HEAD COACH JOHN HARBAUGH
Opening Statement: "I appreciate everybody being here. [We had a] really good practice – [I] just have appreciated the work ethic and the attention to detail. Guys being locked in all training camp, every day, that's how you make progress; and I feel like we've come a long way, but we have a long way to go, and the next part of it starts really right now. We'll go to Green Bay – it'll be a nice practice against those guys, and then [we'll] play the game, then we'll be playing for real, so we're ready to go, and we'll see where it takes us. What questions do you have?"
TE Charlie Kolar caught a lot of balls today in practice. How do you see his development as a blocker though? (Todd Karpovich) "[Charlie Kolar] caught a lot of balls today – and he's a big target, obviously, as a pass catcher, but as a blocker, that's kind of what he's been focusing on, and he's developed quite nicely. I mean you see him in the games – he's more physical than he's ever been, and we're going to find out, because he's going to be out there blocking people; and I really have a lot of confidence in him. He's going to do really well."
OLB David Ojabo getting that action on Saturday – when you go back and watch what did you see from him, and what were you expecting versus what you saw? (Alex Glaze) "I would say, first of all I thought it was good. I thought it was physical to a degree. I maybe didn't ... I was hoping for a ... I kind of expect [David Ojabo] to play like that, but to see it out there the very first game, it was really neat, because he wasn't tentative at all. He was in a good mindset – in a gameday mindset, and he hadn't played that much in the last couple of years, so that was a quite a statement from him that way. Really the way he's been practicing is the way he played, so that's what you want to see."
Did you feel a need to reach out and help OLB David Ojabo keep his spirits up after he suffered another major injury in two years? (Childs Walker) "Heck yeah. I can't tell you how many conversations David [Ojabo] and I have had that are just awesome conversations – about a lot of things. He's very smart, [and] he's a very deep thinker – kind of a philosopher, he really is, and I learn a lot talking to him. He's kept his head on straight and keeps things in perspective. He's got a really strong family. I don't know that I really had to say anything other than the fact that conversation is good sometimes, but he's been in a good place. I think he gets down because he wants to get out there and contribute, and he wants to be a part of it, but he's excited to get going."
Do you feel you've made the necessary strides – hopeful strides that you've wanted from the beginning of training camp to where you are right now? (Kyle Phoenix) "I do. I do believe that we're in a good place right now, but this is a moving target. It's an always evolving type of a deal –it's like life, you never know what's going to come next, and we'll just have to respond as we go. But I do believe we're in about as good of a place as we can be in right now for where we're at. The guys have done everything they can possibly do to be as far along as they can be, so I feel great about that as a coach."
It's been a few days now with new offensive line coach George Warhop. What have you seen about the way that he's working with the guys, and just sometimes fresh eyes on the players offers a different perspective maybe? (Ryan Mink) "Sure, George [Warhop] is a very experienced coach. He and Joe [D'Alessandris] go back a long way, too. He's picked right up, to make it seamless, you have to be really good. To step into a role like this at this time is really hard, so you've got to be a high, high level coach to be able to do that and that's why George Warhop was such an opportunity for us, such a blessing that that was available. I do believe it's a God thing – I really do, so it's going really well, guys are responding really well to him. He understands exactly what we're trying to get done, and he's doing a great job. And then our prayers and thoughts are still with Joe D. Joe D. is making good progress, from what I understand [in] talking to his daughters, texting his daughters on the phone, and the information they're sharing is [that] they're very encouraged by his progress. He still has some work to do, but he's a fighter. There's nobody tougher than Joe D., and things are looking good right now."
