SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR CHRIS HORTON
Opening Statement: "Good to see everyone today. [I] see all you guys are all bundled up. [You] took that walk from outside, right – coming indoors. Just for us right now, it's really been about us. These last two days have been just really just trying to continue to work on us, and our fundamentals and the things that we need to take into this game, so we can play our best football. Our guys are going out there. We're playing hard, [and] we're playing physical, but there's still a couple little things here and there that we want to get out of our system as we continue to approach these games. I'm fired up. Our guys are fired up, and I think we're ready to play our best football. Questions?"
With WR Steven Sims, is it a matter more of decision making, or is it tracking the ball? What are some things that you could maybe talk to him about? (Jamison Hensley) "One of the things you talk to a veteran guy about – a guy that hasn't been a part of our system – is one, where you are on the field, because some guys are coached across this league other ways and where they field the ball and things like that. I just think – referring to that one that [Steven Sims] dropped on the 8-yard line – well it comes down to two things. One, you don't want to field the ball inside the 8-yard line, right. And secondly, it comes down to catch fundamentals. We know right now as punt returners, we want to be square underneath the ball, and he tried to catch that ball over the side. Those are tough, so it's just little things like that we just [have] to keep reminding him of, 'Hey, we [have] to do this the Baltimore way.' And he's a confident guy, and he'll be able to do that, and we have all the confidence in the world in him."
How do you get a ball ready to simulate for kicking in what might be 10–15-degree weather in Buffalo? (Jonas Shaffer) "I think for the guys that we have, I think it just comes with experience. The weather is going to be what it's going to be. We've experienced some weather games and things like that. I don't think, for as cold as it's going to be, I don't know how you can simulate that. Besides the days that ... Yesterday, we went outside for a second just to hit some balls and kick some balls and things like that. That's the only way you can get that done. What it comes down to is, really, fundamentals. Just making sure the snap's good, [and] the hold's good and then the kick. And then the elements are going to be what they're going to be. If we stay true to all of our fundamentals, we should be good."
With WR/RS Deonte Harty, if he were brought up to the 53-man roster, given he has an extensive track record of fielding punts, would you be comfortable with him in that scenario? (Ryan Mink) "Of course. I think the thing for Deonte [Harty] is just getting back out here. He's missed a lot of football, right. And just making sure that he's ready to go. His body's right, [and] he's in a good place. I don't have a problem with him fielding punts or anything like that. It's a matter of, 'OK, is he ready to go.' You [have] to get him out here and get him running. He's saying all the right things, [and] he's doing all the right things, and it's good to see him out here. It honestly is good to see him starting to pick up the speeds and things like that."
The Steelers had a return play where they had no returners – they put all 11 players on the line. Did you talk to P Jordan Stout about changing things in that moment when you notice it, and do you ever consider putting all 11 players and no punt returner back there? (Bo Smolka) "Situationally, we consider things like that. But when you do see that, there's certain things in our protection that we have to recognize, and everyone has to communicate, and when they do have nine guys up in the box, we only have eight protectors. So, we're short a guy. So, we have certain rules in which we handle protecting the punt, and we just [have] to make sure we get the ball off. The most important thing is [to] get the ball off, and then hopefully that ball dies somewhere around the 10-yard line and things like that. More importantly, get the ball off."
How does the frozen field impact your field goal decisions, if at all? (Alex Woodward) "I just think when we go out there throughout the pre-game, I think we'll decide with [senior special teams coach] Randy [Brown] and things like that, 'OK, what's our line and things like that. How far can we kick from like ...' Right now, we really don't know. We don't know what the field conditions [are] going to be like. I know Buffalo ... I think the field will be heated. So, it might not be as frozen as what's outside right now. So, all those things can change, and those things we will figure out once we get in to Buffalo."
