The Ravens led the NFL with 60 sacks in 2023, and pass-rush guru Chuck Smith received high praise for his work as a new member of the team.

Improving on last year’s sack total gives the Ravens a tough task to complete, but Smith isn’t worried about anyone who is skeptical about Baltimore’s pass rush prospects in 2024.

“I really don’t care what people think,” Smith said. “At the end of the day, we’re going to do our best.”

“My goal is to impact quarterbacks by finishing them down. It’s as simple as that. If we finish the quarterback down and his finish isn’t always the way he wants it to be, then we’ve made an impact. And the numbers will come.”

Two of Baltimore’s top three pass rushers from 2023 are back – All-Pro defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, who set a career-high with 13 sacks, and Kyle Van Noy, who also set a career-high with nine sacks.

The biggest pass rush departure was Jadeveon Clowney, who had 9.5 sacks. However, 16 different Ravens had at least one sack last season and 14 of those players are back. Once again, Smith sees a scenario where the pass rush will come from many directions.

“Anyone up front can be a threat at some point,” Smith said. “Mike P. (Pierce) was a rusher last year. Broddy (Broderick Washington) got sacks, Travis (Jones) got sacks. Urb (Brent Urban) had three sacks. We want everyone to be able to do that. We want everyone to be a threat.”

Smith believes that outside linebacker Odafe Oweh, who has had an excellent training camp, can make a huge leap forward in his sacks.

“Odafe came out great,” Smith said. “Odafe ended up with five sacks and missed four or five games. He ends up on a team that has two veterans (Clowney and Van Noy) who easily play over 250 snaps.”

“I know it’s all about performance, and I understand that, (but) when you look at it from a pass rush perspective, the numbers just don’t add up because guys have taken over a lot of his reps. He just needs those reps. He’s got to keep doing what he’s been doing, playing fast and making his moves. If he can get those five plays and the other 400 or 500 reps, he’s a double-digit sacker. He’s going to be a top-notch rusher. I’m happy for him.”