Ravens Linebacker Sends Strong Message to Chargers’ Justin Herbert as Baltimore Defense Prepares for Another Statement Season Ahead
The NFL thrives on matchups between star players, and few things fuel anticipation like a bold challenge from one elite competitor to another. That’s exactly what happened recently when a key figure in the Baltimore Ravens’ ferocious defense publicly challenged Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. The statement wasn’t just about personal pride or rivalry—it symbolized the unrelenting mindset that defines Baltimore football. With the Ravens already projected as one of the AFC’s top teams heading into the 2025 season, their confidence is as high as their ambitions. And now, thanks to one linebacker’s pointed comments, the next showdown with Herbert and the Chargers promises to carry a little extra fire.
The linebacker in question? None other than Roquan Smith—the heart and soul of Baltimore’s front seven. Since arriving in a midseason trade from the Chicago Bears in 2022, Smith has transformed the Ravens’ defense into one of the league’s most cohesive and aggressive units. His leadership, intelligence, and relentless motor have made him a fan favorite and team captain, and he’s never been one to shy away from speaking his mind.
So, when Smith was recently asked about the Ravens’ upcoming matchup against the Chargers, he didn’t hold back. “Herbert’s got talent, no doubt,” Smith said during a press availability at training camp. “Big arm, smart guy. But talent doesn’t scare us. Quarterbacks like him, you hit them a few times and they start seeing ghosts. Our job is to make him uncomfortable for four quarters. Period.”
It wasn’t trash talk—it was a challenge. One issued from a place of confidence, not disrespect. Smith’s words echoed a sentiment that has long defined the Ravens: no matter how impressive the opponent may look on paper, no quarterback is safe once the whistle blows and the Baltimore defense locks in.
Justin Herbert, for his part, has earned widespread respect as one of the NFL’s most physically gifted quarterbacks. Standing 6-foot-6 with a cannon for an arm and surprising athleticism, Herbert has already thrown for over 20,000 yards in his career and posted multiple 30-touchdown seasons. But he’s also faced criticism for inconsistency under pressure and for struggling in big moments—an area Baltimore’s defense thrives in exploiting.
The matchup between Herbert and Smith isn’t just about two players. It’s about two philosophies. On one side is the Chargers’ offense, often built around Herbert’s ability to make big plays, read the field quickly, and push the ball downfield. On the other is Baltimore’s defense—calculated, suffocating, and always looking for an opportunity to impose its physical will.
Smith continued, “We’ve studied Herbert. We know where he likes to go with the ball. He’s a timing guy. Take away that first read, get pressure in his face, and he’ll make mistakes. That’s our job, and we plan on doing it.”
The Ravens are one of the few teams in the NFL that consistently back up talk like that. In 2024, they finished as one of the league’s top-ranked defenses in both yards allowed and points surrendered. They led the league in sacks and forced turnovers at a rate that made life miserable for nearly every quarterback they faced. Under defensive coordinator Zach Orr—who took over after Mike Macdonald’s departure to Seattle—Baltimore didn’t lose a step. Instead, they adapted, becoming more flexible in coverage and even more aggressive in the front seven.
It helps that Smith has arguably the best supporting cast of his career. Patrick Queen’s departure in free agency could have created a leadership void at linebacker, but the Ravens drafted well and continued to rely on young, ascending talents like Trenton Simpson and Malik Harrison. On the edge, Odafe Oweh and David Ojabo are both healthy and developing into serious pass-rushing threats. In the secondary, Kyle Hamilton has become one of the NFL’s best hybrid defenders, capable of disrupting plays at the line or blanketing tight ends downfield.
Against a quarterback like Herbert, that versatility is crucial. Herbert thrives on mismatches—finding his big-bodied receivers like Mike Williams or tight ends like Gerald Everett on second-level defenders. The Ravens’ game plan, led by Smith, will be to confuse Herbert with disguised looks and make him hesitate just long enough for the pass rush to get home.
But the challenge isn’t just mental. Smith made it clear that physicality will be a defining factor. “When Herbert drops back, he needs to know we’re coming. Every play. Doesn’t matter if it’s a quick pass or play-action. If he holds that ball, we’re going to be in his face.”
Those are strong words, but they carry weight because of Smith’s reputation. He’s not known for over-the-top trash talk or dramatics. He’s a student of the game—a tactician and tone-setter. When he speaks, it’s typically with purpose.
Of course, Herbert and the Chargers won’t roll over. New head coach Jim Harbaugh—yes, the brother of Ravens coach John Harbaugh—has already brought a new level of intensity and structure to Los Angeles. Harbaugh’s style is rooted in discipline, a strong run game, and physical play at the line of scrimmage. Sound familiar? That’s the same foundation his brother has built in Baltimore.
Jim Harbaugh’s presence adds another layer to the growing tension between these two teams. With both franchises built around strong defense, power football, and calculated quarterback play, their clash feels inevitable—almost like a playoff game, even if it happens during the regular season. And should they meet in the postseason, all bets are off.
Justin Herbert, for his part, hasn’t responded publicly to Smith’s comments. That’s not his style. He’s quiet, respectful, and focused on improving under Harbaugh’s new system. But you can bet he heard them. And when these two teams square off—whether in Week 14 or later in January—the tension will be palpable.
Baltimore fans wouldn’t have it any other way. Their team, especially on defense, thrives on these moments. This is the DNA of Ravens football. From Ray Lewis to Terrell Suggs, from Ed Reed to Haloti Ngata, the Ravens have always built their identity around defense-first intensity and a refusal to back down from a challenge.
Roquan Smith fits that mold perfectly. Since arriving in Baltimore, he’s become the voice of the defense—not just with his play, but with his poise, his preparation, and, when needed, his words.
“I don’t say things just to say them,” Smith told reporters. “I say them because I believe in my guys, and I believe in what we do. If Herbert wants to prove something, he’s going to have to go through us.”
With those words, the stage is set. Herbert versus Smith. Chargers versus Ravens. Two physical teams. Two proud franchises. And now, a bit of added spice.
The NFL season is long, and a lot can change. But one thing’s for certain: when these two meet, all eyes will be on the quarterback trying to prove he belongs among the elite—and the linebacker who’s determined to make sure he doesn’t.
In a league increasingly driven by offense, challenges like Smith’s are a reminder of what still makes football special—heart, pride, preparation, and the sheer will to dominate. Baltimore’s linebacker didn’t just call out Herbert—he reminded the league that the Ravens are still the standard. And come game day, they’ll be ready to prove it.