With the Steelers P Corliss Waitman being left-footed, does that cause a significant impact on returners? Is that something that factors into this? (Kyle Phoenix) "I don't necessarily think it factors into it. If we were dealing with a rookie, I would say that might have a little bit of impact on it. But Steven [Sims has] caught a lot of punts in this league. He's caught off righties, [and] he's caught off lefties. We have guys ... We shoot lefty JUGS. The ball changes a little bit and things like that, but I don't know if that necessarily has an impact on it. I just think you've got to get yourself in position [and] square up. The one that hit the ground – the ball just faded away from him. Again, [the] most important thing is ... Our job as special teams is [to] give the ball back to the offense. So, whether you catch that ball or not; everybody might be a little bit upset with him. We gave the ball back to the offense, and we go score points. So, we take care of that by handling that. If you don't feel comfortable catching the ball, don't put yourself in a bad situation, and I think he did the right thing. The ball fading away from him; let it go, [and] the ball goes to the offense – win for the Ravens."
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR TODD MONKEN
People always talk about when the weather gets a little cold and a gets a little windier, you're relying on your running game. How important do you think having a strong running game can impact the game when weather is a factor? (Jamison Hensley) "It's huge. It's huge. First of all, you can't control a game if you can't run it anyway. So, having a strong running game, especially when the conditions go a certain way – especially with the wind – certainly gives you a leg up."
There are reports that you're taking head coach interviews today and tomorrow. When Ravens fans see that, they panic about, "Is he focused on the other job? Is he focused here?" What's your response to the worries or concerns that fans have when they see these reports? (Kyle Phoenix) "Well, first of all, I'll just say this – as I said last week – it's a compliment to this organization – our players and our coaches that other organizations have an interest in myself or any of our coaches. That's just a fact; that's how it goes. Any of the work that I needed to do for any interviews that were going to come up during the season, I did in the offseason. So, all of my focus last week was on the Steelers, and all of my focus this week is on the Bills. I love the job I have – I really do, and I have a great job here. The way the system is set up is unfortunate, but it is what it is. But I'm excited to play the Bills – that's where my mind's at."
Speaking of which, you said the system is what it is. Would you prefer that an NFL change or a rule change occur, that these interviews for offensive coordinators and head coaches would occur in the offseason or after the Super Bowl rather than in the midst of the playoffs? (Kyle Phoenix) "I don't think there's any easy way, or they'd already be doing it. It is what it is. It's like trying to figure out things ... They've been trying to figure it out. There's no easy way. There's no easy solution, so it is what it is."
The success that you had against them in Week 4, how much applicability is there to whatever might happen on Sunday? (Childs Walker) "It's week-to-week. We're going to have to play well Sunday night, and I anticipate we will. What we did, or how we did it, whatever that was – 13 weeks ago [or] 14 weeks ago – we're all looking at the same tape. We're looking at that same tape – what we did well, what we didn't do well, anticipating how they'll react to what we've been doing lately, because we're a different team now than we were then in terms of how we attack people, our personnel, who we have [and] who we'll have Sunday night. So, ultimately, for both teams, it's going to come down to what they do well. Irrespective of what that game was 13 [or] 14 weeks ago, what we do well, what they do well, because when you're really good, you have tendencies. You just do. You just do. You have to do what you do well and do it better than they do it."
How much, if any, will the weather play a factor in your offensive scheme? And maybe a benefit for you guys? (Jerry Coleman) "I don't know if it's a benefit or not. Our gameplan has gone in knowing it's going to be cold, knowing that there's a chance for snow or wind. Ultimately, it doesn't change a lot."
We've seen the run game continue to evolve throughout the season, but you guys have utilized a sixth offensive lineman a lot in recent weeks. What's gone into that? And what have you thought of the success of that? (Tim Barbalace) "Some of it started when Charlie [Kolar] was out, so that was the initial part of it. We've used it on the goal line; we've used it down there. It evolved a little bit with Charlie out, and then as you get further into the season and you want to be able to run it, the ability to use an extra lineman is facilitated by being able to run the football, be ahead of the chains and be winning. That's a fact. Any part of your run game is a byproduct of continuing to be able to play with physicality, being able to run it, and that's going to give you other opportunities, but I think Josh [Jones] has done a great job when he's been in."
