HEAD COACH JOHN HARBAUGH
Opening Statement: "OK, it's good seeing everybody here. I appreciate you being here. [We had a] good practice. All eyes are towards Sunday against the Jets. [We are going to] try to put our best foot forward. What questions do you have?"
So, you're going to have to be reintroduced to M&T Bank Stadium. It's been a while since you've actually played there. How's it going to feel to be back at home after being on such a long road trip? (Jamison Hensley) "Yes, we're looking forward to it. [I am] excited about our fans – to be back with our fans. I hope they're out in full force; rolling and loud, making it everything that M&T Bank [Stadium] can be. That's what we're excited about."
You'll get to see New York Jets CB Brandon Stephens on the other side on Sunday. I know there's a business element when a player leaves, but is there some pride you take in someone who develops like that and gets a nice contract? I think he's played all but one defensive snap for them this year. (Luke Jones) "There really is. There really, really is. It is something that you do kind of appreciate. [Brandon Stephens] is a guy who came in, and we took a chance [on him], really, as a fourth-round pick, and he was a guy that was new to the position in college, even. He worked so hard, was so diligent, so dedicated, and he became a really good player. And then, like you said, he had an opportunity to go [to the Jets] and sign a great contract and is doing so well. I've seen him on tape – he's playing really well. I am very proud of him. But, he's on the other side in this next game, and we respect him. It will be a great competition."
Whether it's because of injuries or just roster situations; OLB David Ojabo hasn't played extensively until this year, where he's playing a lot of snaps each and every game. How do you evaluate what he's been able to do over the last month or so since he started getting regular snaps? (Jeff Zrebiec) "That's a great question. Yes, [David Ojabo] has. And I think he's playing very well, in terms of what he's been asked to do. He's been out there a lot on first and second down, on run downs and what we call 'get back on track' in any second-and-medium to second-and-long downs. He's done well. I think he's done a really good job. He's earning more and more playing time as he goes, [and] it's good to see. And I know he wants to get to the quarterback, too, and get a chance to rush the passer, too. So, [it is] all of those things."
At the linebacker position, ILB Trenton Simpson – it seems like he's been playing more and more on the outside. What have you thought of his development as he's gotten more reps? (Cordell Woodland) "I guess it's interesting that you guys asked the question kind of back to back, because that one thing impacts another. 'Trent' [Trenton Simpson] has gone onto the edge a lot, and he's played in that pass rush role as well in that package that we put out there. So, that takes opportunities away from some of the other defensive ends. And he's done a great job. He got the quarterback hit in the last game that forced the intentional grounding. He's done some other things. He can also drop in coverage. I think he is pretty versatile. It's added a lot to our defense."
When you're going against New York Jets RB Breece Hall – I think as far as percentage of big plays. I think he's second only to Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor. When you go against an explosive back like that, what key do you stress to your defense to contain that? (Jamison Hensley) "Well, it's all the things that you see. Each one of the backs is somewhat different, but the thing that all the quote, unquote explosive backs usually have in common, is that they can really run fast. Now there's different styles; some guys are slashers, some guys make you miss and dance and different things, but they all run really hard. They're all pretty physical. All these guys can run through tackles. They can all bring a defense in and [then] boom, take it outside to the edge really quickly – you saw that last week as well – or [they can] take it to the back door on you and get past you. Those are things we have to account for. We have to leverage the runner; we have to leverage the blockers, but we also have to leverage the runner because the runner can get away from you if you don't. So, it's a big point of emphasis in this game."
We haven't seen WR Rashod Bateman at practice for the last two weeks. How's he progressing, especially with having in mind a quick turnaround for Cincinnati next Thursday? (Luke Jones) "Right. [Rashod Bateman] is progressing well. He would have a chance for [playing against the Bengals next week]. We'll have to see how that goes."
The NFL's My Cause My Cleats initiative kicks off this week. You have a lot of guys involved in it. We watched guys yesterday, seeing the cleats for the first time. It was very emotional because a lot of them have causes; like cancer and suicide prevention. What does that mean? Does it make you proud to have guys that are actually – you're always involved in the community – but this is something that I am sure you're proud of. (Jim Forner) "It really does. Guys play on the field and they're out there and they're competing, and we're all – fans are right there with you fighting for the cause of trying to win a football game. The cause of being a Raven and a fan of football and all that. And then behind the scenes, these guys – our coaches and players – they're people. They have lives, and they've got things that matter to them; whether it's family members who've had different tribulations that they've fought through [or] trials in their life and honoring them in that way, or certain causes that have impacted them in their life. So, for the NFL to give the opportunity to share that with the cleats is really, really cool and really neat. And yes, you do you see it. We have people – the people do a great job with the artwork. It's pretty crazy, the [artwork on the] cleats. And a lot of times they get auctioned off, too, for fundraising. It's one of the great causes in the league."
