Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith is fired up for the highly anticipated AFC Championship Game rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs.
We are only hours away from the colossal showdown which will officially kick off the 2024 NFL season.
“What way to have a bigger show than when the whole entire world is watching you? Regardless of what happened last year, that’s last year. This is a completely new season,” Smith said of the matchup.
“The whole world is going to be watching, people from all over. I’m very excited about our defense, and our offense, special teams as well, to put a show on in front of the entire world and look good while we’re doing it.”
Smith and the Ravens are coming off a heartbreaking 17-10 loss to the Chiefs in last season’s AFC Championship.
The team is fueled by the chance to avenge that defeat, and with Kansas City’s ring ceremony set for Thursday at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Baltimore is eager to spoil the celebration.
The Ravens’ linebacker is laser-focused on the task ahead, motivated to make sure this season opener is different from their last encounter with Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
Since joining the Ravens via a midseason trade from the Chicago Bears in 2023, Smith has quickly become the cornerstone of Baltimore’s defense.
His leadership on and off the field earned him a five-year, $100 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid inside linebacker in NFL history.
“Since he’s been here, Roquan has been a leader on and off the field, impressing us with his attitude and desire to be great player and teammate every day,” Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement. “There is certainly a standard of defense in Baltimore, and Roquan has proven that he can surpass that lofty mark.”
Smith had requested a trade from the Bears while in the final year of his rookie contract, seeking a new environment that would allow him to thrive.
Baltimore delivered, locking up the two-time Pro Bowler ahead of the offseason and ensuring he remains the backbone of their defense for years to come.
“That meant a lot to me, like knowing that someone that actually came out to get me,” Smith said of the trade. “Getting out in free agency, I maybe could have gotten more, but I’m happy where I’m at, and I want to be on a team that has a chance to compete year in and year out to hoist the Lombardi. So that’s my main goal, and that’s my main focus.”
What are your thoughts on tonight’s matchup?
The Chiefs are still the Chiefs, but you know how these opening nights can go sometimes when there’s so much emotion and celebration going on.
There’s nothing Baltimore would love more than to spoil the party … Do you think they will pull off the upset???