In the read-option plays you guys ran this past weekend, it seemed one of the things the Steelers really struggled with was just reading QB Lamar Jackson's sort of late pulls or late handoffs. How hard is it for the running backs to develop the chemistry with Lamar on those mesh points to kind of create that deceptiveness and make it fool the defense? (Kyle Goon) "Coaches have done a great job with that. It has not been an issue, as we know it can be, and [the Steelers] changed up what their decision was. In the past [when] we've played them, they've taken the ball out of Lamar [Jackson's] hands; I mean, they've done that. Not all of the time, but that's been a major focus of them. And then this game, it was a little more of like, 'OK, how are we going to play squeeze scrape? Are we going to utilize a safety as the extra tackler on Lamar?" And he did a great job, and the guys in the backfield did a great job."
You've had the No. 1 rushing attack for most of the year. After the bye, especially RB Derrick Henry's production ratcheted up even more. Was there something coming out of the bye that guys said, "Hey let's increase the focus," or did that not really happen? (Jamison Hensley) "We did a few things. I wouldn't say the focus of getting the ball to Derrick [Henry] was that way. There are a few things we're doing differently, there are a few concepts – same in the pass game – that you get to look at over the bye week – which we did, like most teams do, and take a look at yourself [and] look at others. What can we incorporate as we do down this stretch here? It's the nice thing about having the late bye, but we've also been winning. And when you're winning, and you're ahead, that's a byproduct of buying more opportunities. Your physicality [and being] really good on early downs and winning allows for us to run the football."
Along those lines, we've seen this run game evolve where you can prepare gap and zone concepts with read options, so you have that extra layer of protection. How much of that is premediated over how you wanted to develop this run game over the course of the season? And how much of that is just kind of a natural response to what you see for how they want to defend you guys? (Jonas Shaffer) "All of the above. We've always had it in there, but as you kind of evolve through the year ... With each game you're looking at what you're doing well, what you're not doing well, what tendencies you've created [and] the personnel that you have to be able to utilize it, because that's the key part of it – how do you utilize all of the personnel that you have – whether it's your tight ends, your [running] backs, your receivers. How do you get them in the game? They all have an elite trait somewhere, or they wouldn't be in the NFL. How can we utilize that and give us an opportunity to move the ball and score points?"
When you go into a game knowing that you're not going to have a guy as integral of WR Zay Flowers, I'm not saying that's going to be the case this week, but it was the case last week. What's the thought process? Is it more, "This is our how our pallet of plays might change," or is it more, "These are the guys that might piecemeal be able to replace some of the things that he does?" (Childs Walker) "I think the latter. How are we going to move our pieces around to give us the best chance to score. I mean, that's what we're paid to do, irrespective of who takes the field. Hopefully, Zay [Flowers] will be able to go, but if not, we have a lot of really good players. We really do. We're fortunate. We have a lot of really good players, and we anticipate them playing well."
You mentioned all of these guys with elite abilities. I asked you a similar question last year, but having all of these guys with elite abilities plus RB Derrick Henry, is this fun for you to draw up these plays? (Melissa Kim) "I don't know if I'd call it fun." (laughter) "When you're in the middle of it, in the season, it's a grind. Give it three or four weeks hopefully, then you can say then it was fun. You're always working to win the last one. That's just the way it is. All of the stats, all of the compliments [of] where you're at, running the ball, throwing it – all that matters is Sunday night and what we put out there Sunday night."
How much do LB Matt Milano, CB Taron Johnson and LB Terrel Bernard matter for Buffalo and the way that they want to play defense? (Jonas Shaffer) "[Matt Milano, Taron Johnson and Terrel Bernard] are good football players. Now, the guys that they had playing [in Week 4] are professional players as well, and that's part of being in the NFL. Everybody goes through injuries, and other guys have to step up, and you have to do a great job as a staff to utilize to the pieces that you have. There's a reason they're starters, and I'm sure they're excited to have those guys back, but again, that doesn't have anything to do with us. Their structure is going to stay the same of how they're going to play it, and we're excited to get after it on Sunday night."
