HEAD COACH JOHN HARBAUGH
Opening Statement: "[We] had a good practice. [It] was kind of fun out there in the rain – that was good, and guys worked hard. So, Day 2 is in the books, and [we'll] get to work on Day 3."
Is there anything you tell your guys when you're practicing in the rain that wanting those conditions to mimic it, if you have a game like that in real life? (Nikhil Mehta) "Absolutely. It's part of an opportunity when you get rain like this, because you can't create rain when it's not raining, so we're going to play games in rain. We had numerous games in rain last year, so to get that work was [a] plus for us."
Was QB Lamar Jackson close, or kind of the same as yesterday? (Morgan Adsit) "I couldn't really say. He's still sick. [He] couldn't make it today."
RB Rasheen Ali, can you tell us how he's progressing? (David Andrade) "Rasheen Ali. I thought he had a really good day today. He looked good, quick, [and he] made some catches. He's coming along nicely."
You guys brought back CB Daryl Worley. What does he bring to this defense? (Cordell Woodland) "Daryl Worley; veteran player. [He's] been here a long time. He's been a big part of the Ravens here since he got here. [He's] a physical presence in the back end, [he's] a physical presence on special teams. [He's] healthy now. He got the tear that he had in the [pectoral muscle] healed, and he was excited to get back. We're excited to have him back."
CB Nate Wiggins had an interception today. How quickly is he getting acclimated to the team? (Todd Karpovich) "Nate [Wiggins] has been looking good. [He's] been working on technique. Again, it's only his second day. He made a nice play, great technique, nice and square in man coverage there, and [he] made the pick. It was a nice play. He actually came running right back through the middle of the field – which you're supposed to not do that, but that is where I was standing. I was just happy that he didn't hit me and ran around, so that was nice. But he was coming very fast."
What have been your first impressions of S Eddie Jackson? (Ryan Mink) "[He's] a pro [and has a] great demeanor. Eddie Jackson, it seems like he's picking up the defense. I mean, he's only been here for a little over 24 hours or so, and he didn't make any mistakes today that I saw. But he's going to be digging in that playbook really hard, and he looks good."
We saw OLB Odafe Oweh in the backfield a lot today. How has he looked to you, and what are you hoping for him this year? (Bo Smolka) "He's looked very good. Odafe [Oweh] has looked very good, and I'm hoping that he has – I guess you'd call it a breakout year if you want to call it that [and] make those plays on the quarterback. He had a lot of pressures last year. [He] wants to take it to the next level and go ahead and get the quarterback on the ground; I'm sure he wants to do that, and then just continue to be an explosive player. [He's] got a really unique skillset – I mean he can really move and run around and be disruptive. That's what I'm hoping for and expecting."
I know you're ramping up, but when you don't have QB Lamar Jackson at the beginning [of training camp], do you change anything schedule-wise or in what you're trying to do? (Morgan Adsit) "We don't. We just stay right on schedule, and he'll merge in right when he gets here. That's what you do with anybody really in that situation."
Obviously, difficult conditions today throwing the ball, and your defense was very actively making plays, but are there specific strides from the quarterbacks behind QB Lamar Jackson that'd you like to see by the time camp ends to be reassured at that position? (Kyle Goon) "Certainly. You want your quarterbacks behind your starting quarterback to be prepared to play, to be prepared to go in there and win for you and play starting-quarterback level football. They're not going to play like the starter, they're going to play their way. But you want them to be ready to do that, have command of the offense and be ready to win for you."
You've had so many battles with RB Derrick Henry over the years that you've seen him on the field. Have you learned anything since you've actually been on the same team together? Anything that's kind of stood out to you? (Jamison Hensley) "Yes. I guess the main thing that's stood out is just what a great guy he is, what a hard worker, what a pro [he is]. He's so diligent, [he's in] great shape, and [he's] diligent about every single play, everything he does. You can see why he's been so successful."
We've seen CB Arthur Maulet and S Kyle Hamilton over time playing the nickel position, and we've seen them moving around on the field today. Is there a value to having both of them on the field in different areas? (Kyle Phoenix) "Certainly. What you'll see is personnel groups, with different guys in different spots. The basic personnel group with Arthur [Maulet] at nickel is a group, and you've got a group with Marlon [Humphrey] at nickel. You've got a group with Kyle [Hamilton] down there in at that spot – Kyle could be over at the dime. That's the beauty of what we have an opportunity to do and a lot of guys to play at a starter level and be on the field and mix it up a little bit and create problems for offenses."
WR Rashod Bateman had some nice catches out there today. Is that the case where some success breeds more success? (*Bria*n Wacker)** "I think that's true, right? Like all of us, you do some good things, and more good things seem to come hopefully, but Rashod [Bateman] has been working to make plays. To see him come out here and make those catches – those are great catches. They're in traffic catches; [there was] one catch he plucked off the ground. I was excited; everyone was fired up about it, but that's what we expect from Rashod Bateman. He's expected to be a top receiver in the league for us. That's what we're planning on. To see him true to form today was nice to see."
