ASSISTANT HEAD COACH/ PASS GAME COORDINATOR CHRIS HEWITT
What have you seen with CB Marlon Humphrey? He's been able to stay healthy; that was a big problem for him last year. What have you seen in his season this year? (Jamison Hensley) "Well, you already stated it, it's health. [Marlon Humphrey] has been healthy, and when Marlon's healthy and playing at the level that he's playing at, he makes us a better defense. He brings that grit; he brings the energy, and that's what this defense is made up of it. He embodies everything that we talk about as far as being a Raven, so when he's playing that way, we play better."
The big plays, obviously, you guys have cut down on those the past several weeks. What do you attribute that to? (Ryan Mink) "I think it's a little bit more of continuity with the guys that we're playing with, not so much more mix-and-match, putting Kyle [Hamilton] back in a deeper position – all of those things have helped. And then Marlon [Humphrey] solidifying himself down there as the nickel, him being able to go in and fit on the run as well as playing the pass – all of the things that Kyle has excelled at, but he can do the other things. So, all of those things encompassed together has made us cut down on all of those explosive plays – which we're not going to talk about, right?" (laughter)
What about communication? How is that improving? How much has that been an impact? (Jerry Coleman) "Just like I said, it's really about the continuity, and we probably have simplified a lot of things in our defense, too. We're not doing as much, so when you don't do as much, you try to do too much out there on defense. Because when you have new guys, and you have all of these toys, you want to try to put them in positions to try to confuse the offense, and in turn, sometimes it confuses the defense. I think all of those things have helped us moving forward."
With S Kyle Hamilton and his play. Can you talk about his toughness? He's been banged up a few times in games, he's fought back from injury to get back on the field, and he looks upset anytime he has to leave it due to injury. Can you just talk about his toughness? (Kyle Phoenix) "That's pretty much like a lot of our guys. The guys that we have playing out there – they don't want to miss playing time, and they'll fight their way back on the field whenever they're hurt, and [Kyle Hamilton]'s just kind of fitting in what the culture is. These guys, they want to play. They want to be out there with their brothers, and they want to go to battle with those guys, and he never [does] not want to be a part of a battle."
What's stood out to you about CB Tre'Davious White since he's arrived here? (Garrett Downing) "[Tre'Davious White is] a pro, a guy that has a lot of experience, [and] brings a playmaking ability. He just has to get really comfortable with what we're doing on the defense, but all of those attributes as far as his playmaking and being a former Pro Bowler, he sees things on game tape that we talk about. So, he's one of those guys that kind of stays ahead of the game, and I'm looking forward to seeing him make some more plays for us."
Early in the season, teams were targeting CB Brandon Stephens as there were some of those big plays against him. What did you see from him that made you keep him out there? (Giana Han) "If you look at all of the plays that people have made on Brandon [Stephens], it's about him locating the football or whatever, but he's always been a guy that's sticky, he competes, he's always right there at the catch point, and it's a quarterback throwing a perfect ball. Playing DB, things like that are going to happen – you're going to give up some plays. Has he given up more [plays] than he'd like to? Absolutely. But there's a lot of factors that go in with that. But Brandon always plays hard, he knows what to do, but he has to make those plays on the ball. That's really all it is."
We just asked defensive coordinator Zach Orr about S Marcus Williams. He said, "Look, it's a production business." But when you have a player like that who's used to being out there for every snap, and he's a healthy stretch, how big of a jolt is that? And how can he come back from that? (Childs Walker) "For one thing, Marcus [Williams] is a professional. He still approaches the game the same way. He's going to come into the meeting rooms and take the gameplan and continue to try to contribute as much as he possibly can. Is it a jolt to his system? Absolutely. He wants to be out there. And moving forward, we'll find out where we stand and health-wise and whatever, but he's always going to be the guy that's going to be ready to go out there and go play. And we have the utmost confidence that if it ever comes to it, Marcus will be back out there making plays for us."
What have you seen from S Ar'Darius Washington as he steps into that position? (Ryan Mink) "What I've seen is a guy that basically just triggers it and goes. See ball, go get ball, and [Ar'Darius Washington] has made plays in every game that he's been in, and that's why he's earned the right to be out there. He just makes plays. He's a guy that's been hurt in his first three years, and I've always felt this way about him, he's just a dog. He's just a guy that's just going to go out there and compete, plays with passion, plays with fire, and that's why he's out there."
I don't think we've asked you about CB Nate Wiggins. What have you seen from him more than halfway through his rookie season? And what's the next step for him as he continues to play more and more for you? (Luke Jones) "[Nate Wiggins has] been inconsistent and consistent, inconsistent and consistent. So, that's something that you do – you take the good with the bad with the rookie, but he has a lot of ability, so you see the upside with that. And he's made those strides from early in the season going late into the season, and I continue to see him continuing to keep on getting better. I'd like to see him get his hands on the ball a little bit more – at least complete the catches, instead of just breaking it up. But I love where Nate is at right now."
How do you think having more of a platoon of ILB Chris Board and LB Malik Harrison has helped kind of shore up the middle of the field? (Jonas Shaffer) "That's just been an emphasis. The last six or seven weeks, we've been really working on shoring up the middle as you call it, and that's really about guys getting back to their spots in our zone coverage, [having] vision on the quarterback and breaking on the ball, and that's just been an emphasis going forward. It really doesn't have anything to do with the platoon or whatever we're doing, it's just really about an emphasis for all of the linebackers, the secondary [and] everybody. That's just really been an emphasis that we've had the last couple of weeks."
SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR CHRIS HORTON
There's a lot of talk about K Justin Tucker and his struggles lately. Have you noticed any kind of difference in his attitude or in your dealings with him? (Jamison Hensley) "As far as noticing anything different with [Justin Tucker], I think Justin's approach to his job every day is the same. He's full of energy. When he goes out on the practice field, he works hard, and he's doing the right things, so there hasn't been anything unusual about him as far as outside of his ability. He hasn't been making kicks, but other than that, he's been the same guy every day. He's working diligently to get himself going."
Is there something to be said for getting away from this for a week for K Justin Tucker and the operation when it hasn't been going well? Does the bye week allow you to do that a little bit? (Luke Jones) "I think that is a good point. [Justin Tucker] has been going through it. So, for him to just kind of clear his mind, ease himself out of football for a little bit, I think that's going to be good for him, but me knowing Justin, Justin is probably going to be somewhere kicking and just trying to figure this thing out. I think it's good on both sides of it, but if you know Justin, he's a true pro, and he wants to continue to be great, so he's probably [going to] take some time off, and then he's going to go out there, and he's probably going to go kick some."
