Can the Ravens get back on track and find some cohesion? They will if they take heed to what Roquan Smith has said.

Welcome to the NFL’s version of parabellum. Okay, maybe that’s a tad dramatic. We’re just talking about football here, but we figured that statement might get your attention. The Baltimore Ravens are at a crossroads. The race is tightening, and all roads seem to lead to a Michigan Wolverines–Ohio State Buckeyes-style war with the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18.

Baltimore can’t afford to look too far ahead. They must adapt to the ‘one game at a time’ approach. Failure to do so will result in a third straight loss to conclude their next.

There is, however, a lot they need to think about, cohesion being one of them. One of their best and most respected players on the roster, Roquan Smith, may have unlocked something that may need to be taught in the meeting rooms this week.

Roquan Smith’s latest advice might serve as a launching pad if his Ravens teammates are willing to listen.

We’ve seen Todd Monkens’ Ravens offense produce fireworks without any defensive support. We’ve seen good defensive performances where the offense couldn’t gain any traction. Special teams have been up and down. One thing is sure: if Baltimore wants to reach the standard it is capable of achieving, all three phases must work together in cohesion.

Roquan Smith was asked about this following the Ravens’ loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers this past Sunday. It appears he’s been thinking about this for a while.

“Absolutely. Yes, absolutely. Without a doubt. It’s more about going out and doing that. Obviously, this is the ‘show you’ business, as in the ‘show me.’ So, it’s not about talking about it, it’s actually about being about it and letting your play speak for you and not words in a sense.”

Last season, the Ravens saw six of their players earn All-Pro mentions. All six were also named Pro Bowlers, along with five others. Nnamdi Madubuike is on the team’s injured reserve list, but the other ten are still healthy and active. In other words, there isn’t a talent issue in Baltimore.

“So, it’s just about going out and each and every individual taking control of their 1-of-11, and doing it play in and play out. I think if you do that, and if every single person does that, you will get what you want. The talent’s there, but it’s not about the talent. Obviously, talent only gets you so far in life and in football in general. So, it’s about playing, doing your 1-of-11, and [if] 10 [of the guys are] doing their job and one is not – hey, it’s not good enough. So, it’s about honing-in on the details, each and every individual, including myself, play in and play out. And yes, it’s the NFL, people are going to make plays, but it’s about responding. How are you going to respond? I think that’s a response mechanism in life and in the game of football. It all echoes through. So, that’s what each and every person has to do, and I think it’s just that plain and simple.”

That’s good advice from someone among the All-Pro and Pro Bowl contingent. At every level of the Ravens’ offense and defense, there is at least one player who can change the game’s momentum on a single play. Can you imagine if the wheels began churning in unison?

The Ravens need an eight-game winning streak. If they can conquer that goal, they will be champions, but they needn’t look too far ahead.

Just focus on that ‘one game at a time’ approach. That’s all that needs to be done. If everyone locks in on their 1-of-11, they’ll be just fine. The AFC has never been more wide open.