The 2023 Ravens defense finished with NFL history's first triple crown – first in points allowed per game (16.5), sacks (60), and takeaways (31).

As was no surprise, it sustained some losses the season, including former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, linebackers Jadeveon Clowney and Patrick Queen, and safety Geno Stone.

But on the eve of Ravens training camp, inside linebacker Roquan Smith set the tone for how he expects Baltimore's 2024 defense to perform.

"I think we can be better, honestly. I know we can, not just think," Smith said Saturday on veteran report day.

"I have a great deal of respect for the guys that were here before. Good luck to those guys in the places that they are, but I have the utmost respect for each and every guy that's in here, and I know the potential that each and every guy has, so it's all about going out and proving it week-in and week-out, and I think it starts in training camp, day-in and day-out."

The Ravens still have a loaded defensive roster with an All-Pro at each level. Justin Madubuike, who led all NFL defensive tackles in sacks last season, was re-signed to a long-term extension. Smith patrols the middle. Kyle Hamilton is a burgeoning NFL star at safety who really plays all over the field.

Baltimore's secondary is loaded after the first-round pick of cornerback Nate Wiggins and it got even stronger heading into training camp with the addition of two-time Pro Bowler Eddie Jackson.

The players are part of the reason for the Ravens' confidence, but they also faith in new Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr.

"Zach is a defensive mastermind," Madubuike said. "He knows where to put us in positions to be successful. He knows our weaknesses. He knows our strengths. He knows how he can utilize us to play great on defense. I feel like our defense is going to be even better than last year."

Both Smith and Madubuike pointed to the defense's chemistry and mindset after coming so close to reaching the Super Bowl last year as reasons for why they feel the defense can take a step forward this season.

"Everybody is excited early on, and I know we have the mindset of guys pushing through adversity when we face that," Smith said. "But I love the pieces that we have here, and we'll be able to show that to the world soon enough, and maybe we'll come back to this conversation at the end of the year, and we'll be like, 'Wow, can we be better than that?'"

Smith Speaks Highly of New Addition Jackson

Smith and Jackson played together for 4 1/2 years in Chicago, forming a fearsome duo in the NFC North. Now they're reunited in Baltimore after Jackson agreed to terms on a one-year deal Friday.

Asked if he put in a good word for Jackson with General Manager Eric DeCosta, Smith said "Yes, I always tell the truth."

"I'm very happy to have Eddie here. He'll be a great asset to our team," Smith said. "[He has] a lot of playmaking ability; he's proved it before, so I think with the group of guys that we already have here, him coming along, it will be really good for him and then really good for us as well."

Madubuike Sets Floor for His Sack Total

Madubuike has at least doubled his sack total every season of his four-year NFL career and jumped from 5.5 to 13 sacks last year.

Expecting him to double that would be unrealistic, but Madubuike did set the floor for his sack total goals – and it's still lofty.

"It's definitely double digits for sure. I know I'm that type of player," Madubuike said. "I know I expect highly of myself, and I have to hold myself to that standard."

Future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald, a player Madubuike has long looked up to and sometimes been compared to in play style, hit 11 sacks twice in his first four seasons but never 13. Then he exploded for 20.0 in Year 5.

He recorded double-digit sacks in five straight seasons but fell to eight last year and was still named a first-team All-Pro.

"I guess you could say year after year after year, I've gotten better, and it's been working," Madubuike said. "I have a long way to go to even be mentioned in the same sentence as him in terms of play, but I'm determined and willing and just going to take it one day at a time."

Madubuike spent his offseason training in Atlanta with pass rush specialist/defensive line coach Dez Walker, who he has worked with the past three offseasons. This time, Madubuike brought along teammates Odafe Oweh, David Ojabo, and Tavius Robinson. After seeing how Madubuike broke out (and cashed in) last season, they are surely hoping to get on the same track.

"It was cool to have my boys with me out there training and just getting better," Madubuike said.

Smith Wants More Turnovers This Season

Speaking of improvement from an All-Pro, Smith talked about his personal goals for improvement during training camp and the 2024 season.

While he said there are many things he's focused on, Smith emphasized his desire to get more turnovers. He had one interception on eight passes defended and forced one fumble last season.

"Catching more interceptions – I dropped a few last year," Smith said. "Causing more havoc and forcing more turnovers. That's definitely a thing I want to do; get a lot more punches on the ball.

"[You can] expect that a little more – a lot of big hits. People curl up sometimes when I'm coming, but the fist is coming as well, so I'm excited about that and being able to showcase that and try to take my game to a new level."