Ravens LB Roquan Smith on facing Patrick Mahomes: He's an elite QB, but we're an elite defense

All of the buzz regarding the Ravens has understandably revolved around Lamar Jackson, but don't discount Baltimore's defense.

In fact, ahead of the Ravens' AFC Championship Game showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, linebacker Roquan Smith is ensuring no one will overlook the unit, not even with two-time NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes gearing up to face them.

"We all know he's an elite quarterback," Smith told reporters during his Championship Wednesday news conference. "He does everything well. I think personally just his ability to read coverages, extend plays. … He's a great quarterback, we all know that, but so are we on defense."

Smith isn't wrong. Baltimore finished the 2023 regular season with the NFL's best scoring defense, allowing just 16.5 points per game. They ranked sixth in total defense, third in yards allowed per play, and first in opposing passer rating, rushing touchdowns allowed and sacks.

Those who have paid close attention to the Ravens since Christmas will point out another key observation: They're playing their best defensive football at the perfect time.

"I think it just goes back to guys not being complacent," Smith explained. "Guys being consistent. Day in and day out, and I think it starts with the preparation throughout the week. Each and every guy look themselves in the mirror. I try to tell each and every guy every day, if you give everything that you've got, there's not many people who can do what we can do. I know this defense is really good, and we're going to do everything in our part to show that to the world."

Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald deserves a ton of credit for cooking up pressure with unpredictable looks, but the strength of this unit comes down to talent. Acquiring