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR ZACH ORR
QB Josh Allen can be creative. He's one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in the NFL. How have you approached the possibility of him being able to make big plays happen at integral times? (AJ Gersh) "Obviously, [Josh Allen] is a great player. He's been a great player for a long time. We've gone against him, so we're kind of a little familiar with his game, but he's big, strong, he's fast, and he can throw the ball anywhere from anywhere on the field. You just see that in critical situations, and you understand that he is going to have the ball, he is going to put the ball in his hands, and he is going to try to make something happen. We're just aware of what he likes to do in those situations, and we've just been practicing – preparing – our butts off to make sure that when that situation comes, we know exactly what he's going to do, and we know exactly what we're going to do."
In Week 4, even though you guys did really well, there was that one completion that QB Josh Allen made all the way from the sideline. How many times have you watched that clip this week and reminded guys how long he can extend the play? (Kyle Goon) "We've shown it a lot, man. We've shown it a lot, because that's the one big play, and that's how it can happen. You can do a lot of stuff right, and you can have one little mental lapse – or one late reaction – and boom, it's a 50-yard play, or it's a touchdown, and he did that us in Week 4, and he's continued to do that to teams throughout the season. You've seen that last week in their game, so it's a big point of emphasis for us, that the play is never over, that no matter where you're at on the field, no matter who you're covering – you could be a DB on a running back – everybody is live until the whistle is [blown] dead. We have to make sure that we're aware of that. We have to make sure that we try to keep him in the pocket as much as possible, and then we have to plaster on the back end until the whistle blows."
Do you have a specific set of rules, almost like a checklist for the guys, when QB Josh Allen does get out of the pocket and he's extending a play? (Childs Walker) "Yes, we have some things that we talk about that we must do, specifically for [Josh Allen], for sure."
A lot of the players have downplayed ... Because it was three-and-a-half months ago. It was Week 4. Your defense has undergone a lot of change since then. What do you take away from how well you played the last game against the Bills that you can apply for this game, even though both teams are a lot different than they were in late September? (Luke Jones) "I felt like early in the season, that was one of the games that we actually played with the physicality and the effort that I like to see, so I think you can take away from that. Now, we've changed quite a bit, scheme-wise, and they actually changed a lot, too, since our game, so yes. I agree with the guys that you can't put too much stock in it from the standpoint [of] X's and O's, but from a standpoint of a physicality mindset, you can take a lot from it. I think that we showed that if we come out, and we play physical, we play with the right effort, and we communicate, we can put ourselves in a great position to have a great day."
How much does defending QB Lamar Jackson in practice, particularly over the summer, help with defending QB Josh Allen, in terms of them both being able to extend plays? (Ryan Mink) "It helps out a lot, because even though they are two different types of players, the end result is similar in a sense that the play is never. You think you have them. They can get out of a lot of different situations that most quarterbacks can't get out of, so we understand that plastering is a premium from Day One of OTAs, all the way throughout the season, even when we go 'good on good,' so that definitely has prepared us in a lot of ways of how long we have to defend a play, how disciplined we have to be with our rush lanes and how disciplined we have to be with our eyes once the play extends."
Is today a similar situation to back in the day when you were playing former Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger? (Jerry Coleman) "Yes, definitely. It's the same type of situation. I think Josh [Allen] might extend the play even longer, but it's very similar to 'Big Ben' [Roethlisberger]. 'Big Ben' [was a] heck of a player, extended plays non-stop, and then, he had a strong arm [and] could fire the ball to anybody at any point in time."
Your defense did such a great job of eliminating plays from Week 11 on, but that kind of bit you guys in the third quarter last week, particularly on third downs. What went wrong in those situations? (Tim Barbalace) "It was our own wrongdoings. We had great conversations about that. The thing I appreciate about it is we came to the sideline, after those two straight possessions, specifically on third down – third-and-long – when you're really have the advantage as a defense, and we said, 'Look, they're not doing anything we're not expecting them to do. They're not doing anything different. Everything they've gotten, we had mistakes, so let's go and flush it.' I think the difference between that moment and early in the season is, early in the season, it would have snowballed. It would have just kept on happening – going, going, going – but now, guys were able to put the fire out, and I was happy to see that. It was a good lesson to learn, that especially this time of year, when you're going against playoff teams, is like I said, you [relax] on your job, or you have one mishap; it's going to be big plays, so I'm glad that it happened – looking back [in] hindsight [is] 20/20 – in a sense of we understand now that we can't have those moments in the game ... The play is never over."
