MONDAY MEDIA AVAILABILITY: LOCKER ROOM TRANSCRIPTS
WR John Brown
On how he viewed the 2018 season: "It was great. This was the most fun I've had in my career. I just appreciate the organization [for] bringing me in and giving me a chance."
On if he would like to return to Baltimore next season: "Of course, I would like to be back. I mean, I know how things are run around here. I'd love to continue being a Raven."
On how the style of the Ravens' offense impacts his free agency decision: "I'm sure things will change if I did come back, just finding ways to get the playmakers the ball. But you know, I believe if I come back, it'll probably be 50/50 balance."
On if the necessary adjustments were made going into the second half of the Chargers' game: "Yeah, I think we really did make the adjustments. It's just part of the game. We were just kind of a little too late."
On what he will take into consideration when weighing choices in free agency: "The thing that will play a role: I just want to take care of my family. It's not all about money, but definitely if the organization wants me here, and it's enough for me to provide for my family, I would love to be back. I'd rather be happy than have a lot of money."
On if he would want a longer-term deal this offseason: "Yeah, it's just my mindset. As long as it's enough that I can take care of my family, I'll be good with it. But at the end of the day, I've been through some things, and I'd just rather be happy."
On why he was so happy in Baltimore: "It's just a lot of things [that are] just different. I was able to be myself. I was able to talk to the coaches when I wasn't feeling right about certain things. It's just the whole locker room, all the players … Everyone was on the same page and communicated."
On how pleased he was with his health this season: "I knew I could play 16 [games]. I told people my problem, what the issue was. People on the outside looking in, they just go off of what they hear. But like I said, the coaches took good care of me, and I was able to play all games."
On how he'll approach his pending free agency: "I'd rather just have fun, like be in a happy place. This is a place I'm happy with. As long as it's good enough money to take care of my family, I'd love to be back."
On if it was tough to have a strong start to the season then to have the offensive style shift, and if he'd consider another one-year deal: "No. I don't think that. But at the end of the day, I look at it [as] film doesn't lie. Something will work out, but no, I'm not taking a one-year deal after this."
T Orlando Brown Jr.
On his rookie season: "Man, it's really been a long year. I look back on it, and I literally left to train on Jan. 6 of last year. It's pretty much full circle. Not necessarily back at square one, but in a few weeks' time, it'll be time to go back to work."
On what he takes away from his individual performance this season: "It's really been hard-fought. I played against a lot of great players. I think I played well for a rookie, not for a sophomore. I want to be one of the greats in this league. It's going to take a lot of work to get where I want to be – obviously, that's All-Pro and being as consistent as I can be for as long as I can be."
On his top priority heading into the offseason: "Really, just reshaping my body as much as possible, just continuing to get stronger, more explosive, lighter and to have as much of an impact for this team as I can have."
On the future of this team: "We have a great foundation going forward, a lot of great players – especially on offense, even on defense. Man, the future is bright. It's just really going to be a ton of work that we all need to put in as individuals, so that when we come back for OTAs and minicamp, we can hit the ground running as a group."
On the physical benchmarks he wants to hit in the offseason: "I really haven't set them yet. I will as time goes on. Just the overall theme is getting more explosive, getting stronger and reshaping my body as much as possible."
On how proud he is of the 2018 rookie class: "I think as a group, we set goals when we got in here that we wanted to be as dominant as possible and all do what we needed to do to make an impact. For the most part, we all kind of held up to our own words. I'm pretty proud and happy for everybody."
On if he will use the Wild Card game as motivation heading into the offseason because of the seven allowed sacks: "Yes, absolutely. It's always motivation. Nobody is perfect; no game is perfect. I'm going to do as much as I can do to perfect my craft."
RB Gus Edwards
On how he reflects on his season: "I feel like it was a learning experience. I got a feel of it. I got a good look at the playoffs. There's a lot I can learn from it."
On his top priority heading into the offseason: "To just try to stay on the field on third downs and get better in the passing game."
