HEAD COACH JOHN HARBAUGH
Opening Statement: "OK great to see everybody. I appreciate you being here. [This was a] really important midseason game at home; [our] crowd was into it – we appreciate that. [We] love our crowd, [and] we love our fans. Guys were ready to play, and we played our best complete game of the season so far, I would say, as a team, and I'm proud of the guys for that – guys like Derrick Henry [and] Lamar Jackson. Our defense stepped up and played really well. We had the situation after the first drive [where] we got the turnover [then] were backed up with a sack, [and we] punted it down to the 2-yard line; [we] ended up getting the stop and ended up scoring seven straight times after that. [I'm] really proud of the guys for the way they played. We have turned our attention already to Cincinnati – [we were] talking about it in the locker room already. We play on Thursday night. We're going to have to be at our best in that game. OK, what questions do you have?"
Another perfect passer rating day for QB Lamar Jackson. I'm guessing as many rest days as he wants now going forward? (Jamison Hensley) "Yes, Lamar [Jackson] played really good. I believe it's his fourth [game with a] perfect passer rating, and I believe that's an NFL record – isn't it? Tied for the NFL record, OK. I'm betting on Lamar at some point to break it. I thought he played great, but also, the team around him – the pass protection – that's a really good pass rush team [and] a real aggressive defense [and] a really highly-ranked defense. Our offense came to play as a group."
But seriously, how is QB Lamar Jackson able to do that with only one practice? (Jamison Hensley) "Lamar [Jackson], he ... I believe we talked about [how] he was preparing all week, and he did a great job with it."
WR Zay Flowers, we've always seen his ability after the catch and what he can do with the ball in his hands. But today, obviously, it looked like he took it to another level. (Cordell Woodland) "That play at the end of the half – that play was [an] unbelievable play. I mean, the throw and the protection; the throw, the catch and then the little stop-and-stutter [move] – and sometimes, I'll admit, I'll tell them, 'Just go; just get upfield and get as many [yards] as you can.' [Zay Flowers] is thinking about scoring every time, so that was just a phenomenal football play."
I know you guys have been really good running the football for years now, but how does RB Derrick Henry and his ability to kind of close games affect how you manage the offense? (Kyle Goon) "It's a big thing. We have been really good at running the ball for a long time, but this [run game with Derrick Henry] is different. I mean, Derrick Henry is different. He is adding a dimension that we have not had before. You go back to Jamal Lewis maybe. This is different, and I'm excited about it. I acknowledge that, [and] we say that, but I can tell you – he's sitting right here in the room – what he talked about to the team was Thursday night; he talked about Thursday night – 'Let's get ready to go Thursday night.'"
This defense has kind of taken some hits over the season publicly, but today they ... Several times Denver got down inside the 10- and 15-yard line and could not score. What did you see that stood out on how the defense played today? (Bo Smolka) "I thought the red zone defense was amazing. I thought they did a great job in coverage. I thought our coverage did a great job the whole game. [Bo Nix is] a really dangerous quarterback, as you all saw. He's really hard to get down in the pocket. He was running around doing some things, and I thought our pass rush did a really nice job, especially in the red zone, of not letting them run out of there and score [on their] scrambling. Kudos to the defense. Kudos to [defensive coordinator] Zach [Orr]. Kudos to all the coaches and the players. But you know what – Thursday night is right around the corner."
You mentioned how productive Denver has been as a pass rush team. Did you feel like this was a game where your offensive line really found its footing again after a tougher week last week? (Childs Walker) "I thought our offensive line really played well in this game – run blocking and pass protection. [Denver has] a very good pass rushing group across the board. There was a challenge with the twist and the games and the picks that our interior guys had to handle. The speed rush outside guys – our tackles did a good job. I thought they did a really good job."
The D-Line was banged up all week – some of the guys missed practice and you have two games in five days. How do you feel like they held up today? (Ken Weinman) "They held up great. Obviously 'Madubeeks' [Justin Madubuike], he led the group; he led the charge. But then you had two guys up off the practice squad – Chris Wormley and Josh Tupou. Those two guys, they stepped it up, and we've always thought those were quality players – really good football players. Hats off to those guys as well. Broderick Washington played very well also. [I'm] proud of those guys."