Yesterday, head coach John Harbaugh said it's something that has to be fixed, and K Justin Tucker is the guy to fix it. He also said Justin knows what's wrong; he just needs to do it. Is it pretty much a Justin thing at this point? Is it something that he has to find from within himself, or is there something that you guys can do as a staff? (Giana Han) "That's totally it. Obviously, we're going to get out there. We're going to work, because when you see [Justin Tucker] physically, you see him go out there, and you see him kick during the week, it's so true, man. He's smashing the ball. When you see him in pre-game, he's smashing the ball, and he just has to continue those things and bring them actually into the game. So, it's something that he has to get himself out of. We as coaches, we're going to stay on him, we're going to keep working and we're going to help him get out of it."
I remember talking to K Justin Tucker a couple of years ago for a story about his recall for kicks from five or 10 years ago; where he put the ball, where the ball was, [it] was incredible. Do you think that kind of becomes a double-edged sword, where he is struggling to put it all together in that memory bank that he has? (Jonas Shaffer) "I'm not quite sure. I think with Justin [Tucker], it's kind of his thing. Every kick lives on its own, and I think when he goes out there, he approaches it that way. So, no matter what the elements are, where he places the ball, what target line he picks, his job is, 'Man, I have to make this kick, and I want to smash the ball.'"
Going back to what you were saying about K Justin Tucker smashing the ball in practice and in warmups, is he not having the type of contact at times? I know each kick is different, but is he not having the kind of contact he would like with the ball during games? (Brian Wacker) "I think it's a combination of a few things. It could be contact, it could be just line, angle towards the ball, so it's a combination of a few things, and really, it's kind of like it was said, only Justin [Tucker] can truly get himself out of that, because he knows how to fix those things."
In terms of other special teams, WR Tylan Wallace talked about fielding punts this past Sunday and a few other hiccups. How do you go about finding that consistency you guys want in cleaning up those things? (Brian Wacker) "I think from the punt return standpoint, Tylan [Wallace] is back there, because he has been a good catcher for us. When he gets in certain situations – and we had kind of a windy game, and the ball was moving on him a little bit – he just has to be more decisive in making those decisions. Again, Tylan is still fairly young in fielding and having returns. I probably guarantee he doesn't have 20 returns in his career, so for him, it's just a matter of when you are back there, man, make a split decision, make it quick and you understand that at the end of the day, just give the ball back to the offense, because that's our motto."
Obviously, there is a really high standard here for special teams. You all have been one of the best units for a long time across the board. As you go into the bye, how do you assess the overall play of special teams and all the different units? What's the focus where you really want to see improvement? (Ryan Mink) "First off, this is a good week for us. We're 13 games in, and we have four games left. You really take a look at all your young guys. We're playing a lot of young guys, and so, it's funny you ask that. I just finished watching all of our kickoff returns – we have 26 on the season – and when you go back through there, and you watch them, there are four penalties on there. They kind of hurt us on some longer returns, so you kind of figure out, 'OK, were those technique things? How do we get ourselves out of that?' Then, working from there, we're on the up. I'm starting to see our guys truly get a feel for this kickoff return system. It's a lot different than what we've been used to. We thought we'd come out early and have an advantage, but we've rotated some guys. We had some guys that were playing that were fairly young, in their third [or] second game of the season. So, throughout that process we're looking to see our young guys continue to grow and our veteran guys continue to lead, and I do believe that we're going to continue to make progress on all the phases. Think about our punt coverage, something that we harped on a lot this offseason, covering punts and just being down there and being in the right spot and making tackles. Our guys have done a great job protecting the punt [and] covering. I think Jordan [Stout] is doing a great job, just continuing to find that consistency across the board, and we'll be fine. We'll continue to develop, our guys will continue to get better, and we'll move forward."
Going back to the kicking for a second, is the snapping and holding part of the operation where you want it to be from a consistency standpoint? (Childs Walker) "I think that's been fairly consistent. I was thinking about this the other day; there have been kicks made where there has been a good snap, not a good hold, and the kick was made. And there has been vice versa. So, I think for the most part, Nick [Moore] is snapping the ball great. Jordan [Stout] is putting the ball on the spot. Again, just remember, it's a grain of rice; you're trying to put that ball down there, and for the most part, it has been consistent. We just have to go out there and it takes all of us, but it starts with the snap, the hold and the kick."
It's one thing to miss field goals, but to miss an extra point, it's become automatic for most people with K Justin Tucker. Is that something that maybe bleeds over, if something happens earlier in the game, and he misses like he did last Sunday? Does that carry over in his mind maybe towards the field goals? (Jerry Coleman) "I can't speak for Justin [Tucker], because I'm not in his mind, but it could have an effect. If you talk to Justin, again, every kick is different. Every situation is different, so I can't speak for Justin, mentally, on what he's thinking after he misses that PAT [point after try]."
Is there any consideration to having P Jordan Stout do kickoffs or anything, just to take something of off K Justin Tucker's plate, especially as it gets colder? (Ryan Mink) "We've thought about that. We talk about it all the time. We practice Jordan on kickoffs. If that becomes something that we want to do, we could. That is a consideration, but as of right now, that hasn't been one of the things we've thought about."
Regarding the kickoff rule changes, do you feel like they're doing what they were intended to do for the game? (Giana Han) "I think so. They wanted to cut down on the injuries. I think the injuries have been cut down. There are teams that are putting the ball in play a lot, and there are teams that put the ball in play strategically. I think you're seeing more returns, and I think that benefits all the guys that only truly play special teams. It gives us an opportunity to coach some plays."
QUARTERBACKS COACH TEE MARTIN
Tee, second year in the system. Where have you seen QB Lamar Jackson's development with offensive coordinator Todd Monken, and where has he improved? (Kyle Phoenix) "Development-wise, physically, I think as a passer [Lamar Jackson]'s taken leaps and bounds from where we started in the offseason last year [around] spring training camp last season and then picking up where he left off. He made some goals to be quicker on his feet. We saw how he looks now when he reported to training camp. Pass technique-wise, being more accurate at all of the throws at all field zones. We made a key point to work on throws outside the numbers, into deeper field zones, outside the numbers, post routes, go routes [and] things of that nature [as well as] on the run [and] scramble throws. Those are things that we intentionally wanted to come into the season to be improved at and better at. So, as you look at his numbers, you look at statistically where he's at, he's improved in all those areas. As far as the system, he's just another year advanced in it. From protections, from progressions, from knowing what to expect so that he can anticipate and get the ball out – he's not getting sacked as much, [and] he's not being flushed as much. That helps out the O-line and so on and so forth. The addition of Derrick Henry – having another complimentary back [and] another explosive weapon with him and being able to make it all work together and still have the type of performance that he's having at quarterback is complimentary to him and the work that he's been putting in. Coaching him every day, listening to him [and] working with him, his mind is on another level; what he sees, what he thinks about, what he anticipates and how he acts on it is another year advanced, and [I'm] really proud of where he's come from and where he's at right now and how he's playing."
