HEAD COACH JOHN HARBAUGH
Opening Statement: "[It's] good to see everybody. It's good to get the season kicked off and play a game, get a chance to see the guys in action. All the young guys went out there and played hard, fought, competed, [and I'm] happy with that. [There were] many good things and many things to work on, so that's the thing I told them in there. The great thing about a first game is you get an opportunity to see where you're at, and you get to see some good stuff, and you get to see [where] you're exposed and what you need to work on. Sometimes it's hard to see that in practice, so [I'm] happy about that, and we have work to do. [I'll] give the guys a day off tomorrow, and we'll be back at it on Sunday. What questions do you have?"
As far as CB Nate Wiggins, do you have any update on his injury status? (Jamison Hensley) "I don't really have any updates on anybody's status right now. We'll find out more tomorrow when he gets tested."
We expected to see OLB David Ojabo, and he did not play. Do you have any update on him? (Bo Smolka) "Yes, [David Ojabo] wasn't cleared by the doctors to play in the game."
How pleased were you to see CB Nate Wiggins have three pass breakups on the opening drive. He's a rookie first-round pick and had his first action. Was it nice to see him tested and answer that? (Luke Jones) "I'm very happy to see that. I think they kind of went at [Nate Wiggins] a bit, which was good to see, and heck yes. When you're a corner – a corner of his caliber – he wants that, so I think he was excited about that. He came up and made that hit later, so he played a good game."
ILB Trenton Simpson led the team in tackles. What did you see from him today? (Todd Karpovich) "[I saw] a lot of great stuff. [Trenton Simpson] flies around. Trenton is a guy that ... He just loves football. He wants to be great at everything he does. I promise you – he's not happy with the way he played. He thinks he can play a lot better. He'll be looking to improve between now and next week, but that's a good start for him. He's never going to be afraid. He's always going to fly around and throw it in there, so he's our kind of guy."
Do you think there will be some confidence from QB Devin Leary because of his touchdown? (David Andrade) "Yes. It was good to see. [Devin Leary] made some good decisions. We have to be on the same page a little more with the routes. We had some guys not running the right routes all the time. That's tough, but I thought it was a good start for him."
You mentioned backup center being a position to look at. What did you see there today? (Alex Glaze) "Yes, I mean, we'll see. I have to look at the tape to kind of get a feel for that. I'm not exactly sure how those guys did specifically too much, but we were pretty solid, it looked like. We'll see what it looked like on tape. That's the thing; you just can't wait to get to the tape and really break it all down and see where you're at."
Did you talk to QB Emory Jones about the sack/fumble turnover at the end of the game? (*Kyle Phoenix)* "Oh, yes. Absolutely. He feels bad about it, but he's just starting out. [It's] a learning experience for him. The speed of this game is a little different. Going in there [for] that first snap, that's a tough situation to be in, so he'll learn from it. He'll be fine. It's preseason. We try to learn as much as we can from these situations, and he'll be better for it. It's a conscientious guy. He wants to do well. He's a good dude [who] really works hard. [He's] one of those guys that wants to take responsibility for all that kind of stuff, and he'll be fine."
What are your main takeaways from the special teams changes? The Eagles had one pretty decent return. Was there anything else you took away from the game? (Kyle Goon) "Yes. Our L-3 didn't do a great job of getting his leverage there on that one. That's the one thing I did notice. The rest of it – as far as what the play looked like and all that stuff, it's like – I'm kind of done commenting on that. It is what it is. You all saw it, so we're just going to try to get as good as we can at it, so we'll be looking at it really hard and trying to keep improving there and see where we were right in the things we thought about – in terms of how we are teaching it and things that we can learn from."
You declared QB Josh Johnson as the backup pretty early on. What did you see from him tonight in terms of the timing? (Brian Wacker) "It's preseason. I think if you watch all of the preseason games, you're going to see the same things. I thought he handled it well [and] made some really good throws. The timing and that sort of thing, yes, that's tough to evaluate, because the guys aren't all out there. It's not always going to look real great, but I thought he handled himself really well and made some really good throws. [He] protected the football like you want him to do and got us in the right plays, made some decisions on which plays to get us into, which is part of our offense, so that's kind of where it's at."