QB Lamar Jackson only had three rushing attempts. Was this a game where intentionally you wanted to limit that for whatever reason, or is that just how it panned out? (Mark Maske) "We leave that ... I personally leave it more to Lamar [Jackson]. Lamar knows what he has to do, and he makes great choices. He was standing in there and just throwing it. I remember, I believe I mentioned it to one of the guys on the [headset] after the second or third series, 'Lamar is on fire. He's on fire throwing the ball.' He had a great game."
We saw the DBs staying after practice this week to just practice on the JUGS machine. How key was it for S Ar'Darius Washington to get that interception to open the game, especially after Week 8? (Carita Parks) "Timing is everything life, right? All the challenges that we had catching the ball the week before and other times in the season, to come out in the first series and catch [an interception], that was pretty cool. The good Lord had our back and said, 'I saw this before.' Let him let glory. Glory in God alone. I was glorying God right there. I was glorying in God right there. I was thanking him for that pick, for the fact that we caught that thing. That was a good start."
It was a really good performance for a pair of second-year defensive guys in OLB Tavius Robinson and ILB Trenton Simpson this week. How important is it for them to develop for you guys to accomplish your goals you want as a defense? (Kyle Goon) "[Tavius Robinson and Trenton Simpson are] a big part of us. Those two guys are huge. Trenton had some really good coverage plays and of course the run defense. Tavius had two sacks – two big sacks. The big one in the second half was massive."
TE MARK ANDREWS
On if the offense feels automatic: "It's good to put up 41 points, but for us, it's just about finishing games off and executing and being efficient, which I think we were today, and not making too many mistakes. So, there are always things to learn and grow from, and we certainly did that last week."
On if there are times in a game where he can tell QB Lamar Jackson is going to be unstoppable: "Every week. Every week, [Lamar Jackson] finds a new way to bring it and to help this team win. He's our leader."
On how the team can bring this energy into their divisional matchup with the Bengals on Thursday: "It's a great win against a really good team. For us, right now, it's going to be everybody taking care of their bodies and getting ready to go [to] carry some of this momentum and just focus on the things that we can get better at. [We have] a big-time game Thursday night."
On how the use of motions helped the offense: "[The Broncos] did a lot of different things, so [we were] just having different things to identify what they were in. I think that we're always able to use motions and put guys in positions where we can kind of see some things, and guys did great with that."
On QB Lamar Jackson not needing to run the ball today: "Yes, [Lamar Jackson] was doing his thing. He got out of there a couple times. He saved me on one of the plays [when] I was in pass [protection]. Again, he's just incredible and able to dish the ball around, and he's quarterbacking better than anybody in the league. MVP, for sure."
On if the team thought their offense could attack Denver's top defense: "Yes, you've got to go into each and every week and have a focused mindset. After last week, we wanted to turn it around and end this game with a win. Guys fought extremely hard [in] all [three] phases of the ball, and that's what it came down to – is good, team football."
WR ZAY FLOWERS
On his performance: "You've got to trust the process, and you've got to take advantage of everything that's coming your way; that's how I think about it. Like, we've got so many players that can make plays on our team that, when it's your turn, you've got to take advantage of that."
On the offense's strong showing: "It starts with 'L' [Lamar Jackson]. He's calm, so by him being calm, it makes us calm, and it makes us play together, and it makes everybody just play as one."
On how much a strong defensive performance can boost the offense: "Absolutely. Every time our defense gets a stop, we're coming out saying, 'We've got to score,' because it's hard to get a stop in the league. So, every time they get one, we're hyped, we're ready to go. The defense has had some ups and downs, and this week, they had an up, and I still feel like they can get way better than that."
On QB Lamar Jackson's performance today: "Lamarvelous."
S KYLE HAMILTON
On if it felt good to win the game and hold the Broncos to 10 points: "Yes, definitely, and I think we finished strong. [We] had a couple of opportunities to [allow] them to score down in the low red [zone]. We are kind of scarred by our past right now, and we're not trying to give up anything at this point, so everybody had that mindset today. We did it for the most part."
On the mindset of the fourth-down defense: "I think every time we're out there, no matter the down and distance – especially on fourth down – we think we have just [as much] a shot of stopping them as they do converting, if not better, so when all 11 guys have that mindset ... Of course, they're going to get some, but it's that reset and refocus. We're not giving up until the ball is in the end zone, and the ball could be at the 1 [yard line or] first-and-goal, [but] we were still fighting."
