HEAD COACH JOHN HARBAUGH
Opening Statement: "Good seeing everybody. I appreciate everybody being here. [It's a] beautiful day; good practice. Getting ready for a very tough opponent [on] Monday Night Football in their place – I'm sure it will be electric. The Bucs are playing at a high level. [Buccaneers head] coach [Todd] Bowles does a great job with that team – the whole staff does. Baker Mayfield is playing at a high level. [Their] offense is ranked top of the pack in so many different categories; [the] defense is flying around. We're looking forward to it, and we understand the challenge that's in front of us. What questions do you have?"
With RB Derrick Henry, I know you always, in going against him, you were familiar with him, but did you know the extent to what he does to prepare for games and prepare his body? Did you know that before you kind of met him? (Jamison Hensley) "No I didn't. I hadn't been around [Derrick Henry]. I always heard he was a good guy, and he worked hard, but to see it first-hand – the level of professionalism from Derrick Henry – it's been great. It's been really good for our young guys to see that, because sometimes the best leadership is by example, and he's certainly providing it for those guys."
With Buccaneers WRs Chris Godwin and Mike Evans – guys are playing at a high level. What kind of matchup problems do those guys create? (Todd Karpovich) "[Mike Evans and Chris Godwin pose] tremendous matchup problems. They have two of the best, and they put those guys in spots – usually [No.] 14 [Chris Godwin]'s in the slot, usually [No.] 13 [Mike Evans is] out there at X. You single [Evans] up, he's a problem, and then you have [No.] 14 in the slot – if you single him up, he's a problem. They're both catch-and-run players; they're both contested-catch players. Their tight ends are playing well and blocking well, [and they're] making the catches they need to make. The [running] backs – their three backs – are playing well. They have a young guy [Sean Tucker] from Syracuse – from right over here; [he went to] Calvert Hall – he had a bunch of yards and played great. It's a very deep offense."
How have you seen Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield evolve? You saw him in Year 1 as a rookie to now – how has his game changed? (Pete Gilbert) "I don't know that it's really changed. I think [Baker Mayfield]'s still playing like he plays – he's playing 'Baker ball' at a very high level. They've done a very good job of building the offense around what he does well with his two star receivers. Their offensive line's playing well, too. All those things have kind of come together for them, it seems, at this point."
Entering Week 7, how important is it for you to see the team not only getting stronger in their game, but also mentally? (David Andrade) "I hope so. That's kind of the thing – hopefully you just continue to [stay] locked in; stay humble; work hard; maintain your faith every single day and understand that it's a long journey, and it's a one-week league. It's one-day preparation; one day [and] one play at a time, and it's a one-week league – all you can focus on is what's in front of you. I do believe our guys have done a very good job of that, and we need to continue to do that."
Do you guys have a hard and fast rule when you're playing someone like WR Mike Evans and it's a 50-50 ball for when to turn your head and when to stay eyes on the receiver and try to play the catching point? (Jonas Shaffer) "That's a really great question. I wish there was a hard and fast rule for when, because the problem is no two situations are ever exactly the same. The timing; your leverage; your relationship – how far away you are [and] how close you are; where the ball is; when the ball gets there – all those things are different. It's probably more of a reaction type of a thing, if you play through your fundamentals. We want to do a good job at the line. You're talking about one-on-one against Mike Evans – you have to do a good job at the line first of all; maintain position when he releases, because he's so strong on the release, and then down the field be in position when the ball comes that way so you have a chance to make a play on the ball. You can't play through the receiver; you can't interfere with the receiver – all those different things. But you can be in position in that catch area in front of the receiver [and] near the receivers to play the ball and then try to play it well. There's kind of principles and fundamentals that go with that, and [fundamentally-sound] and technique-[sound] football – it probably applies there maybe more than anywhere else."
When an aspect of your team is getting a huge amount of praise like the offense is right now across the country, is your instinct as a coach to sort of say,' Hold your horses, let's not get ahead of ourselves. There' still a lot of work to do.' Do you just block it out? (Childs Walker) "Yes, I try to put it in perspective. It's not hard for guys to remember what was being said four weeks ago [or] five weeks ago. Noise is noise; new noise is new noise – it doesn't matter. It's just pretty much at the end of the day – it's what you do every day to be the best player that you can be. We seek improvement. We want to be ... We say, 'One percent better,' [and] we say, 'better today than yesterday [and] better tomorrow than today.' All those things we say, [but] what we're really trying to do is see if we can improve on one thing all the time. That's the thing, so we're always improving on something all the time. If we can do, that then we're in a good place. All the rest of it is ... Guys read it – it's OK to read, good and bad – it's fine if you read it, but it shouldn't really impact your process."