Do you have any first impressions seeing G Andrew Vorhees out there for the first time actually going up against non-teammates? (Giana Han) "Yes. It seemed good. I'm looking forward to seeing the front – the linemen – on the tape. Next time we have a press conference, I'll probably have a little more to talk about on that. I thought [the offensive line was] pretty solid. I'd like to see us run the ball a little bit better – [with] a little more consistently than we did. Pass protection seemed OK for the most part, so that's all I know right now."
G BEN CLEVELAND
On how QB Devin Leary overcame adversity in his first game: "It's going to take a second to get in a groove. I think he did a good job of overcoming struggling a little bit at the beginning and really pushing his way forward and being really productive and really efficient for us."
On if QB Devin Leary earned more trust with the coaches "For sure. Whenever you have a guy that shows up every day and does what he's supposed to and works as hard as he does, it's hard to not trust a guy like that."
On how comfortable he felt playing center: "I feel really good. All of our communication and everything was good. I felt very comfortable there. I think we were all on the same page all the time, so I felt really good how I did there tonight."
On what the offense can take away from tonight: "Offensively, we definitely have to get our run game going. I think our protection was pretty solid most of the night, but we just have to keep working on the run game and work on carrying the football."
On what the most challenging part about tonight was: "I think the most challenging part was [it] just being the first game back of the year, [and] like I said just a minute ago, just getting back in the groove of things and get a feel for the speed of the game, but that's very short lived. I think we made our strides where we did, and just keep building off of what we did for the rest of the night, and just keep on carrying it for the rest of the year."
On how the exchanges with the quarterbacks went tonight: "I felt really good about it. You can't do anything without a good snap. So, my main focus tonight was to snap the ball first. The good thing about being a center is [that] you have help on your left and your right. The main goal for me tonight was to make sure I had good snaps and make sure we could get the play started."
QB DEVIN LEARY
On his first NFL game action: "It was awesome. It's a surreal feeling. I wish we ended up on top, but ultimately, it was my first NFL game, and being able to represent the Baltimore Ravens was an incredible feeling."
On his expectations heading in and what he saw out there: "I was just operating, and I wanted everything to be clean – no turnovers. I wish I was a little bit cleaner, especially early on, but ultimately, it was just about me running the offense. I made sure I followed all my rules and trusted all my technique in training. Ultimately, I was able to put together a good drive at the end."
On how facing the Ravens defense during training camp prepared him for today: "It was huge. Going against a defense like that every day, and what gets thrown at us every single day – different pressures, looks and coverages. We see everything – you name it – to the point where in my first time walking onto an NFL field in a game setting, it helped slow a lot of things down. But ultimately, I can't be more than thankful every day to compete against our defense. It makes us all better."
On the veterans being in his ear on the sideline: "Yes, I was talking with both Josh [Johnson] and Lamar [Jackson]. First, I was there for Josh to see if there was anything he needed from the sideline and if there was anything I could do to help him while he was out there. Then it was vice versa; when I went out to take the field, Josh was right there and giving me feedback on what he saw or where I should have [gone] with the ball or different locations of where I could have potentially put it. And honestly, Lamar was there for me from the jump. When Josh was in, Lamar was making sure me and Emory [Jones] were ready on the sideline, and when we all came off the field, he was excited after being able to live through us and watch through us, too."
T ROGER ROSENGARTEN
On his first preseason game experience: "It's good. Didn't have the outcome you wanted to, but you know, [we have] to clean up the little things for sure as an offense. Personally, I feel really good – [I] felt good going in, [and I] felt good going out. Definitely [have] some things to clean up, you know – not every game is perfect, so go back, watch film and [I] look forward to it."
On how the reps in practice helped prepare him for tonight's game: "Practice for me is the most important thing. Going against the best guys – you got 'Beeks' [Justin Madubuike] in the middle, and then you got experienced guys like 'Dafe' [Odafe Oweh] and [David] Ojabo out there. But practice for me is super important, that's where my confidence comes during the game, so going in felt really good."
On his first experience at M&T Bank Stadium: "It was the first time – I know coach said that we didn't get the chance just because of scheduling – didn't do the scrimmage in 'The Bank' [M&T Bank Stadium]. First time being in it, it's awesome; I love the atmosphere so far, and definitely just going to get better and better as the season goes on. So, yes, I'm excited."