On if he felt that he proved he can be a good player in this league: "Yes, I think I definitely proved that I belong. But at the same time, I know I have a lot of work to do. I want to definitely contribute more to the team and to the offense next season."
On the tone of the exit interviews and team meetings: "I think we have our heads up high. It didn't end how we wanted it to, how we expected it to. But, I think we have some things that we can be happy about."
On where he sees the offense developing as it moves into next season: "I feel like we have a lot of weapons. We have a talented offense, physical offense, a lot of guys willing to work and get better. That's what we need – just a willingness to get better next year."
On if he had a chance to speak with head coach John Harbaugh for his exit interview: "No, we just had a group meeting. I just had one with the running backs coach, coach Thomas [Hammock]. He told us [how] he appreciated us for all our hard work this season. That's about it."
QB Robert Griffin III
On if he would like to return to the Ravens next season: "Yes, I'd love to be back. I feel like I have a good grasp of what this team is trying to do. I would love to help Lamar [Jackson] continue to develop and also be available and ready to play. The question is, is that going to happen? I don't know. Will there be other opportunities for me around the league? I don't know. I'll just continue to work hard every single day and see what happens. But I'd love to be back, no doubt."
On factors he'll consider for where he plays next season: "Just opportunity. I really took pride in wearing this uniform this year and representing this organization. So, there's a certain level of that appreciation for the Ravens giving me an opportunity to get back in the league and staying true to that. And then, obviously, the name on the back of the jersey and taking care of my family. I think those are things that I'll take in to account and just see what happens."
On if his first priority would be a starting job: "I think the No. 1 priority is just taking care of my family and just doing what's right. From that standpoint, if the opportunity is out there for me to compete to be a starter, be a starter, you're definitely going to weigh those options. This is a great organization, and I like the direction that they're going. This offense is suited to my skill set. I can run really any offense now that I'm six years deep in the league and kind of have an understanding of what's going on, but at the same time, I just have to make the right decision, not only for myself but just to be in the right situation."
On if he would like to continue working with offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg and tight ends coach/assistant head coach Greg Roman: "Yes. I think they're phenomenal coaches. They're great. They did a good job adapting the system based on who was playing and did a really good job maximizing the talent in the room. Obviously, you can always get more production and have better play calls and do those types of things, but I thought they did a phenomenal job throughout the year and got us an AFC North Championship and into the playoffs for the first time in a while. So, I think they did a great job, and whatever happens with them will be the best thing for the team."
On his message to QB Lamar Jackson after the playoff loss to the Chargers: "After the game? I just talked to him. He was sitting on his stool; I walked up to him and said [that] I was proud of the way he finished. At the end of the day, there's never been any quit in anybody in this locker room, so when you're at the helm, and you're the quarterback, you also have to show that. Throughout his career, Joe [Flacco] has done that; he's played through injuries. Throughout my career, I've done that and played through injuries, and I think we were both proud of [Jackson] for the way he fought through the adversity that he had early in the game and finished strong in the fourth quarter. I think that's a true testament to his character and the type of guy and player that he can be moving forward."
On his reaction to the boos and chants from the fans directed at QB Lamar Jackson: "I've been there. (laughter) I've experienced that, and the one thing I would say to the fans is [that] they're the reason we have a job. So, it's hard to be critical of them. They just want us to be better. In those moments, you can't take it personal. You have to understand that when you have a guy [Joe Flacco] who has been here for 11 years, won a Super Bowl, been a Super Bowl MVP, and things aren't going too great early on in the game or in the third quarter, yes, maybe some fans might chant for that guy. I've had it happen for a guy who wasn't a Super Bowl MVP or any of that stuff. (laughter) It's something that you just can't take personal, and we were sitting there right next to [Jackson], telling him, 'Don't worry about that.' As soon as he throws a touchdown pass or runs for a 10-yard gain, when he ran for 50 yards in the backfield, everyone's going to be cheering, and that's what it comes down to. Just continue to take it one play at a time and not worry about those outside factors, although the fans are a big factor for us. We understood where that was coming from. We righted that ship, and they weren't booing anymore."
