Daryl Smith Stepping In Nicely With Ray Lewis Gone

Sep 29, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back

(20) runs the ball while Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Daryl Smith (51) tries to make a tackle during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat Ravens 23 to 20. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

With the absence of a Hall of Fame linebacker, Ray Lewis, the Baltimore Ravens could have seen things slip in the middle of their defense, but Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome found an excellent replacement to fill the shoes for Lewis. LB Daryl Smith was picked up in free agency to fill the shoes for Lewis and he has done an admirable job at the position.

Smith is not going to be Ray Lewis. He will not have some of the intangibles of Ray, but he can make plays on the football field. Smith already leads the team with 43 tackles and he has 2 interceptions this season. One of those interceptions was returned for a touchdown. He also has 1.5 sacks this season.

Smith was a great veteran acquisition for the Ravens and has helped the Ravens fill a hole on their defense. He is the quarterback of the defense and signed a cheap one-year deal with the Ravens in the offseason. Other teams will likely be interested in his services at the end of the season.