Former Ravens Criticizes ILB Roquan Smith After Week 1 Loss

Baltimore, September 12, 2025 – A wave of controversy is rocking the NFL after former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Qadry Ismail openly criticized star linebacker Roquan Smith on X, questioning his lackluster performance in the Ravens’ stunning 27-20 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1. Ismail’s pointed remarks have ignited fierce debates, splitting fans and analysts over whether Smith – once the cornerstone of Baltimore’s defense – is slipping from his All-Pro form.

Qadry Ismail, known as “The Missile” during his Ravens tenure in the 1990s, didn’t mince words in a September 8, 2025, X post following the Chiefs loss:

“What’s up with Roquan anyway? He was one of the more sure-tackling linebackers. There are times where he’s gotten blown off the ball… That guy we saw play vs. New Orleans, where’s that guy at?” (@IamQadryIsmail)

The comment harks back to Smith’s dominant showing against the New Orleans Saints in 2022, where he notched 12 tackles and an interception in a 27-24 Ravens victory. In contrast, Smith managed just 4 tackles in Week 1 and struggled to contain Chiefs’ WR Rashee Rice, contributing to Baltimore’s loss. Ismail’s post exploded on X, racking up over 8,000 likes and thousands of comments, with the hashtag #RoquanSlump trending globally.

Roquan Smith, 28, has been the heart of the Ravens’ defense since his 2022 trade from the Chicago Bears. With a 5-year, $100 million contract (signed in 2023) and three straight All-Pro nods, Smith was once hailed as one of the NFL’s premier linebackers. However, his 2024 season drew scrutiny, with a PFF grade of 65.2 (86th out of 189 linebackers) and criticism for shaky coverage, particularly against crossing routes like Rice’s. The Chiefs loss has amplified doubts about his form, especially as the Ravens chase a Super Bowl title.

An unverified source within the Ravens, posted on X by @RavensInsider, claimed Smith appeared “sluggish” in pre-season practices, fueling speculation about his physical condition. Some fans argue that the departure of Patrick Queen in 2024 has left Smith overburdened, impacting his play.

Ismail’s criticism has split the fanbase. Supporters like @RavensFan4Life on X agreed: “Qadry’s right! Roquan’s not the same. Where’s the New Orleans version of him?” Meanwhile, defenders like @SteelCityGuru countered: “One off game doesn’t define Roquan. He’s still our defensive anchor!”

Head Coach John Harbaugh addressed the issue in a September 11, 2025, press conference: “Roquan is our leader. He’ll come back stronger. One week doesn’t tell the whole story.” Teammate Marlon Humphrey echoed this on X: “Y’all need to relax. Roquan’s still a beast. Watch him in Week 2.”

The drama escalated with an unverified X post from @NFLHotTakes, claiming Smith “retaliated” against Ismail in a private team meeting, allegedly saying, “Old-timers should keep their critiques to themselves.” Though unsubstantiated, the rumor propelled #RoquanVsQadry to the top of trending lists, with memes mocking Smith’s “offended” reaction flooding TikTok.

Is Ismail’s criticism a wake-up call for Smith or just clickbait drama? Analysts like Gordon McGuinness of PFF remain optimistic, projecting Smith could hit 60+ tackles and 8 sacks in 2025 if he regains his edge. Meanwhile, X is buzzing with fan-made videos comparing Smith’s 2022 Saints dominance to his 2025 Chiefs struggle, all asking: “Where’s the real Roquan?”

The saga is heating up as the Ravens gear up to face the Cleveland Browns on September 14, 2025. Can Smith silence his critics and prove Ismail wrong? Or will this drama continue to stir tension in the Ravens’ locker room? Stay tuned for the next chapter!