HEAD COACH JOHN HARBAUGH
Opening Statement: "Great to see everybody here. [I] sure appreciate you being here. [We had a] good practice today, [and] guys are locked in. [We've] been working hard, [and] preparing for a very, very good Bills football team. We understand the challenges that we face. It really starts with the team. It starts with their three phases: their players, their coaches [and] then the environment. The elements [and] the noise that we're going to face – all those things will be big challenges for us, but we're excited about it, and we're looking forward to going up there and really playing our best football game this season one play at a time. What questions do you guys have?"
The reason for indoor practice was that the fields are frozen? (Jamison Hensley) "The fields are frozen. That's right."
The forecast for right now is at like 17 degrees or so at kickoff Sunday. In your mind, is there a big difference between that and high 20s or low 30s in terms of its impact on your guys, or not really? (Childs Walker) "Well there's a big difference as far as the temperature, because I'm out there, and I can vouch for that. But as far as the game itself, no. We have it as cold as we can in here right now, and it'll be colder in here tomorrow when I get all the water shut off in here so the pipes don't freeze, so we can be colder. So, we'll have it cold. [I'd] love to be outside, but we just can't. The fields are too hard, and they're too frozen. We'll get the work in. We've had a lot of work in the cold. We have had a lot of work in the wind. And the elements are a part of it, and the other thing's going to be the footing on their field. We're thinking about that, too. We want to make sure we have good footing on that field. It's a turf field, and it'll be hard and kind of frozen. We're trying to think about all of that, but really what we're thinking about is just executing our plays at the highest level we possibly can."
You've had your share of big road wins since you've been here. What are some of the other things, aside from the weather, that you emphasize going into this one? (Noah Trister) "Well, just kind of what we're talking about in terms of operating and executing is the main thing. I mean, you have to operate under duress – the duress of the opponent. It's also the duress of the environment, and it's really the noise as much as anything, especially for the offense. But that's a two-way street. We have it at our stadium – our defense has to operate that way, too. Both groups have to deal with communication with noise, so being on the same page, but also being on the same page of the snap count and things like that. Trying not to put ourselves in first-and-15; those kinds of things [are] very important."
How have you seen the group prepare differently mentally, compared with the regular season? (David Andrade) "I don't see it any different. I mean, we've been preparing at a really high level and maybe notched [it] up a little bit. It's natural to kind of turn it up a notch [and] tighten it down a notch at the same time and really get locked in for the task at hand every step along the way. But every step along the way we're trying to do it to the highest level we possibly can anyway. Our guys have done a great job of that. They continue to do a great job of that. That's why they're in the position they're in right now to have a chance to play a game like this."
You've been a part of so many big playoff games, and you know everything that goes into it. When you're in those moments coaching, does that leave and it gets back to football, or is that constantly kind of in your mind of any big play or any big mistake, and it's win or go home? (Morgan Adsit) "No, you don't think that way during the game. You think about the game itself. One thing I've found [is] that the margin for error in these games is tighter, because you're playing really good teams. It's not so much that it's the opportunity to advance or the downside of not advancing, it's more the fact that you're playing one of the best teams in the National Football League. So, you feel that way in those types [of] games, like every possession is really going to make the difference, and you want to make the most of every play [and] every possession."
To that point, turnovers are obviously a big deal, especially this time of the year. I think the Bills have had the fewest, and you guys are like third. Why have you been so successful in that area, and how much of a point of emphasis has it been, particularly this time of year? (Brian Wacker) "Well, it's a point of emphasis always, and it's a point of emphasis right now big time, because for our offense, [the Bills'] defense takes the ball away a lot. We're going to try to take the ball away from them as much as we can and try to get them as uncomfortable as we can, of course. But also on offense, understanding that's how they play. They try to put you in a position where they create turnovers. Yes, protecting the football is job [No.] 1. That was in our meeting today. It's pretty much in our meeting every week, but it was definitely in our meeting today. It might've been the No. 1 point – job [No.] 1 [and] No. 1 [is to] protect the football."
