HEAD COACH JOHN HARBAUGH
Opening Statement: "You kind of live these things close to your heart, and these are just huge battles. [There are] huge battles every week in this league, and going against a team that is this well-coached, by all of their coaches and by my brother, Jim [Harbaugh] – the best coach in the National Football League – what he's done with that team and how hard they play, and what they did, hats off to them, because they're going to win a lot more football games this year, and they're going to be a major factor in the playoffs. This is a big win for our guys. I'm proud of our guys. I'm proud of the way they came out and responded after the first 10 points – we were down 10-0 – and our guys stepped up. They had two field goals until the last drive on defense, and our offense had five scoring drives right in a row there to make a difference. That's what I appreciate about our guys; they really don't flinch, they keep fighting, they got locked in on some details, and they played good winning football, so I'm proud of them for that, and now, we have a quick turnaround. We have to get back at about 6:30 in the morning and get to work on a very good Eagles team. What questions do you have?"
Meeting with your brother, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, after the game, what was kind of said after the game? (Jamison Hensley) "I just told [Jim Harbaugh], 'You're a great coach, and you have a great team, and I love you.' And he said, 'I love you and congratulations.' It was good. Yes."
At the two-minute warning there in the second quarter, it looked like the punt team was heading out there, and then the offense all of a sudden went out. What went into that decision for you? And how difficult of a call was that? (Jeff Zrebiec) "The downside is you give them the ball at the 16-yard line –that's the downside – but the upside, or the thought, is I really thought we could get it. I thought Mark [Andrews] could get it with the quarterback sneak, and I just thought he and Tyler [Linderbaum] and our interior offensive line – Pat Mekari just coming off the ball way he did, and Daniel Faalele coming off the ball the way they did – I just thought we could get it, and they did, so hats off to them. It led to a 93-yard drive and got us seven points; that was a big turning point in the game."
Did anyone on offense try to talk you into going for it on that one? (Jeff Zrebiec) "No, no, no. It was the right thing to do. It's always a team decision."
Towards the end of the game, when you're on defense, you kind of gave the earmuffs thing, maybe telling your guys not to jump. Did you sort of have to do that in the week leading up to this and just sort of block out the constant inquiries about coaching against your brother? (Sam Farmer) "Well, yes. I see; that's why you're so good. That was clever." (laughter) "Yes, absolutely. It was kind of earmuffs in that sense, and I know it was for Jim [Harbaugh], too, because in the end, it's true, it's meaningful, it matters. It's just something that is just an incredible thing. It does mean a lot, and I'm so proud of him. It's an amazing thing to look back to where we are from where we came. We had different paths. We grew up in the same room and have always lived our life side by side, but that's not what the game is about. The game really is about the players, and the players are always going to win the game or lose the game or whatever. And that's why [being] strong and courageous is such a big deal, because it takes so much to play this game. You have to be strong and courageous to play football – you really do – and at this level, these guys sacrifice so much, and they go out there, and they just throw everything on the line. I have so much respect for the players. Jim is the same way. We both try to treat our players with great respect, admiration and love, because that's how we feel about them."
We've seen Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh do this before. Can you describe how he's able to come to a team and a program, and very quickly, the players buy in, and he turns it around. Sometimes people come in with a two-to-three-year plan. How do you describe what he's been able to do? (Reporter) "It's a great question. I'm glad you asked it. [It's] what I just said, because Jim [Harbaugh] is a believer in the players, and he understands it. You build teams around players' strengths, and you build teams around players that love football and players that want to work hard and want to play hard, and they want to come up into the office, and they want to be a part of a team and be a part of something bigger than themselves, and he just leans into that and loves into that every single day with his guys. I do believe that's why they respond to him the way they do."
