Stephen A. Smith Says Baltimore's Defense and Derrick Henry's Ball Control Are Shifting Team Prospects
Stephen A. Smith, the outspoken ESPN analyst, recently discussed the Baltimore Ravens' evolving prospects for the season, pointing to their improved defense and Derrick Henry's ability to control the ball as key factors in the team’s shift toward playoff contention. Smith believes that these two elements are changing the trajectory of the Ravens’ season, making them a much more dangerous team as they move forward.
"The Baltimore Ravens' defense has become a serious force," Smith said during his appearance on ESPN's First Take. "They've been shutting down offenses and dominating in ways we didn't expect. And with the addition of players like
Smith emphasized that the Ravens' defense has quietly become one of the best in the league, with their ability to pressure the quarterback and shut down the run game allowing them to control the tempo of games. This defensive turnaround, combined with the leadership of
In addition to the defense, Smith pointed to Derrick Henry’s impact on the
Smith added that Henry's ball control is a critical element that allows the Titans to dictate the pace of games, taking pressure off their defense and giving them an edge in close matchups. His dominance on the ground has been the foundation for the Titans’ success, and Smith believes this makes them a formidable opponent in the playoff race.
“The combination of Baltimore's defense and Henry's ability to control the game has changed the landscape of the AFC,” Smith continued. “If both of these teams can continue to play at this level, they’re going to be tough to beat in the postseason.”
Smith's analysis underscores how both the Ravens' defensive improvements and Henry’s mastery of ball control are fundamentally altering the prospects of these teams, making them more serious contenders for the upcoming playoffs.
Las Vegas Raiders Legend Howie Long Defends Geno Smith Against Critics: “We Don’t Need to Be Mahomes”
The ongoing debate surrounding Geno Smith’s place among the NFL’s elite quarterbacks reached a boiling point this week, and just as it seemed to overshadow the Las Vegas Raiders’ season, a legendary voice rose from the past to defend the team’s current star.
When former NFL wide receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh remarked on Speakeasy that “The regular season doesn’t turn anyone into Mahomes,” his criticism of Geno Smith hit a nerve with fans and players alike. Houshmandzadeh, who had been a key part of the Bengals’ offense during their successful years, seemed to dismiss Smith's accomplishments, suggesting that greatness in the regular season alone isn’t enough to compare with the likes of Patrick Mahomes.
However, the comments quickly backfired when none other than Howie Long, the Hall of Fame defensive end and Las Vegas Raiders legend, stepped into the fray. Long, who was the cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense during their Super Bowl years, was not one to let such disparaging remarks slide — especially when they were aimed at someone who has come to represent the very soul of Las Vegas.
Appearing on Good Morning Football, Long spoke with raw emotion and deep conviction:
“I understand those criticisms. I was once in Geno’s position – hearing people say I was ‘good enough but not great enough.’ But if you live in Las Vegas, you know Geno Smith isn’t just a player, he’s the heart of this city. He doesn’t need to be Mahomes to become a legend. He just needs to be himself.”
In a single statement, Long summed up the pride of Raiders fans, affirming that Smith, though not in the same mold as Mahomes, has his own journey to greatness. The words were not just a defense of a quarterback, but a defense of a city that has long embraced a culture of resilience, loyalty, and passion — qualities that are often more significant than mere statistics.
The reaction was swift. Raiders fans, who have rallied around Smith since he became the starting quarterback, took to social media in droves. The hashtag #InGenoWeTrust trended on X (formerly Twitter) as Raiders fans showed their unwavering support for their franchise quarterback, their voices echoing the sentiment that Smith’s greatness doesn't have to be measured by anyone else’s standards.
As Long’s words spread across the internet, Geno Smith, ever humble, addressed the situation with his trademark class. In his post-practice interview, when asked about Houshmandzadeh’s remarks, Smith responded with a calm and confident demeanor:
“I heard the noise. But honestly? I don’t need to be Mahomes. I just need to be the best version of myself for the city of Las Vegas. And trust me, the journey we're on? It’s about to get REAL.”
In that brief but powerful response, Smith solidified his role as not just a player, but a leader who understands the weight of his position in the city of Las Vegas. The way he carried himself in the face of criticism was a testament to the type of man he is — one who plays for something much larger than personal accolades. His words were met with applause in the studio, and the host could only comment:
In many ways, this moment encapsulates the essence of what it means to be a Las Vegas Raider. From Howie Long’s days of dominating opposing offenses to Smith’s rise as the face of the franchise, the Raiders have always been about more than just victories on the field. In Las Vegas, it’s about the grit, the loyalty, and the determination to prove that their place in the league isn’t defined by comparisons.
As the season rolls on, it’s clear that the Raiders are focused on carving out their own legacy, and Geno Smith is the man at the helm, leading them with the spirit of a true Las Vegas son. From Long to Smith, it’s evident that the Raiders are a team built on heart — and that’s something no one can measure with stats or comparisons. It’s their greatest asset, and it’s a legacy no one can replicate.
In Las Vegas, it’s never been about being Mahomes. It’s about being the best version of themselves. And with Smith at the wheel, the city of Las Vegas believes this journey will lead to greatness — on their terms.