CB Marlon Humphrey
On the difficulty of knowing that the personnel on defense could change in 2019: "I think it's pretty tough. After my first year, you don't really realize the changes that are made and the things that really go into an NFL offseason. So, I know [there will be] some additions and some losses to this year, as far as personnel, and I'm sure it will be the same thing as every year will be. I felt like we had a pretty talented bunch, but we couldn't get it done with this group, so hopefully next year, we'll see what the offseason unfolds with."
On what kind of loss it would be if S Eric Weddle does not return next season: "It definitely would be a big loss. I think everyone knows 'Dub' [Weddle] is a Pro Bowl guy. But, he's not just a player. I think I've said before, he's like having another coach back there. Losing a leader like that and a guy that can really lead a secondary without even really having to say anything, just doing his job, would definitely be a big loss."
On how he looks back at this season, and what he looks forward to next season: "I thought this year went well for me, my second year. I thought I improved on some things, but still every year, you have to grow. I'm just looking forward to growing and polishing up a lot of things, and hopefully come back next year a little better."
On the key to the cohesiveness of the secondary: "I think the main thing was just everybody tried to stay level-headed. Even though 'Dub' [Eric Weddle] is a Pro Bowl, probably future Hall of Famer guy, he never really treated [anyone differently]. He treated everybody the same. He wasn't [saying], 'I'm the man.' And Jimmy [Smith], all these guys that have played so many years, none of them ever treated anybody – from the rookies to second-years to third-years – none of them ever treated anybody any different. I think that's what kind of made us gel so well together – the humbleness of the older guys and the younger guys trying to respect that."
On if he felt the team built a good foundation for the future: "I definitely did. I felt like my rookie year, my rookie class, we played a little bit but not too much, but I think this past rookie class really made some big strides, with Mark [Andrews] and Hayden [Hurst] and Orlando [Brown Jr.] and Lamar [Jackson]. All those guys, I felt like they really [emerged]. They really showed how great of a draft class they were, and whatever pieces fall, I think we'll be able to … DeShon [Elliott], a guy that didn't even get a chance to play, Anthony Averett … I think they really made strides to know that whatever pieces fall, they'll be able to be replaced."
On if he's prepared to be a leader on defense in 2019: "I think a leader is kind of what other people think of you. I don't really know if it's something [that] you can just say, 'I'm going to be a leader this year.' But, you have a rookie quarterback that led us to a lot of wins. I think [Lamar Jackson] is a natural leader in itself, so whatever way it falls, I always know we're going to have Lamar. He definitely was emerging as a big leader on this team."
TE Hayden Hurst
On how he viewed his rookie season: "It was a good season. To win the division, it hasn't been done here in a while, [and it was good to] be a part of that team, be part of the tight end group. That's a special group of guys. We'll keep in touch forever, no matter where they end up. Hopefully they'll come back. I'm just happy to be a part of this team right now."
On if he has a sense that the future is bright for the team: "The future is definitely bright. A lot of rookies contributed to what we were able to accomplish this year. I think we're a huge part of the corps going forward. The future is bright in Baltimore."
On how he viewed his individual performance this season, overcoming an early injury: "A lot of ups and downs for me. It started off pretty hot, and then the foot thing happened. I was able to come back and contribute a little bit, but there's a lot more in the tank. I'm excited to get healthy this offseason, work out and get back next year. Hopefully, I can be even more of a contributor."
On his top priority heading into the offseason: "For me, it's just to get healthy. The foot is still a little bit sore – just residual effects from the surgery and the long season. So just get healthy, get strong."
On what percent of his full health he was at during his healthiest point in the season: "The further I got away from my surgery date, the better I felt. I feel fine right now. Just here and there with the cold weather and stuff it gets a little sore. I'll be fine with a couple months off."
On how much Ravens fans have seen of his potential: "I don't know. I really don't think I was at my best. The surgery set me back a good ways. But like I said, the offseason will be huge for me. I'll be able to get healthy, get stronger and come back ready next year."
