Kyle Van Noy shreds anonymous coach over Roquan Smith 'sluggish' jab as Ravens lock arms

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Kyle Van Noy has ignited a wave of reaction after calling out an anonymous NFL assistant coach who questioned Roquan Smith’s conditioning in a new preseason report by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

The unnamed coach claimed Smith “looked sluggish,” triggering immediate backlash from the Ravens' locker room and sparking a viral moment that now defines the team’s defensive mindset heading into the 2025 NFL season.

“Put your name on it”: Van Noy’s unfiltered message

The moment Van Noy came across the criticism, he didn’t wait for a press conference. Instead, he fired back online with an explosive post that left no doubt about where he stood. “Hey J Fowler tell that NFL assistant to EAD cuz Agent Zero is on some s**t and you are a B for hiding! Put your name on it!!!” he wrote on X, taking direct aim at both the coach and the outlet reporting it. Within minutes, quarterback Lamar Jackson retweeted the post, showing support without adding a word—because in Baltimore, sometimes silence says it all.

Fans flooded social media, applauding the show of unity. Many questioned why someone would attack Smith anonymously, especially given his leadership and consistent performance. Some even called for ESPN to stop publishing quotes that aren’t attributed, arguing it feeds baseless preseason narratives.

Roquan Smith’s game tape tells another story

While one anonymous voice questioned Smith’s form, his 2024 stats delivered a different narrative. Smith ended last season with 154 total tackles, including 81 solo, along with 1.5 sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and an interception.

He also defended four passes and led the Ravens’ defense with his trademark sideline-to-sideline range and leadership.Smith, who was traded to Baltimore from Chicago in 2022, signed a five-year, $100 million deal in January 2023, making him the highest-paid inside linebacker in NFL history. With $60 million guaranteed, he’s under contract through 2027, though there is an out after the upcoming season. However, sources close to the franchise say there’s no plan to move on from the All-Pro linebacker, who remains a vocal captain and tone-setter in the locker room.

Players are no longer silent—and fans are listening

Anonymous critiques are nothing new in NFL preseason chatter, but Van Noy’s response has amplified a growing pushback from current players. As platforms like X give athletes the power to respond instantly, fans are leaning more into player voices than vague scouting reports.Smith hasn’t responded publicly yet—but frankly, he doesn’t need to. His numbers speak volumes, and his teammates have already made one thing clear: in Baltimore, loyalty is louder than any unnamed quote.Also read: Kyle Juszczyk’s wife Kristin reimagines Sydney Sweeney’s runway corset in a head-turning ESPYs look