QB Lamar Jackson last year obviously the MVP – this season you look at the way he's played – stats and just the way he's played at a similar pace. What's the difference going from Year 1 to Year 2 for him, and is this maybe the highest and best version you've seen of him yet? (Brian Wacker) "Probably the answer; the honest answer is probably yes, just because [Lamar Jackson]'s the most far along as he's been, just as a player and development-wise – he's steadily, steadily always ... He's that guy that kind of epitomizes what we're talking about there – he's always seeking to improve. He's very much a perfectionist. He wants every play to be perfect. He chases perfection in his football. I'd say, yes, but I think his focus is on the next play [and] the next game."
How was the first game with Dean Pees in his senior advisor role? (Tim Barbalace) "It was good. It was really good. Dean [Pees] kind of settled in, and he and [defensive coordinator] Zach [Orr] – and he's in there with the defensive coaches just being a help [and] a sounding board. [He gives] great input; great experience; [it's] good for all of us. I've had a chance to talk to him about different things. It's always good to seek wise counsel. It's a blessing to seek wise counsel, and Dean is definitely wise counsel."
Did Dean Pees end up being in the coaches booth or on the sideline? (Childs Walker) "[Dean Pees] was up top."
WR RASHOD BATEMAN
On the success of the play-action offense with RB Derrick Henry: "Yes, I would definitely say that having Derrick [Henry] and Lamar [Jackson] in the backfield has definitely been a game changer for us, and it's definitely been working. Hopefully we can keep that up."
On if QB Lamar Jackson is playing the best of his career: "Yes, I think just because I've seen [Lamar Jackson] play since I've been here, [and] it seems like the game has slowed down for him."
On how QB Lamar Jackson's offensive understanding shows itself during games: "Just playing smarter and more decisive with the football. Understanding where [Lamar Jackson] wants to go with the football – getting the certain checks or looks that he sees [that] fits best for the team, and we've been giving him the keys to the offense, and I think it's been working out in our favor."
On the Ravens' "Pick your poison" offense affects other teams week to week: "I mean I think that's a question for the [other] team. For us, it really [doesn't] really matter or change. I think for us it's just everybody just needs to be ready and prepared for when their number's called."
On the Ravens' buy-in across the offense potentially having a different role each week: "Just because [of] the culture I feel like that Baltimore has here. [Head] coach 'Harbs' [John Harbaugh] does a good job preaching team first, team first; and we've got a lot of guys, selfless guys, that are bought in, and I think the only thing anybody is concerned about right now is getting Lamar [Jackson] a Super Bowl."
On how the game has slowed down for him, and if he ever thinks "I'm a little bit open": "That's the other perspective of what people have on me. I never had that perspective. I'm always open, and I'm going to continue to be so for Lamar [Jackson]. Zay Flowers is always open, and he will continue to do so for Lamar. We know what we're able to do; we know what we're capable of doing, and hopefully we continue to put that on show."
On QB Lamar Jackson saying there's room for improvement for the offense: "Not to get too far into detail, football-wise, but I agree with Lamar [Jackson]. Every week, we leave a lot of points on the field, and it's a small thing. We just have to clean up the details and really go back to the drawing board and sharpen those details, and make sure we can go out every Sunday and play to the best of our ability. Week by week, we're getting better, but we're human – there's only so much we can do right – but we're trending in the right direction."
S KYLE HAMILTON
On the secondary's improvement from Week 1 until now: "I would say we're a little more cohesive. [There are] a couple of new guys in the group, like Nate [Wiggins] and Eddie [Jackson]. [It's] nothing negative against them; it just takes a little time to gel with those guys, playing in a game, and I feel like we're at a good spot right now."
On if there is any benefit to having a front-loaded schedule against dynamic quarterbacks and receivers: "Yes, I think there is. We're seeing pretty much ... We played Jayden Daniels last week, and then [Joe] Burrow the week before that – Josh Allen, [Patrick] Mahomes and all these guys. I think going against all these different kinds of quarterbacks [are] who we're going to see in the playoffs, so I think it's good for us to have that experience to know how different people play. At the same time, it's a week-to-week league, and I feel like anybody can lose to anybody in any given week, so it's up to us to go out there and be prepared every week."
On the challenges that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers present: "Baker [Mayfield] has been doing a great job since he's gotten there, and their offense is running pretty smoothly right now. They're playing physical. They have a few backs back there who are running the ball pretty hard. Their scheme is good, receivers are good, quarterback is good, [and the] O-line is playing [well]. So yes, it's a good challenge for us to go into Tampa Bay and hopefully come out with a win."
