HEAD COACH JOHN HARBAUGH
Opening Statement: "It's good to see everybody in here. I appreciate you guys. [That was] very, very exciting, [and it's a] very big deal to win the AFC North against the Browns, and the Browns are a tough football team and they were out there competing and fighting like they always do. I have much respect for those guys. So, I'm proud of our guys. I'm excited for our guys. It's a great accomplishment. We had said in the locker room after the Chiefs game out in Kansas City that we were going to fight, and everything was going to be for one another and for a greater glory. And to God be the glory [for] whatever we accomplish this year, and I think now is a good time to talk about that, and that's what the guys are talking about in the locker room, and I'm proud of the guys for that, and I think that's really important to mention. One other thing I have to mention here – and we'll get started with the questions – is we did a bunch of game balls. We closed out with Michael Pierce, obviously. The most crazy, amazing play in NFL history – that's what we said it was – so he got a game ball for that. But the game ball I didn't give out – and I want to give it out right now – the first time in the NFL with more than 4,000 passing and 3,000 rushing yards in a season. So, that's a great accomplishment, and it's a group accomplishment, but [offensive coordinator] Todd Monken is going to get a game ball for that. I think he did a great job this year – all the coaches did, all the players did, and that's a really incredible accomplishment. What questions do you have?"
I think it was four weeks ago you trailed the Steelers by a couple of games. How impressive is it to go from that point to now celebrating being AFC North Champions? (Jamison Hensley) "It's awesome. It's an awesome thing. It's a week-to-week league, and you really just have to take it one week at a time, one day at a time, one play at time, and our guys have done a really good job of holding onto that. That 1-0 T-shirt that we all wear around is real, and so, four wins later, we're the AFC North Champions. Now, that's going to be exciting, and we're going to enjoy it tonight, and we're going to watch games tomorrow and see who we play, but we're moving on for what we've been working for. Because last year when we were in the locker room after the AFC Championship Game, we knew we had a long road to go to get back to this very point. You get back in the playoffs with an opportunity to take the next step, and we're not there yet. We have a next game; we have a Wild Card game to get ready for, so that will be our next challenge."
Do you have an update on WR Zay Flowers? (Bo Smolka) "I don't have an update. It's something that he has a chance to be OK with, but we'll probably have more details after an MRI tomorrow morning."
Obviously, the expectations were very high when you brought RB Derrick Henry in to put him with QB Lamar Jackson, but the numbers they put up were pretty historic. Did they meet your expectations? Exceed them? Where did that fall? (Mark Maske) "It's a great question, [but] the numbers really weren't part of the conversation. I think we were just excited about what we had a chance to build, because we try to build all of our offense like our defense, too – you have a Kyle Van Noy sitting right here – so what's the best way we can utilize this great talent. I think when Derrick [Henry] became a part of it and was going to be paired with Lamar [Jackson] – not just Lamar – Mark [Andrews], Zay [Flowers], Isaiah [Likely] and all of the guys, how can we try to create a vision for what we can accomplish with those guys. And to see it come to fruition like that is really an awesome deal. Now we want to see it come to fruition in the playoffs."
CB Nate Wiggins had the huge play to get you guys started. Was that a nice play to highlight how important he's really become to you guys over the second half of the season? (Childs Walker) "Probably so. Yes. [Nate Wiggins] is a big part of what we're doing. He's established himself as a starter. I think he's playing great ball. He had a couple other ones in his hands that he was frustrated with earlier in the season, so we've been on him a little bit. Everybody has been talking about getting that first pick, and to get it and take it back to the house, that's a nice way to start."
Was the plan to rotate at guard? Or was it OL Patrick Mekari just didn't practice a lot because he was sick? (Jeff Zrebiec) "Patrick [Mekari] wanted to go. He insisted on going. He did a good job of fighting through that, but he was really sick. Justice Hill had the same kind of thing, and you see he wasn't able to be up for the game. Patrick wanted to go. We just felt like, I just felt like, he just wasn't at full strength. He tried, and I just made the decision to let those other guys play who were at full strength. Pat is all heart. He's all heart. He's tough as nails, and he'll be fine [and] ready to go next week."