The physical things you talked about, but from a technical standpoint what sort of things has QB Lamar Jackson improved on? (Brian Wacker) "Right, just being consistently accurate all the time when [Lamar Jackson] does all those things. What I did when I first started coaching him was, I went back and watched over 700 passes throughout his career and what he naturally did and created an environment around his natural movements and started coaching from there. Because he's already talented – he was Lamar Jackson before I ever met him. [He was a] Heisman [winner], first-round pick, MVP – all of that stuff. What you look at is how you make those things better by creating an environment so that he does it all the time to where he doesn't think about it when those things happen. With that being said, something that would've caused anxiety early in his career is now not causing anxiety, and it's just like an everyday play for him. That's what we try to create in our individual drills, sometimes within the play scheme, but allowing him to be who he is, which is one of the best in the world at doing what he does."
You mentioned that QB Lamar Jackson's mind is on another level. Can you talk about that aspect of his game and where you've seen those strides? (Garrett Downing) "Last year was a year for me; it's like when you first start dating somebody, like, 'Can I believe what they're saying?' (laughter) 'Is that right? I don't see it that way, but we're going to work it out. We're going to work it out.' And then the second year, you're like, 'Yes, [Lamar Jackson] really sees that. He really knows exactly what he's thinking [and] exactly what he's doing, and he's acting on it.' So, [it's] just the second year of our relationship [and] second year of him trusting me, and just [within] that relationship he's more vocal about how he feels and what he sees, and he stands on it. So, he's very defined in who he is and what he wants to do, and when his foot is down, his foot is down, as we all know. But he's just being more within himself and the things that we're asking him to do and the feedback. Last year he wasn't so comfortable with saying, 'This is what I want.' This year he's like, 'No, I want it this way. This is how I want to do it.' That's just growth and development. [I'm] really proud of that from him."
Along those lines, with you having that clarity of what QB Lamar Jackson wants, how does that affect the offense as a whole? (Garrett Downing) "I think what it does for the players that play with [Lamar Jackson and] what it does for [offensive coordinator] Todd [Monken] calling the plays [and] what it does for me having to coach and navigate all the things, it's just clear – it's clear cut. It's black and white; there's no gray. You'd rather be that way than grayness. Sometimes when you're going from [one] system to a different system, it's all a trust thing. It's all, 'I've never done this before. What is he asking me to do?' And now you have it on tape – you have it on tape against opponents from last season, [and the] offseason against our defense, [and the] preseason [and] so on and so forth. So, there's a body of work there that builds trust, and you know what does work and you know what doesn't work. And you combine that with his career in totality and his experience – he knows what he's talking about, and we trust him."
QB Lamar Jackson seemed mad in kind of an energized way after Sunday's game. Having gone through that game, what do you think was kind of at the root of that? (Childs Walker) "I'll tell you what, that last drive – you're down two scores and anybody could've chosen to put the backup in and gotten out of the game or put starters in and ran the ball and got out of the game, but for [Lamar Jackson] to continue to play and get completions – the scramble says it all about who he is and how much he wants to win and not quit. Because anybody could've just got out [of] the pocket [and] slid or whatever. He was trying to score and get in the game [and] onside kick [to] get the ball back [and] win the game. He never quit, and so he carried that energy into the locker room. We spoke after the game, and he spoke to his mom – shoutout Miss Felicia – [she] got on him a little bit. But by the time he got to the podium it was that energy that you guys felt. But it never stopped – it was that way the whole game. He was ready to play that game [and] he wanted to win it for everybody, but it really started during the game [and] late in the game. That last drive, our conversations on the sideline and that energy led to ... He kind of had the feeling of, 'I hate that we have a bye week, because I want to play next week to get this off my chest,' type of feeling. So, he was that way yesterday too, so hopefully [he'll] get away a little bit for the body [and] for the mind and comes back refreshed with that same energy heading into Giants week."
We're getting down to the part of the season where the narrative will be, "Will QB Lamar Jackson lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl." It's been that way for the past couple years. How much do you think that does weigh on Lamar, and is that a concern of yours in trying to help him not think too much on that? (Jamison Hensley) "No, I don't think it's a concern, because that's what we're here to do. We see it as eight games left, and that's the way we talk. It's not like this everyday conversation talking about the Super Bowl. As you guys know, it's about the next practice [and] it's about the next game. You can't get there before you win the next one, and we know what we have to do now to get to those points. It's not like a stress [or] anxiety type [of] thing. I think in [Lamar Jackson's] career in total it's something that he wants to do right now, yes, is get to the Super Bowl and win the Super Bowl. But we know what we have to do week-in-and-week-out to get to that point. The conversations that we do have are about what do championship teams do to win tough games, whether it's in our division – Steelers, Browns, Bengals – whether it's against a Super Bowl-caliber team that we saw Sunday night – how do you win those games? Taking care of the football, execution on first and second down, scoring touchdowns in the red zone and learning to win ugly. Sometimes it's boring at quarterback. Sometimes they force you to check it down because they're afraid of the explosive play; sometimes you lean on the run game; sometimes it's a play that happens in the fourth quarter that changes the game – who knows? Those are the conversations that we have in terms of what is the difference in a talented team that doesn't win championships and talented teams that do win championships. And those are the things that we're trying to capture in the conversations that we're having."
Going back to Sunday after the game, what did QB Lamar Jackson say to the guys? (Brian Wacker) "It was the same energy you guys saw. [Lamar Jackson] was just really agitated that we lost the game in the fashion that we lost the game. And as always, the frustration of leaving plays out there. When something developed, or you got pressure when guys were open, or guys were open and you didn't see them – all of those things happened. And when you look at the surface on the sideline and you see the picture you're like, 'Ugh.' There's frustration, but there's only one football. If you're looking this way [and] someone's open that way, sometimes you don't see them. There's always, 'Wait until the next time.' But sometimes you don't have the next time, so that's where the frustration lies. And so, it's really just trying to get him back centered to this [is] what just happened, what's the reality of it all and what's our plan moving forward to be better in those moments."