What impresses you about Bills QB Josh Allen? (Jamison Hensley) "Well, I mean [Josh Allen is the] ultimate-type competitor. Obviously, he has that he's a fiery personality. We saw that his rookie year. I remember he came over in the sideline, and him and [Terrell] Suggs or something. I don't know what happened. He was hit on the sideline or something, and he came up swinging. I respected that. I did tell him, I said, 'Woah, woah. Calm down.' I saw him at The Masters like that next year – that spring – and had a chance to hang out with him. He was there with Sam Darnold, and [we] had a few laughs about that whole deal, but [I have a] lot of respect for him. [He's a] competitive guy."
I know you guys expect to be in this kind of round in the playoffs every year. What have you kind of preached to the team, whether it's offseason, during the season or postseason about the importance of patience, and kind of knowing that if you do everything right you can kind of put yourself in a position to have a really special season? (Jonas Shaffer) "Yes, it's been a big point of emphasis for us – patience. In this sense; you can't win a game in one play. You can't win a game in one series or one drive or one quarter or even one half. You have to do it one play at a time for a whole game, and you have to be patient and understand that there's going to be momentum swings, [and] there's going to be good plays, [and] they're going to make plays. It's how you respond, and what you make of the next opportunity, really. And understanding that so you don't lose yourself in the emotion [and] the momentum of the game is really important, and that's been a big emphasis, and I believe our guys have done a really good job of that and are very much aware of that right now."
Do you ask veterans like OLB Kyle Van Noy who's been through a lot of these battles and have been through Super Bowls ... I know you have a couple – K Justin Tucker has as well – but do you lean on him to talk to younger players at all this time of year? (Bo Smolka) "Sure, [Kyle Van Noy] does a great job of that [as well as] 'Tuck' [Justin Tucker]. Our veteran guys who have been in these games, they do a good job of that, sure, and I appreciate that, and our guys ask them."
What do you think has made WR Rashod Bateman such a reliable red zone threat for this offense? (Kyle Phoenix) "I think [Rashod Bateman] runs great routes. It's a tight area, things happen fast in the red zone, and a good route runner is a big deal. People assume just it's size, 50-50 and go-get-a-ball-type thing, but that value of route running in the red zone really goes up."
TE MARK ANDREWS
On what's stood out to him about the last playoff trip to Buffalo: "Yes, of course [I remember]. Lamar [Jackson] talked about it. It's just [about] being able to learn from your mistakes and growing throughout the years, and I think this team is different than all the teams in the past. We're going to be ready to go."
On if there is an appreciative difference for defenders trying to tackle someone in 15-degree weather: "Yes, I think there is, but at the same time, it's both teams going through it. It's both teams just being able to be physical and have a guy like [Derrick Henry], he's a tough [guy to] tackle to begin with. These are two teams that are used to cold-type weather. It's all business for us, and we're not going to be thinking about that."
On the mental process he goes through knowing the game conditions are going to be rough: "It's war time. It's time to go to war. It's accepting anything and everything."
On tricks to try to stay warm: "Just keep moving. That's all it is. Just keeping moving."
On how previous playoff game experiences have shaped the team be in a good position this time around: "This team right now is playing really good. Offensively, [we're] moving the ball, being efficient, not making mistakes, and I think we've grown throughout the year. We're not hurting ourselves as much and just being able to play efficient football – take care of the football – is the main thing, especially in the playoffs when you have our type of team."
On if he feels the buildup of the game, or if it's just another playoff game: "For us, it's week by week. We're focused on this individual week against a great opponent, but focused on ourselves and doing our job to the best of our ability. If we do that, and we're militant, and we do the right things, there are going to be great things ahead."