Does DL Michael Pierce have a green light to go to the house? (Bo Smolka) "I was saying, 'Go, go, go.' But Mike [Pierce] said that we had a meeting, and we talked about, 'Get down. Victory.' It's a situation that we talk about, so he's a smart football player right there. I'm telling you, [that was] the most amazing play in NFL history right there." (laughter)
How would you describe the slide? (Childs Walker) "A little awkward." (laughter) "I saw [Michael Pierce's] one leg flare out."
QB Lamar Jackson was the first player ever with over 4,000 yards passing and over 900 yards rushing. Can you just talk about the season Lamar Jackson has had already? (Jamison Hensley) "Right, 4,172 yards passing, 41 touchdown passes. How many interceptions? Four? OK, that's pretty unbelievable. Over 900 yards rushing, 20,000 passing yards for [Lamar Jackson's] career right now. It's almost like, 'Say less.' What else needs to be said? And, not just that, but the dude is a competitor. He's a fighter. He's just one of a kind. There's nobody like Lamar Jackson. He's in the locker room, and he's not happy about the last drive, and we didn't handle it great, and we had some personnel challenges and all of that stuff, and he wants everything to be perfect, everything. That's why these numbers are the way they are, because of who he is."
How valuable is it to be ending the regular season on a four-game winning streak now going into the postseason knowing you're hosting a first-round game? (Reporter) "I think it's valuable. It's a good thing, but if you talk to our guys, I think they will tell you we can be so much better – we can play so much better. We weren't very clean in this game. We had too many penalties. Operationally, we weren't probably as great as we wanted to be. I mentioned the two-minute drive that Lamar [Jackson] wants to be perfect on. We can be so much better, but we're playing good football. You're either getting better, or you're getting worse – we need to keep getting better."
You had a first-place schedule this year and another very competitive AFC North. How impressive is it for this team to have an opportunity to have a "Hat and T-shirt" game? (Jonas Shaffer) "I appreciate you mentioning that. We don't talk about that too much, but it was a tough schedule, and we played teams when they were at their best quite often, and they were on a roll when we played them, and I thought our guys handled that. You get forged; you get tough. And when you come from iron, then you become iron, and I think our guys have done that. Let's see where it takes us."
You can only play the teams that you have faced, but the level of competition, especially for your defense, the offenses that await in the AFC compared to what you guys have faced at the end of this year. What's the level of competition that this defense is going to have to face once you get to the playoffs? (Jonas Shaffer) "Yes, the same level of competition that we've been playing against. We played all of the teams in the playoffs – we played them all when they were all playing really well – but they've been getting better as well, so we understand it gets better, it gets tougher, but so do we. And that's our job. The guys are saying in the locker room, 'We need to get to work Monday,' and let's get ready to go. We have to be at our best."
TE MARK ANDREWS
On going from 0-2 to the division title: "It's really an unbelievable feeling. It's a credit to the men in this locker room and the organization that clawed and fought all year long, the type of team that we have. We're excited about this. It's a huge accomplishment and we're looking forward to this next game in the playoffs."
On if winning the division this year feels any different than the past: "It feels great. Every time you get an opportunity like this, you have to take advantage of it and that's what we're looking forward to. Obviously, being here for a while, I know we've been in this position many times and we want to always take advantage of it."
On what it says about this group to have won three games in eleven days and now four wins in a row: "It's just about us being resilient and tough. There are men in this locker room that will do anything to win. Take care of ourselves and be ready to go every week, every game. We've got true pros in this locker room. No matter the schedule, no matter the day we play. That's what we have, a bunch of ballers."