We've always seen this burning desire from QB Lamar Jackson to win, but have you seen him even take it up a little bit higher from last year to this year? (Ryan Mink) "I think it's about the same. I think what's happening this year is with the talent we have, it's like expected. I think last year it was [a] new system, [and] it was playing with different people a different way, so I think last year was more about [for Lamar Jackson], 'My job' and 'I'm learning my job. I'm trying to do the best I can at my job with all these other moving parts.' I think this year coming in you have a lot of the receivers [returning and] the tight ends [returning, as well as] the addition of Derrick Henry. Opening up with Kansas City on the road, I think the way this season started – it started off with a fight. That's the only difference, I think. Obviously, we just talked about his desire to get to a Super Bowl, but I think this year it's more of walking on the field expecting us to win, but doing the things that it takes to win to get to that point."
I think QB Lamar Jackson is one of the best in the NFL right now at sack rate and he's doing a great job of not letting pressures get to him for the sack. What do you kind of put together to explain the way that he's moving in the pocket? (Jonas Shaffer) "Well, first is DNA. [Lamar Jackson]'s just better than most people, quite honestly – faster, smarter, processes mentally faster, better. With the addition of experience and what people are doing throughout his career to try to keep him in the pocket and say, 'You can't beat us from the pocket.' So, then he sets records doing that and everyone says, 'We're going to pressure you,' and then he's the best quarterback in the league vs. pressure, so they can't do that. So, long story short, I just think that he's seen it all to where he has this body of work at, 'OK, what is it going to be this night. How are you guys going to choose to do it? OK, I'm going to go to this mode.' And he can do it all. We talked about arm angles; we've talked about elusiveness; there's times where he is moving to allow routes to develop; there are times where he's moving to extend a play. There are times where he's truly scrambling and there are times where I don't think he even knows, and he becomes Lamar Jackson and we are all surprised with the outcome. For me, it's just, 'Be yourself [and] go out and play – being Lamar Jackson is enough.' With all those things being said, he's the best in the world at doing it throughout the history of the game. My job is to not screw him up and let him go out there and be the best that he can be, [and] doing it the way that he wants to do it."
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR TODD MONKEN
When you look at QB Lamar Jackson and your time with him, has there been anything this year that has impressed you with where he's grown or really improved upon? (Jamison Hensley) "There are a lot of things. [Lamar Jackson has] improved upon ... He was already a great player. And I think some of that just comes through experience and playing [in] the same system, [using] the same terminology, a lot of the same players, a lot of the same guys he's throwing to, [the] same center – a lot of things from a communication standpoint, but I think he's always been able to see the field great. I think he's doing a better job of working through his progressions. He does a great job of seeing receivers down the field when he gets outside the pocket. I just think he's doing a great job. I don't know where, before I got here, where he was. I knew he was a great player – I don't mean to say that. I just see a lot of things – he protects the football, he doesn't want to put us at risk, he wants to win in the worst way. Like I said, I don't know exactly where it started, but he's an elite player."
In terms of the progressions, how do you weigh going through those progressions and the balance of whether QB Lamar Jackson runs or continues to go through the progressions? He talked about that obviously on Sunday. (Brian Wacker) "That's hard, because [Lamar Jackson is] such a weapon when he's got the ball in his hands, or when he gets outside the pocket and is finding guys down the field. He's got such a great feel for the rush. It's unique. It's rare to see defenders and escape and make those plays. He gets us out of a lot of tough plays [and] tough situations. So, that balance – I don't know where to start or where to finish with it – because yes, there are times where I think he could maybe check it down, but he then gets outside of it and makes a play. He's unique in terms of his ability to do that."
Did you know that QB Lamar Jackson was lamenting the fact that he didn't run more, but his mom said he should've run more? (Jerry Coleman) "I don't know where that comes from. I did not see that in the game, but 'mom knows best.' I did not see that in the game that [Lamar Jackson] should've taken off more and that there were those opportunities. I'm not criticizing [his] mom. If she says he should've run more, then he should've run more, but I didn't see that. I don't want to be critical in that matter. I thought he did an outstanding job the other night."
Obviously, the Eagles have a heck of a defensive line, but when you're having some struggles blocking any team's interior defensive linemen, as a play-caller, how do you really try to account for that? With edge players, you chip guys, or could have a blocking tight end, but when it's those inside problems like that, how do you account for that? (Luke Jones) "From a protection standpoint, there are things you can do – there are ways that you can slide the protection. Being able to run the ball helps that; staying ahead of the chains helps that. That doesn't mean that doesn't occur even on play-actions and other things, and you're not expecting it. Again, guys are going to get beat, guys are going to get covered, guys are going to drop a pass, or we're going to make a poor throw. It hasn't shown up where it's been multiple issues with it, so we don't ever expect that. But [the Eagles are] really good up front, and we have to do a better job – myself [with] coaching, protecting and being able to run the ball [and] move the pocket. Being able to screen some [and] take some of the pressure off those guys – it's part of it."
We heard defensive coordinator Zach Orr on the defensive side talk about early on, he felt like he was maybe trying to disguise or do too much. I'm just curious on the offensive side, you have so many weapons that have played well for the most part, but what is the challenge when you have all of that at your disposal and trying to do too much or trying to find that sweet spot? (Brian Wacker) "It's a great question; it doesn't bother me at all. As much as I'd love for every skill player – I've said this before – I'd love for all of them to be a huge part of when we move the ball and when we score, but I don't always control that. Some of that I do and some of it I don't. The defense controls it, where Lamar [Jackson] ends up with it, or we don't get protection, but at the end of the day, we're paid to score, and I can't always control who touches it. We don't ever try to do too much, I don't believe. I don't think we're trying to do too many things. Do I think we're all cognizant of using our weapons and having those guys be a part of it? We didn't get 'Big Zay' [Isaiah Likely] the ball early in the game, but we tried to. We had a banana route that we didn't end up hitting for a couple of reasons. Again, it just shows up, it's not a problem for me. I'm glad we have all of those guys. It's a good problem to have. When you don't have those guys, you're pissed. That's tougher than having a lot of weapons."