OLB Matthew Judon
On his takeaways from the season: "I had a good season. It was a good run. I love the guys I played with. It was definitely a roller coaster. We had our ups and downs, our highs and our lows, but it was a good one."
On if finishing with the No. 1 defense is something he takes pride in: "It is, yes. It is. We had fun, and we played our hearts out, and it shows. We have that; nobody can take that away from us. But, we have to come out and duplicate next year."
On his priorities for the offseason: "Get the body right and come back focused next year."
On the possibility of defensive personnel changing in 2019: "It's never going to be the same. That's how this game works, and you have to ask the personnel [staff] and the scouts and GM about all that stuff. I just work here."
On if it would be difficult if veteran mentors did not return in 2019: "Obviously, I want the whole [group] back. Let's keep everybody and draft nobody – trade them all away for money.(laughter) But, that's not how it works. I'm not playing a video game. It's real life, and I don't control those things. I'm going to be the best me, the best version of me next year, and hopefully upstairs can take care of [the rest]."
On what OLB Terrell Suggs has meant to him: "That's a big brother, man. That's a mentor. He's meant a lot, and he's done a lot for me and my game and my craft. You can't say enough good words about him and what he's done."
On if he would embrace a leadership role on defense: "I'm just going to put the shoes on, strap them up, and go out there and work. That's all I know how to do since I got here from Grand Valley. All I have done is work, and that's what I'm continuing to do."
ILB Patrick Onwuasor
On why he made so many impact plays this year: "Just great communication through the front end, back end, with C.J. [Mosley] next to me just talking about certain plays. That way I could just see, play fast and react."
On how important it is to keep the core of the defense together, and how difficult it would be if guys like OLB Terrell Suggs, LB C.J. Mosley and OLB Za'Darius Smith don't return: "I feel like it's very important. The leadership that we need … Same thing that happened with 'Bert' [Albert McClellan] on special teams, [Anthony] Levine [Sr.] had to take up most of that part. But I think the leadership, that's one thing we're probably going to miss if we don't have those guys. We have some young guys that will start working their way up."
On if he felt that he emerged this season and if can step into a main role next season: "I feel like everybody on our defense is the main guy. Everybody plays to their potential. Everybody would like to play fast and play smart. We all hold each other accountable for everything."
On what is it about playing the Chargers that makes him excel: "I don't know – probably them being from L.A. [like Onwuasor is]. I don't know, it's kind of weird, but I don't know."
On if there's something that he was able to figure out against the Chargers that helped him be successful: "No, I don't know. I lock in, I guess, when I play them. But no – just communication. The whole week we talked about communication. That's what we did that game."
On if there'll be a time where he'll reflect on his career progression: "Yeah, I'll probably take a week or two off, think about things, just let your body relax and start preparing for next season."
On if he could expand on what head coach John Harbaugh meant by this being the best team he has been around: "Well, when he says that, you have all three phases clicking – defense, special teams and offense. When you have all three phases clicking, that's what he means about the team. Everybody is playing together, playing team football."
DT Michael Pierce
On the difficulty of knowing that the defensive personnel could be different next season: "Yes, man, it's tough. I'm still at a loss for words, honestly, especially [when thinking about] 'Urb' [Brent Urban] and 'Sizz' [Terrell Suggs]. They've been here since I've been here. They're like brothers to me. 'Sizz' is an amazing leader. I couldn't imagine being here without him. I'm a little at a loss for words for that. Hopefully, we can get those guys back. But everybody knows the NFL, how free agency works, so it's going to be a tough road. Hopefully, we get some of them back."
On how the team has set the foundation for the future: "I think we just set a standard – reset the standard, I should say. Obviously, we saw Ed Reed and those guys at the game, and I think we did them proud. And, that's something to move forward and work on and continue to work to be the No. 1 defense again next year."
On what he wants to work on in the offseason: "I need to get some more sacks – well, _a_ sack, to start with. (laughter) I think I've been stopping the run pretty well; that is something I pride myself on. I got better as a pass rusher, but for me to be able to get some sacks would be paramount for this team going forward."