On what he saw from the offensive line: "It's kind of weird going into the first preseason game with a new [defensive coordinator], and new personnel – you don't really know what you're getting into – but I thought we did a really good job of preparation in the film room and whatnot. So, I thought [offensive line] coach Joe [D'Alessandris] did a good job of prepping us; and just leaning on each other for help with certain moves guys are doing. So, yes, it was good."
ILB JOSH ROSS
On finally hitting the field against another opponent today: "It was a blessing. Hitting the field today, it was a lot of runs – some positives, some negatives, but a lot to learn from. There are a lot of things to correct. Going back to practice will help us correct certain mistakes, so that we can keep getting better through this preseason and be the best players that we can be going into the season."
On how the Ravens prepare their players for game action: "It's beautiful. It's a blessing – just getting a lot of reps. Being one of the guys that are like lower on the depth chart, to get a lot of reps, not a lot of places do that. So, the fact that that's given to us with the Ravens is a blessing. Coming out here for the game, it feels like practice – for real. It's actually easier than practice, because of how hard we go in practice. With that being said, there were some positives, there were some negatives, and there was stuff to grow from. So, it's a blessing to be able to go back and correct the film. Now, we can just keep getting better."
On defensive coordinator Zach Orr calling his first game: "It was amazing. 'Z.O.' [defensive coordinator Zach Orr] is somebody I really, really, really respect – how he sees the game, the energy he comes with every day, what he's done and who he is now. Being out there for him, getting calls from him and hearing his feedback during the game is everything. And it's normal [for me], because he was our linebackers coach last year and the year before. So, it was pretty cool."
On talking with the veterans on the sideline: "Definitely. Roquan [Smith], I asked him questions about what he's seeing, things I can do better. He was giving me feedback and telling me what he was seeing. It was pretty straightforward today, and it wasn't anything crazy; it was just Zone Open [Defense]. But with him and Malik Harrison – guys like that – I was just asking them questions. It was pretty cool."
ILB TRENTON SIMPSON
On being able to get substantial playing time in tonight's game: "I feel like it was an awesome opportunity to get out there today and play. As a young linebacker, I feel like getting as many reps [as you can] is a blessing. The more you see at this position, the more you learn [and] the faster you can play. Being able to get out there today, get reps under my belt – I just feel like I have to continue to improve on some things, get back on the drawing board [and] meet with 'ZO' [defensive coordinator Zach Orr]. Sunday, we have practice again, so [I'll] just continue to get better and build from this game."
On what he's looking to improve upon from this game: "I can say everything. I mean, I feel like in every game, you take something [and] you learn from it – just run fits, communication-wise and just continue to just play fast. Like I said, the more you see, the more the game slows down, and I just appreciate the reps they're giving me, so by the time Week 1 comes, I'll be ready to roll, for sure."
On what he could critique about his performance: "A couple run fits, shooting my guys [and] being a little bit more aggressive, but for the most part, it's a blessing, because I can go look at film tonight, get ready to play and we got another game – two more preseason games – so, [I'll] just continue to grow and be ready by Week 1."
On what parts of the game he feels more under control with a year under his belt: "Yes sir, definitely. Confidence-wise, going out there every day in practice just continuing to compete. Gaining the respect from my teammates and my coaches is my goal, and that's just a daily quest for myself – just trying to go out there every day, prove my teammates right, give them the trust in me and then just continue to believe in myself. I believe I belong here, and I'm just ready to show you guys and continue to get better every game and every time I'm out there."
On how valuable these preseason reps are for him "It was awesome, because the more I see, the more the game slows down [and] the more comfortable [I get]. Today was my first day with the green dot, so having everybody on the same page was awesome. Now, I see what Roquan [Smith] deals with getting that call, but I had a great time. That green dot showed me that I'm ready for that, and I had a great time just continuing to build and get better every game."
On CB Nate Wiggins' performance: "Nate [Wiggins] played great. Just to see him fly around, I was so happy to see him get his pass breakups [and] come make some tackles. That's what it was like at Clemson, and I'm excited to see his career continue to grow. He's going to be a special guy for us, for sure."
On what it was like playing alongside ILB Josh Ross: "It was awesome, because you know me and [Josh] Ross last year were on 'Skull and Bones' – the scout team for the offense – so just that communication in that year together was great. And I felt like we practiced together. It's a lot of rotation in practice, so just being on the same page and trusting my guys and them trusting me. We [are] just going out there and trying to execute the plan that the coaches give us."