You talked about the pass protection in the Philidelphia game in particular, but when you look at the offensive line overall and kind of take stock, is it where you want it to be at this point in the season? (Childs Walker) "Sure. Overall, offensively – forget the offensive line – we did not play [as an offense] as well as we're capable of. So, irrespective of that, we can certainly coach better and play better – that's what we have to do. In the games that we've lost the last couple of weeks – a few weeks ago, it was turnovers and penalties. This week, it was touchdowns in the red zone. The penalties we didn't have this week, we really hadn't been turning it over, and we've been really good in the red zone. We just didn't take advantage of the opportunities we had. That's us, offensively, scoring touchdowns. Those are the ways you win. The ways you win is don't turn it over, be explosive, don't have lost-yardage plays, [score] touchdowns in the red zone, [convert] third-down conversion [and] off-schedule plays by our quarterback – all of those are the reasons you win, and you score, and you move the football. And in those two games, we weren't as efficient as we had been."
Considering how many questions there were about the O-line coming into this season, how have they compared to what you thought they might be, or what kind of surprised you? (Giana Han) "I think they've played great. Everybody has their moments where they don't play as well as they'd like to. There are calls that I'd like back every game. You can only imagine, if you have 60 play calls in a game, and 20 of them go for nothing or lost yardage, it's like, 'Well, that's a third of my calls. It wasn't worth a damn.' So that goes with players. They're going to make mistakes, they're going to lose, they're not always going to win, and we have to help them out at every position. Sometimes receivers need help getting off the line of scrimmage – they need a motion. Sometimes your O-linemen [have trouble] against certain matchups, [and] you just need to help them in pass protection. That's the way it is; that goes for every team. We're not the only team that deals with certain matchups. That's the NFL – there are great players on the other side. And so, we just have to do a better job of coaching them, preparing them and then playing on Sunday."
The first episode of "Hard Knocks" tonight. I know you've been through that all-access thing at Oklahoma State. In your position, as an offensive coordinator, do you even have the time of day to kind of wonder what makes the final cut, or is it just completely off your radar? (Jonas Shaffer) "I even forgot about it until you brought it up, so that sucks you brought that up. I think it's a major distraction, so I don't deal with it. I know that's not what they want to hear, but it's hard enough to focus and get ready and then worry about ... I just have to worry about [meeting with the media] once a week. I don't want to worry about it every day of what I say, how I say it, how it's perceived, whatever it is. It's hard enough to win in the NFL then to stay focused. What we have to do this week as a coaching staff [is] let our guys get rest, get ready to go for this four-game stretch, analyze who we are, where we want to continue to go, how we've got to continue to get better, [and] who we're playing going to be playing to give us the best chance to win every week."
Kind of along similar lines, this is the time of year when people start to speculate about job openings and tossing names around all of the rumor columns. Your name is in some of those; how do you deal with that? (Childs Walker) "I don't deal with it. I don't deal with it because it has nothing to do with the here and the now, and nobody really knows anyways. I don't control that. All I control is the job I have here – that's the most important thing, is us winning here and scoring points. Because if you don't worry about that, then you don't have the job here, and the other stuff doesn't happen. The idea is right now, our players, how we get better this week, and again, playing winning football. That's what we're paid to do here. The rest of it takes care of itself – that's just the way it is. Again, I don't control what's being said [on] one side or the other – I've been on both sides of it. When you're not very good, or you're good, or you're not or whatever. I don't really pay attention to it to be really honest."
Just going back to QB Lamar Jackson. What have you seen in a leadership sense in him being able to step forward, even from last year to this year. It seems like he's been more vocal maybe or has taken another step forward. Have you seen that? And if so, how? (Brian Wacker) "In some ways, I think the more success you have, which [Lamar Jackson] has had success, but he's also been healthy. The same players you're around every day; it becomes easier to say things to guys; [he's in] the same system. I just think he's more comfortable being able to say things to the players. [Quarterbacks coach] Tee [Martin] has done a great job with him in terms of promoting that, which is part of that, like, 'It's OK.' The players love to play with Lamar because he's highly competitive, and he's such a good dude. He's such a good person – they love him. It's hard not to love Lamar Jackson. But with that, when you become the quarterback, how do you want it to look? You're an extension of us; you're the closest thing tied to winning that we are – the quarterback is. I mean, that's a fact. No one critiques a skill player for not winning the Super Bowl. I haven't heard one person critique one of our players for not winning the Super Bowl – [but], they're all over his ass. That's just the way it comes with, so he's an extension of us. So OK, how do you evolve to, 'Hey OK. You're an extension of us. You're an extension of our team. How do you want it to look?' And that's not easy. It's not easy for us; it's not easy for him to be that. But winning is important to him; being a great teammate is important to him; being coachable is important to him. [He's] all of the things that you want in a quarterback, and he's just starting to grow, and Tee is bringing that out in him to be able to do that. Again, that's not easy for any player to be able to do that with their teammates."
How are you seeing QB Lamar Jackson develop in the film room? I know some of the guys have said he's pointing out more things. Not just when you guys are in meetings, but outside in the facility as well. (Giana Han) "I think [quarterbacks coach] Tee [Martin] can speak to that. I just think [Lamar Jackson] is dialed in – I really do. I think he's always been dialed in, in terms of what he's seeing, and what he likes, and what he dislikes. From what I've seen, and again, Tee can speak to that – I think they have a great rapport, and I think they have way of communicating, 'Hey, what they're seeing [and] why we're doing what we're doing,' that gives us the best chance to win. It doesn't matter what I see, it's always through the eyes of the quarterback – always. It does not matter. That's how this works. Everything has to be through the eyes of the players – especially the quarterback, how he sees it, how he sees the game. That's our job to make sure that we do the best job we can to fit around his skill set and that he sees it the way we see it."
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR ZACH ORR
The defense has put together some really strong performances recently. Do you feel like, after going through some struggles early on, you figured some things out – personnel, scheme, approach – and maybe turned a corner a little bit? (Garrett Downing) "Yes, I think so. I think we've definitely improved, [and] we've definitely gotten better. It's good to see it start showing up in games. Guys have always worked hard. Obviously, we tweaked some stuff with personnel, with scheme and communication, but I still think there's a whole other level we can get to. Like, we're just getting started [with] where we need to be at, and we've got four weeks left. We're going to continue to work hard throughout this week, as coaches, [while] players get some time off. And the expectation when we come back is, 'Man, we've got to be dominant on defense.' So, we took a step in the right direction, definitely, from early in the season, but there's still a whole lot we can get better at."
