HEAD COACH JOHN HARBAUGH
Opening Statement: "It's good seeing everybody. I appreciate everybody being here. [We had a] really good practice, [and it was a] beautiful day. Every day is a great day for football, and this actually is a beautiful day. The guys were very spirited and [put in] a lot of good work for a very tough opponent. [We have] a lot of respect for the Vikings [and] for their program. [Head] Coach [Kevin] O'Connell does a great job, [and defensive coordinator] Coach [Brian] Flores does a great job. Their whole operation is first class. And they're a tough, physical team, and we're looking forward to the challenge. What questions do you have?"
You just traded for OLB Dre'Mont Jones, how much do you think he can help the defense, the pass rush and everything overall? (Jamison Hensley) "I think [Dre'Mont Jones] can help a lot. We're really happy with [the trade] – it's something that's been in the works for a while. He's a good fit for us. The system he's been in for the last three years is the same system [that we have], so he picks it up quickly there. And he's a really good fit, just style of play-wise. We absolutely will get him weaved into [the system] right away, and he'll be playing on Sunday."
Is the versatility that OLB Dre'Mont Jones has shown in the past – where he can slide inside – is that something appealing to you guys as well? (Luke Jones) "It is something, yes – especially on the pass downs – to get in there and give you some work inside as well. [Dre'Mont Jones] hasn't been doing that this year, as much, but he's done a lot in the past, so that's a big part of it."
How do you think offensive coordinator Todd Monken has done coming out of the bye week, operating with QB Tyler Huntley, and then getting QB Lamar Jackson back, and having two strong offensive performances back-to-back coming out of the bye week? (Josh Tolentino) "I think we've done really well. It was two good games. Obviously, getting Lamar [Jackson] back is a big part of that, but everything is really a big part of it. Even through the weeks where Lamar wasn't playing, with Tyler [Huntley] playing and before that, with 'Coop' [Cooper Rush], you're still just trying to get better at everything you do; trying to find yourself offensively [and figure out] what direction do you want to go in with the guys you have. It's an ongoing process through the whole season, I think, with every team, [and] that's just a part of it. You're never the same team at the end of the year that you were at the beginning of the year. You continue to grow, hopefully, in the right direction; that's what you aim for. So, we're just trying to do that."
What kind of challenge does Minnesota present with what they do with some of their blitz schemes and so forth, and how do you combat that? (Brian Wacker) "They just keep it moving. They game-plan, so you're going to get certain things, different ways. They're going to run their blitzes, they're going to run their simulated blitzes, and they're going to run their bluff blitzes. They're going to line up and play, too. They're going to disguise coverage, and they're going to be [in] split safety a lot; they have been, [to] protect themselves against play-action passes and things like that, and they'll do it by showing blitz, or they'll do it sometimes by showing a heavy box and running out of it. Things that people do in the National Football League, we do the same kind of things as well. But they give you a lot of different pictures, so you have to sort the pictures out. And then also you have to deal with the fact that it's going to be loud. I think at home, that's something that they really play into – the idea that the [opposing] offense is going to have a tough time communicating and see if they can get the offense on their heels and get them discombobulated, if they can. We're going to work really hard to not allow that to happen."
Do you do anything in terms of that? Obviously, I know you pump music in here and stuff, but are you doing anything indoors to ramp it up? Is there anything you can do to kind of get close to that noise level? (Brian Wacker) "Yes, it was pretty loud today. Did you guys hear it [inside the building]? In the office in there, you could hear it? How many times did you hear the horn today? The horn was blowing today, and it was loud. We turned it up as loud as we could. I can't imagine [the crowd noise in Minnesota] being louder than what it was today. So yes, we do that. But really, it's the way we build the plan, as much as anything, in a way that we can operate effectively. And that's the challenge – everybody faces it – and if we can handle it, you give yourself a leg up."