On comparing this year to last year when he was unavailable at this point in the season: "I feel incredibly grateful and blessed. I wasn't here at this time last year, so it feels great to be able to contribute in these games to help us win the division."
On if he can think of a better stretch in his career than the six-game touchdown streak: "Yeah, I could think of a few, but I'm just trying to help this team win games, be there for the quarterback, make plays, help advance the ball, score, block, whatever it takes to help the team win. It's all those things I'm trying to do. I'm just trying to do my piece, play my part."
On if the offense exceeded his expectations in light of all the records it set: "Yes, but I think that those type of things come with a great team. When you have a great team, a great group of guys around you, you're able to excel and exceed expectations. Obviously, coaches, coaching, and players and all that plays a part in our success. Happy for all the guys that have contributed, stepping up and making this thing go."
On if he can put into perspective the type of season QB Lamar Jackson is having: "Just truly incredible. I say it week after week, but he brings it week after week. Every game, his will, his fight, he's after perfection. His will to win games and be on point, to be him, to be Lamar, and even elevate that from week to week is truly unbelievable. He's a perfectionist, he wants to be perfect. It's so awesome and incredible to play with a guy like that."
On what makes this offense so historic: "I think we're efficient. We can do a lot of different things. We're physical, we throw the ball downfield. Of course, we have Lamar [Jackson] and Derrick [Henry]. All of us that are around them just need to help them."
On what QB Lamar Jackson's mindset will be in the playoffs: "Locked in. Completely locked in."
On the ups and downs of the season: "Yes, all seasons are like that, and we've been through it. We've had our bumps and bruises, our ups and downs. But for us, it's just to be level-headed and be true to the type of team that we are. I think right now we're doing great. All sides are clicking. Complimentary football – offense, defense, special teams. Just five weeks for the rest of your life. Just take advantage of that, understand what it is. Just focus. All that matters to us is this team, this organization, this group of men."
RB DERRICK HENRY
On how good it feels to come out of the game with a win: "Yes, [I'm] just blessed. It's been about three years since I've been able to [make the playoffs]. [I] love this team [and] love this organization, [and I'm] grateful to be able to have this moment and yes, it's been fun."
On his vantage point on DL Michael Pierce's INT: "Michael Pierce [has] light feet." (laughter) "They thought he couldn't move, and he ended up getting his first pick of his career, which is so cool for him. He works hard, [and] he's definitely deserving, and [I'm] happy for him happy [and] for everybody on the team."
On getting 2 TDs on his birthday: "Yes, God is good. [I'm] thankful for my teammates [and] coaches for me to have success, and yes, [I'm] just grateful. I'm 31, so they [aren't] going [to] come around too often; the clock is ticking. But [I'm] definitely grateful and thankful for everything."
On what changed in his production from the first half to the second half: "I think we just got in a rhythm. We started off slow a little bit as an offense, but just had to get things going, and we finally did that in the end."
On making the playoffs and the urgency of the moment: "[I'm] definitely grateful to be able to have the opportunity to get in the playoffs. Like you said, it's been three years. The reason why I came here is to have the opportunity, but we know what's at stake, [and] we know what we got to do. We got to lock in, and prepare right and get ready for this week."
On how the team's mindset has changed since the Bye week: "It's just crazy, everybody in this organization just locking in. Knowing what we needed to do to give ourselves a chance of going into the playoffs the right way, and I feel like everybody did a great job doing that."
On being able to host a playoff game next weekend: "[It's] definitely important. That's what you want going into the playoffs – a home playoff game in front of the home crowd, having the momentum on your side. That's going to be big for us, and [I'm] glad we were able to do that."
On how he feels about everything the team has accomplished in his first season: "Yes, I'm grateful [and] I love it – this is why I came here. We got the first goals done – to win the division – and [there's] still much more we need to accomplish. [We'll] enjoy this one and then get ready for the playoffs."