On his emotions in the game's final seconds: "That's tough, because you definitely go out – we practice to come out here and win and put on a great performance – but it's a learning lesson. We get back to the drawing board. We have practice Sunday, so you know we'll get back to it, continue to grow [and] attack it. Our next preseason game, [we'll] just go out there and dominate, and hopefully we'll be proud of our win or victory."
On what it was like seeing defensive coordinator Zach Orr calling plays: "It was awesome. [Defensive coordinator Zach Orr] had a lot of energy, with him being with the green dot – him yelling, getting me fired up, but it was awesome. Just to see him from my linebacker coach to my defensive coordinator, and then for me going from Year One to Year Two with the same guy – it's been awesome for me, and I feel like the transition and being able to ask questions on and off the field, and him knowing me as a person and as a player has been awesome for just my growth as a player for sure."
On defensive coordinator Zach Orr's communication with him during the game: "[Defensive coordinator Zach Orr] was getting me fired up. He was like, 'Let's go 'Simp,'' but also giving me the call. But just that energy and that confidence he has in me – I just want to continue to go out there and make my teammates proud and my coaches proud and just go out there and deliver for sure."
On what it was like getting the calls directly from defensive coordinator Zach Orr and relaying them to the team: "I loved that, because I have to send that message to the other 10 guys out there on the field with me, but just getting that green dot for the first time, it gave me a lot of confidence, having those guys looking for me and waiting to hear what I got to say and relaying the calls was awesome. I feel like communication-wise, after the game, I was asking, 'Could everybody hear me?' and I got good remarks. So, [I'm] just continuing to grow and learning every practice – every game – and I'm excited to see where my career's going to end for sure."
G ANDREW VORHEES
On how he feels after playing his first game: "It was exciting, for sure. Whenever you have the opportunity to compete, it's always fun. [I'm] proud of the offensive line today. Obviously, [we] have things to work on, but that's why we're in camp."
On his takeaways from the preseason game: "[It's] just a lot different than college football. Again, [there are] a lot of things to be proud of, but then a lot [of] things, again, that need to [be] worked on. So, [I'm] just looking for [the] opportunity to get better."
On what felt different for him this preseason game: "[The] guys are just bigger, faster, stronger and quicker – all the above. It was super fun out there today, and [I'm] just thankful to be there after such a long time."
WR DAYTON WADE
On the atmosphere during his first-career NFL game: "[It was] pretty good and [exciting]. Like you said, coming from the SEC, [the] big crowds aren't nothing new, but for it to be on a professional level and for this to be my actual job, it's a different feeling. It's a good feeling. It's something that I had been waiting for for a long time, just the opportunity."
On his mindset during his 11-yard catch-and-run in the fourth quarter: "Repetition. [The 11-yard catch] was basically a muscle memory play and just feeling the defender overflow – I tried to get back under him. I knew the situation. It was fourth-and-short and [I] know what we like to do as an offense in that moment and what we're trying to accomplish. That comes from practice and [Devin Leary] being my quarterback, and us just doing what we do daily."
On if anything surprised him tonight: "How much it felt like regular old football. I thought it was going to be a major change. No, football is football. I keep preaching that."
On what he'd like to see himself improve on: "I want to have a stronger start. I feel like I let my guys down with that first drop, that was out of character for me. I'm definitely going to go home and think about that, but I'm not going to [be hard on] myself about it, I'm a better player than that. [I] just want to focus on doing better next week and actually coming out victorious, because I still have a sour taste in my mouth because we lost."
CB DAMARION WILLIAMS
On flying around out there with his teammates: "It felt amazing, man. Just having a whole year off, coming out there [and] playing ball, the speed isn't as fast as it was when I came in as a rookie. It kind of slowed down for me, so all that work I've been putting in, in practice, is paying off – the fundamentals, my technique. I learned the defense, my assignments [and my] alignments, so yes. I felt good."
On having a big impact both on defense and special teams today: "For sure. Special teams are big for the Ravens, especially the return game. [When] we get that ball and get up field, get some yards [and] change the field position for the offense, it's always a good feeling."
On his takeaways from experiencing the new kickoff: "It's different. The ball hits downhill faster than [the old] kickoff, so, pretty much, [we're] staying in our lanes and just finishing on the ball."
