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Transcripts: Ravens vs Falcons, Preseason 2

HEAD COACH JOHN HARBAUGH

Opening Statement: "OK. [I] appreciate everybody being here. I mean, it's [only] 3:08 p.m. Is that crazy or what? I'm all about it, man. Let's play all these games at noon. It's going to be a good night for a lot of fans tonight, so [it was] a good effort. [There is] a lot to look at. It's just all about – like I told you guys – it's all about studying how guys played individually and how we operated – in terms of learning experiences and different things that come up in situational football – and apply them to the rest of the team, so that's where we'll be at tomorrow. I'm proud of the guys. Tavius [Robinson] made the big [defensive] play – the two-point play – which was great to see, and 'D-Wade' [Dayton Wade] making the [touchdown] catch. [It was] just a great throw. All of it's been really, really good, in terms of those plays right now."

On the OLB Tavius Robinson play today, how big was it for these young guys? They know they're fighting for jobs, and then for it to come down to that last play, how big was it for them to be successful in that situation? (Jamison Hensley) "It is. It's big. Obviously, when you're successful with something, it gives you confidence. The next step is to be successful throughout the game and look at it play by play and see where you're successful and where you need to work, but it's very meaningful for the guys. Those are the guys ... This is their future – their opportunity – and they want to make the most of it."

QB Josh Johnson went 11-for-11. It was a good game as an offense. You guys talked about it, a week ago, how you have trust in him. How do you think he played today? (Todd Karpovich) "Yes, I thought [Josh Johnson] played really well. Josh did a great job. He got us in a few plays here and there. [He] had a chance to move the team down the field twice really well. [He] had the unfortunate snap – that would be the kindest word I could use to say – but that stopped the one drive, the first one, so yes. I thought Josh played well."

Last week, we asked about OLB David Ojabo, and he wasn't cleared. Today, what was your impression of him? (Bo Smolka) "It seemed like [David Ojabo] was out there, and he was a factor. It looked like he was really stout against the run. I thought he set some edges really well. He had his eyes back inside – falling back on the ball – trying to get in the C gap a few times, and then, [his] pass rush was a factor out there. He had some pressures. He looked good."

How encouraging is that when you see him out at practice obviously and what he's doing there. How is that different than game situations? (Brian Wacker) "Yes, it's a great point. That's exactly right. It's great in practice, and you're excited about it – especially in pads – but in a game is when it's football. So, to see the guys step up in games is really important. That's why the games do have a lot of value."

Along those lines, OLB Adisa Isaac, it's been a long time coming for him to get ramped up to a game situation. What did you think about his play today? (Kyle Phoenix) "Yes. [It's] the same. [Adisa Isaac] was a factor, rushing the passer [and] in the run game. He's a big guy. He's explosive. He's not as far along as David [Ojabo] is – as far as the conditioning part of it – because he had the hamstring [injury], so he's going to be sore tomorrow; I'm quite sure. Hopefully, we can get him back in time for next week, just because that's tough to get out there and work that kind of ... play in a real game with that kind of [explosiveness] and that kind of speed when it's hot out there without as much conditioning. So, I do worry about that a little bit with him, but I am happy about the way he played. He sure looked good. He's kind of got a start there."

It was really late in the game. Is there any kind of update on OLB Adisa Isaac, because we saw him go to the sideline? (Luke Jones) "Yes, [Adisa Isaac is] kind of cramping up and stuff, so we'll just have to see how he feels tomorrow."

How did QB Emory Jones respond after last week? And he got to play more today, obviously, and it did work out that way with a big touchdown pass. (Morgan Adsit) "It was great. I'll tell you, one of the main things about Emory [Jones] is he's an even-keeled, level-headed guy. He's very smart, very just mindful of keeping his cool. I thought after the game, when I talked to him, he did that, even after that play, which was crazy, and then all week in practice and then going out and playing well today."

I know you haven't seen the film, but is there anything you have to say about the offensive line's performance today? (Cliff Brown) "You have to go back and watch the tape on those guys. There were some good plays and some bad plays. Until you see the tape, you really don't know."

Holistically, with the preseason games we've seen so far and training camp, how are you feeling about this group of backup quarterbacks and going into the season with them? (Kyle Goon) "I'm confident in those guys. I'm confident in all of our players. That's why they are here."

What can you say about OLB Tavius Robinson's play at the end and his play throughout the game? (Kyle Phoenix) "Tavius [Robinson], he [has] the kind of mindset [and] the kind of style of play that we like, so if you want to talk about playing like a Raven, that's a term that you want to use. Just tag it right next to his name. He's that kind of guy."

It was exciting to see WR Deonte Harty out there. What were some of your initial impressions of what he did at both special teams and wide receiver? (Giana Han) "Yes. You can kind of see where [Deonte Harty] is going to have a good feel for what he's doing. It's tough on the kickoff returns, because he caught two going back in the end zone. In a real game, we're going to let those fly into the end zone for sure, most of the time, unless we're set up for a deep kick return, which we weren't on those plays. [On] punt returns, he looked good, natural [and] quick. He's got great vision, so it was great to see him out there [and] get some reps."

