TE MARK ANDREWS
On why the Ravens haven't experienced much recent success against the Steelers: "Just for us, it's doing our job and not beating ourselves. [The Steelers] are a well-coached team. They do things the right way, [and] they manage the game well. So, for us, it's just being efficient, doing our job and moving forward with the game."
On the team's fiery meeting this week: "We just know what's at stake. This is the time of year. We've got to win games, and we've put ourselves in a great position, so everything looking ahead is [about] just being motivated and locked in. [We're] ready to take on this week and it take it one at a time."
On how much the win against the Giants can act as a springboard going into this week: "It was a great win. It was a great win for us, especially coming off a bye [week], and so, now, we're going to build off that momentum and continue this win streak."
On if he cares most about winning the AFC, hitting his best form or something else: "It's week by week, week by week. Every week, we're worried about our new opponent, and this week, it's the Steelers. Obviously, [it's a] big game, divisional game, and [we're] two teams that are at the top of our division. So, that's what we're worried about, that's what we're thinking about, and that's what we're ready for."
On what the Steelers' defense does so well that presents the biggest challenge: "They're physical, they're athletic, they work hard, they've got effort. They do a lot of things well, so, for us, it's [about] bringing it. We know that they're going to be able to do that, so just being physical and doing our job. That's all that matters."
On how WR Rashod Bateman's development and emergence has helped the offense: "[Rashod Bateman] is a big-time player, and he's making big-time plays in big-time moments that have helped us win big games and helped change games for us. It's been awesome to see him kind of flourish and do his thing. He's playing incredible, and he's just going to continue to step up, make big plays and help this team win."
On if he received a lot of kudos from people within the organization after scoring his franchise-record-breaking 48th-career touchdown last week: "Yes, everyone has been super kind and cordial and has given me congrats. But at the end of the day, that's so small right now. It's so small, because we have so much ahead and so much to look forward to. I'm not worried about that; I'm worried about winning this next game."
On if he finds it unhelpful to build up any one game as bigger than another one: "You try to go week by week and just try to focus on each game and doing your job. Obviously, some games are hyped up, and some games aren't, but for us, it's [about] being consistent, week in and week out."
On his reaction to seeing the Ravens slated for three games in 11 days: "It's crazy. But at the end of the day, everybody that's in that boat is in that boat, so we're all going through the same things. And Coach 'Monk' [offensive coordinator Todd Monken] said it today; if you're in that type of position, it means you're a good team, and everybody in that category is playing well."
WR ZAY FLOWERS
On why the Steelers have given them trouble in the past: "I don't think it's trouble. I think we always have turnovers, missed kicks [and] stuff like that during the game, so if we just eliminate those – because we move the ball downfield – I know you see that. We move the ball downfield. We get across the 50[-yard line], you know what I'm saying. We just have to take care of the ball, make kicks and try to put the ball in the end zone."
On QB Lamar Jackson saying how disruptive penalties can be to the flow of the offense: "When it's first-and-15, or second-and-20, it's hard to get back on track. It's the NFL, so it's hard to get back on track. We try to eat at the yards a little bit to try to cut it closer to get a better third down or a better second down [situation]. [Lamar Jackson is] right about that. [We have been in] long situations [on] first and second down, so once we get out of those, we'll be alright."
On how much QB Lamar Jackson wants to beat the Steelers: "[Lamar Jackson] wants to beat everybody just about the same. So, I get a sense of that every week. Every team we play, he's like, 'Let's blow them out. We don't even want to play with them. Let's just go out and do what we got to do and get out of here.' I feel like he [has] that same energy for every game. He [is] locked in in the same way no matter who we're playing."
On what has stood out about QB Lamar Jackson's leadership this season: "[Lamar Jackson]'s been a little bit more vocal, but not a lot. His action – he likes to take the field and do what he [does], and then he'll tell you on the field. It's not so much like, 'You got to do this, or do that.' He just plays the game, and we just follow along because we see how hard he [is] playing. That's our quarterback, so we try to give the same amount of effort."
On the loss in Week 11 to the Steelers and losing the last eight of nine to them: "I [didn't] even know that, but we just [are] going [to] worry about this game. [We're going to] try to get this win [in] this game and move forward."
On if he feels the division is on the line in Saturday's contest: "I mean, we just [are going to] go out and win. We just [are going to] go out and try to win, but [is] the division on the line? Probably. I really don't know. I [am not] really paying attention to it. I'm just worrying about going out there [and] playing my best [and] playing our best and getting a win."
On what the Steelers do to make things difficult: "Nothing. [The Steelers] don't really do [anything] that really stresses me, if I'm being honest. You have some [down] games, and [the Week 11 game] ended up being that game, so we'll figure it out when we get there. This week, we've got them, so I'm looking forward to that."
On if the team has a different approach this week: "Of course, because it's a rival. It's a rival – it's always going [to] be like that; no matter what team [has] a rival [or] what rivalry it is, if you [have] a rival in your division, you're not going to go out there and want to play [poorly], so you've got to make sure [that] everybody's fired up and ready to go, and make sure everybody [has] their minds on right and their head locked in. It's always going to be like that."
On what's his biggest goal to end the season: "[The] division; playing at our best; win all three [remaining games and] everything that comes with it. We want everything, [and] we want to end it the right way. We want to go out with a bang these last three games. Finish the right way going into the playoffs with a little momentum and do what we got to do there."
On what he's seen from WR Devontez Walker: "'Tez' [Devontez Walker has] improved a lot. 'Tez' comes out every day in practice and gives 100 [percent] up against our first-team defense. You see him get better each week. You'll see him improve on something, then the next week, he'll improve on something else, and he [is] always asking questions, no matter what it is. Whether it's a play; whether it's how to run a route, he [is going to] always ask questions, and he [is going to] do his best at everything, and I'm glad he finally [is] getting a chance to play and show it."
On what has improved the connection between WR Rashod Bateman and QB Lamar Jackson: "More practice. We just [have] been practicing [the routes] and talking about it. I feel like that's the biggest thing about it – practicing on the field and taking it to the game and also watching film and, 'Oh, this how he [is going to] do it, [and] this how we are going to do this.' And that's what it's been."
On if WR Devontez Walker stepping up shows the receiver room can step up no matter who is available: "Yes, I feel like everybody in our receiver room can play no matter what and no matter who it is. From Anthony Miller [to] 'Tez' [Devontez Walker] to Tylan Wallace – [you have] seen Tylan Wallace. Anybody, I feel like anybody can step up make plays and help get the team a win."
S KYLE HAMILTON
On how much losing 8 of the last 9 games against Pittsburgh bothers players in the locker room: "Obviously, we want to win every game, especially when we play the Steelers, but I don't think people really think about it too much. Every game is mutually exclusive, and just because we lost the last game, that has nothing to do with this game. That's not a good stat, not a good side of history to be on, so we're going to come out on Saturday and try to change that."
On if self-inflicted wounds are caused by communication issues: "That just comes with any time you lose a game. Penalties, lack of communication, that's what loses you games. Coach [John] Harbaugh always tells us we have to learn how to not lose games before we can win games, so it's very true in this sport. There is stuff that we have to clean up, and we know we will."
On how playing the safety position has helped him and the defense overall: "It's kind of funny; you all have asked me throughout the year like, 'Do you see yourself as a safety?' Now, this has pretty much happened, and I was like, 'Yes.' So now, I'm just playing safety now. It's not like we reinvented the wheel. We knew what we had to do the whole time, not making dumb mistakes, just keeping the ball in front of us, making tackles and stuff like that. I feel like that we'll be really good if we polish up stuff like that, penalties as well."
On if communication and knowing where everyone is on the field is a factor in his game: "Yes, I think it's big. I think that's a big reason why I think I help when I'm out there. I feel like I'm out there, obviously to play well, but at the same time, make sure guys are playing well and playing fast at the same time. I don't want people out there thinking, whether it's Nate [Wiggins] outside or Marlon [Humphrey] or Roquan [Smith]. He has a lot of his plate, so I try to take some off his plate. Just communication-wise, if I can have everybody on the same page, just starting with me, starting with Roquan and going from there, I think we'll be playing fast and playing really well."
On Steelers fans traveling well and his message to Ravens fans on Saturday: "I think Ravens fans travel pretty well to Pittsburgh, too, as well. It's kind of funny; when we do the national anthem, wherever we're at, and they do the big 'O' chant, you kind of have a sense of how many Ravens fans are there at that time. It is our stadium, it's a home game for us, and I think it's a big advantage playing any team, especially Pittsburgh. I don't think people really talk about it enough; I think Ravens fans have done a great job just staying in it and supporting us, criticizing us, obviously, too, but we criticize ourselves and hold ourselves to a high standard, and I think that is fair because of the franchise in and of itself and what it's become at this point, one of the more winningest franchises in the league. We're always in the mix every year, so I expect them to be rowdy, expect them to be loud, and I hope we get a win for them."