On the overall atmosphere around the locker room: "It's tough, man. Like I said, I was at a loss for words to even really think about this group being gone or partial next year. I think we had a good season. It's something we can hang our hats on going into next year, but just knowing that we could lose big leaders is tough. I'm just enjoying my time being around the guys one last time."
On his elbow injury form the playoff game and if it will require extra attention: "No, I'll do some treatment. I'll be around this week, next week, too. Nothing's torn; nothing's broken. I just couldn't press any blocks or move any weight. So, it's going to require some rest and a lot of treatment." (Reporter: "Kind of like a hyperextension?") "Yes, yes, definitely a hyperextension."
T Ronnie Stanley
On his big-picture view of this season: "I'm very happy with the way our team performed and the way my teammates came in every week and just put in the work. I was very happy with that. We came up a little short, but we know we have a lot ahead of us."
On his impressions of QB Lamar Jackson this season knowing he is the quarterback of the future: "Lamar is a natural leader, and he knows how to control a team. I'm very happy with his progress being thrown into the starting lineup in the middle of the season. He performed very well."
On how he thought his season went: "I thought I played well, but I can always do better, and I'm always trying to improve. This offseason is going to be a big opportunity for me to get to the next level."
On what he needs to do to get to the next level: "Just be more consistent. I think there are times when I am very dominant, and I think I just need to be like that on every play, and it'll just show up more often."
On the offense under QB Lamar Jackson and offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg: "We kind of ran the same offense throughout the year. We made our adjustments when Lamar [Jackson] came in, but I'd say we kind of stayed consistent. We didn't change too much."
K Justin Tucker
On how the team builds upon this season going forward: "Coach [John Harbaugh] actually just hit on that in our meeting. He said, 'Uncertainty abounds, but the vision remains.' So, knowing the business side of this league, it can be like the Wild West out there come March and free agency and the draft. But I think what we built this year is a really solid foundation, really three years in the making. So, keeping key pieces in tact is always important for any team, but individually, I'm just going to do everything I can to make sure I'm a part of it. And not just a part, but a big part. I want to contribute in a way that we're used to contributing around here."
On what he takes from this season: "I think all of us are going to be able to walk out of here with our heads held high knowing that we put our best effort out there this last Sunday. We have a banner that we're going to be able to hang in our facilities now – AFC North Champs – and it's been a while since we've been able to say that, that we're the AFC North Champions. I think we're going to be able to look back on this season, and this particular team, this group, will be able to walk together forever as AFC North Champs. That's just a stop along the road to where we really want to be. We want to get to the summit of the mountain, not just on the mountain."
On if the last game will eat at him for a while or if he will let it go quickly: "I think you do your best to move on as quickly as possible – win, lose, draw. But it is a little bit more of an interesting dynamic when your last game is a playoff game and it's a loss, and you see other teams playing on Saturday and Sunday. It does sting a little bit. But if you're worth anything as a player or as a coach, you let it sting, but you use that as fuel to propel you to something better than what you put out there the last year. I think that's exactly what we are going to do around here. We're going to see other teams playing, and not think [about] the 'would haves,' the 'could haves' and the 'should haves,' all that stuff. We're going to think, 'That needs to be us next year.'"
S Eric Weddle
On the overall feeling of today: "It's good. It's just the last time you're going to see your teammates. We're not down. I wasted all night getting my sorrows out from the loss and the season ending and the reality of that. You come back and see your guys and how much you love and appreciate your teammates and the coaches and the job that we did this year – win a division title, No. 1 defense in the league, had [Los Angeles] on the ropes for a little bit there at the end and really took it to them on the defensive side of the ball. There's a lot to look at, a lot to be proud of – gave it your all. It's just [about] enjoying the moment right now with your guys as everyone is going their own separate ways. It's good. We're upbeat. 'Harbs' [John Harbaugh] had a great message for us and how proud he was of us and the job he did for us this year was amazing – keeping us steady. Shoot man, we'll always be remembered in Ravens history: part of a No. 1 defense and 2018 AFC North champs. That banner goes up in that building, and [when] you come back and visit, we were a part of that group. It's a lot to look at. We didn't get the ultimate goal, but you can still be a champion without winning a Super Bowl. I've learned that over the years. The future is bright; it's exciting."
