Baltimore Ravens linebacker Daryl Smith already becoming “quarterback of the defense”

The Baltimore Ravens will take the filed this season for the first time in franchise history without their stalwart middle linebacker in Ray Lewis. The longtime veteran has been the quarterback of the Ravens defense throughout the past decade, and had become a fixture in the middle of one the NFL’s elite units for much of that time span.

You can never replace Rey Lewis, but regardless, someone has to take over his role and become the quarterback of the defense, and Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh believes free agent linebacker Daryl Smith may be ready to assume that role:

"“Daryl is that kind of player,” Harbaugh said. “Nothing different than what he’s done all those years in Jacksonville. He played really well, becoming somewhat of a quarterback of the defense, because he calls the defenses.”"

Smith was the Jacksonville Jaguars’ all-time leading tackler with 1,096 stops before a significant groin injury limited him to two games last season.

Now, he’s looking to revive his NFL career with a Ravens team that believes it’s capable of making another Super bowl run.