On the kickoff where K Justin Tucker was penalized, was he just going for something, and the execution just didn't turn out? What happened on that? (Childs Walker) "Yes, [Justin Tucker] was trying to drive the ball down there – line it down there – and kind of just tapped it much more than he should have. So, that's all part of trying to figure this thing out. It's all new."

We saw WR Devontez Walker dressed but maybe not play a whole lot. Is he still coming back from something? (Jonas Shaffer) "Yes. [Devontez Walker] has a little injury, a little rib injury he's dealing with, so that's where he's at."

G BEN CLEVELAND

On what changed with the offense after the first two series and how the offense started to click: "We just changed momentum from the start of the game. We'd get a little bit here and there, and then just everybody keeps on rolling off of that, and [we] just keep building off of one another."

On if he has a preference between center or guard: "I feel very good and confident at both of them, so I'm good wherever."

On what happened on the botched snap: "Yes, that was just a miscommunication. We were trying to go fast, and I was trying to get guys lined up, and everybody was talking and talking. You hear something from this side and something from that side, and I thought I heard the cadence. That's completely my mess up, and [it's] on me, so we've just got to figure out how to differentiate that – the quarterback's voice to everybody else's voice – and move forward and not let it happen again."

On the team responding after the botched snap: "No doubt, because it was definitely a momentum change for us, because we had just got the ball moving and things like that. So, having to overcome that and get the momentum back and going and scoring touchdowns soon after that, that's a credit to the offense for being able to overcome that and just make the most of it."

G/T DANIEL FAALELE

On if he thinks about who is going to start in the regular season: "I just keep my head down and keep working. [I'm] still competing for that spot, and I just feel like I just [want] to come to work every day and try to get better at my position. I don't really think about [what's] too far ahead; I just think about each day and how I can get better each day."

On when the conversation for him to move to guard started: "It happened during minicamp. That's when I first started getting position reps at right guard, and from then on, [I was] transitioning my mind [to] playing inside and [knowing] what to expect coming into [training] camp. [I'm] just building confidence each day."

QB JOSH JOHNSON

On how good it feels to get out there and sling it around: "I feel good about executing. That's all we were really focusing on this week is execution. Everything, all the little details, quarterback's feet, to be efficient in the passing game, timing, route detail. I feel like we took the work from practice onto the field, so that feels good."

On coming back from the bad snap to score a touchdown on the next possession: "We know we have what it takes, but now it's just about consistently going out there. With our group, specifically, we have a lot of guys who are new from a back-up's perspective. We hurt ourselves, and when you hurt yourselves, you just focus on the adjustments necessary to go back out and get back to what we were doing."

On getting better during the game: "This game is all about adversity. Sometimes you have a slow start, and you finish fast. Sometimes you start fast and finish slow. But we didn't let it affect us. We just locked in one another and focused on getting our job done."

On how he thinks he fits into the offense: "I think I can handle everything that's expected of me [with] regards to the operation of the offense. My style of play may not be as exciting as Lamar [Jackson], but in terms of making the plays that are necessary, I can do that. For me, I use my experience to my advantage. Being able to know what the defense is doing and knowing where guys should be, I know how to handle the protections and all those different things. So, I just try to make sure to bring that to practice and in the game, and every game."

QB EMORY JONES

On his first time getting extended reps in an NFL game: "I think it took some time. I think it took me a drive to get used to it [and] get comfortable with being out there – actually playing most of the plays. I think after me just getting hit [and] missing one throw, I feel like I kind of ... I got comfortable and settled into the game. So, I mean, when I settled in and got comfortable, it felt pretty good out there."

On how he has grown as a whole with the Ravens: "Since I got here, I've been growing. I grew a lot, just mentally – just trying to get the whole offense down and just going to practice and operating – and I think I've been doing a pretty good job [of] doing that at practices, [at] camp and then just trying to come out here and just transfer it to the game. Like I said, when I settled in, I think I kind of did that."

On throwing his first career NFL touchdown: "We had a little double move; I had one of my guys [Dayton Wade] out there, [and] I knew he was going [to] win. The offensive line, they protected pretty good, and [Wade] ran a great route, and all I had to do was deliver, and we know what happened after that. So, that was a fun, fun moment, though – first NFL touchdown – so I'm going to remember that forever."

OLB TAVIUS ROBINSON

On what it means to make a game-saving play: "It means a ton. We always want to win, whether it's preseason or regular season. To make that play is a blessing for sure, and I'm glad we came away with the 'W,' for sure."

On where he thinks the team is at three weeks away from the regular season: "I think we're just getting better every day – not only me but all my teammates. Iron sharpens iron, so we practice hard, and we're getting better every day. For myself, I feel so much better than the first year, [and I'm] just getting better and better as the days go on. So, [I'm] looking forward to continue that."