I think your first year in Baltimore, you had Marshal Yanda as a second-year guy, Ben Grubbs as a second-year guy, Jason Brown stepping in as a rookie at center. Either from that experience or just over your years, what have you learned about what it takes to kind of keep an even keel but also assuring some of that development from a young offensive line? (Jonas Shaffer) "That's such a great point. You look back, and it is kind of the nature of what we do. It'd be nice to have 22 starters out there that they've been playing, and they're all great players, and you knew how they were going to play, and they were self-sufficient and proven guys, but that's never the case. I'm excited about these guys, and the exciting thing about that kind of a situation is that the upside is something that you kind of lean into. From an optimistic point of view, you say, 'What can these guys be?' [And,] 'Why not be great?' That's kind of how I look at these guys right now. I can't wait to see what they develop into, but it's not going to be ... I understand why the concern – I get the questions, and we're all going to find out real soon, and it will be an ongoing [process]. As we go into the season, they're going to continue to get better and better for sure."
Are CB Marlon Humphrey and OL Patrick Mekari OK? We didn't see them out there. (*Luke Jones)* "Yes. Yes they are."
I know you've been really high on defensive coordinator Zach Orr since you've elevated him to defensive coordinator, but over the course of these two preseason games, is there anything that you've kind of learned as he's taken on the new responsibility of play calling? Anything about his management style that has struck you? (Kyle Goon) "The thing that I've learned is [defensive coordinator] Zach [Orr] is not afraid to be who he is. He's just been Zach. He's been who he is; he's genuine. He's not trying to be something that he's not, personality-wise. I think that's what endears him to the guys so much. He's very smart; he's very aware. As we were talking throughout the game, when I had asked him what he saw in there, he was on it. He knew exactly what was going on and where the mistakes and where the good things were. So, that was great – I wasn't surprised by that, just as you expected, but he's really on top of it."
What have you seen out of G/T Daniel Faalele at right guard that gives confidence and the strides that he's taken, and maybe what are you looking for in his game specifically, in this third preseason game? (Kyle Phoenix) "[Daniel Faalele] done a really good job in terms of pass protection. He's been in front of his guy; there's a lot of technique things. His room for improvement is really vast, because he's so talented, and he's naturally able to do so many good things. When he takes the next step in terms of an urgency in the movement that comes with confidence, you're going to see a more physical player, because the physicality is there. He's big, and he can move, and he can bend. He's a powerful man, and he wants to be good. I think the upside is pretty immense."
You guys have a joint practice with the Packers on Thursday and have pretty much been doing them yearly for a little bit now. What's the biggest benefit you see with these joint practices? (Glenn Clark) "You have a chance to go up against a different style. For instance, [Green Bay's] defensive line is an up field, penetrating type of a front. They're going to be hitting gaps and getting up field. We haven't really seen that in the two preseason games or in practice, but we are going see that in the games – the Cowboys are going to do that, for instance – so that's something that we need to get ready for. There's an opportunity to see a different style that we haven't seen before, plus just the level of intensity. Getting guys locked in and focused at the end of a long camp, there's a benefit in that."
Was it a conscious choice by you and Packers head coach Matt LaFleur to just do one day [of practice together] instead of two? (Jonas Shaffer) "It was. The league is starting to encourage that a little bit, too. I think you're talking about some competitive human beings, and everybody wants to win all the time. So, that practice intensity gets to a level sometimes where on the second day, where it's not as productive as it was on the first day."
You said for Saturday's game that would check OLB Adisa Isaac in a couple of days. Is that anything serious? (Jeff Zrebiec) "Well, yes. [Adisa Isaac] got a soft tissue issue again. It's the other leg, but it's not like it was before. It's not the one that's going to keep him out like it was before. He just has to keep working through this. Adisa – you saw how well he played, right? It's just a matter of him working into football shape. You think the guy is going to come out, and all of sudden he's healthy, and like boom, he's going to be 100 percent, but all of these practices callouses these guys. They get these guys to the point where they can handle the volume; they can handle the load; they can handle the reps – the high-level intensity reps, rep after rep. So, he's going to work into that, we call it 'football shape.' He'll have to work into that, and I'm sure he will."
RB DERRICK HENRY
On how comfortable he is in the offense and with his new teammates: "I'm comfortable now. I'm right at home. Training camp was good. We got a lot better; [we're] still getting better, but I'm comfortable and right at home."