On what it's like to watch film of a team that scored 51 points the week before: "It's a little different watching that, because I haven't seen a 50-point game in the NFL in a while. I think they had a defensive touchdown and some other stuff like that, but they still put up a lot of points. I think watching film like that is good and bad, because you're obviously not getting the best look from the defensive side, just to have like what happens when stuff works against their offense, but at the same time, you can see the explosive passes and stuff like that and what we need to stop."
On why WR Mike Evans is such a special reciever: "[Mike Evans] has been good forever, since I can remember. I was young watching him and Johnny Manziel light it up at [Texas] A&M [University]. He's been in the league [for] 10-plus years now and [had many] 1,000-yard seasons and all that stuff. He's definitely one of the better wide receivers of my generation, just growing up, and they have Chris Godwin who's been good there awhile, as well – Sterling Shepard [and] a bunch of guys. The tight ends are playing well. So, I think it's good for us to go against an offense that's pretty much hitting on all cylinders right now. It's a good challenge for us."
On his excitement level watching the Ravens offense and what would cause him the most worry if he had to play them: "I was actually just talking to [defensive coordinator] Zach Orr about that today, and just watching our offense operate out there, I was like, 'How would you stop Zay Flowers?' And he just gave me like an, 'I don't know. Good thing we don't have to worry about it.' But I said something to the defense – just the DBs [defensive backs] – on the sideline during the Bengals game, saying like, 'The offense is doing all they can. It's up to us to go out there and win a game.' [If] they keep performing how they're performing and we keep getting better, I think it's going to be hard to beat us."
On how the coaches are telling the defenders to play the 50/50 balls and what he's seeing from DB Brandon Stephens this season: "Well, we need to start catching the ball, one, to get more picks and turnovers and stuff like that. Yes, I think it just goes back to technique, and we're challenged so much at practice that I feel like in the game, it kind of just comes naturally. Speaking on 'B-Steve' [Brandon Stephens] and giving him his flowers, I think he's one of the most underrated players in this league – not just [at] corner. That's his job week in and week out, [and] we ask him to do it a ton, and he does it. Me and Marlon [Humphrey] were golfing the other day, and we were just talking about 'B-Steve,' saying like, 'He's really ...' If you know football and you watch it at a close level, you can appreciate what he does, and he's really one of the most technical corners in the NFL that we have in our league. It's impressive to see how patient and how composed he is on a play-in, play-out basis. His technique never changes, and he's a one-play mentality kind of guy, and it's fun to play with him."
On if he takes tight-window throws into account when he's evaluating how the secondary is playing: "I think yes and no. At the same time, you don't want to give up a touchdown, no matter what manner it is – if they get lucky [or] if you get lucky. But I think a lot of football is ... Not a lot, but sometimes it just comes down to luck. Sometimes things will go your way, and I feel like last year, we had some stuff going our way, which helped us be first in points, sacks [and turnovers]. Sometimes they do; sometimes they don't. And I feel like it's up to us to kind of eliminate the luck factor and just make it [about] us doing our job."
On the locker room punishment for dropping an interception: "I don't know. We need to come up with one. Maybe you all can come up with one. We usually do pushups, but I don't know. There might need to be a monetary thing attached to that. Maybe we can go on a DB trip after the year or something like that."
RB DERRICK HENRY
You're leading the NFL in rushing, and you've done it so many times during your career. Does it ever get old – being atop the leaderboard? (Jamison Hensley) "I'm blanking it out. I'm not even thinking about it. [I'm] just focused on – week-by-week – how I can get better, how I can improve and help this offense, and us really making each other better. And like I said on Sunday, [I'm] just focused on being 1-0. [I've] got to ignore the other stuff."
Do you ever look at the stats and the numbers? (Brian Wacker) "I mean, you see it, [because] you can't miss it, especially when you get on your phone; some of that stuff is on social media and stuff. But I just try to blank all that stuff out and just focus on the right now, and what we need to do. [I] focus on the gameplan and executing that at practice, and then going out there and trying to put together a good gameplan so we can go win."
It just seems like you are having so much fun on this team and love being here. Can you kind of put into context just how much fun you are having playing for the Ravens this year? (Garrett Downing) "I mean, when you win, everything is fun; that makes everything fun. It's just about me playing football. I fell in love with this game when I was 5 years old, and I know there's a business side to it, but when you're out there, you're just playing like you're a kid again. And just like everybody else on the team – offense, defense – we're all in it together to get a win, and when you accomplish that, it's just a great feeling. [It's] a great accomplishment – that we did something together. So, yes, it's been fun, a lot."