On what goes through his mind while watching QB Lamar Jackson: "I just feel like [Lamar Jackson] is playing point guard out there. He's not always looking for his shot. He's trying to get other guys involved. Obviously, it helps when [No.] 22 [Derrick Henry] is running the ball and [No.] 43 [Justice Hill] is doing his thing, and the O-line is playing well and everything, but I think he's facilitating at a high level right now. At the same time, it's kind of funny; he could be hurting the defense on the ground too if he really wanted to, which I don't think he does. I think it only comes out when it needs to, but I think he can sit back there all day and affect the game just as much as he can running the ball."
On if QB Lamar Jackson probably thought of the game on Thursday night so he didn't want to run much today: "Yes, I mean, it's smart, honestly, if that was his thought process. I think Derrick [Henry] got the ball like 10 straight times on that third-down drive, and the defense only played six [plays] in the third quarter. When you're rolling like that with the guys you have up front and [No.] 22 is running the ball like that, it's pretty easy to play."
RB DERRICK HENRY
On having 13 touchdowns on the season already: "Like I said before, I give the credit to the guys who are blocking to make my job easier. All I have to do is just make my reads, get north to south and make the most out of the play. Credit to all the guys blocking doing a great job and all their unselfishness."
On the biggest stride for the offensive line from the first two weeks to now: "I think it's just them executing, coming off the ball, being physical. I think the work that they do during the week shows on gameday, and the chemistry they have up front, I think that shows as well. They take pride in the run game and protecting Lamar [Jackson], so they deserve all the credit. Hats off to them."
On the impact of having a guy like QB Lamar Jackson: "I know you all asked Coach [John] Harbaugh about [Lamar Jackson] today, and he didn't have to. He's dangerous with his arm, and I think he showed that today. If you want to take away him running the ball, [he'll] go over your head and throw it. If he has to run it, he'll do that as well. Hats off to him. He's an engine that makes this thing go – 'MV3.'"
On surpassing RB Barry Sanders in career rushing touchdowns and what reaching 100 career rushing touchdowns means to him: "God has been tremendously good to me, and I'm thankful. Credit to everybody who's been a part of my career [and] to help me get to this milestone. Barry Sanders is like a running back superhero, so that's very cool. I don't take it for granted."
On if the balanced offensive attack is what the team means by 'picking your poison': "I think it's just credit to the offensive line for protecting 'L' [Lamar Jackson], and 'L' finding the open guys and receivers getting open. The receivers, tight ends [and] everybody just does a great job. If they want to take away the run, those guys did a great job of getting open and opening it up for everybody. Zay Flowers did a great job, and he's so dynamic when he has the ball in his hands. You just assume he's going to score, and it's going to be a big play every time. Him and 'L' did a great job today, [and the] receivers [and] tight ends. Credit to them for us to be complementary and for us to do both."
On if he was aware that he had 99 rushing yards before the last drive: "Yes, they kept saying it, so I was like, 'If I get it, I get it.' I shouldn't have went in [the game] because the ball was on the ground and stuff like that. We got it over with, and it is what it is. Yes, for me to have the day that I had, I give the credit to everybody blocking. I'm not happy with how I played, and I need to do better this next game. Any success I have, give the credit to them. To me, I'm not too happy about the game."
On if there was any indication that QB Lamar Jackson was going to be less than 100 percent playing in this game because he missed two days of practice: "What 'L' [Lamar Jackson] has to do to get him ready to play, that's what he's going to do. He showed it today. He needed one day [of practice] to have a perfect passer rating. Whatever he needs to do to be able to go play, that's what he has to do. I feel like it doesn't matter if it's one day or half a day [of practice], he's going to be ready."
On how he's taken the vibe of AFC North football: "It's a battle. Every division game we've had has been a battle and came down to the wire. We just have to lock in tomorrow to get ready for those guys. The division, it's a tough division [that has] great teams [and] great players, so it's just us being locked in and being focused until Thursday comes. [We'll] get ready for 'Cincy.'"