On Monday, you talked about Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy. After studying him a little more, what impresses you the most about him and what gives you the most challenges? (Bo Smolka) "The biggest thing about J.J. [McCarthy] that I've watched over the years is the guy is a fighter. He is just a real fighter. He's a never-say-die guy. He never says die within a play, he never says die within a series, never says die within a game, never says die within a season; over his career, if you look at it, at Michigan. So, I think you see that on tape; he's just a fighter, and you respect that. So, he's a young quarterback ... But our focus is really just playing defense as well as we can. They've have a lot of weapons, they have arguably one of the best – a lot of people say [Justin Jefferson] is the best receiver in football. They have a great receiving tight end [in T.J. Hockenson], and they have those complementary receivers; No. 3 [Jordan Addison] and No. 1 [Jalen Nailor] are really good, too. So, they just have weapons. Their running backs are really good. They have their back, Aaron Jones [Sr.], back now as well [and they have] their physical back [in Jordan Mason]. It's a good offense. And then, [McCarthy] is a young quarterback, but he can run around and make plays with his legs, as well, so it's just all of it."
Can you just talk about your defense? Do you feel like they have kind of turned a corner given how things started this season? (Alex Glaze) "I don't really look at it like that. I think that's kind of a good narrative to talk about, but we're just trying to get better all the time, just trying to improve all the time. So, we were playing good defense before, but there were a lot of things we had to work on. We're playing statistically better defense [now], but to me, there are still a lot of things to work on. And if you ask those guys [on the defense], they'll tell you the same thing. They're just trying to work on every little detail and be as good, physical, disciplined and as detail-oriented as we possibly can be. And then, go play hard, go out there and let it rip and then let the chips fly."
Every day is kind of its own, but to come out healthy after the bye week and have everybody that can practice be out there at practice, how satisfying is that? (Pete Gilbert) "Well, it'll be satisfying if we win the game and play great football. That's really – the result is what you feel the most satisfaction with. But it is something that I think is definitely notable. It's different, and it's a good thing."
I was just wondering if you'd heard that the new Baltimore Orioles manager Craig Albernaz mentioned you as one of the guys that he can look up to, based on your leadership and how you adapt to the players. I am wondering if you heard that. (Alex Glaze) "Oh, really? Great. Great. I'll be looking for my tickets." (Laughter) "No, just congrats to Craig [Albernaz] and congrats to the Orioles. We have a lot of respect for the organization there. We follow them; they're friends; they're over here [at the facility]. I've seen [some of the Orioles staff] in the cafeteria a bunch of times. They meet with [executive vice president and general manager] Eric [DeCosta], and they'll talk strategy. I've always had great relationships with the managers there ever since I got here. I just love all of those guys. Buck [Showalter] was amazing, and I don't know, I was stunned and sad last year when they made the change, because you make friends, and [Brandon Hyde] was a great friend of mine. But now the new manager, I hope we have a good relationship, because you become an Orioles fan, for sure. And I love what they stand for. I love it when they're playing aggressive, and they're stealing bases and the way they play. It's fun to watch."
TE MARK ANDREWS
On what it means to keep breaking franchise records: "[I] just feel incredibly blessed; one, to be a part of such an amazing organization throughout these last eight years and the incredible players that I've been able to take part with and play with and grow with. It's extremely humbling just to be around here and to be, obviously, playing with Lamar [Jackson] all of these years and how many plays we've made, but just continuing to get better. I'm very thankful, and I thank God at the end of the day."
On if he has a relationship with former Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason in regard to approaching his record: "No. I've met him here or there, but nothing's been said. Obviously, it's a big milestone, but at the end of the day, I'm always focused on the team and winning this [upcoming] game."
On how much he thinks the offense changed last week against the Dolphins: "I think we did a great job. I think there were some really explosive plays [and] continuing to move the ball. I feel like not stalling out – there were a couple of drives that could have been better, but at the end of the day, putting points of the board – that's what this game's all about."
On what made the third quarter drives against the Dolphins successful: "Physicality, executing, all 11 guys doing their 1-of-11, as Isaiah [Likely] was saying after the game, and that's what it's really all about. We have so many great players, great coaches, and it's all about executing. This week is no different. It's going to be a tough game. [It's a] great matchup. They're a good team."
On if he ever wondered if he would be traded or not: "[I am] just focused on living in the now and being in the present. I know how much love and support this organization has for me, the people within the organization and what I bring to this team."