On if he wants to have a full contact practice before the season starts: "I'm sure we'll scrimmage against [the Packers] and get some contact in, as far as going against their defense. As far as a game, I haven't played a preseason game since I bet 2018, so I think it has worked out pretty well. I feel pretty good about it."
On how he approaches joint practices: "I think it's fun. We've been going against one another for about a month now. We'll get to go against another jersey, we'll get to practice against another team, see some different looks, and [it will] kind of give us a good look of how far we are and the things we need to work on as an offense [as we] go up against a different team. It's fun, and it's some good work."
On practicing read options and the mesh point with QB Lamar Jackson: "We work on out it here, and if there's anything we need to talk about amongst each other, we do that. [We are] just going through that out here, running the plays, and getting a feel for it and executing. That's the big thing – just making it work."
On running behind FB Patrick Ricard: "That's something I look forward to. Anytime 'four-two' [Patrick Ricard] is in front of me, I'm comfortable, so I'm good. I have to make something happen."
On his recent back-to-school back giveaway: "I was happy to [do that], and I'm blessed to do those types of things. I just wanted to get my hands in the community early, and I reached out to the [Ravens] organization to see where I could help. And they felt like [Curtis Bay Elementary School] was a good area, and I'm glad I was able to go out there and help those kids to get them some tools to be prepared for the school year. I'm looking forward to doing more."
On if doing events in the community gives him a feeling for how excited the city is to see him play: "Oh yes, definitely. [Ravens fans] love their football. I love that, so I'm excited to see their excitement."
On if there's a challenge to play out of the shotgun or pistol formation: "Not at all. We ran pistol before [while I was with] Tennessee and ran out of shotgun. My biggest thing is doing my job and doing my job effectively [while] being efficient."
On if he has a good idea on what the offense will look like in Week 1: "I'm definitely excited to play, and [I] can't wait until that time comes, but it's all about polishing and getting everything down and continuing to get better until that time comes. I'm sure everybody out here is itching to get to Week 1 for sure."
On how he practices his stiff arm: "I think it comes naturally. I've been doing it since I started playing football, and it's gotten more effective. The higher I went, the more I've elevated my game from high school to college to pro, so I think it's something that comes naturally. I wouldn't do that to my teammates though." (Laughter)
On if there's anybody on the team he'd like to stiff arm: "No. Not at all. We've had some good battles through the years, so I think that's done and over with."
On if the coaches have told them that the players have to ride bikes to practice in Green Bay on Thursday: "No, they haven't told us about it, but I saw it on Instagram. I've seen it through the years – that's their tradition [in Green Bay]. But if we have to – I think the kids are involved, so if it's a kid, I don't care. I love doing stuff like that, especially with kids."
On if he rides bikes: "I haven't in a while, so I might be a little rusty. The kid might have to help stay balanced, but I should be fine. It seems like something fun they do for their community and the kids, so I have no problem doing it."
OLB DAVID OJABO
On how good it's been to be back on the field after his injury: "There's no better feeling, honestly. It's what I do for a living: I enjoy it. I love competing. To be out here with the best of the best, man, it's a dream come true, yet again."
On if he was surprised that he looked like himself again right away after going through such a tough journey: "No, it doesn't surprise me, because I know the type of player I am. You just have to go out there and put it on tape, honestly. I know the work I put in, too, so the work always comes to light."
On what it was like to try to hold out hoping that he could play in games last year: "So, it did start off as a sprained ankle. [I] got rolled up on in the Indy [Indianapolis Colts] game, and then some swelling came up in my knee, and no one really knew what was going on, so we just wanted the swelling to go down. Then, we got an MRI, and we just made the best medical decision. I definitely could have played, but for the long run – career-wise and just for my best interest [and the] team's best interest – [I should] just go ahead and get it fixed, so I could be back 100 percent like I am now."
