JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Baltimore Ravens middle linebacker Daryl Smith spent the first nine years of his career with the Jaguars. He took some time and reflected on this time in Jacksonville. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh also provided some insight on what he thinks about the Jaguars.
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh:
What stands out about Allen Hurns and Allen Robinson?
"Playmakers. Two guys who are just playmakers. I'm not sleeping on Marqise Lee either or Julius Thomas or Marcedes Lewis or Yeldon or any of their guys, but those two guys are just making big plays. They've averaged over 17 yards per catch. Two of the top big play guys in the League right now, catch radius, size, route running ability and really the whole package for both of those guys."
How has the jaguars pass protection improved?
"Yeah I think they've done a really good job. Obviously the coaching staff and organizationally; they look good. They have a nice offensive line and Blake looks like he's come just as you'd expect him to as a second-year top pick quarterback and he's doing very well for them."
Former Jaguar turned Ravens middle linebacker Daryl Smith:
On Jaguars being a young team with a lot of new players:
"Not many. I watch a lot of football so I'm familiar with a lot of guys that played against the Jags last year and all of that. Guys that were there when I was there, not many; Tyson, Marcedes and just a couple of guys that I think that are still there but that's about it. I know they've got a lot of young guys. I'm pretty impressed with the roster though. They've got a lot of young talent that's fast and they're young so they're learning. Everything is in front of them so those are the teams that are dangerous and you've got to be prepared for."
Do you have a favorite moment from your years in Jacksonville?
"I had quite a few of them. A lot of good times. Favorite moment probably was 2007 when we went up and beat Pittsburgh late in the regular season and went back and beat them in the playoffs. That was pretty sweet."
Do you still come back to Jacksonville to visit?
"I didn't make it this year. I did sell my house but I still know a lot of people and have a lot of friends there. I plan on it, I still love Jacksonville as a city and it's just a good place. It's not one of those things like, ‘he sold his house and he's never coming back.' It's not like that. Like I said, it's a great place. I've still got friends there and that's the way it is."
Did you think you'd play your whole career here?
"Yeah, I did at one point but you get into the business side of it and I've been around to see a whole lot of things happen. And you understand that things must change, that the organization has changed, the way of thinking has changed and all of that. Like I said, you just understand the business side of it and you get it."
So no bad feelings?
"No, I don't have time, there's too much of life going on to be worried about old stuff. At the same time I don't think it was like a bitter situation or whatnot. It's just people came in and people have to make decisions. That's what they felt, they felt they would be better making certain choices and that's something that we've all got to live with. I think it's working out for everybody."
Were you surprised they didn't resign you?
"It was one of those things that you just didn't know. Of course I hoped that they would but just going into it you just didn't know. That goes back to the new people coming in and they have to make tough choices. You just understand that and you move on."