DEFENSIVE LINE COACH DENNIS JOHNSON
What have you seen out of DT Travis Jones; it looks like he's very disruptive this camp. What have you seen out of Travis Jones when you've been looking at him? (Jamison Hensley) "I've seen a lot of growth from the summertime through now. He's a guy that showed up every day during the summer working to get better, and I've seen his confidence level constantly rising. I think that's going to be the big thing for him moving forward – is we're able to do it on the field in practice, and then that first game, able to face that adversity he faces here and overcome it just like he's doing now. I'm seeing the confidence in his ability to do that. The more that we put him in those positions in practice, the better off he'll be going into the season."
There's a lot of talent across the defensive line. What do you think DE/DT Broderick Washington needs to do to see more snaps or to have a greater impact this season? (Kyle Phoenix) "I trust 'Brod' [Broderick Washington] like I trust anybody up front. He's a hard worker. He can play multiple spots. Just throughout camp, I've seen him play a one, a three, a five, a six, sometimes a nine. His ability to be flexible among the [defensive] front helps him to play in a lot of different situations. Obviously, [with] his strength and his size, you love him in the run game, and his smarts and knowing how to rush in the pass lanes, and working new moves helps him show up in the pass game. I'm expecting him to play a good little bit."
The defensive line maybe has the most continuity from last year to this year. What has it been like watching them as a unit? (Giana Han) "It's awesome watching them grow together as one unit. Obviously, you know them as individuals in a meeting situation or in a practice situation – [for example] when we're in 'Indy,' and they're talking to each other and encouraging each other and giving coaching points that maybe we gave in meetings to another guy, especially to the younger guys. And seeing them progress from the beginning of camp to where we are now, is just helping the group play together as one, like I just was telling them post practice, 'This team goes as the front goes,' and just taking on that responsibility and ownership. 'Mike' [Michael] Pierce would say in meetings, 'Our goal is to be the No. 1 defensive line in the NFL.' And so, we have to practice like it and be consistent day-in and day-out. That's one of the things I definitely see in that front."
In the secondary, you see a lot of positional versatility and some of that obviously up front, too. How important is that? (Brian Wacker) "It's very important. You're not taking 10 D-linemen into a game, so you have to have guys that can play inside and outside. I know 'Urb' [Brent Urban] gives us that flexibility a lot, 'Beeks' [Justin Madubuike] and his flexibility can do a lot of things, and Travis [Jones], too. Just cross-training guys and putting them in those situations in practice, giving them confidence like, 'I can play interior. I can play exterior,' helps builds that, because it's very important going forward."
What do you think makes DT Justin Madubuike so special? (Jamison Hensley) "He's so explosive. His hips and his hands are so fast, but he's also strong. That's kind of what makes him unique. And the ability to play the run at an elite level, and then turn around and play the pass at an elite level, changes the game for any interior D-lineman regardless of who you are. Having the ability to do that, I believe is what makes him special and his want to get better every day. He comes out here [saying], 'Hey, coach, my hand placement, what do you think about it here? My foot? My eyes?' Continuously telling him that and staying on top of that, he's really just an impressive young man just in general, but I believe that's what makes him special."
Talking versatility and DT Justin Madubuike being explosive, do you see a scenario to even have him out on the edge? Just in passing scenarios? (Kyle Phoenix) "You can actually put him everywhere, because he has what I was just describing, those unique tools of being quick and strong. So, you can definitely put him on the edge, especially in pass situations or even in run situations. He's big enough to set an edge and send things inside, if that's what we're asking him to do. Or any type of movement, obviously he's quick enough to get any gap that we ask him to. He can definitely play inside and out, again, going back to the versatility of the front and the ability for guys to play different roles."
The Ravens really focus on combining some work with outside linebackers and defensive line. What does that mean, just working hand-in-hand with outside linebackers? (Giana Han) "We call it the defensive front. We're all together. Outside linebackers, interior defensive linemen – this is the unit. We need to work together; we have to work together, [and] we have to be in unison with each other. If we're working on the pass rush, and we're working on the rush lanes and we're playing off of each other, we have to be on the same page. And so, working together gels that group as one. The more that we do that, the better off it is as a unit."
