In their first year as teammates, Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry have been what many people expected – a dream for the Ravens and a nightmare for the opposition.
Jackson has enjoyed a stellar season that he hopes will culminate in a Super Bowl victory. Henry rushed for a career-high 5.9 yards per carry while almost reaching 2,000 yards (1,921) for the second time in his career.
Henry and Jackson believe that being a dynamic duo doesn't diminish their individual accomplishments.
"You can put anybody by Lamar and they're going to have a hell of a year," Henry said. "That's just the type of player he is. My success shouldn't knock his, or vice versa."
Henry said playing with Jackson is the main reason he came to Baltimore – to play with "Hall of Fame quarterback, MVP-caliber quarterback."
"I've been seeing all the chatter (about MVP). I forgot who said it, [but we should] celebrate the two – him and Josh Allen. They both had a hell of a year this year," Henry said.
"I feel like Lamar – in his case – I feel like his stats can be even better. I feel like he's the best player in the league, and it's only going to get better from here. I don't feel like what I've done should hurt him. I feel like he's helped me even more."
Jackson Would Prefer Warmer Weather But Having Henry Helps
Saturday night facing the Steelers is expected to be another cold weather game for Jackson, with temperatures expected in the 20's.
The South Florida native prefers balmy conditions but believes the Ravens will have an edge.
"I'd rather it not be cold, but we've got Derrick Henry, so that's a bonus," Jackson said.
Asked if he was ready for a possible snow game on Saturday, Jackson said, "It don't matter. I'm ready for any game."
Jackson said he hasn't decided if he will wear sleeves or not.
"It probably depends on how cold it is," Jackson said. "I feel like I've been doing pretty good with how I've been playing without them."
Playoffs Are Familiar Territory for Justin Tucker
Justin Tucker knows about kicking in the playoffs and has plenty of pleasant memories to draw from.
In his rookie season in 2012, Tucker made a 47-yarder against the Denver Broncos in double-overtime to end the Mile High Miracle game that was part of Baltimore's march to the Super Bowl. For his career, Tucker has made 18 of 22 field goal attempts in the postseason and is a perfect 34 of 34 on extra points.
There have been ups and downs for Tucker during this regular season, but he regained his form down the stretch, making his last three field goal attempts, including a 51-yarder against the Steelers. Playoff games are often decided by special teams, and Tucker believes he's on top of his game.
"Throughout the season, the highs and the lows, maintaining confidence comes from what we do on the practice field and just trusting our process," Tucker said. "We are solely concerned with taking care of our jobs, putting the ball through the uprights, trusting that our technique will carry us through and help put us in position to win football games."
Nnamdi Madubuike Enjoys Giving Pre-Game Speeches
Following pre-game warmups, the Ravens always gather on the field and surround one of their players for one final pump-up speech. That honor has often gone to Roquan Smith, but lately defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike has also stepped into the role, and he enjoys it.
"I guess around [you all], I'm more soft spoken, but out there, I'm a little wild," Madubuike said. "I'm loud, I do my thing. At first it was kind of different, but now I'm starting to get a hang of it. Now it's kind of been my little thing and me and Roquan's little thing, but overall, if he feels it before the game, he does it. If I feel it before the game, I do it. Whatever we got to do to get everybody going to play our best ball."
Madubuike said his speeches come to mind in the moment, and he doesn't prepare them.
"I just let it flow," he said. "I feel like if I think too much, it doesn't come as authentic"
Asked how Madubuike's speeches sound, Smith started barking and yelling, drawing laughter from the media. But he enjoys the energy Madubuike brings.
"Nnamdi's got some good stuff," Smith said. "He's fiery, man. It looks like he'll send me to the ICU or something. He gets the guys going, and he knows exactly what to say and when to say it, so he'll have the guys ready to go."