QB LAMAR JACKSON
On having a perfect passer rating while only practicing once this week: "I just knew what the assignment was. I definitely studied those guys. Getting with [quarterbacks] Coach Tee [Martin] and just putting in extra work, just because I wasn't out there. [I was] just watching practice and studying film on those guys – that pretty much helped. And God, my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. That's why we're having so much success. That's the one that's leading us throughout these games, week-in and week-out."
On how quarterbacks coach Tee Martin helps elevate his game: "Just great coaching. [Quarterbacks coach Tee Martin] is a guy who's been in the league and had an eye for the game, and I just piggyback off of him. Things that he sees during film sessions, and we just talk amongst each other. Him [Tee], Josh [Johnson] as well, and Devin [Leary] – our QB room is so dynamic. [We're] just picking each other's brain from what we're seeing out there on the field. That's helping us."
On the connection he and WR Zay Flowers had today: "I just believe in, just not Zay [Flowers], but all of my receivers. I have chemistry with all of those guys. It's really the games we're entering. It's a pick-your-poison offense, so based on what the defense is giving me, certain guys might have a day. Because a couple of days ago, it was 'Bate' [Rashod Bateman] having a night, and a couple of weeks later, it's Zay. It's really based on the defense of how they are feeling. 'Who's this offense tilting towards?' But all of the great guys we have, it could be the tight ends one game, it might just be the running backs one game. You really never know."
On WR Zay Flowers' moves: "That's just [Zay Flowers]. God blessed him with the ability to make guys miss. It's always been him. Going back to Broward County – back in youth football – he's always been that player. Him catching a post pattern, making guys miss, and getting extra yards for a touchdown, that's just him playing ball."
On being a role model for young football players in Brazil: "That's dope. It's a blessing for people in Brazil to know who I am. That's just dope. That's crazy. I have to go to Brazil one time." (laughter) "I have to travel to Brazil once." (laughter)
On the touchdown to WR Zay Flowers before the end of the first half: "It looked like [the Broncos] were playing quarters. The safety, [No.] 26 [Devon Key] posted backside, so I just had to beat him [and] lift the ball over [No.] 55 [Cody Barton], and just let Zay [Flowers] do the rest, and that's pretty much what he did."
On WR Zay Flowers' cutback on his 53-yard TD catch: "I was like, 'OK, so he's probably about to get tackled by [No.] 29 [Ja'Quan McMillian],' but then he stiff-armed off a block, and then [No.] 29 [Ja'Quan McMillian] looked like he was going to make a tackle, [but] he ran into [Brandon Jones], and then Zay [Flowers] did the rest. And 'Bate' [Rashod Bateman] helped out, too. 'Bate' came back for that block, so that was just dope for our receivers."
On how happy he was to see FB Patrick Ricard score: "I was happy as heck for [Patrick Ricard] to score. I was happy; I was ecstatic for Pat. He's been looking for that receiving touchdown, and he had it today, so that was dope."
On what he feels like he did well to exploit Denver's defense: "[I was] just taking advantage of what [the Broncos defense] was giving me. [I was] just giving the ball to my guys and letting them execute. 'Nelly' [Nelson Agholor], 'Bate' [Rashod Bateman], 'Zay' [Isaiah Likely], 'Little Zay' [Zay Flowers]. Mark [Andrews], Pat [Ricard], Justice [Hill], I can go on and on. But just getting the ball to those guys, the offensive line doing a great job blocking made my job a lot easier."
FB PATRICK RICARD
On the touchdown play: "I was on the field for consecutive plays kind of banging my head with defenders. And as soon as the personnel came on, I looked where the ball was, and I had a feeling it would be called. So, I just had to breathe, focus, and make sure that I was ready to make the play. I was pretty excited it was called. I had a feeling it was going to work. It worked all week in practice. I was happy with the ball 'L' [Lamar Jackson] threw. It was an easy catch for me, and I was happy to make the play."
On what gives him more satisfaction between a pancake block or a touchdown catch: "Touchdowns are hard to come by, but I think pancaking is the pride of physically dominating your opponent, and to me that's more special than touchdowns. But touchdowns are always fun."
On his journey from the University of Maine to the NFL: "I've been overlooked my whole life, so I just constantly believe in myself, and I'm just thankful for the opportunities people give me. I try to make the most of them. I think I've always been able to do that, and that's why I'm in my eighth year in the league and still going."
