Baltimore Ravens' Roquan Smith Talks 'More Intense' Rivalry With Bengals

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith spoke about the rivalry between his team and the Cincinnati Bengals.

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith believes that the rivalry between them and the Cincinnati Bengals is more intense when both teams are successful. 

"Both teams are winning," Smith said. "When you're winning, that's what makes a rivalry more intense. When two teams losing or one teams losing, it's not really a rivalry. Some may say it's based off history, but as far as within the last couple of years, I think it's just the winning, both sides winning."

The Bengals and Ravens played in one of the best playoff games of 2022, a game that featured a 98-yard fumble return for a touchdown from defensive end Sam Hubbard that would end up being the game-winner. 

Roquan Smith was named to First Team All-Pro in his first season with the Baltimore Ravens.  / USA Today Sports

In that Wild Card matchup, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson missed the game due to an injury, and backup quarterback Tyler Huntley did his best to win them the game, but ultimately couldn't get the job done. 

This will be Smith's fourth time playing against Cincinnati as a member of Baltimore's roster since he was traded there from Chicago ahead of the 2022 NFL trade deadline. 

In three games against the Bengals as a Raven, the All-Pro linebacker has recorded 29 tackles and one tackle for loss. He also played in one game against Cincinnati for the Bears where he had nine tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss and an interception returned for a touchdown. 

The next iteration of this rivalry will take place on Thursday Night Football at 8:15 p.m. on Nov. 16 at M&T Bank Stadium.