Ravens’ Defense Gets a Boost as New Playmaker Steps Up Alongside Roquan Smith

The Baltimore Ravens took a calculated risk in letting Patrick Queen leave for their bitter rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in 2024 NFL free agency. It was a gamble driven by their faith in second-year inside linebacker Trenton Simpson. This offseason, Simpson is proving the Ravens’ front office right, emerging as a “reliable playmaker” and a key component of their defense.

Simpson’s performance in Baltimore’s 14-13 victory over the Atlanta Falcons in Week 2 of the preseason solidified his status as a rising star. He was a standout throughout the game, making critical plays that halted the Falcons’ first three drives. According to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley, Simpson “is ready to replace Patrick Queen at inside linebacker.”

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The former Clemson standout demonstrated his impact early, recording a quarterback hit on third down during the Falcons’ opening series. He followed that up by making an open-field tackle on quarterback Taylor Heinicke on the second drive and breaking up a pass on the third possession. These plays showcased Simpson’s growth from a question mark at the beginning of the offseason to one of the team’s top performers as the regular season approaches.

Simpson’s ability to maintain the strength of the Ravens’ front seven is becoming increasingly apparent. He’s been fast, aggressive, and reliable next to All-Pro middle linebacker Roquan Smith. Whether in a preseason game or a training camp practice, Simpson has consistently flexed his playmaking skills.

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A key part of Simpson’s success is his wide athletic range, which allows him to excel in various defensive roles. His ability to adjust in space, as seen in his form-fit tackle on Heinicke, highlights his versatility. Despite being slightly undersized at 6-foot-2 and 235 pounds, Simpson’s explosive speed and downhill instincts make him a formidable presence on the field.

Simpson’s effectiveness on the blitz, combined with his ability to disrupt plays in coverage, adds to his growing confidence. As he told Carita Parks of Double Take Sports, “I’m learning, I’m getting better and I’m getting more confident.” That confidence is crucial as Simpson steps into a role that could see him forming an even stronger partnership with Smith than Queen did.

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Roquan Smith remains the leader of the Ravens’ defense, a natural quarterback at the heart of the unit. But even Smith recognizes the talent and upside Simpson brings to the table, calling him “probably one of the most athletic people on the team,” according to Hensley. Smith’s belief that he and Simpson can be “complementary to each other out on the field” is a testament to the young linebacker’s rapid development.

With the guidance of Smith and new defensive coordinator Zach Orr, who himself played middle linebacker for the Ravens, Simpson is poised to become a blue-chip performer in his first year as a starter. The Ravens’ decision to gamble on youth over experience may just pay off in a big way.