On the dynamic of the tight ends room is: "It's a lot of fun. I think the best thing about it is that it's competitive, but I think we all support each other and want each other to do everything to the best of our abilities and raise our game to the next level. I don't think you see that very often [with] guys lifting the roof and raising each other up. We have such a great group with all of those guys, including 'Pat' [Patrick Ricard] and obviously [tight ends coach] George Godsey leading the helm."
On how much pride he takes in the longevity and consistency of his career: "I take a lot of care of my body. That's something throughout the years that I've grown to adapt to. I always say I feel better than I ever have, but truly, the way I take care of my body, the things I eat – I've really never felt better. I'm running faster than I ever have. I'm moving better, and I feel great. That's a credit just to learning from different guys over the years of how to take care of yourself when you get a little older."
On if the team has become accustomed to how successful of a player QB Lamar Jackson is: "I think we do take it for granted sometimes, just how good [Lamar Jackson] really is. We're very blessed to be blessed by his presence, and his game and being on the field and his leadership and all the intangibles that come with Lamar. He is that guy. So, [we are] very thankful for him."
On what he first envisioned for his career when he was a rookie: "I think for me it's always been [that] I've been extremely hungry – no matter the instance of practice, games – I'm fighting, I'm clawing, I'm trying to get better. I want to win. That's what it's all about – is winning. So, I've been hungry since the second I got here, and that hunger is never going to leave."
On if being close to setting the record for all-time receiving yards in franchise history has sunk in and if it was talked about in the tight ends room: "No, no. Nothing's been said in [the tight ends room], and nothing needs to be said. Obviously, this is a very important game for this organization, for us, and we need to win this game – that is what's most important. It's kind of just a cherry on top. I've been able to, again, like I said, be a part of an amazing organization, an amazing ride, and that is by far not the most important thing that I want to have achieved within this organization."
On how the offense will prepare for the loudness of U.S. Bank Stadium against the Vikings: "It's everybody just focusing up. It's being tight in the huddle [and] listening; you've heard all the different stories about how loud it can be. For us, it's about communication and execution."
On how he has seen QB Lamar Jackson improve over the years against the blitz: "[Lamar Jackson] has gotten better each and every year at seeing the game. He sees the full picture of everything of what's going on and is able to get the ball out to the open guy, time after time, blitz after blitz. I think he's continued to get better and better. It's tough to blitz a guy like that because of how good he is with, obviously, his arm, but his feet, too."
On how much pressure the Vikings' blitz puts on the offense's awareness: "Just knowing our gameplan. Knowing our gameplan, knowing where the 'hots' are, the different looks that we can get and being prepared for everything. I think that – credit to them for how good they run this defense, and the chaos they try to make. We're going to try to do our job to the best of our ability."
S ALOHI GILMAN
On the Ravens trading for another defensive player this week and the adjustment to trying to learn a new defense knowing that you have a game coming up on that Sunday: "Obviously, it's a tough task. It's a lot of work you put into it. [It's] a lot of long days, long nights [and] adjusting to the time zone, for me, so not a lot of sleep. Obviously, it's kind of a whirlwind, but luckily, I was blessed enough to play a lot of ball and be in similar situations over there in [Los Angeles with a] similar system. I know 'Dre' [Dre'Mont Jones] coming out here [from] Tennessee – similar system, as well; he's also played a lot of ball. Ballers will figure it out, and that's just how it goes. You go out there on Sunday, and you just let it loose."
On what his turnover vs. Miami meant to the team and if it has felt like there is a shift in the defense: "I think I've said it before; obviously, I have a different perspective. I wasn't here prior to the other struggles or whatnot. I think anytime someone can create some energy out there – whether it's through turnovers, whether it's through making a big play, whether it's just through communication or being a guy out there who can create that – that stuff is contagious, and it just builds a team, and I think that's kind of what we did. Still, there's a lot of work for us to do, a lot of work for me to do, as well, to get better at, but I was glad I was able to be a guy out there who can help strike that up on [last] Thursday. It might be a different person every time, every game, and hopefully, I can continue to just keep doing that. But we have a lot of work to do, and [we'll] just keep it going from here."