Going back to DT Justin Madubuike, DT Travis Jones was talking about how much he's learning from Justin Madubuike, and how he strives to be on that level. How have you seen Justin Madubuike emerge as a mentor? (Carita Parks) "Seeing [Justin Madubuike] just be vocal. Whether it's in the meeting rooms, and maybe we went over something before, and a young guy might have missed it, and he'll be able to say, 'We just went over it. Remember your eyes,' giving guys little bits and stuff like, 'Look at this guy's knee. Look at that guy's foot.' He's going to tell you what's coming ahead, because he's a smart player as well. Some of those pre-snap adjustments that he's giving within the line, helps guys. He's a leader, obviously because of his play, but also because of the human that he is."
DT Justin Madubuike is known for asking a lot of questions. What has that been like in the meeting room? (Giana Han) "It's awesome. We love to have open dialogue, making sure that we all see it the same. If we see it differently, then maybe there was a different way that they've played it before, or a different way of perceiving it, and everybody is being vocal and talking. I like it when Justin [Madubuike] talks, because people want to know the answers if he has a question. It's been great, and I think the front gets better because of stuff like that."
Has [DT Justin Madubuike] ever stumped you before with one of his questions? (Giana Han) "Not yet, but I'm sure it's on the way." (laughter)
What's it been like working with pass rush coach Chuck Smith? (Kyle Phoenix) "I love working with [pass rush coach] Chuck [Smith]. Like I've said before, I knew Chuck before I got here, and all of the pass rush stuff he was doing out in Georgia and different stuff like that, back when I was in college ball. It's really cool to sit and go over drills, pass-rush drills, and combining the things how I see it and the things that he sees, and making it one and making it ours, and the guys loving the approach to it. He's been awesome. Also, he's been helping me with the transition coming here, because he's been here for a year. He's been awesome, and I love working with him. [He's an] amazing coach."
WIDE RECEIVERS COACH GREG LEWIS
There were a couple of big plays by WR Rashod Bateman out there. How big was it to see a couple big pass catches today? (Jamison Hensley)"It was great to see. [it's] building a rapport with [Rashod Bateman] and Lamar [Jackson] and the other receivers, but to see 'Bate' get out there – running around, making moves, making catches – I think the sky's the limit for him and this offense with the guys that we have here. It was awesome to see just plays being made, contested catches – going up grabbing the ball – by all the guys out there today on the offensive side of the ball, so I'm excited [with] where we're headed."
What do you see from the chemistry between QB Lamar Jackson and WR Zay Flowers? It seemed honestly pretty quickly and easily. We've seen a lot that they can do. Why do you think those two work so well together? (Brian Wacker)"They [are] both from Florida, so it's something in the water down there probably with those guys. They both love football – and really all the guys that [are] out here love football – and when you got a bunch of guys that love football, it's easy to get on the same page with those guys. They understand what they're doing, what they see out there, and then they make things happen that most people can't do. It's special to see, and we just have to keep going from that."
What have you seen from WR Zay Flowers Year One to Year Two, whether it's his footwork or understanding how routes work? (Brian Wacker)"[It's] definitely [his] understanding of the offense and then [his] leadership. As a rookie, obviously, you come in and you listen and you learn, and when you're expected to make plays you try to do that – and Zay did a great job of that, but now it's about taking the next step and taking the group by the reigns and trying to lead them in the right direction, because he's been through it. He's been there and done that, and then we [are] trying to take it to another level. He's done a great job with that. We got a lot of leaders in the group, but Zay has stepped up and did a good job with bringing younger guys along; Malik [Cunningham is] coming from the quarterback position; Dayton Wade [is] coming from college and whatnot. All the young guys, he's just helping them with anything and everything possible to help us be a good core of receivers."
WR Rashod Bateman has always had speed. What other areas have you seen kind of growth in from the last 12 months or so? (Cliff Brown)"Just [his] change of direction and getting in and out of breaks – and having him out there being able to do that, you always know. Obviously, I wasn't here at the time, but I watched him in college. You see all these spectacular moves that he can do, and just getting him out here and getting him confident doing it, it's been great for him, and it's been great for us as an offense and as a team. But getting in and out of breaks, contested catches, and trying to get deep balls down the field, crossing routes, different things of that nature – he's showing up, and he's done a great job throughout this whole camp, and we just want to continue to build off of that moving forward."
WR Devontez Walker hasn't been able to be out here the past few days. What have you seen with his development? How do you feel when a young guy is coming in and learning and having to miss time like that? (Giana Han)"Well, without getting physical reps, it's difficult, because a lot of guys need to be out there and do physical reps. But, 'Tez' [Devontez Walker] has done a great job in the classroom and making sure he's on top of everything, so when he does get back out there, whenever that may be, he will be ready to go from that standpoint. He's a football junkie. He loves football. He wants to understand the ins and outs of everything that's taking place, and when it's time to go, he'll be ready to go, because I'm that confident in him, and I know he's confident in himself."
You mentioned WR Dayton Wade. What have you seen from him so far in camp? (Carita Parks)"Quickness [and] confidence, and those two things, those are in you. They're not really coachable type of deals. He's a confident kid [who] does a great job of going out there making plays, utilizing his speed, and then he has quickness where he understands how to get open, and quarterbacks love guys that can get open, because it makes it easy for them to throw them ball. He's done a great job of that, and [we've been] utilizing him at different positions. He's picked up and grasped the playbook and the offense, and he just continues to want to work. That's what I love about him – being an undrafted guy, I had that mentality – and you see it in him. I love that about him, and I just want to see him continue to grow and do what he needs to do."
Going back to WR Zay Flowers, last season he had a very high separation rate. Technically, where do you see him making the biggest leap from then to now? Is it his footwork, his get off or that kind of stuff? (Brian Wacker)"[Zay Flowers has] pretty much gotten better at everything. I think just trying to get him the ball ... If he touches the ball, something special is going to happen; so [we're] just putting him in [a] position to be successful each and every way possible. Coach 'Monk' [offensive coordinator Todd Monken] does a great job of dialing different things up to put people in positions to do what they do best, and that's what it's about on offense is matchups and getting guys in position to be successful. So, I think we're doing a good job with Zay thus far, and I think we're doing a good job with all the guys, because everybody is unique, everybody has a different skillset, and we want to tap into all those skills so we utilize everybody as we go."
There have been a lot of questions about tight ends after TE Isaiah Likely. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken said there are so limited reps. What has that been like knowing you have all the talent that you want to get the ball to, but also seeing all of the strengths you have? (Giana Han)"With the amount of talent that we have on offense and really on the whole team – obviously I don't coach defense, so I don't want to talk about that – but on offense we have a lot of guys that are positionless, and they can do everything. So, you may not be getting the ball, per se at practice, or getting a rep, but when you get out there, we're moving people around, seeing what fits, seeing what doesn't fit and putting them in those positions. So, everybody is interchangeable and we're trying to do a good job with that and give our guys [the] opportunity to make some plays and score some touchdowns for us."
For someone of WR Zay Flower's size, what does he have to do to be successful against press coverage, and what have you kind of seen from him Year One to Year Two? (Jonas Shaffer) "[Zay Flowers] just has to be him. I don't let size define guys. He's been that size his whole life, and he's been able to make plays and do different things, so all he has to do is come out and continue to work hard and work on his craft and do what he's coached to do and then let his natural ability take over. Hs size doesn't matter. If they come up and press him, they better be ready, because he's [going to] be ready."
RUNNING BACKS COACH WILLIE TAGGART
Why do you think RB Derrick Henry has so much durability? (*Jamison Hensley)* "First I would like to say that Derrick [Henry] is a pro. He understands what it takes, and what it's going to take for him to play at the level that he wants to play at each and every week. Then for me personally, the first time I've seen Derrick train the way he does was this offseason, and seeing the work that he put in the offseason kind of let you know why he's been able to play at a high level for a long period of time; because he takes a great job [of] taking care of his body in the offseason, and it allows him to continue to play at a high level."
Is there a body part or a muscle of RB Derrick Henry you think is the strongest? (*Jonas Shaffer)* "The whole body ... [Derrick Henry] is just strong. Seriously, I think everything – from a physical standpoint, from a mental standpoint; you can't take that for granted. [You] just sit down and talk with Derrick [Henry] about football, and he has such a great football mind, and [he] asks great questions and has a good understanding of the game. So, I think from a physical standpoint, he has all of the intangibles – we see that. He walks around ... and I think a lot of guys make business decisions when they want to tackle him sometimes out there [and] rightfully so. I just think he's a young man that has it all from a physical and mental standpoint to be successful."
What are some of the questions, going back to a mental aspect, is there an instance you remember of some of the questions, and you said, 'That's a good question'? (*Jamison Hensley) "*When [Derrick Henry and I] are talking football. Sometimes he asks questions that I don't get asked by other [running] backs; which is good. Then just him being a pro just to be able to ask the question. A lot of guys don't want to ask questions in there, and for him to be in there and ask questions – we can be meeting by ourselves at times, and I can talk about a play, and he's going to ask, 'Well, why are we doing that,' which is awesome because now you're explain the details, and he has a good understanding of what we're trying to do. Again, as a coach, to have your players ask why we're doing something is great. For the younger guys to see and hear him ask those questions is only just going to help the entire room."
You had minor reservations when the team signed RB Derrick Henry just because of how you run shotgun and that hasn't been assigned a specified role. Over the course of training camp, what have you seen from him outside of that role? (*Kyle Phoenix)* (laughter). "I can't wait until the season – I'll put it that way – I can't wait til the season and watch [Derrick Henry] play; watch him in a different style of offense that what he's been in before. I think Derrick's going to be able to show that he's much more than just a downhill runner – he can do everything the little guys do. He can make people miss, [and] he can jump cut – he can do it all. For me, that's what been impressive to see him being able to do all those different cuts and things – he made some cuts like Justice Hill at times, I'm like 'Woah.' I don't care who you are – [when] you see that big guy, and he's rolling ... When he's in third gear, you'd better watch out. You might have a chance when [he's in] second gear, but after that it's problems."
RB Derrick Henry can obviously take a heavy load, but we're seeing RB Justice Hill a lot, too. What are you looking forward to from him? (Giana Han) "First of all, I expect for Justice [Hill] to have a great year. This is going to be – by far – one of his best years. Seeing his development since I've been here – it's been off the charts. He come in, and Justice can do it all. He can run the football for us, he can block for us, [and] he can catch passes out the backfield for us. I think you'll see us using Justice in a lot of different ways; and I think you'll see a young man that comes through for us, too. We call Justice the 'Junkyard Dog;' he does everything for us. So, I'm looking forward to him having a heck of a year."
You noted RB Justice Hill's development, Coach John Harbaugh talked about how he worked his way up to a starting running back in the league, what have you learned about his work ethic? (Carita Parks) "I say the same thing about Derrick [Henry] and the same with Justice [Hill]. From the time I got here you can see the professionalism from him. He's so much more ahead of his age right now; just the way he thinks and goes about things. Justice is one of those guys – he's going to study all night; he's going to come in and ... you don't have a problem [to be] worried about him going in and knowing what to do. He's going to know exactly what to do when he's out there, and he's able to help the guys around him. For Justice, not only from a running back standpoint, when you think about the things he does for us on special teams. He's the ultimate team player, and I like I said I expect for him to have a big year. Now [he's] having a better understanding of our offense, and I know we are going to use him [in] a lot of different ways. I think we're all going to be impressed by what Justice can do for us."
What have you seen out of RB Rasheen Ali, and what's the challenge of a rookie coming in to an obviously a backfield that already has Derrick Henry and Justice Hill? (Brian Wacker) "With Rasheen [Ali], I'm seeing a lot of good things from him. [I'm] really excited for Rasheen, [and I'm] excited to watch him play in preseason. The challenge is just learning the speed of the game [and] understanding the offense. I think that's what his speed ... learning the speed of the game once you learn the offense where you're not thinking so much, then you can go out and play. That to me is when speed becomes a difference for a guy – they're all fast, but when you're thinking a lot, you normally don't play fast enough. But as time has gone on, you can see that he's picking it up. Like today, some of the cuts he makes when he hits the hole – I think that young man is special, and I think he's going to show us all that we're – [executive vice president and general manager] Eric [DeCosta] and those guys did a good job of drafting a running back."
Another standout in practice is RB Owen Wright who we've seen the course of last year and now. Where have you seen his development and what are seeing right now? (Kyle Phoenix) "Again, just like I was saying about Justice [Hill], Owen [Wright] has grown so much from last year, coming in as an undrafted free agent. From that time to the last preseason when he played against the 'Bucs [Tampa Bay Buccaneers] that's when he showed everyone that he can play at this level; and he just constantly got better over the year, and practicing against our defense helps. You get to practice against those guys, [and] you have no choice but to get better, or you're going to get hit. He's done a good job with that. But understanding the offense – he knows that now. And what we're seeing right now is a young man that is playing with confidence – that's going to help. [It's] the same thing with 'C.C.' [Chris Collier], with 'Collier' back there – I really like our running back room, not just because I'm the running backs coach, but because I think we have some talented men back there. I think we'll all get to see it once we go in preseason and see what they can do."
