Roquan Smith sends powerful message following Ravens’ statement Week 8 victory
The Baltimore Ravens needed a tone-setting win on Sunday after getting off to a 1-5 start. With time ticking on their playoff hopes in 2025, it was a do-or-die matchup in Week 8. Thankfully, they got exactly what they needed, defeating the Chicago Bears, 30-16.
Despite not having star quarterback Lamar Jackson, Tyer Huntley and company were still able to get the job done on offense, and on defense, the unit put together another encouraging performance after a horrendous five-week stretch to begin the season.
It was nearly a complete 180 from what Baltimore fans have grown accustomed to seeing in 2025, and much of that can be connected to the return of linebacker Roquan Smith. Sure, Smith was struggling at the start of the year, but he came into Sunday looking to make a statement against his former team, and he did just that.
For a defense that has struggled wrapping up and making tackles, Smith brought the energy with his sure-fire tackling ability. He led the team in tackles with 12 and held it down in the middle of the field, helping limit the Bears’ rushing attack, especially in red zone opportunities.
Roquan Smith delivers powerful message after win
Following the game, Smith noted the importance of Sunday’s win and the team’s mentality entering a short week with their Week 9 matchup against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football.
“We got a shot to do whatever we want, and I know the type of guys we got in the locker room, so it’s more so about going out and doing that,” Smith said. “This week it’s like new energy. I feel like the team got a fresh start, but it just started this week. We’re 1-0 this week, and we gotta get to 2-0 this week because it’s a short week and it’s on to Miami.”
It can be easy for a team’s morale to deflate after sitting in a deep hole like the Ravens were in, but Baltimore played with the exact intensity needed to dig out of such a hole. They flew to the football on defense, ran the rock well, and won the turnover and time of possession battles. They also made the big plays when the moment called for them, and it is clear they are catching fire at the perfect moment with a critical stretch ahead.
After a rough start, the coaching staff is starting to pull the right strings in all three phases, and with another game just four days away, they will have to treat it like another playoff game if they want a shot at making the playoffs.
Kyle Shanahan drops ‘too early’ take on Brock Purdy’s Week 9 return
The 49ers have rolled with Mac Jones behind center. But Kyle Shanahan delivered a Brock Purdy Week 9 update.
The head coach, however, dropped a “too early” take on Purdy's pending situation.
“I think it's too early to say,” Shanahan said via ESPN 49ers insider Nick Wagoner. “I don't think it's a long shot, but I know he is doing better and we'll see how he's doing Wednesday.”
Shanahan added the next phase involving Purdy.
Hopefully if he's doing good, he'll get in some reps,” Shanahan said.
Purdy sat out against Houston alongside wide receiver Ricky Pearsall. But Shanahan's words paint Purdy is indeed on his way back sooner than expected.
What kind of dilemma are Brock Purdy, 49ers in?
Purdy reportedly tried playing on Sunday against the Texans.
However, Dianna Russini of The Athletic revealed Purdy didn't feel great when he tried to practice nearly a week ago.
The past NFC champion winning QB is dealing with a lingering right toe injury — one that apparently flares up. S.F. continues to allow Jones to lead the offense in his place.
The former top 15 NFL Draft pick Jones has become quite the story for the Niners. He's guided some big wins with Purdy being out of action –featuring the overtime thriller against the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday Night Football. Jones has already started in six games this season while guiding the 49ers to four starting wins.
Houston, however, held him to 193 yards and picked him off once in the 26-15 win. Jones tossed two touchdown passes to tight ends George Kittle and Jake Tonges.
If Purdy isn't healthy, Jones will be making start No. 7 on Sunday on the road against the New York Giants.