On him smoking a cigar in celebration: "But if you knew me, I actually smoked cigars at 'Bama [the University of Alabama] when we beat Tennessee, so I [have] been doing this since college."
On the confidence level of the offense heading into the playoffs: "I mean, we've won four in a row. I feel like everybody's been doing a great job of doing their jobs so we can execute on offense, and it's been fun. We've got to keep it going, stay locked in [and] hold each other accountable so we keep that same momentum in the playoffs."
On the team showing their ability to put games away in cold weather: "Yes, I mean we definitely wanted to end the season off on the right note going into the playoffs. We weren't taking [the Browns] lightly. They beat us last time, so we definitely wanted to come out here and execute the way we needed to, to give ourselves a chance to win."
On if this is one of his most memorable birthdays: "Yes, every birthday is meaningful, especially nowadays in this world. You never know. God is good. [I'm] thankful to be where I'm at and yes, we won the division. I can say so much, but I'm just grateful for everything."
On his second-half performance: "I just said that. We came back and focused more and did our job better than we did in the first half to be able to have success, and [I give] credit to everybody on the offense for producing."
QB LAMAR JACKSON
On what it feels like to be AFC North champions: "It feels good. [It's a] hat and t-shirt game. I always go back to my rookie season, we had Matt Weiss as the [running backs] coach, [and] he used to say, 'You have a hat and t-shirt game,' and that's pretty much always stuck with me. So, it's great to have this again."
On how proud he is of the team to be able to win the division despite the challenges they faced: "I'm very proud of our team. To piggyback off of what 'V' [Kyle Van Noy] said, starting off 0-2 [and] just looking at how things [were] happening with us – just battling adversity, people just doubting us and just this turnaround we've had. [We've been] winning games here and there, and this division is very tough. We got some of the best defensive players in the league in our division and we're matching up against them twice a year. Really, I'm [going to] say six times, because like I said, defense [is] on all the teams – we've played good defenders on all the teams we've played. I'm very proud of my team. We battled and we got the job done, but the job is undone. You know what I mean?"
On what his personal accomplishments this season mean to him: "That's all my teammates included with that. That's just not me. Because when we [are] practicing [and] I'm trying to get better, we [have] the look teams giving us great looks. Those guys [are] helping us out a lot. [I've] got my tight ends doing what they [are] doing, [as well as the] running backs, offensive line [and] receivers. That's all the way a team effort. That's just not me. I do what I'm supposed to do."
On how much his heart sank when WR Zay Flowers got injured: "Yes, I was hurt. I was hurt. Yes, we [are] going [to] see what happens come tomorrow or whenever [Zay Flowers has] to do his X-ray or whatever tomorrow."
On how he would describe where the team is at now as compared to the beginning of the season: "We [are] far ahead [of] what we [were] back then [with our] 0-2 start. Just today, I was getting ticked off out there, because I'm feeling like [there were] drives we didn't finfish [where] we [were] driving the ball [and] moving the ball [and] we [were] getting great field position from special teams and defense, and we [were] not completing the drive. But it happens sometimes in division games, [and] we [are] not trying to let that happen going into the playoffs. So, [there's] still room for improvement, but I feel like we [are] taking steps in the right direction."
On if he gets to celebrate the division, or if he still has to focus on the big picture: "Yes, I'm focused on the Wild Card game; I'm not going [to] lie to you. I'm cool [with] what's going on today. I'm cool, don't get me wrong, but my mind [is] on something else."
On if he got a chance to talk to WR Zay Flowers postgame and what he's meant to the offense: "No, I really didn't get to talk to [Zay Flowers]. [Head] coach [John Harbaugh] was talking to all of us, and I just said something brief to them then I had to come in here, so I didn't really get to speak to him. I would've though."