On CB Marlon Humphrey describing the team meeting as 'fiery' and if he noticed anything different about it: "No, I really don't know what [Marlon Humphrey] is talking about." (laughter) "I don't know. He might have been in his own little world."
On CB Marlon Humphrey saying the team doesn't need to get over any hump regarding Pittsburgh and if he would agree with that: "Yes, that's kind of what I was saying earlier. Obviously, we've lost eight of the last nine, but I don't think we're going into this game like, 'We can't lose nine out of 10.' We're just trying to win this one game and take it one week at a time, and I know you all hear that a lot from us, but it's really true. We have one-week lives, kind of, and last week, we were all about the Giants and got that win. Now, we're all about the Steelers, and whatever comes next, comes next, but obviously, we're trying to get a win this week."
On the challenges of resetting and moving on after getting a penalty on third down: "I don't think it's a challenge for us, moving on, in a sense. I think it's a challenge for us not to not have [penalties] in the first place. We played pretty well. [Defensive Coordinator] Zach [Orr] told us this week that on one drive, where they scored the first touchdown, they had 39 yards of offense and 41 yards of penalties. We're literally giving them points at that point, and I feel like we have a good enough team where nobody should really just drive down the field and score on us just at will. The only way that will happen is if we get penalties, pass interference or holding, whatever it might be. We just have to be a little more clean in that aspect, but I don't think guys need to change how they're playing in any way. [We] just kind of [need to] fix those little things and just keep playing fast."
On if they have a pretty good idea of what the Steelers are going to do offensively and how that makes the Steelers different to defend: "It's not a lot of glitz and glam. They're going to line up and make you stop them. We respect that, and I think most of the league does. They've been good at it for a long time, and a lot of teams just kind of wilt away at that point. When [teams] get to the third and fourth quarter, [and] you're tired of tackling Najee [Harris] or you're tired of hitting whoever, but I don't think we're built like that. I think we're built for these kinds of games, and we're going to come out on Saturday and prove that."
CB MARLON HUMPHREY
On if it bothers the team that they've lost eight out of the last nine games against the Steelers: "I didn't know that it was eight out of the last nine until the last game, but it bothers me. When I found out, it was surprising, but I know the guys in the locker room, we want to win this rivalry. Eight out of the last nine [games] – it's not a good number at all. So, the focus has to be at a premium this week, and it's going to take a lot to get that back on our side, but you want to be able to beat your rival."
On if he's expressed to some of the younger players that Pittsburgh has had their number for too long: "We just got in [to the facility] today. There hasn't been a lot of talk about it, but I think it's all about peaking at the right time [and] get the juices flowing. But I'm talking to the team at some point this week after practice, but that has to be the message. In the past, there has been a lot more talk about it. The defensive meeting today was a little fiery, the team meeting was a little fiery, but it's just going to build this week, and it'll get talked about. I think some people got a taste of it. There were a couple of skirmishes in the last game, but this is big. This means a lot to a lot of people. It means a lot to me being here for a long time, and if you don't understand, the message will be very clear as the week goes on."
On if he believes in the idea of having to get over the hump against certain teams: "I don't know if we feel if it's a hump, but maybe Kansas City – that's been a difficult one over the years, but [the] Steelers [game], obviously, you want to win that one. That's why the eight out of the [last] nine [games] was so surprising. I think every time we play them, we're just trying to beat them – same as they're trying to beat us. But no, I wouldn't say this week feels like a hump, but I would say KC definitely feels a little bit more like that."
On why the pass defense has clicked over the last month: "I think with the pass defense, the biggest thing that's clicked, is we've really tried to play more together. Honestly, if I had to just pinpoint one thing, I would say it's putting Kyle [Hamilton] back there at safety. That guy is just different. His play, obviously, you guys see the play, but the communication getting guys right. There are plays that I'm on the field ... I get the call, I ask Kyle 'What do I do in this call?' I hear Kyle give somebody else what they need to do in this call. His smarts, how he keeps the guys calm – he's just a piece you can put at any position. But, him going back to safety has seemed to really stabilize everybody else in all of their spots, whether it's corners, communicating to the nickel, communicating to the 'backers. 'Ro' [Roquan Smith] is doing so much giving the front and everything, but I think Kyle has been able to help us stabilize in the secondary, and to me, that's kind of been the big thing. And then the pass rush, they've come alive as well. [It's been] a little bit more of a cage-rush type deals and letting guys win their one-on-ones. It's been a group effort to get things right. I'm not trying to give Kyle all of the credit, but he deserves a big amount for sure."
On what it means to him to have the season he's having so far: "This year, I came into it a little bit different than I would say I've ever approached a season. Last year, with the injuries, it was a lot, mentally. And I kind of just treated this year, I've really tried to treat each day – I think about training camp – I just came into the season [thinking] you never really know what's going to happen. And I think the situations we had throughout training camp with guys getting in car wrecks, our [offensive line] coach [Joe D'Alessandris] passing away – I really try to treat every day like it's my last, and I try to treat every practice [like it's my last]. So many days in training camp, you wake up, and you're not really feeling it. And I journal a lot more, and I basically just write whatever I'm writing, and I write usually, 'Just treat today. Enjoy today. Do what you can.' So I think that's really been able to help me really just enjoy the days to where, obviously, you want to stay healthy, you want to play for a long time, but watching games is just not very fun, and you think, 'Man, if I could do this.' And then [defensive coordinator] Zach Orr being a coach who ... You really just never know when your last play of football is going to be, and I think that's not a reality that a lot of us think of as football players. I think that's not a reality that people think in life. It's just, we had people that could have been in tragic car accidents, a coach pass – there's so many things that you can think about. I'm just very grateful to just wake up today, wake up hopefully tomorrow [and all the other] days I get it. And it's helped me just be more calm as a player, just go into it [and] enjoy what I can enjoy, control what I can control, and I think that's been the biggest difference, I would say. And also, trying to eliminate unknown stress. I try to think about ... If I show up to the team plane 10 minutes before we take off, or if I show up an hour [before], which one would be less stressful? So, I actually got to the team train this past weekend before we could get on the train – which was a first. I was like, 'Well this is better than being almost late.' So, I try to think [about] what is stressful. So, I packed my bag the night before, instead of packing it the day of and scrambling. This past game, I had my wife pack it – which was great. So, I just try to think about less stress. Get here early – even though you don't have anything to do, you're going to find something to do. So, that's something else I've changed, which has helped, but just really enjoying life has been the biggest thing, and it's just so easy here. This organization, these coaches – I'm just grateful. All of those little things have really helped me just take stress of the body. And you put that in, and you can just be able to play more free, and I feel like it's shown up this year."
On the keys to being successful when playing three games in 11 days: "I think the key to being successful in that is sleep, recovery and leaning on the coaches, leaning on the people that are in house to help you. With the nutrition, [director of sports nutrition] Sarah [Snyder], with the weight room, with [strength & conditioning coordinator] Scott [Elliott], the coaches. Doing as many things as you can here [before] you get home, because it's turning around really quick, and the biggest thing is that you just have to be on the same page. I think there's another team or two that have some tight stretches, so we're not the only team, but that's the biggest thing, is just put in the work, put in the work, put in the work, do it quick and try to stay ahead. Bodies will be feeling it, but I think it will be the same on both sides, but whoever can do the little things the best will come out the most successful."
On if the Steelers do certain things to stress out the team, or if it's more about needing to lock in on every detail: "Yes, it's ... That's probably the biggest surprise of [us losing] eight of the last nine [games against Pittsburgh]. I feel like we've had more success over the past couple years, I would say, like postseason [and] stuff like that. That's actually something I was thinking about earlier. Why is that so? I feel as though it's kind of been more of them having better success. And why does that come? I think it's been a little bit of, kind of like you said, a little bit of self-inflicted [wounds]. I think we've sustained drives, and then they kind of die at the end. We've gotten a stop [then] get a flag, gotten a stop [then] get a flag. There's been a lot of different things that just seems like it hasn't [gone] our way. But it's not like 'Oh, we were just unlucky.' You got to play disciplined football. I think [Steelers head coach Mike] Tomlin wants to just keep the game close, keep the game close and then win it at the end, and honestly, that strategy works pretty well when they play us. I respect what he does as a coach. His team is ... There's a lot of teams out there that you can say, 'They weren't really tough. They didn't really bring it.' That's one thing that I love about the rivalry – there's not a lot of fair dodging. They're going do what they're going to do. They'll run the ball, take their shots – it's not really going to be a secret, and they feel that they can do that and be successful, and we've got to feel that we can stop it and do the opposite."
QB LAMAR JACKSON
On how much it bothers him to have struggled against the Steelers: "Losing, in general, bothers me – not the team [we play], really. [We've] just got to find a way to get a 'dub.' It's going to be a home game, so we've just got to execute at home [and] find a way to win – that's all."
On if he's looked back at the game against Pittsburgh in Week 11, or if he's put that behind him: "No, I really didn't go back to the game and watch it a lot. Obviously, after the game, I watched it and saw things on film I didn't like, [and] some things, I did like. We did move the ball; we just weren't finishing drives. And penalties, turnovers – stuff like that – we've got to clean up. But we've got to find a way to just put points on the board. From when I did watch the game, that's all [it was]."
On not starting against the Steelers in front of the home crowd before, and what it could mean to play the Steelers in front of them this week: "Just being in front of our crowd, Flock Nation, just being in the building, knowing it's a rival game, knowing what's at stake for us, I feel like the momentum, the momentum from our crowd, will just give us what we need – that extra boost."
On if being locked in has been a point of emphasis this year: "Man, [I'm] just trying to stay on schedule. I'm one of the vets now, so, obviously, I've got to lead by example. So, I'm trying to do it with [my] play, off the field, everything. [I'm] just trying to be the leader I can be – [the] best leader at that."
On what's allowed him to connect with WR Rashod Bateman more often this season: "[It's been] us just trusting each other, us just trusting the play call and just connecting with our chemistry, because years ago, we were out in [California], and we were working, and it was right after the season, and our chemistry was there. Both of us [have] had injuries in the past, so our chemistry would die off [at] some point of the season, but this year, we've been healthy, and it's just been going how it should be going – just from going back to [training] camp and just offseason work."
On what he didn't like, from an execution standpoint, from the game against the Steelers in Week 11: "You pretty much just called it all out – [it was] just self-inflicted wounds. [We had] penalties, turnovers, [trying to get] back on track [on] second-and-long, third-and-long, first-and-long. [With] stuff like that, we're killing drives before they even get started, and I watched film on that, and it's like ... Last week, we did a better job at that. We weren't [facing] first-and-long, second-and-long often. So, [with] us just being on schedule with those guys, I feel like, we'll be where we need to be."
On media considering this game the biggest of the Ravens' season, and if he thinks about things in those terms at all: "No, every game is a big game. Like I said, just the other day, we could have looked at [the Giants'] record and just thought we could just go in there and just blow them out; it's an NFL team. We've got to go into every game the same way – trying to win, regardless of the record [or] who it is in front of us. I feel like we can play against anybody."
On being in the middle of playing three games in 11 days: "Yes, but I've got to worry about the Steelers. I can't really worry about the stretch."
On if he's always believed in WR Rashod Bateman and how Bateman's production unlocks another element of the offense: "Yes, absolutely. Like I said, I was training with [Rashod Bateman] in [California] a couple of years back. [And] us just grinding out here on the field, just seeing what type of player he is, I just knew he was going to be one of those guys. Over time, it was going to happen, eventually, and it's happening now – [at] the perfect time, I believe."
On WR Rashod Bateman being another weapon on offense: "Yes, absolutely – [Rashod Bateman] and all the other guys. We've got a lot of great guys at receiver and tight end and running back, in the backfield."
On if winning the AFC North is a major prize, or if he puts more importance on playing well going into the playoffs: "I'm just trying to win, regardless – it really doesn't matter – win each and every game we're in. We're not going into games trying to lose and picking a team and being like, 'OK, this is the game; we're trying to beat these guys, because they're ...' Every game [or] any given game, I'm trying to win."
On if the Steelers defend them the same way every time, or if they mix things up from game to game: "From a personnel standpoint, [the Steelers] like to switch it up a little bit, here and there."
On if he believes the Ravens should have more answers for whatever the Steelers try to do: "I believe so. I believe we should have answers, but when the game comes ... I bet I'll have an answer for you after the game." (laughter)
On WR Devontez Walker scoring his first-career touchdown last week and if he believes there will be more opportunities for Walker going forward: "Yes, absolutely. [When Devontez Walker's] number is called, I feel like he'll be ready to jump right in, like he did this previous game – no doubt."