What's the next step in your mind, as far as taking that next step? You guys have cut out the big plays, and the pass defense has stabilized. What's next? (Luke Jones) "The No. 1 thing is getting takeaways. We're not turning the ball over enough, and we've got to get the football; like, we have to. That changes games, [and] that will help us out tremendously, from a defensive standpoint and for our team. So, [getting] takeaways, and then just even being more dominant in the red zone. Like, teams are going to get down there – it's the National Football League – but let's hold them to a maximum [of] three points or a field goal attempt. So, I think takeaways and then just eliminating some of the touchdowns when they get into the red zone."
CB Marlon Humphrey said after the game that he feels like there's been a real mentality flip over the last month to six weeks, stating something like, 'No matter what your name is, if you're not meeting the standard, you're not going to be out there.' Have you seen that as well? (Childs Walker) "Definitely, definitely. And it's like ... [We're] holding guys accountable if it's not looking the way we want [it to] from an effort standpoint [and] from an execution standpoint. Obviously, you give guys the chance to correct it, and you coach things up – guys are going to make mistakes – but the tolerance isn't high for guys who don't play hard or guys who continue to make the same mistakes over and over again. So, we have to find guys who are going to go out there and play hard and do things the right way and do the things [the way] we want it to be done. So, I think guys have started seeing that, and the players, they take ownership in that. Like, as a player, you don't want people out there with you who are not doing their job or not executing their job. So, I think Marlon [Humphrey] was right on with what he said."
When you have a guy like CB Marlon Humphrey – one of your defensive leaders – say some of the things he's said on a couple of occasions, what do you think of that as a coach, and what kind of impact does that carry? (Brian Wacker) "I think it's good. I think it carries a big impact, because, first thing, to be a leader, you have to lead by example, and I think Marlon Humphrey has led by example. You see it in his play; you see it in his work ethic here on the practice field; he plays hard; he's a heck of a player [and] tries to do everything right. He's leading by example, so when you have a guy who leads by example, they've got credibility to say that, and guys are going to listen, and guys are going to follow that. So, I think it's good. Like, we encourage our guys to lead in their own way, but if you have something to say, if you feel strongly about it, speak on it, and I think Marlon has done that, and I think a lot of guys have followed his lead, which is good for us."
You said that a couple weeks ago, there was a meeting where guys were holding each other more accountable, and maybe, in retrospect, that's when things started to get better. Is it reading too much into it to say, maybe, that meeting was the turning point for you? (Sam Cohn) "I wouldn't say [that] it's ready too much into it. The meeting definitely had an impact, just because we had to do some deep soul searching, and it was a long meeting. I think it was good – from a player and coach standpoint – that we expressed what we wanted to get done; they expressed how they felt, and we were able to come together and figure out solutions, because that's all we're about. It's a partnership between players and coaches, and our jobs as players and coaches is to go out there and go play dominant, winning football, from a defensive standpoint. Everything that we do is trying to come to that solution, [and] I definitely think that meeting definitely had a part in it, so I wouldn't say that's out of reach."
The common term from players has been more accountability. What does holding themselves accountable look like, and what does it mean for them to hold their teammates accountable, and what does it look like for you to hold your players accountable? What does that mean? (Kyle Phoenix) "It's just, first things first, holding yourself accountable. So, guys have to look themselves in the mirror and be like, 'Am I doing everything possible to go out there and be the best football player I can be for this team and for this defense?' And then, once you do that – once you hold yourself accountable – now you can hold others accountable, and [with] holding each other accountable, I'll see the guys ... If somebody makes a mistake or anything like that, it's not necessarily that they're just lashing out at a guy or anything like that; they're pulling a guy to the side, asking them what they saw and how they can get better, how they can help them out or just teaching them. And when you get the players holding each other accountable, that's when you're really getting something done. And as coaches, that's our job – to hold the players accountable – but when players hold each other accountable, and they hold themselves accountable, that's where you really start to build something special. And I think we've seen that rise to a whole other level over the last couple of weeks. And they're meeting even more together; they were already meeting together, as players, but they're meeting even more together and just trying to get things figured out. So, I'm proud of how they've taken the accountability, and how they've put it amongst themselves; like, 'Man, we're going to figure this thing out together.'"
OLB Tavius Robinson has played more snaps over the past three weeks. I know that part of that is personnel and matchups against the Steelers, Chargers and Eagles – run-heavy teams. Is it more that, or are you seeing something from Tavius that makes you say, "Hey, we just want this guy on the field more?" (Ryan Mink) "It's both, man. I'm really happy with Tavius [Robinson]. 'T-Rob,' he's a heck of a player. He's grown into a heck of a player for us. He does a lot of multiple things. Obviously, it has a lot to do with some of the opponents we're playing, but he's earned snaps, too. He's earned snaps. Every time he goes out there, he's in the right position, he does the right thing, he's physical, he plays hard, plays the run well, gets after the quarterback from the edge point, and you can reduce him inside as a three-technique and rush him in there. So, we're in the business [of] if you're productive, and you do things the right way, and you're going hard, you're going to be out there. So, 'T-Rob' has done that, and he's earned more snaps, and I think you'll continue to see that, as well."
We've seen a lot more variety at linebacker this year. Last year, both ILB Roquan Smith and ILB Patrick Queen were three-down linebackers. Why does a rotation at linebacker feel like the right thing at the moment? (Childs Walker) "Just because all the different guys next to 'Ro' [Roquan Smith] offer different abilities and different strengths, and I think the best thing for us right now is ... We just need production out of that position overall – [at] linebacker – and specifically, the WILL and DIME position, and I think the best way for us to get that production is to rotate those guys in there."
We've seen DL Travis Jones play through an ankle injury for six or seven weeks now. He's been on the injury report, and sometimes he's played a lot, and other times, not so much. How do you think he's handled that, and how helpful do you think this bye week is going to be for him for the stretch run, knowing how important he is to your defensive line, both from a run-stopping standpoint but also in pass rush? (Luke Jones) "[Travis Jones] is a warrior, man. He's a warrior. I mean, he does everything he can to go out there and go play for us, and we know he's not 100% – nowhere near it. And I actually talked about ... With the staff today, I said, 'The bye week is going to help him the most on our team, from a defensive standpoint.' [There are] a lot of people [that] it's going to help, but it's going to help him, because when he's healthy, when he's feeling good, he's going to be dominant. And I can't wait for him to get some rest and come back out of this bye week feeling really good and [for us to] get him back [to] playing how he was playing. And he's been playing good, but he's out there, basically, on one leg, essentially. So, it's not as dominant as it's been, but the bye week is going to do great for him. I'm excited about 'Big Trav,' [Travis Jones] for real. I'm really excited about him. I'm glad the bye week ... It came at a good time for him, and he's going to be ready to roll."
