After the Ravens stuffed the Chicago Bears on the goal line in the final minute of their 30-16 victory, linebacker Roquan Smith came to the sideline and hugged Head Coach John Harbaugh.
The Ravens had put the brakes on their four-game losing skid and a big reason was the return of their defensive leader.
In his first game back from a hamstring injury that cost him two games, Smith recorded the Ravens’ highest Pro Football Focus (PFF) defensive grade by far with a 90.7. Smith made a game-high 12 tackles.
“You never want to be injured in this game of football because your best ability is your availability,” Smith said. “That’s what it all boils down to. [I am] grateful to be out there with my guys and to get a win here at M&T [Bank Stadium].”
The game had extra significance for Smith considering the Bears traded him to the Ravens midway through the 2023 season. It was Smith’s first game against them since.
The Ravens ultimately signed Smith to a mega contract extension and the Bears inked linebacker T.J. Edwards the following year on a less costly deal. It’s one game, but while Smith had a 90.7 grade, Edwards logged a 50.2.
Smith said he’s long been over any feelings he had about the Bears trading him.
“At the end of the day, I’m comfortable with who I am as a person and who I am as a player, and I know what I bring to the table,” Smith said.
Here are the other grades and snap counts from the Ravens’ Week 8 win: