SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR CHRIS HORTON
Opening Statement: "It's good to see everyone. As always, I hope everyone out here is doing well. What do you have for me today?"
Head coach John Harbaugh on Monday was talking to us about how, especially in the return game, there were not a lot of great returns this week. I know you didn't have your top returner, but how do you guys view that internally? What's it like trying to fix that this week? (Kyle Goon) "It's one of those things [where] I believe we take it as a challenge, because every time we go out there, we want to be perfect, and every situation is different; every kickoff team we face is going to be a little bit different. Some teams will probably present a little bit more challenges than what we've seen the week before, but for us, it's an opportunity for us to go in there after the game, watch the tape, get it fixed and then come back out next week and say, 'If we get our opportunities, let's make the most of them.' Other than that, outside of the penalties [and] things like that, those are things that I think from a technique standpoint, when we're out here, just [by] putting ourselves in the right spot, making the blocks, we can eliminate all of those things. In my eyes, these are easy fixes – for us to fix these things – so we can get ourselves going. But we haven't been perfect, and those are the things that we're chasing every week."
Head coach John Harbaugh said RB Chris Collier maybe lost sight of where he was when bringing two kickoffs out of the end zone, which is not the preference. How do you teach that field awareness? (Bo Smolka) "One of the ways for Chris [Collier] ... Well, let me just say this: I think the kid has done a great job for us. When he finds himself in situations where he's straddling the goal line or that he brings it in or he brings it out, well, if the ball is clearly in, we can help him. We have ways in which we can help him [by] our off returner just putting his hands out; 'Hey, let's keep this one in.' If he doesn't know, and he's straddling that line, then he has to make a decision of whether he takes a knee. Where's his body position? Should he run? Should he not run? If it's clearly in the end zone, we want to keep those in the end zone, but sometimes, being a young guy, you find yourself in situations. So, what do we do? We come out here, [and] we drill it. We work it. We put him in those situations, so we can help him moving forward."
Head coach John Harbaugh talked about the possibility of WR Diontae Johnson making an impact in the return game. Has he been getting some reps? Is it possible that he's back there this Sunday or in future Sundays? (Kyle Goon) "I don't really know how that situation is going to work out, but what I do know is we have Diontae [Johnson] back there. We're going to get him worked in. We're going to see how he catches the ball. It's been a while for him, right? He hasn't caught a ball [as a returner] since 2020, I believe. So, [we'll] get him out there, [we'll] get him worked in, and then however it shakes out is kind of how it's going to shake out. But as of right now, we're going to roll with Tylan [Wallace], put him back there, and then as we continue to move forward ... Because Diontae does offer something a little bit different. His skill with the ball in his hands, it's tremendous. We all know what he can do, so for us, it's just, let's get him caught up to speed, because it is a little bit different if you haven't done it in a long time."
Is RB Keaton Mitchell someone you might look at in the return game? (Brian Wacker) "Keaton [Mitchell] is special, right? He's a special player; we all saw what he did last year whenever he got the ball in his hands. For us, it's whatever player we have available that we feel is best for us and we can put back there, we're going to give him an opportunity, and we're going to let him roll.'"
Was there anything off with K Justin Tucker physically with the kick that he missed? It looked like he maybe slipped a little bit on the previous one, and then he obviously didn't hit the ball the way he wanted to. (Childs Walker) "I really don't know that much. I don't think anything was off with [Justin Tucker]. I think that's more of if he felt something that was off or whatnot. But for us, with Justin, it's his mindset [and] him going out there. All he wants to do is ... He wants to make kicks, so when it doesn't go right, I know he does a deep dive analyzing the things that maybe he could have done differently, and we just kind of leave that up to him, and we talk to him, and we get it coached up [so] we're ready for our next opportunity."
Do you feel like your unit has performed adequately thus far, being at the midway point of the season? (Kyle Phoenix) "Not at all. Not at all. When you talk about our standard, there is no way ... If anyone is out there watching that tape, you can't say we've played a complete game [in] all six phases. Now, we've done a lot of good things. Last week, we covered more kicks than we've covered in a game, and I thought our kickoff team played pretty darn good. As we continue to go on, and we continue to develop our young guys, we're going to get to do a lot more. And we believe that as long as we come out here and we work hard and we continue to get better, we'll start to see what we do in practice come to life on gameday, because that's really where it counts, and that's the most important [thing]."
Are there any frustrations with the reoccurring issues on special teams and not playing up to the standard so far this season? (Kyle Phoenix) "There is never any frustration with me, because these players, man, they're high-profile players. When they go out there, I know for a fact that they want to do things right, and they're trying to do things right, and sometimes things don't go to plan. There is a defense on the other side, and I'm mainly talking about from this [last] game, because it seems like that's where this is going. I'm talking about the penalties, because we did hit a big return there; we got the ball out past the 40[-yard line], and then we had a penalty that brought us back, and that really came [down] to a technique issue. Those are things we can get rid of. Those are things that we know we can get rid of, so we just have to take care of that. But as far as being frustrated, not at all. We're chasing greatness. We're trying to chase greatness, and that's not easy, but we have to continue to just come out here every day, line up and let's get better. Let's get better, so we can put the standard on tape on Sundays."
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR TODD MONKEN
Can you talk about the difficulty of going through the practice week when you don't have your starting quarterback out there the first couple of days? (Jamison Hensley) "I mean, it is what it is. Josh [Johnson] could use the work. That's what you do, you get prepared for it, and like any other position, you go to work. Guys have to still function around him. What the calls are, the calls are up front and our skill guys ... We have to have high levels of execution no matter who is at what position."
Obviously, you guys were able to bring in WR Diontae Johnson. You have done a lot of things well across the board offensively. What element do you think he can add to your offense that you'd like to see get better than what you've already accomplished? (Luke Jones) "First of all, just seeing [Diontae Johnson] the first couple of days, I like what I see. I think he adds tremendous depth to us at receiver, [and] I think he gives us another guy who can separate. I think our tight ends can separate; I think our receivers can separate; I think we have other guys that can win. And I think it allows us to – again, you're just always trying to add talent, and I think we've added a talented player."
With WR Zay Flowers, he had 115 receiving yards last game, and he's had a couple of really good games this season. Where have you seen his growth from last year to this year? (Matt Ryan) "Well, a couple of weeks ago, I kind of mentioned that there's a lot of things that go into that. The first year for a rookie – everything's different. Where you live is different, [the] food is different, the coaching is different, the system is different, [and] the stage you're on is different for a lot of players. Some not as much, but for others it is. Having to deal with everything that comes with being a professional player; social media, how do you handle that part of it? How do you handle the length of a season? I mean, holy cow, [look at] how long our season is. I think it's just the comfort of already going through it like all of us. When you go through something, I think it's easier the second time around."
From your vantage point, what was kind of the reason why the offense may not have looked the way that they have coming into that game against the Browns? (Cordell Woodland) "Well, [the Cleveland Browns] are good. They're good on defense; that's a fact. And you have to give them some credit – that part of it. With that being said, eight times we got inside the 50-[yard line]. We got inside of their territory, and we scored four [times]. That's really it in a nutshell between lost yardage plays, a missed fourth-down opportunity [and] some penalties, [so] that's what you're going to end up with. We're didn't play as clean as we've been playing, and that showed. And that got us to where, 'OK, 24 [points] wasn't good enough.' It just wasn't, and we're certainly capable of better, and our guys know it. We got behind the sticks a little more than you want; we bailed ourselves out the week before. We had a number of, 'Get back on tracks,' that we got out of with the penalties – we didn't do that as well this week. And that stung us. We had some other opportunities that we just didn't take advantage of. We were close, and we made a number of really good plays. And there's some calls you wish you had back – I'm part of that, too. It's all of us, right?"
Obvisouly, RB Derrick Henry has had a ton of success on these direct snaps over the course of his career. How hard is it for you to make decisions to take the ball out of QB Lamar Jackson's hands, given how good he is? (Ryan Mink) "Oh, when it doesn't work, for sure. Like any play, when it doesn't work, it's disappointing. It just happened when it [was] fourth down. Whether you're in your end, and you decide to go for it, or you're at midfield, and you decide to go for it, or when you have a chance to get points, and you don't get it, you look at a number of things. How do we scheme it; the thought that went into it; how we blocked it, like any given play. Those plays are the ones that really sting, as we know. If it's a third down, alright, 'Fine. We get another shot at it. Hey, we kicked a field goal.' When it's a fourth down, that's it. We have to be on point with how we designed it to give ourselves the best chance, because we had a chance right there. Even before that play, when you get back-to-back penalties, that's what did it; we would have been on the 2.5-yard line. So, the penalties backed us up, then we get to that, and then I make that call, and it stops all the momentum [of not] scoring on the first drive. That's happened two of the last three weeks. We've moved [the ball] down there, and we've turned it over, either on downs or a turnover like we did against the Commanders. It's unacceptable."
The team traded for WR Diontae Johnson, and RB Keaton Mitchell is trending towards a return. How much of a bonus is that for an offense that's already performing at a really high level? (Alex Woodward) "Having really talented players and having a really talented staff and a gameplan that they understand, allows you to really function at a high level. But it starts with having really talented players. So, it's exciting to get those guys back, and it also provides depth if you lose somebody. Really, that's the nature of what we do – you're going to lose players, so having quality depth, guys that can come in and function at a really high level when your expectations are really high. If your expectations aren't really high, then well, that's different. We're the Baltimore Ravens; we're expected to win. So whoever that is, we have to have enough depth to do that."
Are you expecting RB Keaton Mitchell back this week? (Alex Woodward) "That's not up to me."
With the addition of WR Diontae Johnson, do you feel like he allows you guys to do anything differently, in terms of looks, formations, or some of the things you guys do within the offense? (Cordell Woodland) "We'll see as [Diontae Johnson] gets acclimated. The first week is always tough, you know, getting him involved, but I'm excited [from] what I've seen the first two days, and we'll see where it goes. Some of that is game-planning, how we want to attack somebody [and] how many receivers we want in the game. Where we go from here ... [It's] the same with the tight ends, in terms of where are the backs [that] we have on the field."
Can you talk about the pressure that Denver can put on an offense with their blitz packages? And obviously, the talent of their cornerbacks and safeties? (Jonas Shaffer) "Yes. [The Broncos defense] is playing at a really high level. [They're] very confident. Their guys are really active; they play hard. That's one thing you see on film. They've done a great job of building the core personalities of the players they've got playing on the field – I think that's impressive [and] how hard they play and schematically how they challenge you with their pressure package. We're up for it; our guys are excited. We've seen that for the last four weeks. We've seen teams that have decided to pressure us. To me, that's where the league is going, otherwise we wouldn't be seeing it as much. So, we have to be on point with all of our IDs and where we go with the ball."
Do you look at the philosophy behind some of those short-yardage calls? Is part of it that QB Lamar Jackson can't draw quite as much attention in those situations as he normally does? Is that why maybe it's not as much of a factor to have the ball in his hands or not in his hands? (Childs Walker) "I don't know, we love [for the ball] to be in [Lamar Jackson's] hands, and we love for it to be in Derrick [Henry]'s hands, and unfortunately it didn't work. Early in the year, on the goal line, we did it, and we scored, and it was a different situation, it wasn't on fourth down. This one happened to be on fourth down, so it stings a lot more. That doesn't mean we're not going to do it again, but we're going to do whatever we think is necessary to convert and score points. It just didn't work out that time. We have to do it better; that's just the way it is with every call. It's on me."
The offense obviously has played really for the most part this year, it's been so fluid. I'm curious, what was the conversation with QB Lamar Jackson post-game for the offense to get back to where you guys want to be? (Brian Wacker) "I think every week that we look at the tape, it's not really Lamar [Jackson] per se, as it is with everybody. It's pretty easy to look at the tape and look and say, 'Hey, where can we get better here?' Starting with me, the staff, [and] getting in front of the mistakes, which is what coaching is. It's getting in front of it before it shows up on gameday – that's what we're paid to do – and letting our players shine, and then they have to do their part. How do we do it better in practice? How do we get it to where the gifts ... We haven't been turning it over from a gift standpoint, but from a discipline of route running, assignment, communication, penalties that really put you behind the eight ball in terms of consistency. Because we're plenty capable; we have plenty of good players. So that's really biggest part, starting with me, our staff, players, [is] eliminating the things that stops you from being as efficient as you want to be. That's a lot of talk, but the reality is, it's pretty obvious on tape. When we do things the right way – starting with me and everyone else – we're pretty difficult to handle. But we just have to continue down that road to eliminate the things that stop you from scoring as many points as you need to win."
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR ZACH ORR
That last Cleveland possession – obviously the big TD pass by Browns QB Jameis Winston; your pressures – sending a lot of guys. Was the pressure up to that point adequate, and did you feel like you had to send more guys to compensate? (Kyle Goon) "Yes, I think in that situation, they're right there – they ended up doing a good job of getting right there on that line on the edge of field goal range. So, we tried to knock them out of field goal range and then make it as far of a field goal as possible. Then, worst-case scenario, at least if they are going to score, they score fast to give our offense a chance to go down there and give them a chance to score and win the game. That was kind of the thinking that was going in behind how we called the game [and] how aggressive we were at that point in time."
The pass rush and the secondary coverage obviously go hand in hand. What's your view of the pass rush and how you balance calling blitzes and getting after the quarterback and just your view of the pass rush overall? (Garrett Downing) "I think you just said it perfectly – rush and coverage has to work perfectly together for it to work. You can have great coverage, but now the quarterback holds onto the ball and just the nature of the National Football League – if the quarterback has a lot of time, no matter how good your coverage is, he's going to be able to find [players], and guys are going to be able to get open. On the flip side, if your rush gets there, your coverage has to be able to sustain – at least early on – so the rush has a chance. We've had good examples [and] great examples of the rush and coverage working together, and when it works together, it's beautiful. When not, right now, it's not clicking as much as we need it to be, so we've got different ways that we're trying to look at and find ways where we can generate pressure, obviously with blitzes, but just with the four-man rush and just marrying the coverage and the rush together so we're on the same page. I think that will help lead for more big plays for us and eliminate big plays for the offense."
We saw it on the WR Cedric Tillman slant touchdown – it's not the first time. Why is this happening that the other team's snapping the ball, and the Ravens defense isn't ready? (Bo Smolka) "It's unfortunate; it's unfortunate. Obviously, we want to make sure that we get lined up. I got to make sure I get the call in fast enough for those guys, so it's a combination of those things. I think that we have a good resolution to those problems – getting the call in fast; keeping things simple and then going out there and executing. Obviously, it's costing us at critical points of the game, so I've got to do a better job, and we've got to do a better job of executing and with the communication, and I think that we got a great plan going forward to make sure that we take care of that, because you want to be able to be lined up to give yourself a chance. If you're not lined up, you're giving the offense the easy way off the hook."
If your guys hold on to some interceptions, the entire story about the defense is probably very different. How frustrating is that, and has it affected any way you make calls knowing the guys have not made some of those plays? (Pete Gilbert) "Yes, it's frustrating. Obviously, we expect to make those plays. It's the National Football League. We look at interceptions – when they throw it right in our hands – like a free throw in basketball; you've got to make those. We've looked at it, [and] our guys are working hard at it. It doesn't change the way that I'm calling it or we're looking at as a defensive staff or coaches, because our guys are in position to make plays. Our job as coaches is to help those guys [and] put them in the best position as possible, so we're always striving for that. Guys, they've been in position a lot of time, and I'm confident they're going to come down with those plays. We just keep coaching it; keep coaching tracking the ball [and] catching the ball; work extra on catching and tracking the ball, and then when those opportunities come, we've got to capitalize on them. Nobody's more frustrated than the guys who've had those opportunities. We appreciate the attention to detail that they've taken to make sure that we come up with those opportunities next time they present themselves."
Coming up with those opportunities, do you think that's sort of a mental issue; a confidence issue? Is that kind of putting pressure on yourself when you see the ball coming toward you? (Kyle Goon) "I don't know. I think, crazy enough, it could be a mental issue or confidence issue, but with our guys I don't see it as a confidence or mental issue, because they're a very confident group. They're still mentally strong; they're catching some interceptions in practice, which is good. Now we've just got to take it over to the game. I expect them to keep on attacking the football, and I know for a fact, I'm confident that we're going to start coming away with those, so it's going [to] be good for us."
If a fan came up to you in the grocery store or something – maybe it's somebody who's not locked into all the details of the team – and they just said to you, 'Why is this thing not working as well now as it was at this time last year?' What would be your answer? (Childs Walker) "That's a good question. My answer would be, 'Even though you're putting in the work, everything doesn't come together as fast as you may want it to.' All you can do is continue to grind [and] continue to chase perfection and continue to work at it – and that's what we're doing. We know that the work that we're putting in [and] the attention to detail that we're doing is going to pay off. Obviously I sound like a broken record – I've been saying that for a couple of weeks – but I honestly, truly believe that with the coaches and the players that we have, it's going [to] come together, and it's going [to] come together at the right time, and it's going [to] be big for us down this last half of the season."
Big picture, when things aren't going as well as you want them to be, how much do you say to yourself, 'Well we have to change some of what we're doing to get different results,' vs. 'Hey, I believe in what we've built here and need to be patient for it to come together?' (Ryan Mink) "Yes, you look at all of it. I think you'd be crazy if you look at some things and [think] you don't have to change some stuff up. We've been looking at that hard – looking to see what our guys can go out there and absolutely execute to the highest level and feel confident in, and we're going to do that. Also, you look at some of the things that you may not have executed like you wanted to, but you're looking at the rules [and] the fundamentals and the principles of everything is sound, and we've got examples of doing that well. So, you just continue to try to coach that up. It's a good balance you have to find, but here, we're always about, 'What can our players do,' and what can they execute at the highest level and go out there and play confident and fast. We're always looking at that, and me personally, I don't care what we run [or] what coverage we run; if we got to blitz a whole bunch; if we don't have to blitz at all – whatever these guys can go do [and] whatever's going [to] help us play at a high level of defense, that's what we're going to do."
How concerned are you about the health status of your interior defensive line right now, and how does that impact the way you may call the game? (Cordell Woodland) "Obviously we got some guys that are banged up. We'll see if they make it to the game Sunday. Obviously, those guys are very important players for us, but the guys we have behind them, I'm excited about – they've been getting some good work in practice. Here in Baltimore, the interior D-Line is something we take seriously, and we always have a contingency plan for that, and I don't think that's going [to] really change the way we call it. If we have to adapt in-game, we will, but I don't think that's going [to] change the way [we call it]. We've got big guys – from the starters and from the depth pieces – [who are] big, strong, physical guys who know how to play, square it and get after it."
When you have a guy like S Marcus Wiliams who is used to playing every snap every week – doesn't play at all. Do you feel a need to explain the reasoning behind that, not just to him but to the entire secondary or the entire defense? Are they sort of understanding big picture what's going on? (Childs Walker) "We've had those conversations together with Marcus [Williams], obviously, and then with the defense on a personal level. We kept those in-house. We had those conversations, and one thing I'll say about Marcus – the way he handled what went down is great. He's just a great teammate. He's been a pro since he's been here. He handled last week like a pro, so I'm excited to see how we move and how he moves going forward. Like I said, like I got up here and said last week, I've got all the confidence in Marcus WIlliams. Like I said, he had a great day at practice today [and] a great day at practice yesterday, and I think that the best is to come for him."
The simulated pressures that were really effective a lot last year and against the Bills this year really well. They don't seem to be as effective currently. Going back and looking, is there a tipping at all going on of letting them know what's coming? Why do you think it's not been as successful? (Pete Gilbert) "I think it's a combination of things of we're getting there, but the coverage is a tick off, or we [are] making a misstep. So, I think it's been effective for us, [and] it's been good for us, but at certain times, it hasn't been, and then, like I've been saying, the offense has been capitalizing on those mistakes that we've been making. I think the pressures – the simulated pressures specifically – are good. I think you see guys in the backfield [and] guys causing havoc at a high rate. But now, we just have to continue to put together the rush and the coverage together."
Do you feel that the scheme and the plays that you're calling are successful, because plays have been there and have been made and have been well within reach of making them; and it's just execution and building off of those? (Kyle Phoenix) "Yes, I think it's that every week we come up with a gameplan, we've been confident in the gameplan. We feel like the gameplans have been good, and the players are the ones that give us [confidence] in the gameplans. Have we come up short on some plays? Yes. Can I do a better job? Yes. If you ask a player if they can do a better job? Yes. We're all in this together. Obviously, I could call what would be a 'bad play,' but we'll go out and get a sack, fumble or interception, and now, to everybody else, it looks like a good play. The players make it happen. Like I said, I think we're going [to] be fine and the confidence isn't wavering on our side [or] on their side. The play call is the play call – we think every play call is a good play call. It's all on the sheet for a reason going into the week. We'll come down with those opportunities like we're talking about. We just have to execute at a better level, and us as coaches have to making sure that we do a better job of just making sure everybody understands exactly what to do, when to do and how to do it."
I know a lot goes into gameday inactive decision, but OLB David Ojabo was inactive for the first time this past Sunday. What are you seeing from him, and what do you want to see from him moving forward to maybe become more of a factor for a pass rush that you guys want? (Luke Jones) "A lot of stuff goes into [who is part of] the gameday actives. [David] Ojabo, he's been doing a good job for us. He's been physical; he's been a hammer in there. Him being inactive had nothing to do with his play. I'm excited for him. He's been out here working and grinding. Like I said, it's a lot that goes into [being] active – it could be something that's not going on even with your position or your side of the ball. That is what it is, but Ojabo's doing a great job for us."
With DT Nnamdi Madubuike, I know he's seeing a lot of attention and a lot of double teams, though it can be frustrating when the production isn't what it was the previous year. How are you kind of coaching and guiding him through that, and what are you seeing from Nnamdi? (Ryan Mink) "I see the same player. Obviously, teams are starting to pay a little bit more attention to [Nnamdi Madubuike]. We're trying to find different ways to move him around to keep the offense off balance [and] single him up. He's not discouraged. I told him, 'Keep playing how you [are] playing. Keep studying how you [are] studying, and the numbers are going to come.' It's just like somebody who's going on a streak like shooting [in basketball] – like a great three-point shooter. OK, you know you're a great shooter, [and] you're shooting and shooting, [and] you might not be getting all those opportunities to make shots, but when it all hits, you go on a streak. I think we'll see that from 'Beeks' soon. He's been playing great football for us. He's going to continue to play great football for us, and the [defensive stat] numbers are going to come soon."
TE MARK ANDREWS
On preparing for the Broncos without QB Lamar Jackson practicing: "For us, right now, we've had a great week of practice, and guys are flying around, running incredible routes and the linemen doing our thing, so it's everything that we do. And we're fortunate to have a guy like Josh [Johnson] to be in there and practicing, but we're confident in everybody that we have."
On how much of the offense the team can still run with QB Josh Johnson: "We've got everything. We've got everything, and that's the beautiful thing – we're out here working and getting better, and there's no fall off. But we're blessed by two incredible quarterbacks. Obviously, Lamar [Jackson] is one-of-one, but Josh [Johnson] was doing his thing out there, too."
On the keys to the team bouncing back after a tough game: "I think we've done a good job this year of kind of looking ourselves in the mirror and figuring out [where] we need to execute better [and where] we need to do some things better and just dial it down. I think that we will, and this is a good opportunity this week against a really good team, and I know that guys are excited about that [and to] just fly around and have fun."
On tight ends around the league playing well on National Tight Ends Day last week: "Yes, [there] were a lot of tight ends making some big-time plays. But again, for the most part, I'm just proud of our guys. Our guys in the tight end room have been fighting all year long, and it's been a really fun group."
On tight ends getting more recognition around the league: "Well, it's been huge, and I think that the love is deserved. There have been so many great tight ends throughout the years that have paved the way for us to be where we are right now, as such a versatile and integral part of an offense. [If] you've got a great tight end or great tight ends, it makes a big difference. So, it's been awesome."
RB DERRICK HENRY
On preparing for the Broncos without QB Lamar Jackson practicing: "You've still got to go to work and prepare the same – nothing changed – and wait until [Lamar Jackson] gets out there. [I] always practice hard and try to do my job."
On the team's approach this week: "The approach is the same – go out there and try to win a game, work hard throughout the week, make each other better and go execute on Sunday. I don't think anything changed, as far as our approach. [We want to] win the game, [so] we've got to come to work and do our job and go out there and execute on Sunday to get in the 'W' column."
On how much the addition of WR Diontae Johnson will help this offense: "We don't know yet. [Diontae Johnson] hasn't been out there [in a game], but [I'm] excited to have him be a part of this squad. He's a great player [and] runs routes great. I played against him when he was with Pittsburgh, and I always thought he was a great player, so he's a great addition. We've got to put it together on the field, so we'll see once he gets in there and gets an opportunity."
On the Broncos' front seven and preparing for their defense: "Yes, there's not much space on film. They try to clog it up and wall it off. I think they do a great job [and] have a great penetrating front and great depth, as well. So, they're a great group, so it's going to be tough on Sunday."
On the importance of finding success on early downs to get in third-and-manageable situations: "That creates momentum within the offense – to get us into a drive and get that [initial] first down. [You] hope it leads to more explosive plays, and then you get into the red zone and get points. But yes, you want to make big plays on the early downs, so you're not in third-and-longs and letting the defense be able to just unravel on you. But yes, that's definitely important."
S MARCUS WILLIAMS
On his mindset this week in practice: "[I'm] just doing what I have to do, do my job, go out there, practice hard like I do every single day. It's nothing new to me."
On how it was explained to him why he didn't play last week vs. Cleveland: "We're not worried about what happened last week. It's all about moving forward this week, getting prepared [and] staying prepared. When I'm ready to get in, and it's my time, I'll go do what I have to do and make plays."
On if it was frustrating or if he's looking forward: "I'm just looking forward. I've faced adversity all my life; it's nothing new to me. Adversity makes you or breaks you, and it's [about] how you react and how you come out, act like a pro and do all you have to do to move on and get to the next week."
On what he feels like the defense can do to get where they want to be: "I think we can get far. We just need to continue to lock in, make plays and come out here and do what we have to do one play at a time."
On if he expects or hopes to be back out on the field: "Yes, I'm just going to stay prepared no matter what. I'd rather be prepared for an opportunity and not have one than have an opportunity and not be prepared, so I'm going to stay prepared. When my name is called, I'm going to go out there and do what I have to do."