On if there were days where it was tough to keep his spirits up because he was injured two years in a row, and who helped him through that: "[I] just stayed prayed up. I have a very strong family. I have a good base around here. 'Dafe' [Odafe Oweh] is like my brother, [and] 'Beeks' [Justin Madubiuke is] like my brother, so I live through them. Those three things – God, family [and] friends – I really honed in on that, and of course, the work, man. Nothing comes easy, so I just put my head down and worked. That's all I know, so I'm right back."
On what it was like working with pass rush coach Chuck Smith on developing his pass rush plan: "[Pass rush coach] Chuck [Smith], [he's] the guru. He really knows what he's talking about. Everything he says comes to light – regarding just moves to use, when to use it [and] how to use it – and we're all just good listeners, honestly, because we'll look over to him on the sideline in practice, and he'll really walk us through a move to do on the sideline; we execute it, [and] it ends up working, so it's just a testament to him and his knowledge and how he passes it down to all of us. It's working."
On if there is anything his opponent does when he looks to do a spin move and specifically when he beat his opponent in the last preseason game: "I just [pressured him on the] edge, edge ... I was working him [on the] edge a lot and got a good get off [with] pressure on the left side, so I knew [it was] first down. I [saw] they were in a pass stance, so I know in his mind, he's thinking that he just got beat on the edge, so as soon as I [saw] him jump out, it was game over."
On when he felt like his old self again after the injury or if he's felt that yet: "Yes, yes. Just [a] shoutout to the doctors, man, in terms of the ramp up. It was definitely a slow ramp up leading up to playing my debut game back. Yes, every stage of the way, I felt as I was supposed to. Like I said, man, just [a] shoutout to the doctors and the training staff. They got me right."
On if he feels like he is back to 100 percent: "Yes, sir, man."
On if he was hoping to be able to play in the first preseason game and if/when he got the news that he wasn't medically cleared for that game: "You have to ask my doctor or the surgeon. I just do as I'm told, and they had a plan in place; I know that for sure. I was cleared for the second game, and I went out and did my thing."
On how hard of a decision it was to get the surgery last year considering he already missed his rookie year: "Yes, man. It was tough. Like I said, this is what I do for a living, so to not be able to do that and [for] it kind of being out of your control, that's when you just lean on God, lean on your family, lean on the people around you and just know that everything will work out for good."
On what it means to him that the Ravens keep the expectations high for his performance: "There's no better feeling than that. We all want to feel like we're special [and] feel like we're depended on, and it's on me to put in the work to make that vision come to life. So, it's a blessing, man. Everybody wants to be wanted, and to know that this team wants me and wants me to be successful, it's a blessing, man."
On how much he needed to see tangible results like he did on Saturday from all of his hard work: "I just control what I can. The way I practice [is] very hard. The way I study [is] very hard. I expect it to translate to the field, so I just ... What I can control is the practice field. I go out there, [I] do my thing, and then come gameday, [I] just let it loose, and the results will be [what they will be]."
On his reaction to hearing that the national media questions the Ravens' pass rush this season: "I'm focused on the Ravens and just what we [have] in here. There is a lot of noise outside that I can't control [and] 'Coach Harbaugh' [head coach John Harbaugh] can't control, so to whoever said that, that's their opinion. We just control what we can, work hard every day in practice, and it will take care of itself."
On if his injuries have impacted how much fun he has on the field or given him a different appreciation of the game: "Yes, man. Honestly, just kind of, like I said, having my brothers – like 'Dafe' [Odafe Oweh] and 'Beeks' [Justin Madubuike] and 'Trav' [Travis Jones] – I was living through them. I couldn't do it myself, so I knew that when I came back, I'm going to cherish every moment. You really never know when it's going to be your last. [It's] a testament to even 'Z.O.' [Zach Orr], our [defensive] coordinator. He just had the year of his life [before his playing career ended]. You never know when it's going to be your last snap, so just cherish every moment. I'm in a very blessed position playing in the NFL for one of the best organizations, so every day I'm out here, [I'm] smiling through it and making it my best day."