On what it's like blocking for RB Derrick Henry: "A dream."
OLB TAVIUS ROBINSON
On his big game today: "As a defense, we prepared well during the week and came out and did what we had to do today. [I'm] happy with how we responded to last week, and now we've got a quick turnaround for Cincinnati."
On playing the game down a few linemen: "Knowing we were down a couple guys gives us that next man up mentality. The guys that need to step up, stepped up, and did a great job today for sure. We've got a room full of dogs, defensive dogs, and that's the way we play."
On handling Denver's offense and Broncos QB Bo Nix: "I think they're a great team, and that quarterback is good and will only get better. He did come out and scramble a little bit, and it's not that we weren't expecting it, but for the most part we were able to handle it."
On how big S Ar'Darius Washington's interception was: "That was huge. We literally talked about it the night before that that was going to happen. And then to see it happen, that was momentum for sure, and it provided us with a big lift for sure. Happy for him, and it kind of set the tone for things."
ILB TRENTON SIMPSON
On how much he feels like he had to prove today after the way last week's game went: "I feel like just as a defense, we wanted to go out there and impose our will. Just as a team, just sending a message. It's tough to lose like that, but you always want to bounce back as a team and just stick together in those moments like that. I think that's what we did, so I think that's why we were victorious today."
On the mentality going into this game: "I'd say just going and attacking the week. I started the week at practice really well – I practiced really well – and like my coaches said, if you practice well, you'll play well. I just wanted to attack the week in practice and just carry it over to the game, and there are definitely things I still can correct, but just us as a defense, just continuing to improve every week and staying together is all that matters."
On how much he thinks about his own personal improvement being key to what this defense wants to do as a whole: "I think it means a lot, and just the commitment to myself [and] to my teammates to study more film, asking questions and just going in every day – attacking the day – and just being a true professional and practicing the right way. Definitely just attacking every day, being focused, studying more on my own and just going out there and being relentless and giving it everything I have."
On what the defense had today that they didn't have last week: "I'd just say we had swagger today. I feel like everybody celebrated. You saw when Ar'Darius [Washington] had the interception, everybody was excited. This is a team, and as a defense, I feel like just everybody coming together and being excited for each other allows it to be more contagious. When everybody makes a play, everybody is excited. I feel like today was a great display of what the future looks like this season for this team – offense, defense and special teams."
On how the team takes today's momentum into Thursday night after a short week: "I'd say just attacking this week at practice, starting tomorrow. [We'll] go home, get some rest tonight, ice up and wake up tomorrow getting ready to attack the Bengals [with a] focused mindset, put this game behind us and continue to get better."
On if the whole defense has to contribute to the pass rush: "Yes, definitely. It's a team thing. Everybody has to be dialed in on their responsibilities. You can't rush out of control. Everybody has a lane, and you just do your job. I feel like this week in practice, we practiced it well, and we went out there and showed it and displayed it during the game."
ILB ROQUAN SMITH
On if he was surprised by how much Baltimore's defense was able to keep Denver's offense in check: "No, not at all. We have a standard here, and we weren't on that standard in previous games, and I felt like this was our most complete game. As I said earlier in the week to our local media, 'See you on Sunday. We keep the receipts.' That's what it was, but we're only just getting started to who we actually are."
On if he feels good about where the defense is collectively: "Yes, it was amazing just to be able to go out there, play free, play to the standard that we know is the standard and going out there and imposing your will on other grown men. When you're able to do that play-in and play-out, it's definitely a good feeling, and that's what you do; you celebrate at the end. But that's what we expect from one another, and that's what we did, despite [that] they made some plays as well, so you expect that, but we're just getting started."
On if he has any concerns about the short turnaround: "Absolutely not. No concerns whatsoever; [it's a] short turnaround, [but] we're professionals. This is the NFL. See you Thursday night."
On if it feels good having a game like this as the team heads into Thursday night: "Yes, but it's a part of being a professional. That's part of our job, being able to show up week-in and week-out and do your job to the best of your ability. And hey, Cincinnati, there's a sour taste in our mouth from the last game, and I'm sure they feel the same exact way, so it's about going out there, imposing our will [and] playing our brand of football for four complete quarters, and we will do that next Thursday, so it's going to be great. Everybody came out, so I'm excited about the outcome of this game, and then looking forward to next week."