Buffalo has had a ton of success stacking four playmakers on one side of the field and isolating a guy on the other side. What's the key to defending that? (Childs Walker) "Just switching up the looks, giving them different coverages, giving them different pressures and just being on point. They do a lot of different stuff pre-snap, a lot of eye candy to try to get you out of whack, but the good thing about it is, at the end of the day, they're all going to end up in the same spot. We've seen it before."
You've played in a lot of very cold games against teams that are often very committed to running the ball. It seems like Buffalo, maybe despite popular misconception, wants to establish the run. How important is it to get to second-and-long or third-and-long for this defense, especially on a day where things can snowball – no pun intended? (Jonas Shaffer) "It's definitely important. If you talk to any defensive player or coach, the No. 1 thing they're going to say we have to do is stop the run. Why do you want to stop the run? Because you want to get the offense behind the chains. If the offense has to consistently play in second-and-7-plus [or] third-and-long, it's going to be a good day for the defense, more times than not, so we're always striving to get teams in those situations. Now, we can unleash our pass rush. Now, we can unleash certain pressures and certain coverages and certain looks, and you get a chance to make the offense predictable. When they're in second-and-3 [or] second-and-4, now you have to play run or pass. You're not necessarily getting a good get off if they pass the ball. So, it's going to be key, and it's going to be vital. You made a good point; [With] Buffalo, everybody thinks it's Josh Allen, and they just want to throw the ball. They're one of the top rushing teams in the league, and you saw what they did to Denver. Last week, they won the game because they established the run, and they just pounded those guys. That's the No. 1 thing we cannot let happen."
Sort of on that point, in recent weeks, Buffalo has been using six linemen in formations. They have a fullback that they like. We've asked you about getting matched up with QB Lamar Jackson in practice and feel an escapable quarterback that way. Is it also beneficial to face an offense that uses some similar personnel groups that? Obviously, you guys on offense like using six linemen and FB Patrick Ricard, so how does that help you prepare? (Kyle Goon) "That helps you prepare. Honestly, people call me biased, but I feel like we have the most physical team in the league – that's offense and defense. So, when you see big Pat [Ricard] out there and our big offensive line, especially in training camp, it was some physical, physical battles. You have no choice but to be physical and be ready here. Our guys welcome that challenge. We love it. I love it. They bring out X personnel – hey, basically saying they're trying to come bloody your nose – so our guys take that challenge and accept it. We'll be ready for that."
RB DERRICK HENRY
On the mindset going into this game: "We want to win. It's a divisional [playoff] game. We're trying to get to the next round – the AFC Championship. It's a great opponent and a really good team, and yes, it's going to be a heavyweight fight."
On if it's particularly important this week to establish the run this week: "We definitely want to be efficient in the run game to help the offense help the pass game, but we have to practice and execute it throughout the week to make it happen in the game."
On if he enjoys running in the cold weather: "I don't care if it's cold, hot, raining or snow, I just have to do my job."
On how much taking care of his body in the offseason pays off during this time of the year: "I wouldn't do it if it didn't [pay off]. I would be wasting my time if it didn't pay off. I make sure I do that just so I'm ready to play and help my team win games."
On if his teammates come to him for stiff-arm advice: "No. It's something that they do that they're naturally gifted with. I'm not the stiff-arm coordinator. If it comes naturally, it comes naturally."
On TE Isaiah Likely's stiff-arm against the Steelers: "It's self-explanatory. You've seen the video, you've seen the film, it's a hell of a stiff-arm. [Isaiah Likely] stiff-armed him and got some more yards, so it was a hell of a play by him."
On if QB Lamar Jackson calling him "Lightning McQueen" is sticking: "Yes. I don't want to be called anything else but McQueen. Don't call me Derrick, just call me McQueen. No, I'm kidding. It was funny. I didn't think that would be the comparison, but 'L' [Lamar Jackson] is 'L.' I told him he needs to be a comedian when he's done playing, but I definitely got a kick and a laugh out of that."
