QB Joe Flacco
On his Christmas socks: "[Ravens security staffer] Craig [Singleterry] got the QBs some socks for Christmas. Mine were Santa Claus, so they were kind of appropriate for today."
On how his knee feels: "It feels better. It feels better. It felt really good on game day. [It was] a little sore yesterday and today, but it feels a lot better."
On his comfort level with the brace and if he will do anything different with it: "No, I'm going to do it the same way. I really just want to make sure I can be as safe as I can moving forward so nothing crazy happens. I'm pretty comfortable with it. It's not ideal, but it is what it is. It's not that big of an issue."
On if he will wear the brace against the Bengals: "Yes."* *
On if the knee felt better throughout the course of the game, considering his improved play: "No, it wasn't anything to do with that. The knee actually felt really good all game. That's just the way it played out."* *
On how frustrating it was to play poorly after showing signs of improvement: "It's really frustrating. You always want to go out there and put your best foot forward, and we didn't really do that. We scored late and got ourselves back within a chance to get 14 on the board, and if we'd have done that, we could have put some real pressure on them, but we just couldn't connect and convert. So yes, it was disappointing."
On the Bengals' defense: "We're used to these guys. They're a good defense. They have been for a few years now. It's always a good test to play a division opponent, especially in their place. They have a lot to play for; we have a lot to play for. It's going to be a good game, a good test."
On being voted the Ravens' "Media Good Guy" this year: "I heard a rumor that that was being talked about. That's pretty funny. I never would've ever thought I'd be in the running for that, because I don't give you guys really anything, I don't feel like. (laughter) [It's] definitely pretty cool."
On if he is going to be more buttoned-up now that he knows he is helpful: "No, everything is going to be good, all the same."
On if there is anything more he would like to give the media: "No, I don't have anything. I give you what I have. I'm usually pretty honest."
On what teams are doing to defend WR Torrey Smith: "They match a corner on him or they roll over the top, try to get up in his face and not let him get off the line of scrimmage. I think the biggest thing is when you've got a team that doesn't play right and left corners, and they match a guy on your better receiver, that guy is showing up on him, so it's obviously a little respect right there."* *
On if WR Torrey Smith has disproved the notion that he is only a deep threat: "No doubt about it. The guy is a really good player and getting better and better, and he is going to continue to improve just because he has the talent level, and that is what kind of person he is. He is going to get nothing but better and better and continue to improve on all the route-running and catching the ball like he has over the last couple years."
On if throwing 19 interceptions doesn't sit well with him: "I mean, yes, I've told you before: I don't like throwing interceptions. But, at this point, it is what it is. I can't do anything about the ones I've thrown. I've just got to go out there and play this game, make sure we get a win and don't worry about really anything else. You guys know, it's never good to throw interceptions and put your team in a bad position. Like I said, if I dwell on that, then I'm not going to give ourselves a good chance to win in this game right here. So, that's all I've got to worry about."
NT Haloti Ngata
On his health and how he's played since the last time he talked with media at the podium: "It's definitely gotten a little better. I think I can do more. I definitely want to do better pass rushing and be more of a disruption there, but it's definitely better than it has been earlier in the season."* *
On if he would like to remain at nose tackle: "Wherever they want me; wherever they need me. We've got so many playmakers, so they can just put me wherever they want. Arthur [Jones] has been doing great at the three-technique, so I'm fine at being the nose. It's just wherever they need me."* *
On the defense's recent struggles in the red zone: "I think it's mostly communication. Some of the things are where we're getting the play but then we're not communicating adjustments – when they motion and things like that. It's just more communication errors, and we've got to do a better job of doing that."* *
On how important it is to get pressure on the quarterback vs. Cincinnati: "It's huge – they have weapons all over the field. Their offensive line has been playing really great this year. We've just got to put pressure on Andy Dalton and try to make sure that he doesn't find open receivers or make correct checks. We'll just try to create pressure on him and try to make tough decisions."* *
On this game being a must-win situation: "It's huge for us. I think us coming in and working on Tuesday …. We really had a great practice today. I feel like we are focused and trying to make sure we get this win. It's definitely another playoff game for us. Hopefully, we can have a great week of practice and get a win on Sunday."* *
On how hard it is to forget a tough loss like the New England game: "When you have a bad game like that, it's not that hard. You've just got to move on and focus on the next game. If you think about it too much, it's going to ruin the next game for you."* *
On how frustrating it is to get to the quarterback:"A lot of offenses have been doing a better job getting rid of the ball faster against us. They've seen how fast we could disrupt that pocket for the quarterback, and they've been getting the ball off. We've got to do a better job at trying to get there. If we're not getting there, then we just need to get our hands up and bat balls down."* *
On if it will be hard to get to Bengals QB Andy Dalton: "I hope it's not. I hope we can get to him and then get him down."* *
On his confidence level in QB Joe Flacco with an injured knee:"Joe is Joe. You've talked to him. He says he probably feels great. We have all the faith in him and wouldn't want anybody else there."