Can you talk about how your defense was able to respond the way they did after that first drive and to do it without ILB Roquan Smith tonight? (Cliff Brown) "Yes, hats off, big time, to the defense, and 'Ro' [Roquan Smith] wasn't there. Some people would say he's the heart and soul. I think I got asked that question before the game; 'you lost the heart and soul of the defense of your defense.' He's the middle of the defense, for sure, but I was very confident that these guys would step up, and you're talking about ... It starts with Malik Harrison and also Kristian Welch and also Chris Board; those three guys shared the load. Malik Harrison steps in – as he's sitting right here – and has a career game. He had 12 tackles. And the thing I appreciate about Malik, is he's a really even-keeled guy, but he's a confident person. And they go down there the first drive, and we're trying to figure out what's going on and how we're going to play these different things, and [we] talked through it, and he didn't flinch for one second. He just stepped up and stepped into those run plays and made a bunch of tackles. I couldn't be more proud of him; I think he in a lot of ways epitomizes a victory tonight."
When you look at some of the spectacular plays by some of your skill-position players – WR Rashod Bateman with that catch under tight coverage, TE Mark Andrews winning the jump ball and obviously RB Justice Hill with his big run – is that the kind of stuff you're going to need to see from those guys to get to the championship goal that you have this year? (Kyle Goon) "Absolutely. Players making plays is what's all about, and I have to give a game ball to 'Bate' [Rashod Bateman]. I have to give a game ball for 'Bate' for that catch. We're going to get a game ball, and we'll give it to him right now, because he deserves it. So, add him to the game ball list, because that was an unbelievable catch. But players making plays in big moments – that's what these guys work their whole life for. That's what they dream of. To see them do it is very fulfilling."
To circle back to LB Malik Harrison, I think he played over 20 special teams snaps today, lining up as the edge in the heavier sets, off the ball. What about his versatility do you appreciate in a game like this? (Jonas Shaffer) "You talk about versatility and all of the different things, and even within special teams there are versatile jobs. There are six different phases, [and they] are all different jobs for Malik [Harrison], but then he plays inside backer – in the middle of the defense – and on the edge setting the edge. That's a pretty unique thing to do. He's already made a name for himself, but making an even bigger name for himself, and he did it tonight."
The fourth downs, you guys convert not just in the second quarter, but there's the one late in the third quarter. You went for it twice on the same drive, got both of them, and it led to a touchdown. What gave you the belief and the confidence in those moments to go for it there? (Brian Wacker) "I just felt like we could get them. You have to believe in your guys, and I thought we were running the ball pretty well, I felt good about our offensive line, I felt good about Derrick [Henry], I felt good about Lamar [Jackson] and the threat of Lamar in those situations as well. Even the two-point [conversion] play going for that – same thing – you try to go up nine [points]. At some point in time, if they get back in it, if they score again, they're going to go for two, if you kick it. I kind of want to put the ball in Lamar Jackson's hands and try to get the two-point conversion instead of trying to have to stop it; That was the thinking on that one, so all of those situations kind of have the same thought process."
Going back to where you went for it on your own 16-yard line, not many teams go for it there. What was the overriding factor there? (Jamison Hensley) "I'm not saying we'll go for it all of the time either, but the overriding thing was who we were playing and the idea that you just have to try to hang on to possessions as long as you can, because they're so good. If you have a chance to convert because it's six inches, as opposed to something that could be tougher, you could be in a third-and-10 the next time out, and you don't get a real chance to do it, and their offense is so challenging and so good. That's really the main reason; we just felt we were going to need it."
Was ILB Roquan Smith close at all? It looked like he was on the field for a while? (Jeff Zrebiec) "Yes. I don't know. What is close when it comes to injuries? Define close for me. It's a challenge."
These games are always tough on your parents, but since today is their wedding anniversary, did you have a chance to reach out to them before the game? (Reporter) "I did. I wished them a happy 63rd wedding anniversary – I know Jim [Harbaugh] did the same. Jim and I texted back and forth before the game a little bit. [I'm] just so grateful for our parents. When you're blessed enough to have parents who get along so well and love each other and [have] been married for 63 years, it kind of gives you a good idea of how it's supposed to work. I think that's the gift that they've given us, all three of us. It's tough. They're in Florida, they're with [my sister] Joani and Tom [Crean] – watching the game in Florida. I know they're 100% happy, and they're 100% disappointed at the same time. So, if you can imagine that, that's how they feel right now."