On how QB Lamar Jackson's mentality helps the offense not get caught up in the whole MVP candidates narrative: "I think it's [about] not trying to do too much and [Lamar Jackson] just being himself. He does that week in and week out, fighting for the win, and it's no different in this game. It's just going to be him competing his butt off like the warrior he is."
On if there is anything different about QB Lamar Jackson off the field during this playoff run: "I just think the knowledge of everything of seeing things ... When [Lamar Jackson] is in the game and seeing different looks, seeing maybe what to check to, what to go to and making incredible reads and decisions, and that's what it boils down to. He's always been great at that, but he's been able to reach another level."
On how encouraging it is to spread the ball to all receivers even without WR Zay Flowers in the game: "It's awesome. It's awesome. We have a bunch of depth and guys that can step up and make plays and that are playing really good football. For us to be able to do that and spread the ball around and be dangerous at all positions is tough on a defense, so we're counting on those guys to continue to make plays and step up and fit in different roles to help this offense go."
On how important Bills CB Taron Johnson is for what they want to do defensively: "I have so much respect for those guys, and they have a couple of guys coming back, so we know the type of players that they are and how hard they play and the type of defense [they are]. They're very sound and everything like that, so for us, it's about doing our job and playing as hard as we can."
On if RB Derrick Henry's stiff arms have an impact on the offense: "Personally, I just feel like every time ... You know [Derrick Henry] is going to get a touch. You just want to fight for him. You want to fight for him because he's so good at finding space and hitting it downhill and rolling fast. So, when you have a guy like that, just being able to get on a guy, and he's going to make you right. It's [about] playing as hard as you can and finding a block, because he's dangerous."
On if he keeps the Super Bowl and the bigger picture of the mission in the corner of his mind: "I think the focus of this team is, like you said, it's week by week. This is three [or] four weeks for the rest of our lives. Why not give it everything you have to be the best that we can. I think just the focus and the energy and the camaraderie of this group is buying in, and they're all in."
S KYLE HAMILTON
On if playing the Buffalo Bills in Week 4 is beneficial for the upcoming matchup: "Yes, I think a little bit. We are obviously two very different teams than when we were whenever that game was [Week 4]. I think the biggest thing we take away from that is that it can be done, we just have to replicate that success. I know Buffalo has a sour taste in their mouth about that game, so it's going to be a tough one. I think we are prepared for it. We are going to go up there and do what we need to do."
On the evolution of QB Josh Allen: "He is one of the best in the league for a reason. He is up for the MVP with Lamar [Jackson] for a reason. It is because he affects the game in a very different way than a lot of different quarterbacks. He is one-of-one in that sense [with his] arm talent, mobility, and he is big. He manages that offense really well, and guys play really well around him. He spreads the ball around. They've had the run game going the past few games. Much respect to them in that sense. It is going to be a challenge for us, but I think we have been practicing pretty well so far this week, we've got a good gameplan, so we are excited to go out there and play the game."
On the biggest difference between the Buffalo Bills current offense compared to their offense in Week 4: "I think the way the flow of the game went, they couldn't really get to their run game because they got behind quickly. But, they have been really running the ball well the past few weeks. Getting knock-back up front and a plethora of running backs running hard along with Josh. It is an aspect of the game that you didn't really have to worry too much about in the past with the Bills. They had been throwing the ball around for the most part, but they are really committed to the run. It is definitely a respectable run game. They've hurt people – they hurt the Broncos last week with it. I think it is big for us as a defense to knock the run out first before we get to anything else."
On stopping the extended play of QB Josh Allen: "Playing against him, he does such a good job escaping the pocket. When he is out of the pocket, he throws really well on the run. He is accurate throwing deep. Coach [John] Harbaugh, along with all of our defensive coaches, have been harping on plastering our coverage, and no matter how long you think the play is going to be, go until the whistle [blows the play] dead. Make sure that when they scramble up-field, we are attached to them and just do what we've talked about."
