Roquan Smith has admitted to circling two games on the Ravens 2025 schedule

USA Today

15-05-2025

Roquan Smith has admitted to circling two games on the Ravens 2025 schedule Roquan Smith didn't shy away from saying he already has two of the Ravens' games circled on his calendar.
Another domino has fallen. The NFL Schedule Release 25 show has attached times and dates to each of the Baltimore Ravens' 17 regular-season games. It's Super Bowl or bust for The Flock, but they can't look too far ahead. They can't overlook anyone, especially the first opponent.
The schedule makers didn't waste any time. Baltimore's AFC Divisional Round rematch comes early. It falls in Week 1, on the first Sunday Night Football broadcast of the pro football season. The Buffalo Bills are the opponent. It appears that fact isn't lost on the Ravens' leading tackler of the most recent campaign.
Roquan Smith joined Rich Eisen on NFL Network to discuss the coming grind. Flashing his trademark smile, he had no issues admitting to already having circled a couple of games.
Roquan Smith discusses two Ravens games he has already highlighted on his calendar.
Since his arrival, Roquan Smith has been a breath of fresh air for Baltimore's defense. Each of his first three seasons in black, purple, and metallic gold resulted in First-Team All-Pro mentions (2022–2024) and Pro Bowl nominations.
When the schedule was released, what was the first game he looked for? His answer came swiftly: "The first game of the year." What a coincidence! From the looks of things, much of the Ravens' fan base and the media are interested in the same contest.
"That's going to set the tone for the entire season."
Rich Eisen reminded him of who that game was against. Smith's smile returned.
"Yeah. (That's) just how I like it. Revenge is best served as a cold dish, you know? So, it will be nice to get up there in Buffalo and get a little payback (against) those guys for the end of the year."
Smith showed Buffalo the proper respect, stating the Bills won the game "fair and square." However, he also lamented that "misery sets in," and he intends to use last January's loss as fuel and motivation. That's a good thing. His coaches and teammates wouldn't have it any other way.
Eisen asked him if there were any other contests he looked forward to playing in. He didn't offer the stale 'it doesn't matter' approach or bore us by stating the expected 'we'll play anyone' jargon. Instead, he provided another honest answer...
"I'm definitely excited for the Chicago (Bears) game. That's going to be sweet."
For the uninitiated, Smith began his NFL career in the Windy City and gave five years to a struggling Bears franchise. It wasn't for nothing. He was named a Second-team All-Pro twice (2020, 2021) and was eventually traded to Baltimore, but what NFL star doesn't want to play well against his former team (even if they don't admit it)?
This isn't the same Bears team he left, though. They have added offensive weaponry like QB Caleb Williams, Smith's former Georgia Bulldogs teammate D'Andre Swift, and wide receiver Rome Odunze. They're now led by new head coach and offensive mastermind Ben Johnson, who previously resurrected Jared Goff's career as the Detroit Lions' offensive coordinator from 2022-24.
Make no mistake. Any game vs. the Bears offense won't be a walk in the park for the Ravens' defense. But, don't lose any sleep either. The Ravens will certainly be favored in that game.