On how he feels seeing OLB David Ojabo in action: "[David Ojabo] was excited to get out there. It's good to be out there with him and communicating [with him in the] backfield and all that. He looks great, and it's going to be a great season for him, as well."

ILB TRENTON SIMPSON

On if the team felt more comfortable today: "I feel like everybody was a lot more confident today. [We] were more comfortable and relaxed. [You just have to] get those Game One jitters out of you and go out there and play fast football and have fun. I feel like that's what we displayed today as a team."

On what it meant to see OLB Tavius Robinson make the game-saving tackle: "It meant the world. That's my closest friend on the team. We train together all [during the] offseason [and] we were literally drafted right with each other, so just to see the work pay off for him, it means a lot to me as a teammate, and I'm just so proud of him."

On how it felt to get more reps today: "I'm blessed. I'm learning, I'm getting better, and I'm gaining more confidence. I'm ready for Week 1, because I've just been stacking days every day in practice [and] going out here in these preseason games and getting better with every opportunity [that] I get. So, I'm blessed, and I'm excited for this joint practice with the Packers, and just go out there and have a great game Saturday and get ready for the Chiefs."

On what else he needs to show in the preseason: "At this point, just showing consistency. Just going out there and being a great leader with the green dot [and] going out there and getting the guys lined up [and] giving the calls. At this point, I just need a sack. I need to get a sack next game, and just continue to keep stacking, making plays, and just being a consistent player."

On if being consistent gives him a boost of confidence: "Yes. Just making plays, it just gives me confidence as I grow. As the game goes on, making plays early, it just gives me the confidence to continue to play. And what I'm doing in practice is showing in the games now, because I feel like I've been practicing really well, so just to go out there and showcase it to my teammates, my coaches and my family means a lot to me."

WR DAYTON WADE

On how he fared in his second preseason game: "Today was pretty smooth. Offensively, we passed the ball way better. I heard we went 21-of-25, but I feel like we were clicking on all cylinders. We made a few mistakes, but those can be fixed. That's why we watch film and clean up things like that."

On his 56-yard TD catch: "I got the play out of the huddle, [I] knew it was a double move, I got off coverage, and [Anthony Johnson] was playing hard inside; I was like, 'OK, I'm going to set it a little more,' because I know, previously, I ran the same route, which I ran the double move off of, and they were just playing hard inside and sitting on it. I was like, 'OK, I'm going to make sure I really sell it,' just so I can get the defender to drive, and when I'm coming out of my break, I just know he's going to try to put hands on me, because I know I'm going to [burn] him right there. So, I got his hands off of me, [I] saw the ball in the air [to] drive and track the ball. My boy 'E' [Emory Jones], he [is] from the Atlanta area, too, so it's just great for me to get my first touchdown with him, and his first touchdown with me. That's just a great feeling. Shoutout to Emory Jones."

On who has instilled confidence in him: "It's crazy you asked, because I was going to say, 'Shoutout to Zay Flowers.' Ever since I got here, he was just telling me, 'The same thing is going to come. Just go out there and be patient. Go out there and do you.' He told me last game that he saw I had a lot on my mind, but he told me, 'This game, I know you're going to play free.' Shoutout to [Zay Flowers] for being there and letting me know that, 'Hey, you belong here. You are one of them ones. Go be you. You don't have to do [anything] different; just go be you.'"

RB OWEN WRIGHT

On how he felt today: "I felt great. I feel like everybody did a great job executing. At the end of the day, we came out with a win and I'm so happy about that."

On how it felt to get in the end zone: "Electric, electric. I felt great that we all executed, and we were able to come out and score and it felt electric to score in front of this crowd. It's amazing."

On how important that touchdown drive was: "It's all part of football at the end of the day. The biggest thing was to come out of there with a win, and like I said, I'm excited about that. I'm excited to keep pushing, look at film, come back and even execute at a higher level. But the biggest thing today is that we got a win."

On his confidence level contending for a roster spot: "I'm just in a blessed position, honestly. I'm really not thinking about that, I'm just coming out there and playing football, playing Ravens football. I want to compete at a high level and whatever happens, happens at the end of the day. Competing at running back or special teams, anything I can do to help this team to get better and to win, I'm going to do it."

On returning the kick at the end of the game: "My biggest thing was to make sure I had ball security, getting down, the clock, know the scenario, and just do it and execute and get that win at the end of the day."

On the delay of the touchdown call: "I felt like I scored initially. I thought I scored. And then I looked up at the scoreboard and saw the review, and thought, yes, I definitely got it. But after, I just felt amazing."

On scoring a touchdown in front of his family: "I'm just blessed to be in this position. I don't think a lot of people knew that I was from Maryland. But as you get more plays and more opportunities, people kind of know, wow, he's from Maryland, he's a local guy, It's huge for me and I'm excited."

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