'They Love It, They're Asking For It!' Baltimore Ravens Linebackers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald spoke about how well the linebackers have been playing, going above and beyond what is expected of them each week.
"Didn't think everybody would do this much, honestly," Macdonald said. "We're putting a lot on their plate on a per-game basis, but Zach and I were joking this week and he goes 'You know, they love it, they're asking for it,' and I think it shows our trust in them and what we can trust them to do on a per-week basis.
"Definitely a lot of credit to Zach and Ro and PQ to take on the weekly game plan, what we want them to do, and execute at a high level like you guys are seeing on Sunday. The way that happens is just an everyday approach that they knock out out on the practice field and it makes you feel good about calling things when those situations come up in a game."
Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen have been all over the field for the Ravens on defense to start the season.
Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen
USA Today Sports
Smith has recorded 43 tackles, 1.5 sacks and three tackles for loss on the year along with three passes defended. Queen's stats look very similar, as he's tallied 36 tackles, 2.0 sacks, four tackles for loss and one pass defended.
Through four games, Baltimore has been one of the top defenses in the NFL, giving up only 260.8 yards per game and 14.5 points per game which is good for third-best in both categories.
The Ravens will have a chance to pad their defensive stats when they play the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road on Oct. 8 at 1 p.m. The Steelers have the fourth-worst offense in the NFL, averaging 15.5 points per game and 263 yards per game.