TE MARK ANDREWS
On the fourth-down conversion call in which he rushed for a first down: "I think it was just in discussions of what we were going to do. I think the decision came down to just believing in the guys to go for a big fourth down. It was a great play. There was a lot of great plays made in critical downs like that, and it's a credit to the guys."
On if his fourth-down conversion rush was a play the Ravens have had up their sleeve for a while: "Yes. Everybody's got their different versions of it. We've been practicing this thing, and it came through big in a big moment."
On if RB Derrick Henry's early running success helped spark the offense: "It's huge. If we can get Derrick [Henry] going, it feeds off everything else. He's so talented, and our O-Line is playing incredibly well. For us to be able to get the run game going and get him kind of rolling was awesome for us."
On the importance the coaching matchup had on the players: "Coach 'Harbs' [head coach John Harbaugh] didn't make that too much of a thing. It's just the type of person he is. When you think about it and that family, it's really incredible – just how they're wired and everything they've done. For us, [it's] just having our coaches back. We know that he's got ours, and we've got his, too."
On the Ravens' talented offense: "Yes. Being down 10 early, there was just belief – belief that we're going to get things going and get things rolling. And we've got so many playmakers that are able to step up [and] make big plays when they matter. It was just countless [times] today [where] guys [made] big-time plays, big-time catches [and] big-time runs over and over to advance the ball."
On if he was confused when his TD reception was initially ruled incomplete: "Yes, I didn't know what was going on. I really didn't know what was going on until I was motioning on the two-point play. I was looking up at the scoreboard, and it wasn't very clear. But yes, I was a little bit confused."
On bouncing back from last week's loss: "Yes, I think guys took to this week in practice and just focused – focused on the details of playing football the right way and not making mistakes. I think we did a good job of that tonight. There are things that we need to get better at, but for this long travel and for us to compete the way we did and win this game, that's everything."
On the vibes in the locker room heading down the stretch: "Vibes are great. Vibes are great. I think the beautiful thing about being here is that there are so many talented players, and we know that we can be better and we're going to be better, and we're just trying to hit our stride at the right time. Guys are happy, but we're focused on getting better."
On how the Ravens' defense stepped up: "[The defense] played really good football. [They] played really, really good football. Again, you look in our locker room [at] guys stepping up – Malik [Harrison] just out there hitting people and doing his job. It was really cool to see a bunch of guys step up and play the way that they did. The defense had an awesome game."
On WR Rashod Bateman: "[Rashod Bateman] stepped up to make huge plays. That touchdown in that two-minute drill was really incredible. It was a huge boost for our team. Coming and getting the ball [in] the second half, he made a huge play. [No.] 8 [Lamar Jackson] and 'Bate' [Rashod Bateman], they've got a great connection and made a big-time play for us."
On the wear-down factor of RB Derrick Henry on defenses: "[Derrick Henry] is just persistent. He's so good and so talented, if not the greatest of all time to do what he does. To have him on our field – with [No.] 8 [Lamar Jackson] and [No.] 22 [Derrick Henry] – it's dynamic. Just being there for those guys and getting that run game going ... He's just an incredible player."
On if it was good to see the Ravens' supporting cast take the spotlight tonight: "Yes, I think it's been, week by week, different guys stepping up and making big plays. 'Bate' [Rashod Bateman] has had some really big games this year, and he played really well tonight and made some catches that helped us win this game. We're going to need that down the stretch – just everybody being on the same page and playing good football and going to the same goal, and that's what we did tonight."
S KYLE HAMILTON
On how the defense approached the week, knowing that ILB Roquan Smith's status was up in the air: "The guys in that room, everybody – it was a group effort today – they stepped up. They prepared all week like they were going to be the starter, and if 'Ro' [Roquan Smith] could have gone, then he would have. But he's confident, and we're all confident, in the people that stepped in for him. They did a good job today."