We saw the sideline clips of RBs Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell kind of giving you a hard time about not dancing. Why do you not dance? (Ryan Mink) "Every day. Every day." (laughter) "Every day. I told [Justice Hill and Keaton Mitchell], I used to [dance] when I was in [the] early stage of my career. In my first two or three years – maybe Year Four – I danced a little bit. I'm just old, now. I'm over it, now. I'll leave the dancing to them. They're [always] ready to dance [at] any time. I'll be like, 'Maybe I'll have you all dance on the sidelines, so they can get a glimpse of you all dancing.' But I don't dance. I hand the ball to the ref and just go to the sideline." (laughter)
With the threat of QB Lamar Jackson and the passing game being where it is, has it ever been easier for you, just because of all the other possibilities that the defense has to prepare for? (Pete Gilbert) "I just think that they're doing a great job blocking and giving Lamar [Jackson] time. Guys are getting open, [and] the execution has been good. We've been working hard in practice so [that] it can come to life in a game, and that just goes [as] credit to everybody doing their job, just so we can have big plays on offense, and it meshes well together – the pass game and the run game. We need both to be able to create explosive plays and be able to get the ball down the field and create touchdowns. So, it's just a credit to everybody. [We're] doing a great job, and everybody [is] doing their job, individually and collectively."
The last time that the Ravens played a primetime game, things turned out pretty well. What about being under the lights and in front of a national audience brings out the best in you guys? (A.J. Gersh) "They've been playing in primetime games before I got here, and I just think it's just the stage. We just treat it like another game and get prepared for it. But we're going to Tampa; it's a very good team – a very good team – a very good defense, who plays hard, who flies to the ball. I think they're solid all around – very solid. [They're] probably one of the best defenses we've faced this year. So, it's going to be a good one [and] a tough matchup."
You played on some very good teams in Tennessee. Going into the season, did you ever think that this could be the best offense you've ever played on? (Childs Walker) "No, I don't make any expectations. I think you've got to put the work in to have the opportunity to get to that point. I feel like we've been doing a great job, but there are still a lot of things that we can improve on and get better at, and that's what we're focused on."
You, QB Lamar Jackson, WR Zay Flowers and WR Nelson Agholor are all Florida guys. What goes into that Florida connection, and does it build a special kind of bond among you? (Ryan Mink) "It's just ... I don't know. [As] Florida boys, I think we just all mesh together well. I don't know. It's just ... You can't really explain it. But I feel like, the Ravens – they like Florida boys, so it's been a thing around here. But yes, I think it just comes [naturally] – that we're all from Florida [and] that we've been around the same things. I'm [from] up north, [and] they're [from] down south, so it's a little different. But I think it's just natural to ... We're just Florida boys; it comes [naturally]."
What are your impressions of QB Lamar Jackson this season? Obviously, you had seen what kind of player he was from afar, but what has your impression been after having now been alongside him for six games? (Brian Wacker) "It speaks for itself. I don't think I need to say too much. I think [Lamar Jackson's] stats speak for itself, his play speaks for itself, the respect he has around this league ... I've always respected his game [and been] a big fan of his. And yes, he's been playing lights out. He holds himself to a high standard and his teammates to a high standard, and we just all try to make each other better and go out there and try to do our best on Sundays. Lamar has been doing a hell of a job."
We saw the offensive line get some work in after practice. How much has that group really gelled in recent weeks? (Tim Barbalace) "I just think that's the chemistry [the offensive line has] – of wanting to get better, wanting to make each other better and just finding any way to improve, week after week. I love that about them, and like I told you all [on] Sunday in the locker room, I just told them, 'Thank you,' because the unselfishness, putting their bodies on the line ... They're doing a heck of a job blocking. It's much appreciated by me. See, they're coming off the field right now. Look at them."
There was a clip from the Ravens showing you and QB Lamar Jackson having a talk before he took the bootleg to get you guys a first down near the end of the Commanders game. What has impressed you about what Lamar does before the snap to get this offense into spots where the play can be successful, whether it's run-pass options, audibles, play-action passes or whatever? (Jonas Shaffer) "[With Lamar Jackson's] experience in the league, he's gotten better and better, and his leadership since he's been here ... Everybody respects him. He expects excellence out of everybody – he demands that – [and] that's what everybody tries to do out here, just so we're executing on Sundays. And it takes all of us to be able to have big plays – the offensive line [and] everybody blocking, guys getting open, Lamar [seeing] what the defense is doing and guys getting open in the middle of the field. So, this offense ... Credit to everybody [for] being locked in, but like I said, there's so much more room that we grow and get better at."