On if practicing against QB Lamar Jackson every day is the best preparation for preparing for QB Josh Allen: "Yes, probably. Obviously, we don't get to hit Lamar [Jackson]. I think it is going to be big for us just to keep him contained when he does get out of the pocket. Tackle him and limit the gains. Honestly, just limit what he can do outside of the pocket. I think that is a big thing for us and our defensive line – just kind of cage him in there and win the game from that perspective. Lamar definitely opposite us is a good look in that sense. I don't know how hard he is really going in practice, in terms of running the ball and stuff. He is always running around there and laughing, but I guess you could say that's a good look."
On the importance of pre-snap communication: "Their offensive scheme has been very successful in terms of putting everybody in different places, utilizing everybody's strengths, like how you said, the motions and all that stuff makes you communicate. I think it is something that we have had our bumps in the road with, but I think we have gotten really good at it, to this point in the season. It is the reason that we are still one of eight [teams] still playing. We just have to continue that. Every game is its own game. Just because we communicated well last week or the week before, doesn't mean we automatically are going to do that. We have to hone in on it this week and make it a point of emphasis."
Of if he is fired up for the College Football National Championship for his alma mater Notre Dame: "Oh yes, for sure. I've been talking to Malik Harrison [and] a couple other Ohio State guys in the locker room. We have to get it done."
CB MARLON HUMPHREY
On what he's learned from previous matchups against Bills QB Josh Allen: "[Josh Allen] is definitely a competitor. Me and some of the guys were talking ... We were talking about quarterbacks we hate playing the most, based off who would be closest to Lamar [Jackson and] how he's able to keep a play going. The play is really never over, and then, when he runs, he is a big dude. He can juke you, but he can run you over and keep running very easily, so [he's] just a super tough quarterback to go against. That's the biggest thing, but if I had to put it on one thing, the play is just never over."
On if he enjoys being a part of a big matchup: "I can't really speak on behalf of knowing the main event thing. Something I've realized is, as the playoffs go, our locker room TV usually sits on ESPN, but as the playoffs get smaller, there are only a couple of teams to talk about. We've kind of had to change some channels in the locker room, so we're missing ... I guess I'm not knowing [that it's being called] the main event [in] the media stuff as much, but no, I would definitely be lying if I didn't. This is a chance for who's going to win the MVP-type thing, and I feel like on our side, on defense, you want to play well so our quarterback can get that praise, get that glory and go out and shine. It's going to be an iconic event. I think I just saw a clip from Richard Sherman, and he was like – not that it's all about the quarterback, but it is essentially all about the quarterback – [and] he was saying whoever comes out of this game will kind of be that next quarterback up, and whoever goes down ... I definitely think it will be a huge game for the NFL [and] a huge game for the fans. I think it will be a very, very good day."
On how big of an asset having RB Derrick Henry on his side is on a cold weather game: "Yes, having [Derrick Henry] is huge. He's upset us in our stadium, and he also just put on a great performance with us, so I know it's no fun taking those hits, because he usually brings the hits to you – the defender – so it's great having him on the team. Something that I've really been impressed with, with him – being with him in college – but seeing him ... He's always a pretty locked in guy, but seeing the urgency he takes, the approach, the locked-in-ness that I've seen in him over these past couple of weeks [at the] end of the season, it seems like he's locked in on a different level. I think that's really helping keep the poise, keep the team ... I've really been impressed with just how he operates. He's a pro. He's been that all year, but it seems like as we got closer to the postseason, closing up some of those games and this past game, it seems like his poise, his locked-in-ness went to another level."