On how the secondary stepped up today: "It's just communication [that] is a big thing [with] losing 'Ro' [Roquan Smith] for the week. It's energy, communication, and that's a big part. So, I think Marlon [Humphrey] did a good job out there [of] just keeping everybody up if they made a big play, then reset, refocus. But yes, I think it was a group effort today; all 11 played well."
On LB Malik Harrison: "[Malik Harrison] was flying around hitting everything. Probably [from] like 20 yards away, I could hear his hits. It didn't matter the size of the person he was hitting or whoever. He was bringing it the whole game, but we all know that's 'Leek,' and that's what he's going to do, no matter what the position [is] he's put in – whether that's special teams, or whether he's starting at MIKE linebacker. [He's a] hell of a football player, and [I'm] just glad he got his shot today."
On if the coaching matchup was discussed among the players: "Not really. I think that's something more for media to grab onto and make the game big. It's primetime, [Harbaugh] Brothers playing against each other; it's cool, but I don't think it was a big talking point for us."
On what this win means for head coach John Harbaugh: "Like I said, it wasn't a huge talking point for us, but we know deep down [that] 'Harbs' [head coach John Harbaugh] wants this win. It means a little more than the other ones. It's a blessing to be in this game and be able to say, 'I won this game' and win that for 'Harbs.' But yes, he's going to have that bragging right for the foreseeable future [or] until we play them again."
On beating a good Chargers team: "Yes, it's not easy to win any game in any situation in the NFL. No matter who we're playing, you've got to win the game every week. I think it's just the Raven way; we got knocked down, refocused, addressed what we did wrong, come out and get a big win."
LB MALIK HARRISON
On the preparation stepping in for ILB Roquan Smith in tonight's game: "[It] just started from the week, knowing that there was a possibility that 'Ro' [Roquan Smith] was going to be out, I just had the mindset that I was going to go out there and start. I just prepared my ass off all week."
On if it was tough to balance playing the edge as well as off the ball: "It is, but I can handle it. I've been doing it for the last three years, so whatever they want me to do, I'll do it."
On what changed from the first defensive series to the rest of the game: "The first series is always going to be a little shaky, just get the jitters out. After that I got comfortable, and I was just playing my game."
On if he feels the defense is on the right track: "Oh yes, definitely. We are getting better every week. [We need to] eliminate the little mistakes, but like I said, we're just getting better every week."
On how it felt to have a big defensive performance: "It feels good. It's a lot of people that doubted me coming into this game, so I'm happy I was able to ball out and show them that I can be in this league, and I can play at a high level."
On going against former teammates RBs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards: "It was fun. It's always fun. They were here the last four years, so [from] going against them in practice to finally get to go against them in the game and really tackle them is fun."
On how the team had to turn the page quickly following last week's loss: "It's just a week-to-week league. You can't [be] worried about the last week; you just got to look forward and look for that next week. You just got to turn the page and just work on the things that we didn't do last game and do it this game."
On why the Ravens were able to come back from being down 10-0: "I think we just don't flinch. We just don't flinch. [We] lean on each other and just tell everybody, 'Let's go.' It [was] still early. We're still going [to] buckle up our chin strap and go out there and play."
On if the win feels better against former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh: "Actually, I think me and [head coach John] Harbaugh [are] undefeated against [Chargers head coach Jim] Harbaugh." (laughter) "I think we both [are]. Coach got a game ball, so he got a game ball for that. So, I'm happy for coach, me and coach, for being undefeated."
On if he could sense how much the win meant to head coach John Harbaugh: "Yes, definitely. It's, I believe, his little brother. It's always good to beat up on a little brother."
On if he got a game ball: "Yes, I did. Yes."
RB DERRICK HENRY
On the confidence the Ravens' coaching staff has in the offense to repeatedly go for it on fourth down: "[The coaches] just believe in us as a group and that we're going to get the job done, and we believe that we will as well. We're just confident that we'll end up converting on those fourth downs, and we did a great job blocking. All we had to do was a make a play, and we did."
On if the Ravens' first touchdown drive, led by him, got the offense going: "It definitely added a spark. It got us some momentum on our side, and to be able to get down there and get in the end zone, [I'm] just happy that we were able to put a drive together so we can finish a drive with points to get us going."