On if QB Lamar Jackson needs to watch more movies other than Pixar films: "No, I just made sure. I said, 'Were you serious in that?' [Lamar Jackson] was like, 'I was dead serious.' I was like, 'OK then. McQueen it is then.' It was funny. I don't know who he was talking to saying he might be too old to watch the movie, but I'm sure everybody knows about the 'Ka-chow' because everybody has seen Lightning McQueen."
On if he's taking anything away from the matchup against the Bills in Week 4 in preparation for this week: "Week 4 doesn't mean anything in this game. Week 4 was Week 4, this is a whole other game and another opportunity. They're a great team, and we have to prepare right to be ready for them."
ILB ROQUAN SMITH
On what it's like tackling RB Derrick Henry from his experience: "Yes, obviously [Derrick Henry]'s a hard runner. [He can] run the ball very hard, and I [have] a lot of respect for him. [I'm] glad he's on my team. Just like any person, [if] you take the legs away from him, they can't go far, but obviously, it's easier said, you know what I mean. Yes, I [have] a lot of respect for him, but yes, you take his legs from him, then you [have] to knock his stiff arm down, too. So, you [have] to worry about a couple different things, but I'm glad he's on our team."
On tackling Bills QB Josh Allen: "Yes, in the pocket you have to be careful, but outside of the pocket, you treat [Josh Allen] just like any other runner on the field."
On the mentality of the team heading into the Divisional round: "Yes, absolutely, we have to be at our best, but that's everyone in the playoffs, so we're expecting their best, but we're focused on ourselves and knowing that we have to be at our best. And all that takes is us just doing our jobs – doing our job [and] imposing our will one play at a time and coming out not taking anything for granted and letting it fly every single play. Like I always say, go out on your shield. And every single person is willing to do that and is going to do that. We'll get to Buffalo Saturday, [and] we'll be there Sunday night."
On the biggest difference of Buffalo's offense since their Week 4 matchup: "Yes, absolutely, we're not the same team in Week 4, and I'm sure they feel the same way that they're not the same team from Week 4. We're definitely ... I looked back at the film, and I'm watching ourselves, and I'm like, 'Wow, that's not us [or] who we are.' It's going to be a totally different game, and that's why the game is being played. I've got a lot of respect for those guys [and] the way they play the game of football – running the ball and throwing it as well. [They] get out the pocket [and have] a lot of scramble plays and things of that nature. It's more so about us. I'm focused on us doing, what we do and coming out and controlling the game, stopping the run, making those guys one-dimensional and forcing them to beat us that way, and that's like what we're going to do – it's just that simple. I've got a lot of respect for them."
On the Bills wanting to establish the run: "Yes, absolutely. I think any great quarterback [or] good quarterback or whatever the case may be, if they're able to run the ball, they're going to be able to have things that way. So, when you make someone one-dimensional, and you know exactly what they're going to have to do, in a sense, that makes things a lot easier for the opposing defense. But it's not going to be easy. [I have] a lot of respect for the O-line – those guys block hard. [James] Cook, I remember him from Georgia, as well as [Ty] Johnson – I played against him a couple times in Detroit. And then you [have] the guys on the outside – the receivers – as well. [I have] a lot of respect for them, but at the end of the day, it's about us as a defense doing what we do, regardless of where the place [is and] how cold it is. Nobody cares about any of that stuff. It's about playing ball. It can be on a cement track. It can be wherever. I don't care if it's negative [degrees], but we [are] going [to] be ready, and trust me, cold will not be a factor at all, believe that."
On if having a good defensive performance in the playoffs was needed for confidence: "It's what it's all about is the playoffs at the end of the day. It's not much what you do in the regular season. The regular season is more so about seeding, but it's about what you do, and how you play in the playoffs. We know that last week was a great start. [We] faced a little adversity throughout the game [and had] a couple plays that we wish we could get back, but that's last week, and we're moving on to this week. And the main focus is going out every single play [and] giving everything we've got, and if we do that, eliminate the run [and] make the [Bills] one-dimensional, we like our chances."
