Are Roquan Smith, Patrick Queen the best LB duo in the NFL?

Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Patrick Queen. Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

Are Ravens' Roquan Smith, Patrick Queen the best LB duo in the NFL?

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 12/12/22

Linebackers Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen have been lockdown for the Ravens. Are they the best LB duo in the league?

The two have been dynamic in the middle of the field since Baltimore acquired Smith at the trade deadline. The Ringer's Benjamin Solak said the Ravens' trade for him was "one of the best deadline trades in recent memory," and he's not alone.

Roquan Smith and Patrick Queen are showing everyone why they're the best linebacker duo in the league.
— Garrett Downing (@gdowning14) December 11, 2022

Since acquiring Roquan Smith, Baltimore’s defense has allowed:

13
3
28
10
14

Four of five opponents to 14 or less

13.6 per game
— Spencer N. Schultz (@ravens4dummies) December 11, 2022

Baltimore is 4-1 since acquiring Smith, allowing 14 points or less in all four wins. Smith and Queen have a combined 128 tackles, six sacks, 12 tackles for a loss, three interceptions, seven passes defensed, and one forced fumble, per ESPN.com.

Both linebackers recorded an interception in the Raven's 16-14 win over the Steelers in Week 14 preventing two Pittsburgh scoring drives. The turnovers were much needed in a close game without QB Lamar Jackson playing.

They will need to continue shutting down opposing teams' offenses with Jackson still missing up to two more weeks. Baltimore (9-4) sits atop the AFC North, but Cincinnati (9-4) is narrowing the gap, and they'll meet once again in Week 18.

Smith and Queen need to help the Ravens continue winning, with or without Jackson, as they head to Cleveland in Week 15 to face the Browns.

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