On how they were able to score on the Chargers' top-ranked defense: "I still think they are a solid defense from top to bottom. They did a great job today. We were the better team, but still respect to those guys; They play hard, they play physical and I think they'll still be in the playoff picture. They're a good team."
On how the Ravens' offensive line played: "Give [the offensive line] all the credit. Any success I had – I'm sure Justice [Hill] would say the same thing – those guys did a hell of a job today for us to have lanes, open lanes, everybody. Justice did a great job on that run. That was a huge run [and] a huge moment in the game, and credit to everybody blocking for him to have that run."
On how important the head coaching matchup of tonight's game was for the players: "We weren't really making a big deal of it. [Shoot, the Harbaugh brothers] played on the biggest stage, so it's a regular season game; so, it's just like you've got to treat it like another game. We knew they were a good team, a well-coached team, and we had to come play."
On what it was like to push TE Mark Andrews forward on the fourth-down conversion: "I told [Mark Andrews] – I said, 'I'm going to push the [s*] out of you.'" (laughter) "'So, they'll be ready to get this work. They [are] going to get this.' He said something to me – he said, 'I felt you.' I said, 'You [are] damn right.' Make sure we got it, but yes, great job by everybody blocking. I had to give him a shove for us to get it."
On if he can tell when he's wearing down opposing defenses: "No, I don't think I pay attention to the wear down part. I just can tell when we're in a rhythm and we're string plays together and everybody's doing a great job in the run game for us to have success. That's a good feeling when you have good things like that. Like I said, this is a great defense, so the offensive line and everybody blocking did a great job for us to have success in the run game."
On if he was inspired by Eagles RB Saquon Barkley's performance last night, and what he thinks of the dialogue around running backs in the league: "First of all, Saquon [Barkley], 'Slow your ass down,' damn." (laughter) "He's a hell of a player, [and the Eagles are] a hell of a team. They've been doing a great job as a team. How many games have they won, like nine straight I think – something like that? But as far as running backs, we just want to go out there and do our job – do our job effectively [and] show that the position matters, and hopefully we've been doing that well enough to add value for the future of this position and the guys that are coming up and getting paid. It's a great time for us to be able to have success, and hopefully, it bounces off to the other guys that are coming up and getting the opportunity to get paid."
On preparing for the Eagles next week: "We got a great win against a great team and got a short week; [we've] got to play Sunday. So, [we'll] enjoy this for a little bit and then get ready for [the Eagles]. They're a great team, as well, [and] I feel like every week, we've got a tough opponent, so we've got to make sure we're locked in and execute and get our bodies back under us and be ready for Sunday."
On the Ravens' defensive performance: "I thought they did a great job. [Justin] Herbert is an incredible quarterback; they have a good running game, and I think our defense played pretty solid without the captain out there – 'Ro' [Roquan Smith]. I thought Malik [Harrison] did a hell of a job. He was knocking people left and right. Every time he hit somebody everybody in the crowd went, 'Ooh.' So, hell of a job to Malik Harrison and the whole defense. They held it down."
On his Thanksgiving plans: "Eat and get ready for Sunday. I can't eat too much; I've got a game on Sunday. Turkey, all of it, everything. Hell yes."
RB JUSTICE HILL
On RB Derrick Henry: "[Derrick Henry] is a pro. He's a tough runner, a great running back, a great player, great teammate, and so, when you combine all those things, there's no product but success. He just does all the right things, so he's a product of it."
On WR Rashod Bateman's touchdown before halftime: "Points are always big, especially when you're in a two-minute drive. We practice those things week in and week out, so whenever we're able to just execute and drive down the field, create big plays – big explosives – it just switches the momentum. And so, that's what it did for us, and [it] led us to a win."
On wearing down on defenders: "I let [Derrick Henry] do most of the wearing down, and then I'll come in and do a little something after. He's a great teammate to have. We just have a long way to go and just going to continue to win."