QB LAMAR JACKSON
On why he's so successful against NFC teams: "[It's] just an all-around team effort [and] gameplan. It's probably because we see each other [every once in a while], so it's hard to game-plan for us. [It's] a little bit of everything."
On if he thought he and RB Derrick Henry would be so dominant in the run game: "Yes. I thought so, just because of what [Derrick Henry] is able to, the type of running back he is, and him just wanting to do everything right. If it's some type of mistake – it could be a mistake on my part, he'll be like, 'It's all good.' [It's the] same thing with me; it just makes everything easier for me."
On how much more effective play-action plays are when RB Derrick Henry is in the backfield: "It's very effective, because guys are trying to stop him before [Derrick Henry] gets started. They're trying to hit the A-, B- [and] C-gap; it really doesn't matter, they're just trying to stop him in the backfield before he gets to rolling and gets to the second and third level. That play-action is definitely effective."
On his relationship with QB Baker Mayfield, and if there's any extra motivation to play against another quarterback that was in his 2018 draft class: "No, I just want to win. I go out there, and I look at every game the same way. [Baker Mayfield] is a tremendous quarterback, he has been since college, ever since I've known him – even going back to the Heisman [Trophy]. Both of us won the Heisman back-to-back. A little bit, you can say we have a relationship a little bit from there. But outside of football, I'm not really around other quarterbacks. I don't know. Every time you all ask me about another quarterback, it's like, 'I don't know what to say.'" (laughter) "I love his game. He's still the same person from what I see. From afar, he's still the same Baker. He's still making things happen for [the Buccaneers]."
On if the offense is playing the way he expected it to, or if there is room for improvement: "There's definitely room for improvement, because sometimes things go the way I want it to, and sometimes they don't, and sometimes I feel a [certain] way about it. I get mad at myself. There's room for improvement with our offense. It's not a perfect offense – no offense is – but we're still working. We're trying to get somewhere."
On if he feels like he's playing the best he ever has: "I just feel like everything is slowing down even more just from the [seven] years I've been in the league and seeing all types of defenses, seeing all types of blitzes – everything is just second nature right now. So, I'm just trying to be a better player myself each and every year, so I'll just say everything is slowing down. That's what's helping it."
On people around the country saying the Ravens have the best offense in the league: "People are going to say whatever they want to say. We were just 0-2, and [they were saying] we were the worst offense in the league. Just being 4-2 right now, people are still going to say whatever they want to say, because there can be a game [and] we could come out with a win, but an ugly offensive game, and they'll say, 'It's the worst offense.' Each and every week, there's going to be something, we just have to focus on being the best offense that the Ravens have ever had."
On connection with his teammates from Florida: "That's what we breed down there, just football. There's a lot of football players [in Florida]. Don't get me wrong, we have some basketball players here and there [and] probably some doctors and lawyers." (laughter) "We breed football players. It's something we do down there. It's like a big family gathering on Saturdays – youth football. It's always been that way from what I've known. There's just something about us loving football down there."
On how he manages all the hype he receives: "I know how it feels to be 0-2. I really don't care about the hype – not just being 0-2 – I just know how the NFL works. It's 'Any Given Sunday.' So, I'm not going to dwell on an MVP trophy or anything like that – I never have. Even when I won it, I never dwelled on it. It was just about me trying to win each and every game I'm in, and [it's the] same thing now. I'm still trying to win these games to get to February and win in February."
On if he said "there we go" on a pass to WR Rashod Bateman: "No. I didn't say that. I don't know who said that. Somebody probably recorded and said that. It wasn't me, though, I didn't say nothing."
On how much more comfortable he is in the second year of offensive coordinator's Todd Monken's offense: "[I'm] a lot [more] comfortable. [It's] the same terminology [and] just hearing it [for] a year and being involved in it [for] a year and just talking with [offensive coordinator Todd Monken] about things that I see on the field, what I don't see, and just hearing his take on [certain] plays. It's a team effort – it's not just me doing it myself – it's everybody involved, and everyone is talking about their plans, and what they're seeing out there on the field or in the film room."
On how RB Derrick Henry is leading the NFL in rushing at the age of 30: "[It's Derrick Henry's] preparation, him just loving the game of football has to play a part, and him just all-around being great person. All of that has to play a part in him having as much success as he's having now."