S Ar'Darius Washington has gone from being a guy who wasn't seeing the field to now playing as an integral part of the secondary. Can you talk about what he's bringing to the table, and I guess, the persistence he's had to kind of grow into that role? (Cliff Brown) "[Ar'Darius Washington] is [playing] good. I mean, he's bringing great communication, great aggressiveness, physicality and then range in the back end, which we value. So, we've been really happy with 'A.D.' [Ar'Darius Washington], and I think the more he plays, the better he's going to get. He's continued to get better every single game that he's been starting, and I think it just comes with the reps. I'm really happy with him; we're really happy with him. It's a credit to him, every single day in practice – even when he was on the 'look team' – going out here, making plays, always staying ready and being ready for his opportunity, and he got his opportunity, and he took it and ran with it. So, I'm happy for him, and I expect him to get even better."
What more would you like to see from S Marcus Williams that would allow him to get back on the field? (Brian Wacker) "Just continue to grind, continue to get better and continue to play hard – [with] physicality [and] make plays. I just think, right now, essentially, the two guys that we've been rolling with – 'A.D.' [Ar'Darius Washington] and 'K-Ham' [Kyle Hamilton] – they've just been playing a little bit better. So, it's no indictment to Marcus [Williams]; it's just a production business, and those guys [have] been more productive. I truly believe that Marcus is still a good – really good – football player, and I feel like, if he has to step in for us, that he would be able to go in there and do a heck of a job for us."
RUNNING BACKS COACH WILLIE TAGGART
What are you seeing from RB Derrick Henry? I know earlier in the season when we talked to you, and you were just so impressed with his work ethic and things like that. As the season has gone on, what has stood out to you about the way he's gone about his business. (Ryan Mink) "It's pretty much the same. You get the same from Derrick [Henry] every single day. He wakes up and wants to be great at what he does. Like I told you guys earlier in the year, he hates making mistakes. I don't care what mistake it is; he hates it. It can be the smallest thing, and he just hates it so much. I got a text last night [from Derrick]. It just said, 'Coach, I'm still ticked about this game.' A lot of those things where it doesn't go right for him, it bothers him. It also motivates him to come back to work the next day and try to do everything he can to make sure it doesn't happen again. For me, you love that out of him, being a veteran with so much experience and so much success, and [he] still wakes up every day in this [point in his] career and still wants to be the best. He's setting an example for the younger guys in the room, as well, and that's been very beneficial for us."
When RB Derrick Henry was in Tennessee, his production in December and January was typically a lot better than it was in September. Is there anything from what you've seen from him in Baltimore that leads you to believe that's not just a Tennessee Titans phenomenon, but that he could have that same kind of accumulative approach? (Jonas Shaffer) "Yes, I think if you just look at it, Derrick [Henry] hasn't had a lot of carries, a lot of wear and tear on him this year, so I think it's set up perfectly for him to finish the year like he's capable of and what we expect out of him. Derrick is fresh right now, and that's great. I think this bye week is perfect timing for us, and again, he's hungry. He wants to get back. He wishes we were playing this week, but I think the way he trains himself, the way he practices, the way he prepares, he's going to be ready to finish the year like we need him to."
How is RB Keaton Mitchell doing? Is he champing at the bit to get more opportunity? Where is he right now? (Childs Walker) "Of course. Keaton [Mitchell] looks just like any other player on our team. They want to get out there and play and help our football team. Keaton is in every meeting, studying, asking questions. He's out at practice continuing to get better. He had a tough injury, and for him to work and get back so fast, it's impressive by itself, but also, it speaks volumes for him and just wanting to be back out there with his teammates and play. I think with Keaton, he understands that he has to continue to get himself back into football shape like he was when he played last year for us and did some extraordinary things for us. I think Keaton, as he continues to practice and come along, we're starting to get the Keaton that we all know."
Speaking of RB Keaton Mitchell, I think there was probably a lot of expectation when he came back from fans like, "Derrick [Henry] and Keaton [Mitchell], here we go." Can you articulate the underappreciation maybe of what RB Justice Hill has brought this season? (Brian Wacker) "I call Justice [Hill] 'The Junkyard Dog.' He does everything for us, and he does it with a smile. He doesn't complain. He doesn't whine. I mean every single day that guy comes in the office, he is smiling, ready to go, and then you see it on the football field. When we need a first down, I call Justice. Justice will go out and get it for us. He's just a workhorse. He's a phenomenal pro. He just studies the game, and again, [he] just wants to do his part to help this football team, and he takes pride in that. Again, he understands Derrick [Henry] is the lead back, and he understands his role. He tries his best to do his role to the best of his ability, and I think we all appreciate what he does for us every single day, and I think he's done a great job of integrating Derrick into our organization. Those guys have hit it off really well and created a nice bond that's really helped the running back room."
What have you seen from a growth standpoint from RB Justice Hill from last year to this year? Is he faster? Is he more physical? (Brian Wacker) "I think from a physical standpoint, Justice [Hill] is pretty much the same as he was last year. I just think he has better knowledge of what we're doing, a better understanding of what we're doing, and he's getting more opportunities now. So, with anything, with more opportunities, you get to see more [that] a player can do, and he's getting them. The beauty of it [is] he's taking advantage of those opportunities as they come his way. So, I think it's just a matter of Year Two in the [Todd Monken led] offense and opportunities that he's getting and taking advantage of them."
Quarterbacks coach Tee Martin was just saying QB Lamar Jackson sees the game so differently than any other player. How would you compare that to how RB Derrick Henry sees the game? Do they share experiences about what they're seeing from defenses? (Giana Han) "Of course, Derrick [Henry] does. He sees it all the time, and when he comes back, he's going to let you know, whether it's in the game or practice. I'll get a text or a picture of a frame from a game, saying, 'Coach, I should have hit this hole,' or 'We should do this.' Then, there are times where he just sees some things on the film, whether it's in practice or in the game, he'll go over to Lamar [Jackson], and those guys will talk some things out, which is cool seeing those guys talk football and how they can help each other out on plays. I think that's just, again, him being a vet and the player that he is, and same with Lamar. Those guys are locked arm-in-arm and want the same thing, so being able to share things with each other throughout the game, throughout practice, is really helping."