On WR Rashod Bateman stepping up when WR Zay Flowers got injured: "I'm not surprised. I've been seeing what 'Bate' [Rashod Bateman] was capable of doing and we just got a glimpse. I'm not [going to] toot his horn. We've got things to do. We've got things to do. I already knew what type of player he was – we all knew; we see him every day. But we just got something to do; we've got things to finish."
DL MICHAEL PIERCE
On finishing the game tonight impressively: "Yeah, it really was. We've had some trouble finishing games this year, but these last few weeks we've really changed that. We've really come out and finished the way we want to. And most importantly, it's giving us momentum going into the playoffs the right way."
On offense and defense clicking in the second half: "Complementary football, it's so important. Like coach says and everybody preaches, December football, going into January, and then you just keep it rolling into February, complementary football. It's all coming together, offense, defense, special teams. It's all important and hopefully it continues to roll over next week and [the] next week and [the] next week and [the] next week. We had a blast today, it was good, but the real work starts now."
On what he was thinking when he knelt down after the interception: "There's a long history of turning big-guy interceptions and fumbles into memes, so at the risk of turning myself into one of those, I decided it was just time to go home. Plus, I was out of gas, so it was good."
On if that was his first interception ever: "Yes, yes. I've recovered a couple of fumbles, but first time catching an interception."
On what it means to him to win the division: "It means everything. I had an injury this year, which slowed me down. I was trying to find my way back and it was kind of tough, but it had to happen like this. God is a funny, funny guy. I'm grateful, I'm just so grateful I caught it."
On if he can describe what was going through his head when he picked it off: "I'll be honest; I don't want to curse in front of the cameras, but my immediate reaction was ''S' word, he really threw this football.' I'm glad I caught it. And like I said, I don't want to end up a meme. I don't want my wife or family laughing at me. So, I did the right thing, I got down and left it right there."
On starting 0-2 and then winning the division: "That was really tough to have us question ourselves. But for us to fight back, and improving on defense, our run defense, our pass defense ... More importantly, it puts us in the playoffs and that's what this is all about. It's what you work for, and it makes it all worth it."
OLB ODAFE OWEH
On reaching double-digit sacks: "It means a lot. It's the most sacks I've had in my life. I started playing [football] late – junior year of high school – so I know it's 10 to you all, but it's a milestone to me. So, yes, it feels good."
On if he felt pressure to reach double-digit sacks alongside teammate OLB Kyle Van Noy: "I felt like I could have gotten it a few games before that, so I did feel a little pressure, but I feel like I've been [facing] that pressure since I got into the league. I've found better ways of trying to [combat] it and transform it into how I play. I just use it as, 'Come on, bro. The pressure is on. You have to get it.' It wasn't really pressure."
On the roller coaster of a season and hosting a home playoff game next week: "It feels good. Everything we said that was going to happen in the offseason, all the people we had to prove wrong ... We proved ourselves right. It feels good. I feel like this one feels a little bit better than last year, just because of all the doubt and trying to do something again; it's a little bit harder that way. [We have] new people in crucial spots, too, and then like you said, we went through a lot of adversity in the beginning. It's a testament to 'Z.O.' [defensive coordinator Zach Orr and] a lot of leaders on the defense to be able to turn it around and not blame anyone and just go to work and right the ship."
On how much confidence the defense is playing with right now: "A lot. I feel like Houston was a good start to what the defense really could be. I feel like each time we have a good game, it's just letting us know what we can be, and it's a different form of dominance. I feel like this game was great. We had someone that's like 400 pounds [Michael Pierce] get an interception. There's levels to this defense, and we're just tapping into it and learning more ways – different stages – of how we can get better and dominate."
On if he thinks about the journey he's gone through to get to 10 sacks: "Yes, I think about all that, but it's like I told him; that's what fuels you to keep going. Obviously, when you have games where you're going to get a sack ... [There are] stretches where you don't get a sack, and you hear everything, and you can't doubt yourself. You just have to keep on leaning back on what got you here, the work, and then that drive and passion. They want to see you stop, they want to see you lose, so don't do that; I feel like that's what I kept telling myself. I'm looking forward to the playoffs and even next year."