On OLB Tavius Robinson waiting his turn but making plays when he's called on: "I don't consider [Tavius Robinson] a guy that's waiting for his turn; I consider him as a guy that's preparing each and every week. The way the guy prepares – what, second year now? – he acts like a seventh- [or] eighth-year pro. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him, just in how he busts his tail day in and day out. [He's] always first to do things, and just always willing to put it on the line every single play. He's going to give you everything he's got, and that's just what he's reaping now – some of the rewards of his hard work. So, I'm happy for him, and I think he's just getting started, because I think his ceiling is pretty high."
On head coach John Harbaugh coaching a great game today: "That's awesome. That's [John Harbaugh]; that's part of his job. He prepares the right way, leads us the right way that we need to be led, so I have a tremendous amount of respect for 'Harbs' and just the way that he does business and who he is as a person. When you have that type of a leader, everybody just gets behind him. I trust him, and I know that he's going to put us in the right situation. Just hats off to him for all of his hard work, as well."
On how pleased he is with the defense's performance: "Yes, it was awesome, and that's the standard; that's who we are, at the end of the day – coming out playing our brand of football. And like I told [you] guys early in the week, 'See you on Sunday,' because I looked each and every guy in their face, and I knew the type of time that each and every person was on. And when you are on that, bump all the naysayers ... There are going to be ... You're going to get that all your life. So, it's about coming out trusting yourself, trusting your teammates and doing that, and I felt like we did that, but we're just getting started. So, I'll say it again, see you Thursday night."
On if he's always felt the confidence of the defense being unshakable: "Absolutely. There's lot of things that can shake from the outside, but the only people that truly matter are the people that are in this locker room and the guys who we're going out there on the field with, and that's what it's all about. Each and every guy out there on the field never lost confidence in [anybody] that's out there; I know I never have. [We] never waver, at all. There's adversity that you're going to face all the time in life, but it's about what you [are] going to do when you face that adversity, and you stand up 10 toes down, and like I always say, 'Chin up, chest out.' Those guys believe that, and we came out and showed that, but we're just getting started. This is only just a small sample of what we have in store, and the faith that I have in these guys. So, see you again Thursday night."
On the pass rush improving: "I think it's just about [that] we've got a bunch of guys who can rush the passer, regardless of whether it's [from] the tackle position [or defensive] ends. It's about [a] next-man-up mentality, so whoever's out there, I have the utmost faith and utmost respect [in them and pass rush coach] Chuck [Smith], [defensive line coach] Dennis [Johnson], [and assistant defensive line coach/outside linebackers] Matt [Robinson], all those guys, preparing the guys the right way."
S AR'DARIUS WASHINGTON
On his first-career interception: "It feels great. To finally be on the board and finally get one rolling, it felt really good."
On what the defense had this week that they didn't have last week: "We just played with that confidence and that swagger. We were challenged all week to go out there and play Ravens football, and [now] we're really focused on Thursday. We've just [got to] go out there and play our type of defense. But that's the main thing – just going out there and doing what we do."
On the mindset ahead of Thursday night's game: "It's going to be the same mentality. Like, we had a good game, but our focus is [now] on Thursday. That's the main thing – go out there and have the same type of game that we did this week, today, on Thursday."
On how the team can take today's performance and apply it to Thursday's game: "We're capable of doing it. We're capable of doing it each and every week, just [by] honing in on the small details, because we still didn't have a perfect game. [We need to] fix some things that we didn't do well today and carry it over into Thursday."
On what he saw from Baltimore's offense today: "Perfection. Those guys have been doing it all year, honestly. The guys have been on a roll. Perfection; you can't say anything else about it."
On if it's fun watching Baltimore's offense from the sidelines: "Yes, I love watching them. They say a good defense is a defense that's not out there much, and those guys definitely make our job easier, for sure."
DE/DT BRODERICK WASHINGTON
On playing the game with several linemen hurt: "Well, you have to give the guys that we had available credit. For us to come in here and play that good of an offense, it was tough, but we have the guys to get it done. Once we get it rolling, we're tough to beat. We prepare really well. We try our best to ignore the noise, but it got to us a little bit. We took that personally, so the result of the game speaks to that."