On if RB Derrick Henry wearing down defenders is something that people don't talk about enough: "Yes, for sure. Nobody wants to stand in front of [Derrick Henry] every single play, every single run. You can do it one time, two times, three times, but when you have to do it 20 to 25 times, it starts to wear down. I'm glad we stuck with the run game this game, and it played out for us."
On TE Mark Andrews' fourth-down conversion: "It got the job done. We've been practicing that for a while, so I'm glad it worked out as good as we practiced it. It was a great play."
On what it means knowing that head coach John Harbaugh has confidence in the offense to convert on fourth downs: "It means everything, because we know as an offense, we can get a yard at any given time, so when we get put in those situations and we want him to still call those, we have to execute them. We went three-for-three, and that's going to continue to give him more confidence in the future. I'm not sure the result of all of those drives, but I'm pretty sure we got points from that. Those are big swings. Those are big swings in the offense for us."
On the ceiling of this team when multiple players on offense are contributing: "We know what we're capable of, and what it really all comes down is our execution week-in and week-out. We feel like we can score every single time we touch the ball as an offense. We have skill players from the receivers to the tight ends to the running backs to our quarterback. We have skill players everywhere that can take it to the house at any given point, so just being able to utilize everybody is a great thing to have and a weapon for us."
On the importance of getting the win: "When you get to this time of the year, close to December, it's always tough battles. This is what you train for. You train for it in the spring, you train for it in the summer, and the moments are here. We're going to continue to rise during those big games and come out victorious."
On the team's mindset after trailing by 10: "I honestly didn't even know we were down 10-0; I don't even pay attention to it, because it's the first half. Things are going to go good, things are going to go wrong, but you just have to continue to persevere. I didn't even realize we were down. We're just a great team when we put our minds to it. It doesn't matter if we're up 10 or down 10; we're just going to go out the next play and play the next play. I think we did a great job of rallying from that and coming out victorious."
On if it feels like there's a running back revival in the league right now based on RB Derrick Henry and RB Saquon Barkley's performance this season: "I don't think we ever went away." (laughter) "You could say that. [Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley] are having tremendous years. It's going to be fun to see how the end of the year shakes out how, who has the most whatever, but they've been doing a great job and putting on for all the running backs throughout the league. They're special guys, special players, [with] unique skillsets. Yes, they're awesome players."
QB LAMAR JACKSON
On how much this game meant to head coach John Harbaugh: "It means a lot. I feel like, for me, being a big brother, it's like, 'I can't lose to my little brother.' That's what I believe, going into that game, [head coach John Harbaugh] was thinking [of] a lot. And then Jim [Harbaugh] on the other side, I believe he was like, 'I have to beat my big brother,' but we came out victorious, so I feel like that's a good thing."
On what he saw from the touchdown pass to WR Rashod Bateman: "[I was] just giving [Rashod Bateman] an opportunity. I believe my receivers are great. They have great hands. The first one, in the back of the end zone, I told him, 'Bro, I expect you to catch that.' He was like, 'I got you,' but he made up for it, and he made a terrific catch. I trust all my receivers."
On how important the fourth-down play at the 16-yard line was and the discussion going into it: "It was huge. We started off slow [in the] first quarter. We started off very slow. We have to get back in the groove of starting our games off the correct way, and then just as the game is going on, getting stronger and stronger and finishing how we're supposed to. [At] the beginning of the season, we were doing a great job at that, and then as the season went on, and as the season is going on, someway, somehow, we've just been horrible starting the game, but as the game is going on, we're getting better. But we have to find a way to balance that out – be good from the beginning of the game until the end. But we came out victorious. And on that conversion, it was just a great conversion."
On if he said anything to head coach John Harbaugh about going for it on fourth down and if he was surprised when they sent the offense back out on the field: "Yes, I thought we were going to punt the ball, but [head coach John Harbaugh] was like ... He wanted to go for it. It was like fourth-and-inches, I believe – something like that. He was like, 'It's very short. We can convert it.' I was like, 'Let's just do it.' I have all the faith in my team."