On why the defense has been able to turn it around so significantly since Week 11: "Like I said, we knew who we were in the beginning. It's just that certain things we weren't doing, in terms of playing the defense the right way. It was a new team, so we were trying to do things like we did last year. I feel like, like I said, it's a testament to the players on the team and 'Z.O.' [defensive coordinator Zach Orr] to step back and rearrange things and go back to work – don't blame anyone – and we found a way to do it. That's the ingredients of a good team."
On how important it is to play the Wild Card Game at home: "It's big. I don't like playing anywhere else but home, to be honest, so that's really big. It's either [going to be] the Chargers or the Steelers, so both teams that we've beaten before. We'll have the home crowd behind us. It's a good situation for us."
On if he ever takes it for granted that the Ravens are constantly having successful seasons: "A guy like me that got drafted here, I might [take it for granted], because I haven't seen anything else, since I've been here. I guess the first year, the second year, we were a little bit streaky, but it's just been dominance, consistency, discipline. That's the Ravens, so for me, yes, I might [take it for granted], but I try really [hard] not to, because I have vets and guys that have come from other teams that know this is not easy to do. I feel like it's a good blend of young guys and old guys, so we understand the opportunity that we have, and we can capitalize on it."
On the sideline celebration after DL Michael Pierce's interception: "I thought [Michael Pierce] was going to hurt himself when he went down, so we were just like, 'We're happy you're good.' We were just pumping him up, because it couldn't have happened to anyone better than him."
ILB ROQUAN SMITH
On clinching the AFC North: "That's what it's about. It's about a team game, at the end of the day, and clinching the North, that was one of our goals coming into the season – winning the North, then going into the playoffs and winning the big game, but one game at a time. So, we're on our way, and hey, that's an NFL team. At the end of the day, those guys are going to fight for their lives, and that's exactly what they did, but we stayed composed [and] stayed true to ourselves. And yes, they made a couple plays, but they didn't make enough."
On how he feels about the defense heading into the playoffs: "I feel really good about this defense going into the playoffs. I've got the utmost respect for each and every guy that I'm going out there on the field with and the utmost confidence in each and every guy being able to do their job. I feel like we're just getting started, and we're going to show the world exactly who we are throughout the playoffs, so get ready. Get your popcorn."
On finishing strong as a unit: "It just shows you the type of guys that are in this locker room – resilient guys [who] go through the face of adversity and look it right in the face and say, 'Hey, I'm going to be here' and not drop a head for one moment. When you look at each and every guy, guys [have] faced adversity throughout their lives, and we just show it. Like, adversity doesn't break us; it just makes us stronger, and we're on our way to showing the world exactly who we are."
On DL Michael Pierce's interception: "Oh, that was pretty cool. Yes, I saw 'Big Mike' [Michael Pierce]. That was pretty sweet. I asked him why he didn't give me about 20 more [yards]. He said, 'No, not today.' But it was funny. I think that was the funniest thing I've seen in 2025."
On how special it was for the team to celebrate DL Michael Pierce's interception together: "Yes, that's truly special, and especially for a guy like Mike [Michael Pierce]. Man, [he's] fought through so much this year – injuries, just playing good ball but then getting banged up – and just seeing the type of success he has when he's healthy, man, I've got a lot of respect for him as a person and especially as a player, [with] the way he just goes out ... He's so selfless, in a sense, to where he doesn't mind holding double teams, doing whatever it takes for [the] success of linebackers or whoever the case may be. So, I've got a lot of respect for him and just the way he plays the game of ball. So, I'll always be grateful for him, and I love having him in front of me."
