Smith had a couple rough games not long after his return. The Ravens gave him a shot to prove himself against Michael Thomas and the New Orleans Saints, but Smith was beaten for a couple long gains and a touchdown. He struggled some more the following week in Carolina.

Before the Ravens' Nov. 18 game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Smith delivered the final message to the defense during their Saturday night meetings. He told his teammates he felt he was letting them down, and he promised things were about to change.

Over the past four weeks, Smith has given up just 12 receptions for 103 yards, per Pro Football Focus. He's showing signs of his dominance, and was on top of his game against Jones.

"He's followed what he said," Defensive Coordinator Wink Martindale said. "I think we're getting the dividends from it now.

"I think that gets into the old Pop Warner parent deal. I'm just so proud, because of the adversity that each guy goes through. ... It's really cool to see Jimmy step up and play the way that he's playing. He's playing like Jimmy."

Smith will be pivotal down the stretch against top pass catchers such as the Chiefs' Tyreek Hill/Travis Kelce, Buccaneers' Mike Evans, Chargers' Keenan Allen and Browns' Jarvis Landry. It's a gauntlet that will say a lot about the player that Smith is now at 30 years old.

He sees a lot of younger cornerbacks emerging around the NFL, and even on his own team with Marlon Humphrey and Tavon Young, and Smith still wants to be seen among the best.

"Inside, I know what type of player I am, and my teammates know, but I do want the T-shirt that says I am," Smith said with a smile.

"Honestly, I'm just excited to be healthy at this time, our defense being able to play at this level at this time. It's a good feeling to be out there and not watching on TV. I guess everybody can't say I wasn't there this time."

It remains to be seen what happens with Smith after this season. The Ravens can save $9.5 million against their salary cap if they were to release Smith this offseason, per Spotrac. Smith said he's had great conversations with General Manager Ozzie Newsome and Head Coach John Harbaugh, but he knows it's a business.

"All I can control is trying to play strong these last games and whatever happens, happens," Smith said.