On if the toughest part is acknowledging that a good part of this team won't be back next year: "Yeah, obviously, the uncertainty of the future for a lot of us [is tough]. But the foundation has been set this season with the older guys and the coaches and the young guys learning and understanding that this is what it's about – being all in, the belief, the trust and playing for each other. That's what makes this sport great. It's not about the individuals, not about the selfish desires that you want as an individual – it's about the team. That's what [has] made this group so special. I think, no matter what happens, that we'll be who the Ravens are and continue to be, and that's exciting. It's exciting for myself to see how we've grown over the last three years and where this team is going to go. It's a great foundation that we've built here."
On what the process will look like for him entering free agency: "Chanel and the kids left last night after the game; they start school in California. I'm headed back there to be 'dad' and be there for them. I'm going to go speak to Eric [DeCosta, Ravens general manager] and see what he sees with myself and the team. If he wants me back, I'm here. If not, then it's all good. I understand it, and I'll just ride off into the sunset. I'm good. I still have a desire to play, and I feel that I can still affect the game in dominant games. But either way, I'm good with whatever. Hopefully, I'm healthy and it won't be as much of a hard transition to the offseason as it was last year. I'm excited for that, to be somewhat healthy and that I won't be in so much pain for months – so that's exciting. But we're going to know, and I'm sure everyone else will."
On if he can clarify that if he's not a Raven next year, he will retire: "If they want to go in a different direction, I'm not going to play for another team. That's not where I'm at in my career. It's either play my last year here, and that'll be it and enjoy it, or this has been it. It's pretty simple. I'm a simple kind of guy."
LB Kenny Young
On his rookie season: "It was good. Most importantly, it was a great introduction to me being humbled and understanding what it means to be a young man in this league and trying to find his purpose and his ways to contribute, to succeed for the team and ultimately for himself, and really just the consistent part, consistent mindset. It takes a lot in five months. We played 22 games already, so to have the mental capacity every single day to go out and bring your A-game in meetings and practice, even when you're dealing with the on-the-field stress, off-the-field stress [is important]. But, the guys in this locker room have done a tremendous job of helping me move forward throughout my rookie year. It wasn't as bad as it could have been. I'm very proud of the men that I've had to help me."
On the pride in the productivity of the rookie class: "A lot of pride, a lot of pride, because we understand that if we want success, we can have it within ourselves and also the group of men that's around us. It's all there for whatever we're trying to achieve, and with the success we've had this year, it's shown in that, from the oldest guys on the team to the youngest guys, the spirit of the Ravens here. They breed a certain type of culture, and I can't even imagine how much I've grown since earlier this year. I'm sure it's a huge jump, but it really was credit to the men in this locker room even wanting to be great."
On the difficulty of the possibility of losing key defensive leadership in 2019: "Very tough, for the simple fact, for me, because they were my starting mentors. They were my teammates, but they were my starting mentors in this league, and they did a phenomenal job. I'm sure they put me a few years ahead of where I should be right now. C.J. [Mosley] is the type of guy that he is one of the most selfless guys that you could imagine with the success he's having. 'Sizz' [Terrell Suggs] was very outspoken. All those guys are great men, though. I would imagine that what they know now, they're imparting on me as a rookie, so that makes it even better for me. But it would be tough to lose those guys. Those guys come to work every day, and you can see it on the film. They're some of our best playmakers."
On if he would be prepared to step into a leadership role on defense: "Of course. That's why I'm here, right? I think I'm equipped for that job, to step in and take a step in my personality, as far as a leader. I think one of the best things that is natural for me is not an act or a play I'm trying to do. It actually comes from the heart. [It's] something I've been working on since I've been playing football all my life. John Curtis in high school and UCLA in college have all prepared me for taking this next step with my leadership, so I'm excited. [I'm] excited to get some rest in this offseason and get back to work and just continue to grow and continue to build my career."