On if the defensive success late in the season adds more confidence heading into the playoffs: "We've never lost confidence one bit, despite what people say. At the end of the day, it's all about each and every guy in this locker room, and we believe in each other before anybody else believes in us. So, that's our mindset – continuing to just stack, go out, prove ourselves to ourselves – at the end of the day, and [it's] just going to show who we are [with] the more games we play, and it's going to get started next week. Whoever is on the schedule, you've got to come to 'The Bank' [M&T Bank Stadium], and you've got to see about [it]."
On how important it is to host a playoff game: "Oh, you love playoff games at home. It's definitely an advantage for the defense. In my perspective, there are a lot of things the offense has to do – with the crowd noise and things of that nature. So, it's something that doesn't go unnoticed, and I love being able to play at home; [it] gives me a lot of little tips and keys."
On CB Nate Wiggins' interception going for a pick-six: "[I'm] very happy for Nate [Wiggins]. It's kind of crazy, because before the game, I was like, 'Nasty Nate. Just call him [that]. Somebody's got to come out there on that island.' And yes, it was a very good disguise by him, as well as the safety, and the quarterback thought we were in something that we weren't in, and he was sitting out there waiting for it, and then he made the play when it came to him. So, hats off to him for just doing his job and making the quarterback pay for trying him out there on the island. So, yes, [I'm] happy for him."
On how the pain from a disappointing end to last season will be used as fuel heading into the playoffs: "Absolutely. Every single day [and] leading up to every single game, whether that's the Wild Card, Divisional or the AFC Championship Game ... [We're] just taking it one play at a time and one game at a time, and if we do that ... And I've been thinking about it all offseason, but [you've] got to handle the little things by the little things, and once we get there, we'll get there. But it's going to start with next week – whoever it is on the schedule."
OLB KYLE VAN NOY
On what it took for this team to win the AFC North: "It took a lot. I think back to even before everything, we've gone through so much as a team. I just want to take the time to shout out Joe D. [former offensive line coach Joe D'Alessandris] and his family. I got chills saying that, because Joe D. is with us. Jacoby Jones, his family, we know they are with us, and we're just so grateful to put on a proud display of football for them and go through what we've gone through as a group, whether it's car accidents, injuries with players [or] the sicknesses that we've had. I know all teams go through it, but just this specific group, coaches included, starting 0-2, just the journey of the season, to be where we're at with the strength of schedule that coach [John Harbaugh] just talked about, to be where we're at, division champs in arguably the best division. I know everyone thinks [it's] the NFC North, but ... Still the AFC North, I think, is the toughest division, and to come out champs, it's awesome, and we're grateful to celebrate that tonight, but we have bigger and better things to worry about, which is the Wild Card Weekend. I was here last year for the AFC Championship, and this is all great, but our mindset has changed to get this first game. All the focus ... We're not guaranteed anything after next week, so our main focus is to get to next week and to get that 1-0 mindset. It starts with coach [Harbaugh]. He sets the tone, right here, with his great interview he had. Hopefully, I can piggyback off that, and then 'LJ' [Lamar Jackson]. Then, we're going to keep it moving to ... Everyone is going to be the best they can, hanging out tomorrow, and then Monday, show up [and] be ready to go."
On the improvement of the defense into the postseason that he's seen as a leader: "You came with some good questions ready. Honestly, we just had to take it upon ourselves as players. We felt like coaches were doing enough, and as players, we needed to step up individually and take ownership, really just battle it out. We had high expectations coming off a season like we did the year before. [We had] the expectations to do that right again with the changes that we had with the same players. It was kind of like our job to fix it, and I think we rallied together. We had some good times together of communication and really locking in, and the offense ... We're really grateful for the offense carrying us for a while to figure that out. That's what good football teams do. They just find a way to win no matter what. They allowed us to mature as a group and be competitive and finally turn the script and finally play Raven football on defense."