On what it's like to try to tackle RB Derrick Henry: "[Derrick Henry] is moving a lot faster than he looks. That's probably what really messes up the corners when he hits the edge, messes up the linebackers, and then his arms are ... He is a specimen of a build. You kind of think you can tackle him, and sometimes it works, but if he stiff arms you, it's just different. He's definitely one-of-one, but I think the visual and what's actually happening doesn't really match up. It's like, 'Oh, I have a perfect angle.' Then, he gets around you. 'Oh, I can tackle him right here.' Then, not to get on my guy Minkah [Fitzpatrick], Minkah was right there, was looking all good, and then, just out of nowhere, just a stiff arm to the face, and it's a strong stiff arm. It's more of a punch. It probably should ... It might should be illegal, because it's [more like] a punch, but if he's on my team, it's good. If it's against me, I want it to be illegal. He's just different, so I know the Bills will have their hands ... It will be tough."
On what the defense did well against the Bills in Week 4 and how he vocalizes to other players about staying humble and not assuming the game will have the same outcome: "For us and for them, it seems like all their best numbers came after that game, as far as them, offensively. Then, for us, we moved around a lot of pieces, as well, on defense, and that seems so long ago. We had to really look back and see what we did, what they did, but it's definitely different on both sides. We haven't really watched too much – as a team – tape of that game, because they've done so many things differently. They added 'Coop' [Amari Cooper], got some guys back on the defensive side, so it's just such a different ... That was a game, on defense, we were actually able to play decently well, but some of the changes that we made since then – some of the calls we've changed – we feel like we have a different identity ourselves. It kind of seems pretty fresh, being that it was so long ago, so there really isn't much comparison to that Week 4 game."
On how he handles cold-weather games like it will be in Buffalo: "I am thinking of the last time we were in Buffalo. It was maybe the playoffs in Buffalo. I don't really handle it too differently. I remember Marcus Peters was on the team at that time. We had the heaters on the sideline, and you can look up and see the timeout clock. It usually starts at two minutes, and it goes all the way down, and the ref will give the '10 seconds' mark, and Marcus Peters would still be on the sidelines by the heater. That is not how I will handle it, but I might stay on the sideline a little longer with the heater, but I will cut it a lot [further from] the '10-second' mark. I'm more of a '30-second' guy, but [it's] really no different. I've always wanted to play in like three feet of snow, to where all they can do is run the ball. It won't be that snowy, but [it's] really no different. I know they're used to the cold, but it gets cold enough in Baltimore, so I don't think it will be much different."
On him warming up without a shirt on ahead of the coldest home game in team history last year and if he will do that on Sunday: "There is a possibility if my mom doesn't get too mad at me and tell me I might get sick and get pneumonia and everything. So yes, that was a cold game. I do remember that one, but I'm excited. I'm excited to go to Buffalo. I know their fans ... It will be crazy in there, so it's kind of a football player's dream, to be in a tough environment, really crazy, powerful fans, and I'm sure the Flock will bring whoever can make the trip, and we'll appreciate all that can come."
QB LAMAR JACKSON
On what impresses him about QB Josh Allen: "[Josh Allen's] uniqueness of just making things happen when plays break down. [He has] a strong arm [and] can make any throw on the field. Definitely."
On the excitement of playing against the Bills: "[It's] the same as last week. I feel like our guys are just locked in. The playoff atmosphere is pretty much serious around the building. We've been joking, but not that much. Guys are just locked in, because a lot of us was here last year, and we know what's at stake for us."
On how he will manage the cold in Buffalo: "Hopefully, we'll have some heaters on the sideline. [I'll have] a bigger jacket probably. I have to talk to [head equipment manager] Kenico [Hines] to see what he has going on. The equipment guys – they pretty much do a great job, so we should be good."
On if he'll wear gloves during the game: "No. I tried that in practice, [and] I was horrible. I'll leave that up to 'Teddy two gloves,' Teddy Bridgewater. Shoutout to Teddy."
On handling the cold weather well: "Yes, I'm trying to win, so it really doesn't matter. I can't go into a game and be like, 'It's too cold, I can't make things happen. Coach [John Harbaugh] would probably send me home. [Executive vice president and general manager] Eric [DeCosta] would have me go upstairs and talk to him. So, I have to lock in in the cold."