Offensive coordinator Todd Monken, especially early on in the spring, talked about RB Derrick Henry being the closer in the fourth quarter. How much do you think Derrick relishes that role of being the guy at the end of games, getting in and wearing down defenses? (Jamison Hensley) "[Derrick Henry] wants the ball. Derrick wants the ball whenever. Whether it's the beginning of the game, at the end of the game, at halftime [or] after the game, he wants the ball. (laughter) But, whenever there is a time to get him to close out a game and help his teammates and help the team win, again, Derrick wants the ball in his hands so he can do those things. Again, whenever he can get the ball in his hands, he's going to take it and do his part when he gets it."
Going back to RB Keaton Mitchell, along with recovering from his injury, do you think that he's a bit of a victim of circumstance that he's behind RBs Derrick Henry and Justice Hill, that it's tough to see the field as much because of who he has in front of him? (Kyle Phoenix) "No, I wouldn't necessarily say that part of it. I think it's just, again, [Keaton Mitchell] coming back and getting himself back to where we all know Keaton can play and play at that level. Again, just like I said with Justice [Hill], when those opportunities come, being able to take advantage of them, and as Keaton continues to get healthy and get ready, those opportunities are going to continue to come. I know Keaton is going to take advantage of them when they do come. He's biting at the bit for those opportunities, and the beauty of it [is] he comes to work every day. He's training. He's practicing to get himself back to where he needs to be."
OFFENSIVE LINE COACH GEORGE WARHOP
What do you think about the offensive line that has really kind of taken a stride from the beginning of the season to now? (Jamison Hensley) "I think [the offensive line has] done a nice job of every week trying to gain what we need to gain and staying focused on what's important. It's not always perfect, but they're striving for that, and I think for the most part between the schemes we use schematically to help them and how they go about their business has been pretty good to this point."
The struggles to prevent interior pressure on Sunday against Philadelphia – is that as simple as them just having really good players, or was there more to it than that? (Childs Walker) "That's an interesting question, because I never view the opponent as the problem. We play a lot of good defenses. I don't think we handled it as well as we have, so I always put it on us. Philly's got good players; the Chargers have good players; Denver has good players; Pittsburgh has good players. We just didn't handle it as well this past Sunday as we have handled it. It's hard for me to give them credit when we handle most of our stuff – either good or bad."
How have you seen G Daniel Faalele progress? Obviously, he's a tackle moving to guard, so there's a little bit of a learning curve there. How have you seen him progress over the course of the season? (Ryan Mink) "I think Daniel [Faalele]'s doing a great job. I am excited about him. Every week he gets a little bit better. He's a big, physical dude. What truly is impressive is his pass [protection]. What's really impressive is to watch him change direction in short area and get his hands on guys. That's still a work in progress – his hands. But the way he moves laterally, and the things he can do in pass [protection] I think is pretty impressive, so I'm excited about him and his future."
You mentioned G Daniel Faalele's pass protection. Him as a run blocker – you look at his size and intuitively you would think he would use his physicality maybe a little bit more than he does. Is that something you're still trying to get more and more out of him? (Luke Jones) "Every week; All of them. It's not just Daniel [Faalele] – all of them. He's a big man, [and] sometimes it's hard to uncoil your hips when guys are right on top of you. It's a matter of also adjusting where you are at the line of scrimmage. We tend to crowd the ball sometimes, which negates our power at the point of attack in the run game. Really, if you want to get technical about it, all your power is generated on your second or third step. If you're crowding the ball, and you don't get your second step in the dirt, you're not generating enough power, so that's part of his issue is getting his feet in the dirt to go forward."
T Ronnie Stanley's had a really resurgent year playing at a high level. Can you put in perspective just how well he has played this year? (Garrett Downing) "We just let [Ronnie Stanley] play over there. We don't do much for him, so that says a lot. I think Ronnie approaches each week with fresh eyes. I think he has a plan going into the game. I think he practices his plan. I think on the sidelines, he's very intuitive – great communication [and] talks about what's going on [and] talks to the other guys. I'm just excited to have him here and have him doing what he's doing physically. The other thing is – I think he's in his ninth year – we don't give him veteran days. He practices all the time. I think that's [a] huge part of how he's playing."
T Ronnie Stanley is a leader on the sideline and in practice working with all of the young guys. How have you seen him elevate the line? (Giana Han) "I just think anytime you can have a veteran guy pouring into young players – it doesn't matter whether you're in the NFL, or if you're in college – the better your room is at that, the more progress you're going to make within the room. We have several guys that do that. We've got Tyler [Linderbaum] that does it; Pat [Mekari] does it; Ronnie [Stanley] does it. They all communicate with the young guys and just build on what we're trying to do in there. When you have that going on, the foundation only gets stronger throughout. [Ronnie Stanley]'s done that since I've been here, and I'm sure he's been doing that since before I got here."
The penalties were a huge talking point coming out of the Pittsburgh game and have been a few different times throughout the year. How do you coach that? Especially when you're talking to a really experienced player like a T Ronnie Stanley or OL Patrick Mekari? (Childs Walker) "Just get your hands inside. Most of them are holding penalties. We've had a few [ineligible man] down the field penalties on RPOs and screens. That's just [not] being conscious of being too far down the field. I would say we have about a two-yard margin in the NFL now – it's less than that. They're really watching the line of scrimmage, so we have to be really intent on the screens. The RPOs, sometimes we get caught. [When] we're running a run play, and if the ball doesn't come out on time, we're going to be down field. The rest of it, we just have to get our hands inside, and we have to be smart about letting guys go. Holding in the NFL is 100% – everybody holds. The guys that get caught – when you get your hands outside the frame, and that's what we do, or the guys that get away from you, you're tugging them instead of letting them go. So, we have to be smart about it."
I think we see on Fridays when we go into the locker room, the offensive linemen doing homework. Is that something you've always kind of done? Or has that been a legacy of ...*(Jonas Shaffer)* "I learned that from [longtime offensive line coach] Jim Hanifan in like 1997. I used to write the tip sheet 100% myself. And then I started making them write up players probably in 1999, so just how the young guys learn how to look at tape, evaluate players, and then I want them to write it up for each other. So, if I miss something, they might see something subtly that will help them during the game. And then I got tired of writing up the whole gameplan, so I make them write up plays. That's just taking something off of me, to be honest with you." (laughter)