S EDDIE JACKSON
On how his interception during practice felt: "It felt good – just to get back into the rhythm of things [and] back into a routine. [It was good] being able to be out there to compete and make plays."
On the process of signing with the Ravens: "It was just pretty much I came here on a visit, met with the coaches, a lot of the training staff, equipment staff – people like that. It just felt like a perfect fit. Just knowing what they have in this building and the tradition of things, I just knew it [was] a perfect fit for me to come in and compete and do what I [have] to do to help the team get better and hopefully win the Super Bowl."
On what made the Ravens a good fit for him: "[It was] really just the defense. You look at the guys – the type of talent they have on the defensive side of the ball, from the front to the back. Being able to come in and plug in as much as possible. Whatever role that I can [take on] to contribute to that is huge. That went into a lot of thought [when] making a decision as well."
On reuniting with LB Roquan Smith: "Man, it's fun. I played with 'Ro' [Roquan Smith] for five years. Just knowing the type of person he is, the type of player he is, the type of leader he is and what he brings to the team, as well as to the defense every Sunday when he steps on the field. Just knowing his mentality – him going out there flying around, making plays, wanting to put everything on his shoulders, wanting everybody to follow him and kind of mirror him and how he plays the game. It's something special just to be back with him and be reunited. It's cool."
On how he's adjusting coming to the team at this point in the offseason: "Just come in here and work. Keep your head down. Blinders on and just continue to work. Like I said, it's a great group of guys in that locker room, so everyone is so open [armed] and so [welcoming]. It [feels] like I'm right at home. I know a lot of the guys – I grew up with a lot of the guys from the same place [in south Florida]. Like I said, it just felt natural. Even the staff, everyone around the building [has] been treating me so well. Everyone's been so welcoming. It's easy."
On what he's looking to show this upcoming season: "[I want to show] that I'm still the type of player that I know I am, that I still can go out there. I can compete, I can fly around [and] make plays. Just things like that. I can come in and contribute to a team. I know the type of person I am off the field as well. I just want to show that around the league and to everyone."
On if ILB Roquan Smith spoke to him about being with the Ravens: "We had a brief conversation – nothing too deep. He just sent me a text like, 'Look, let's get to work. Glad to have [you] back.' We had a [small] chat about the defensive scheme, [which] I love. How they play, how the guys fly around and how they use the guys on the back end especially."
On what it's like to join a contender: "You know when you're going out there, you're working towards [something]. Not saying that wasn't the [case] in Chicago, but the results didn't show up when it came to the record. Seeing the roster, the record and what these guys have been able to do over these last few years – and even last year how close they came – I'm just coming in trying to be that missing piece on that back end of that defense and do whatever I can to contribute and help us eventually [achieve] a Super Bowl."
On his excitement joining a talented Ravens safety unit: "Man, it's crazy. I feel like this is probably the [deepest] and [most] competitive DB room I've [had] since [The University of] Alabama with Minkah [Fitzpatrick], Ronnie [Harrison] and Marlon [Humphrey]. Just to be back there with Kyle [Hamilton] and Marcus [Williams] and those guys being able to help me. You know, teach me things [and] answer any questions I have. Even with some of the younger guys – I've been looking [to] them for help just learning the playbook and things like that, so it's definitely special."
On who on the team he has played with/against growing up: "Me and Zay [Flowers] – he's basically my little cousin. I've seen him since he was small. [When he was like] 'X-Man,' [and] he had the silver [t-shirt]. I knew Zay, Trayvon Mullen, Marlon [Humphrey and] Derrick Henry from college. So, just being reunited with guys, it makes it feel [so] special."
On Derrick Henry's physical shape: "'Man that's just 'D-Hen' [Derrick Henry]. He was looking like that since high school, so it doesn't surprise me. I was talking to the guys today – when 'D-Hen' first walked on the field when I [saw] him at [The University of] Alabama I couldn't believe how big he was. You know, you've seen the film, him being a Florida guy. Then [when] you see him in person, it's like he's a created player off a game."
On already having a pick-six in practice on just his second practice: "I mean, you just go out there and work and play ball. Coaches put us in [a] great position to make plays on the ball. It's just on us to come up with it and do the rest."
On not having to face off against QB Lamar Jackson anymore: "I [have] been a fan of 'L.J.' [Lamar Jackson] since we [were] young. We grew up probably 15 minutes from each other, so [I've been] watching him play since he was younger, as well. When he played for the Pompano Cowboys, and I played for [the] Lauderdale Lakes Vikings. [I've] just always being a fan of his game, and [I] basically call him my cousin because [we're] both Jacksons. To be on the same team as him is like one of those type of feelings. Just seeing what he brings to this game, to this league. Just how he [is] himself all of the time. And just how everyone rallies around him is special."
RB DERRICK HENRY
Opening statement: "How's everybody doing?" (media members respond) "Like damn, the rain got everybody in a bad mood." (laughter)
On training camp experience: "It's been fun, very cool and [I] look forward to more practices, meeting more fans, but yeah, it's been cool. [It's bee a] good turnout for sure."
