After the Baltimore Ravens secured a 31-24 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in their recent game, linebacker Roquan Smith expressed his dissatisfaction with the performance of the Ravens’ defense. Smith admitted to reporters that both he and the rest of the defense felt that they did not meet their expected standards in the game, citing “basic fundamentals” as areas that needed improvement, as reported by ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.

Despite the win, the Ravens’ defense struggled, allowing the Cardinals to score 24 points. Smith highlighted that Arizona’s offense, led by Joshua Dobbs, posed a significant challenge. Interestingly, the Cardinals had more total yards and first downs compared to the Ravens, which raises questions about whether the outcome might have been different had Kyler Murray, who had recently recovered from an injury, played at quarterback for the Cardinals.

However, Roquan Smith is not alone in his self-criticism. Quarterback Lamar Jackson also placed responsibility on the offense for not performing up to their potential, despite scoring 31 points in the game. This self-assessment is seen as a positive aspect, as it indicates a desire to continuously improve.

The Ravens are currently on a three-game winning streak and hold a 6-2 record, placing them at the top of the AFC North. Coach John Harbaugh has set high standards for the team, and this mindset of self-accountability is reflected in the team’s leaders. Winning is not a cause for celebration when there is a commitment to always strive for improvement.