On why WR Rashod Bateman has been a reliable target in the red zone this season: "Just [Rashod Bateman] just being him. We've seen plenty of film on Bateman just getting open on guys, but the ball wasn't going his way, because it was always out of my hands, or [there was] pressure or something back inside, so he wasn't able to get the ball. But us just watching film and just building chemistry over and over, day-in and day-out, and him just being the best player he can be. He's just lighting things up, making my job a lot easier, getting open even more, and we have a lot of guys on our offense – tight ends, a lot more receivers, running backs – so it's hard to keep an eye on one guy."
On if he feels that this game is the matchup that everybody wants to see: "Excuse me for everybody watching, but I really don't care who's watching. To me, to us players, we're really just trying to win. We really don't care how people feel about it – we're trying to go in there and just win. That's a tough environment, a tough team – offense, defense and special teams. We're just trying to go there and win."
On if there is anything different about the buildup to this game: "I believe we are already built up. It's the playoffs. It's not like we can go out there, lose a game, and then prepare for another game. It's win or go home, so we're already [built up]."
On how he handles playoff wins: "Lock in for the next week. Probably that night, you're cool talking about things that happen within a game, but after that, it's like, 'Alright, we have another game.' There's no getting high, or getting low, just stay focused."
On having different personnel out on the field during Saturday's game: "It was pretty smooth. Just like you said, everybody was on the same page, and everything flowed smooth for us on the offensive side on the ball."
On having to catch his pants before they fell down on Saturday: "No, [the Steelers] pulled my pants down – one of them. I guess they were just trying to tackle me, not literally 'pantsing' me, nothing like that. But yes, they just tackled me – got me I guess – [and] they were too aggressive just making sure I was down [and] my pants slip. 'Hard Knocks' stop putting that out there." (laughter)
On his relationship with QB Josh Allen: "I don't know. I have probably seen Josh [Allen] early on in our career going to certain events around the Super Bowl time and stuff like that, but in the offseason, I don't really chill with people [in] the offseason, especially not other quarterbacks. Don't get me wrong, there's no problem or nothing like that, but we're competing with each other. I'm trying to beat you; I'm not trying to be your friend."
On if he and QB Josh Allen will always be linked together because they were from the same draft class: "Yes, when we're older, we'll probably laugh about it, but right now, it's serious. I'm not laughing with you."
On what he's done to tighten up his ball security skills this season: "Just overly focused on that part of the game [and] just protecting the ball. Like I said, just watching film, a lot of our games came down to us – turnovers, getting back on track [and] stuff like that. Coach [John Harbaugh] is over-emphasizing that on us. Making sure that ball security – this and that – and that plays a part with me, not just fumbling, but keeping the ball out of the defenders' hands as well. Put the ball where only my receiver can catch the ball and make moves, so that's pretty much been an all-around emphasis for us."
On how big a challenge it is to play without WR Zay Flowers: "It's a huge challenge. [Zay Flowers] is a guy that has been with us all season long [and has] been making things happen for us. And just him being him – what he brings to the game – we're going to miss that, but we have guys who are locked in and are ready to step up to the plate for us."
On if he has a greater understanding and appreciation of what it takes to win in the playoffs now that he's in his seventh year: "I always had that appreciation; we just didn't come out with success. It's just different like you said, [it's] the experience part of it. Certain things that you have clean up in those playoff games that ... the ones we won, we didn't really have those problems with the ones we lost. So, just me watching film and learning from my mistakes should make things a lot easier for me."
On how important it is for the running game to get going: "I feel like that's just playoff football, especially playing up north. You have to be able to run the football, especially with the cold [and] the wind. The cold really doesn't play that part, it's the wind really. So, sometimes you have to run that ball. It'll play a huge part."
On if the last playoff game against the Bills matters to him: "Hell yes. Hell yes. I just saw it. I just saw a little clip they always like to post they like to throw that out there that little interception return. Yes, that's all I'm going to say about that though."