On what it means to have RB Derrick Henry and if he feels more primed to make a deeper run this year: "Yes, absolutely. [Derrick Henry] is just a great all-around [running] back. I can't give him credit enough for how locked in he is, how dynamic he is. I always say this: 'King Henry.' The name just fits him well, very well. [It's] not just him, but the offensive line, too, [is] just giving him lanes to just do him, [and] Justice Hill [is] keeping him fresh. [It's] just an all-around team effort. Man, him just being who he is just contributes a lot to our team."
On how much RB Derrick Henry's runs on the third drive got the offense back in gear: "You just said it. Those runs that [Derrick Henry] had, the offensive line giving him lanes, like I said, [and] him just being Derrick Henry [was] giving the offense the groove that we needed, because all of us were out of sync. I feel like some of my passes were off. I was ticked off about those. I wanted some of those passes back, but Derrick Henry – we have a great running back and offensive line – helped us get the groove, and we just kept keeping our foot on the gas."
On how plays from WR Rashod Bateman, TE Mark Andrews and RB Justice Hill can help him reach his ceiling: "Those guys are doing their jobs. They're supposed to do that. If I throw them the ball, I expect them to catch it, and I believe they expect [that] they're going to catch the ball, as well. Justice Hill, he just bounced the ball outside and just went for what he knows. Then, it was a great block by the receivers that led the way and the offensive line. But like I said, I believe those guys should catch the ball, regardless. If it touches their hands, catch the ball."
On how much this game meant to making a playoff run and potentially winning the AFC North: "We're trying to win, regardless. Every game is a playoff game for us. It's been that way, but when we took that loss, I felt like everyone just died then. It can go either way for us, and we started off winning games in consecutive weeks, back to back. We lost to Cleveland, came back and won, won a couple, then we lose to the Steelers. We just have to keep our foot on the gas. We can't come up for air. We have to stay down and just stay locked in."
On how it feels when the head coach John Harbaugh has the confidence to go for it on fourth down: "It's great. It gives us a boost. I feel like, over the years ... [With head coach John Harbaugh], that trust came in 2019, back in Seattle. It's just how the game is going, the momentum is going. If it's not going right, I believe Coach will be like, 'No. We'll just punt the ball. Just let us get our groove,' but right there, I believe he just had faith [that] we're not really getting stopped; it's just small, little things that we just need to clean up."
On playing against former teammates like RBs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards and former offensive coordinator Greg Roman: "It's just different being on the opposite side of what I've seen a lot of all these years, up until last year basically. Then, my guys, I was just with them last year. Being on opposite sides of the ball, I'm like, 'Just don't do what you were doing over here. Just take it easy.' But shout out to my guys. They're still my guys – [Bradley] Boseman, too. They have Boseman over there."
FB PATRICK RICARD
On his penalty in the first quarter: "The penalty I had kind of just stopped the drive, and that's what's been killing us – the penalties – because [at] first-and-20, or whatever it is, it's hard to convert and keep getting positive plays. But it's just [making] plays, just being smart – no penalties – [and] just having the belief that our defense is going to get stops, and we're going to get the ball going, and that's kind of what we've been doing all year. [When] we're down 10-0 in a couple games, we just don't flinch, [and] we don't start freaking out and panicking or pointing fingers on things. It's just, 'Next time we're up, let's just execute the plays and play has hard as we can.'"
On converting on fourth-and-1 from the team's own 16-yard line: "When 'Harbs' [head coach John Harbaugh] and Mark [Andrews] put us in that position to execute the play, we just have to make sure [that] we're all set. We knew what the play was, [and] we knew that Mark was going to get it. We just [had] to push a yard. It was a great job by the O-Line and Mark executing it. We just got enough to get it, and that, I think, changed the game, because we went down and drove, and we scored, and we kind of changed momentum for us going into the second half."
On if he questioned the idea of going for it on fourth-and-1 from the team's own 16-yard line: "I think it's just that they trust us, and they believe in us [to] get it, and we have to make sure that we do. So, it was a credit to everybody of getting set, pushing and getting the first down."
