core to steady the ship—and the results have been undeniable. Players like defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, linebacker Roquan Smith, and safety Kevin Byard, each with years of NFL experience, have not only delivered standout on-field performances but also mentored young teammates, set a tone of discipline, and stepped up in critical moments when the team needed them most. As the Ravens navigate a tight wild-card race, these veterans have become the backbone of a defense that’s starting to recapture the dominance it showed in 2023. Defensive Veterans Lead Charge for the Baltimore Ravens explores how each of these seasoned players is contributing, the impact of their leadership off the field, and why their presence is essential to the Ravens’ playoff hopes.

Jeffery Simmons, in his first full season with the Ravens, has emerged as the anchor of the defensive line and a vocal leader in the locker room. The 28-year-old, who signed a three-year deal with Baltimore in 2023, has recorded 5 sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and 2 forced fumbles this season—numbers that would be even higher if not for a two-week calf injury. But his impact goes beyond stats: Simmons has taken rookie defensive tackle Travis Jones under his wing, spending extra time after practice to review film, teach pass-rushing techniques, and share tips on how to handle the physicality of the NFL. “Jeffery doesn’t just play hard—he shows you how to play hard the right way,” Travis Jones said. In the Ravens’ Week 16 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, Simmons delivered a game-changing performance: he sacked Kenny Pickett twice, recovered a fumble, and forced the Steelers to abandon their run game (Pittsburgh rushed for just 68 yards). After the game, Simmons gathered the defensive line for a post-game talk, urging them to “keep this energy going” into the final week. Defensive Veterans Lead Charge for the Baltimore Ravens emphasizes that Simmons’ combination of skill and leadership has turned the defensive line from a question mark into a strength.

Roquan Smith, the Ravens’ Pro Bowl linebacker, has been the defense’s most consistent playmaker and a quiet but influential leader. Now in his second season with Baltimore, the 27-year-old leads the team in tackles (142) and has added 3 sacks, 1 interception, and 4 pass deflections. What sets Smith apart is his ability to elevate the players around him: he organizes weekly film sessions with the linebacker corps, breaks down opponents’ playbooks to share with the team, and steps in to calm younger players during high-pressure moments. In the Ravens’ Week 15 loss to the Cleveland Browns, Smith made 18 tackles and prevented a late touchdown by breaking up a pass in the end zone—but he also took responsibility for the loss, telling reporters, “We as leaders need to do a better job of closing games.” His response set the tone for the following week: Smith led a players-only meeting to address defensive lapses, and the Ravens’ defense held the Steelers to just 17 points in Week 16. “Roquan leads by example first, then by what he says,” defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald said. “When he speaks, everyone listens because they know he’s put in the work.” Defensive Veterans Lead Charge for the Baltimore Ravens highlights that Smith’s steady presence has been crucial to keeping the defense focused amid the ups and downs of the season.

Kevin Byard, the Ravens’ veteran safety, has brought a new level of intensity and locker-room camaraderie to the Baltimore Ravens since joining the team in a midseason trade last year. The 30-year-old, a two-time Pro Bowler, has recorded 86 tackles, 1 interception, and 5 pass deflections this season, but his biggest contribution has been as a “bridge” between the defense’s veterans and young players. Byard hosts a weekly “veteran roundtable” where Simmons, Smith, and other seasoned players meet with rookies and second-year players to discuss everything from on-field strategy to handling the mental stress of an NFL season. “When I first got here, I noticed there was a gap between the vets and the young guys,” Byard said. “I wanted to create a space where everyone feels comfortable asking questions and sharing ideas.” In the Ravens’ Week 14 win over the Miami Dolphins, Byard made a critical interception in the end zone to stop a Dolphins’ scoring drive—and afterward, he gave credit to rookie cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis, who tipped the pass. “That’s what this team is about—we win together,” Byard said. For the Baltimore Ravens, Byard’s ability to unite the defense has turned a group of talented individuals into a cohesive unit. Defensive Veterans Lead Charge for the Baltimore Ravens shows that the Baltimore Ravens’ defense is stronger because of Byard’s focus on teamwork and mentorship.

The Baltimore Ravens’ defensive veterans have also been instrumental in fixing the discipline issues that plagued the team earlier in the season. After the Ravens were flagged for 32 defensive penalties through Week 15—including a costly late hit by Dre’Mont Jones that led to a fine—Simmons, Smith, and Byard took it upon themselves to lead extra “discipline drills” during practice. These drills focused on pulling up on plays to avoid late hits, staying in position to prevent holding calls, and communicating clearly to avoid misalignments. “We as veterans have to set the standard for discipline,” Smith said. “If we’re making mistakes, the young guys will too.” The effort paid off: in Week 16, the Ravens’ defense was flagged just twice, and they didn’t give up any penalty yards that extended Steelers’ drives. Head coach John Harbaugh credited the veterans for the turnaround, saying, “When your leaders take ownership of a problem, everyone follows. That’s what Jeffery, Roquan, and Kevin did here.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this renewed focus on discipline has made the defense more reliable in close games—a key factor as they head into the final week of the regular season. Defensive Veterans Lead Charge for the Baltimore Ravens underscores that the Baltimore Ravens’ veterans have turned a weakness into a strength by taking accountability and leading by example.

As the Baltimore Ravens prepare for a win-or-go-home game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17, the defensive veterans are setting their sights on a final push to secure a playoff spot. Simmons, Smith, and Byard have all emphasized the importance of treating the Bengals game like a playoff contest—from extra film study to intense practice sessions. “This is what we’ve been working for all season,” Byard said. “We have one game left to prove we belong in the playoffs, and we’re not going to let this opportunity slip away.” The veterans have also been rallying the entire team, not just the defense: Simmons spoke to the offense about the importance of controlling the clock to give the defense rest, while Smith met with Lamar Jackson to discuss how the two units can work together to limit turnovers. For the Baltimore Ravens, this cross-unit leadership is a sign that the veterans understand what it takes to win in December and January. Defensive Veterans Lead Charge for the Baltimore Ravens concludes that the Baltimore Ravens’ playoff hopes rest largely on the shoulders of their defensive veterans. If Simmons, Smith, and Byard can continue to lead on and off the field, the Ravens have a chance to make a deep playoff run. And if they do, it will be a testament to the value of experience, leadership, and the quiet power of veterans who know how to win when it matters most.