On how Ravens Training Camp compares to others: "Training camp is just work. I think it's the same. I don't think you try to make too much of it being somewhere different. You're going to work regardless [of] wherever you're at. [I] definitely work here, not too much to it. When you come to training camp, you're expected to work. So that's what it is."
On responding to tweet from a Tennessee Titans reporter: "I'm just like, 'Man, of all the stuff, that's what you talk about?' I mean ... If they want to, I appreciate it, if they don't, I understand. But I was just like, 'Why are we talking about this right now?' I mean there is other stuff you can talk about. [Tennessee] Titans training camp is coming up. I'm over here, so I'm all good. [I] appreciate [it] if you do. And if you don't, I understand, too."
On what he thinks the possibilities of this offense are: "I don't want to get too much in no possibilities, but it's everything that I imagined. The work here, the culture the brotherhood that [the Ravens] have. [I'm] grateful to be here. [I'm] excited for the opportunity. Putting the work in now in training camp, just so the things that we want to happen will happen, but not getting to any possibilities or making any predictions. [We] just put the work in now and let it all come together when it's time to suit up and go get some 'dubs.'"
On how he is adjusting to the new environment: "It's a new start. But like you said, I've been coming in since OTAs [Organized Team Activities], and I'm excited for the opportunity. It's a different era for me. I'm just excited for everything, embracing it every day and putting the work in so I can showcase it when it's time."
On his excitement level playing with the offense: "[It's] just the playmakers that we have and their abilities. Playing against them and watching from afar and being their teammate – I think it's pretty cool. And [I'm] just excited to see what everybody does this year. And then putting the work in together through training camp on all three phases. Going out there, being explosive and doing great things to help this team and being a great offense."
On if his age is a motivator to show his skill level: "No I think I just control what I can control by what I do and how I work. My approach to my job every day ... I think that's always going to be said when a running back gets up in age and that's the stigma on the position. But I just focus on me being healthy, doing my job when I'm here and then let my play speak for my age and everything else."
On his nutrition that was discussed in a recent article and if he's eaten a meal today: (laughter) "Well, I usually wait until like 12 or 1 p.m. In Tennessee, we practiced early in the morning, and then I wouldn't eat until after practice. But we practice at 1 p.m. here, so I can't go out on the field and have nothing in my stomach. I ate my spinach, kale, avocado this morning, and then around lunchtime, I just put a little something in my stomach – not anything heavy. But I don't really try to eat until later."
On how long he's been so in tune with taking care of his body, where that stemmed from, and if it was natural for him or a lifestyle change: "Yes, because before I was eating whatever I wanted – chicken wings, pizza – anything, and I was like, 'Dang, that's not going to sustain.' So, I just challenged myself to try to see if I could do it, and then once I got used to it, it became easy, and now my body feels great. And just seeing how my body responded to it and the routine and the diet – I love it – and it's something I'll probably keep doing the rest of my life – for real."
On how much the offensive line, QB Lamar Jackson and the run scheme played into his decision to join the Ravens: "Just watching [the Ravens] through the years and playing against them, just the style that they play with, the offense that they run, having Lamar [Jackson] – who's different, who's really different – that played a big factor into it, as well. And then, the success that they had last year, it's something I definitely wanted to be a part of and be an added piece to this offense. And yes, it's always been a certain type of culture, and [with] the style of play that the Ravens play, it's something that I was excited to come be a part of."
On if he feels any wear and tear at all: "No, I feel good. I don't really try to worry about that. I don't know, it's kind of funny; ever since high school, [from] the time I got 56 carries in a game, 57 the next week. [In] college, [I got] 44, 46. [In the] NFL, [I got] 30, 35. I really think it's just your mindset and how you take care of your body and not get too caught up on [the] 'he say, she say.' If it works, and you feel good, then just keep working and keep doing what you do."
On how impressed he's been with this young defensive core: "They were definitely flying around today. Kyle [Hamilton], he's one of the best safeties in the league. Nate [Wiggins], coming from Clemson, and being a top player, a first-round pick – that's what you expect out of him. And I'm excited to see them two [during] training camp and see how [much] better they get [and] put it all together a defense. But it's definitely exciting to see them flying around [and] making plays this early – for sure."
On if he has new goals this season: "Super Bowl. That's the goal. That's the goal. Super Bowl. I mean, that's always been the goal, but Super Bowl is definitely where I'm at now, so yes. I've had chances and got close, but that's what it is right now."
On if he and QB Lamar Jackson have talked about their championship aspirations: "Hell no, that's what we know. That's just what we want to do. That's the expectation. That's what we expect, and it starts out here. But that's definitely a main goal and the No. 1 goal for me – is get a Super Bowl."
On if he wishes there was full contact on rainy days like today: "Hell yes, because we feel like we can't do anything when we've just got jerseys on, especially when it's raining, [and we're] slipping. We can't even run with your shoulders. So, yes, it's different with [just] jerseys, but the pads will be on pretty soon."