On DL Michael Pierce's interception: "Oh, man. My knees hurt after watching." (laughter) "We have to work on that slide a little bit, but honestly, you see the team [and] the love we have for each other. The whole team cleared the bench to celebrate 'MP' [Michael Pierce]. His situation this year, battling an injury, then for him to get back and be ready, just be 'MP,' the leader that he's been, the quiet grab your lunch pail type of guy. He's that constant kind of ... You sit in the back of the room, like, 'OK, we're good. 'MP' is here.' Just to have him have a play like that, it's incredible. Kudos to him. I think he played running back, back in the day."
On what it meant to hit his financial incentive in the game: "It's always awesome, but for me, I'm always worried about the win. I'm a winner. Our team is full of winners, and that's all we're worried about, is winning the game, but it is nice to put it in my pocket though." (laughter)
On what he's seen from OLB Odafe Oweh and seeing him reach double-digit sacks: "[I'm] super proud of [Odafe Oweh], a lot of high expectations for him coming as a first-rounder. He's battled some injuries early in his career, but just his work ethic to keep going, his belief in himself. I'm just super proud of him. Something that we want to do is have double digits. I think it's the first time since [Elvis] Dumervil and [Terrell] Suggs to do it [in Baltimore]. That was one of our goals together that we had, and it's awesome to accomplish that together."
On if it has felt like an 11-month journey from the end of last season to now and if they've been thinking about this moment: "Yes ... We'd be lying if we said we hadn't been thinking about it. Me and Coach [John] Harbaugh had a conversation earlier, and I had told him I hadn't left my house for a week after [the AFC Championship loss]. Just that mindset ... In my career, you're closer to the end, and those chances, you don't want them to slip. It's all I've thought about all offseason, training camp, we as a group during training camp. It's been on everybody's mind, 'LJ's' [Lamar Jackson] included, and we haven't forgotten about that, and we hope we can correct that mistake, but it doesn't matter. We can talk about the AFC Championship all we want, but we have to get through the Wild Card game. That's our main focus. That's all we're focused on as a team, is just take these next seven days – eight days or wherever we're at – and take it one day at a time."
S AR'DARIUS WASHINGTON
On DL Michael Pierce's interception: "That was the funniest thing I think I've ever seen. That was cool though. It's amazing to see a big guy like that pick it off and run. All the guys wanted to come off the sideline and celebrate with him."
On how the defense is gelling over the last month-and-a-half: "We just want to keep rolling in the playoffs. We're of course happy where we are right now, but there is, of course, still so much more left to do."
On his personal journey from undrafted free agent to a key member of the defense: "It means a lot to me to be able to persevere and make it through. But the job's not done yet, and we all realize that. It will mean a lot more to me if we make it through the playoffs and I have a feeling this is only just beginning."
On if he has a preference on who they will face next week: "Doesn't matter. All we know is they have to come here."
CB NATE WIGGINS
On his first AFC North division title and first interception in his rookie season: "I feel good. I feel like [it was] everything I expected to be coming here. I knew we were going to have a great season coming in and when I got drafted. My interception took longer than expected, but [what a way] to get my first pick-six ... I feel great."
On how the veterans are helping him prepare for the postseason: "Really just going into the playoffs just one play at a time. We know each team we play, it's going to be a tough matchup, so everything counts, every little thing counts. We just have to be locked in and just keep doing what we're doing."
On if he feels like he's earned the nickname 'Nasty Nate': "Yes, I feel like I'm doing my part. I've been shutting down the side of the field, so I feel like I've been doing my part. Yes."
On his pick-six: "We were just in Cover 2. I was just trying to bait the quarterback, but he threw it right to me. I just had to show them my speed."
On how his pick-six felt: "It felt great. It felt like just everything ... Like I said, it took 17 weeks of the season. Yes, it had been a long time, but it felt good today."
On how it felt to get his first interception in Week 18: "It felt good. I just know I was dropping a lot of them, and I just knew it was going to keep coming back. I just had to catch one, and tonight, I caught it, and I took it back to the house. It felt great."