On if he's had a chance to talk to recently acquired OLB Dre'Mont Jones about his week: "I haven't yet. I've just seen him through the meetings, but I can tell he's obviously processing everything, as well as trying to figure out people's names, a playbook [and] a whole bunch of stuff. So, [there are] a lot of stuff probably going through his mind, and it's probably better [to wait]. The less you put in his mind, the better right now, so I'm just going to let him figure it out for right now. He's a professional. He'll be great, and [we're] excited to have him."
On how much his familiarity with former Ravens defensive backs coach and current Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter helped him grasp this defense: "It was huge. It was huge. There were a little different tweaks and philosophies with [Chargers defensive coordinator] Coach [Jesse] Minter. I'm sure everyone who branched off under the 'Harbs' system has created their own little tweaks, but for the majority part of it, you're able to pick it up and understand the concepts conceptually and be able to change the verbiage. [That's] just kind of what it is; the verbiage [and] communication is a little different, and you just have to mix that puzzle and go out there and play. But, if you have good conceptual knowledge of the defense, you're able to go out there and play ball and play fast, so I think that's what helped me a lot."
On what has allowed him to positively impact the defense since his arrival in Baltimore: "That's a good question. There are a lot of good players on the roster; I think that's pretty well known. Sometimes, it's just finding a spark, finding the right fit for everyone to figure out their role and be the best at it. Obviously, Kyle Hamilton was the guy who's elite at a lot of different things, so [we're] trying to free him up to do what he does best, and I think that's what bringing me here was able to do. Obviously, I have a relationship with him, as well, so that was great, as well. All of us [are] just finding those roles and just maximizing that, and I'm kind of taking that approach, as well. [I'm] just trying to maximize my role. What can I do to be the best at my role? I think the guys around are all doing that, so [we're] trying to fit their pieces in the puzzle, so that, as a whole, we can be in one unit, one chemistry to do what we got to do best. Obviously, the Ravens' culture itself – and this is my first time being a part of it – it's already set. I've been with the Chargers, and [there were] some years where it like, 'We're trying to figure out our identity,' but here, it's like the identity is what it is, so how can we fit into that? There is not a hard transition, because you know what the expectation is, you know what you have to do, [and] you know what you have to bring, so for me, it was an easy plug and play, and I'm happy to be a part of it."
On the upcoming Navy vs. Notre Dame rivalry having played for both teams: "I'm undefeated in that rivalry, so I have a lot of pride in it. I have a little bragging rights on both sides. When I got to Notre Dame, I always bragged to those guys. 'Y'all didn't beat me. [You didn't] beat Navy.' And then when I flipped [to Notre Dame and talked to] my other friends at Navy, I said the same thing, so it was fun. It's a special game. [I have] a lot of respect for both sides. I have some of my best friends on both sides, and being back here in Maryland has been great. A lot of my fellow guys from Navy and their brotherhood there has reached out to me, and [we're] just still reconnecting there, so it's a special feeling being back here, because I have some connections here. This is where I started. [I was an] island boy [who moved] all the way out to the East Coast, and now I'm back here, and it's a pretty cool journey."
On what it takes for football players at service academies to make the jump to the NFL: "My situation was different. The reason why I left was because when [President Donald] Trump got elected in his first term, the head Secretary of Defense changed the rule that academy athletes had to go and serve before you could go and pursue [an opportunity to play in professional sports]. I think three or four years later, my senior year, they changed it back, so that was the reason why I left. So, I was really happy that they gave those guys opportunities, one of those guys being Malcolm Perry, who was at Navy [as a] quarterback; for sure, you might know him. He was a great Navy quarterback athlete. I played against him [when he was with] the Miami Dolphins. So, it takes a lot, obviously, because you're juggling not just school and not just football, you're juggling the military, as well, and that comes with high regards [and] a high level of responsibility. It's one of those things – if you know, you know. From afar, there's so much respect for those guys. Those guys, like Malcolm, he's out serving now, and I think he's in San Antonio. I reached out to him this offseason and was able to connect with him, so it's respect. It's just so much you have to deal with and the type of player, the type of person you have to be. Football is one thing, but just being the type of person, the human, the leader, that means more than anything, so I have so much respect for them."
On if Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy only having a couple of games on film is an advantage to the Ravens or Vikings: "You could go both ways. Guys come out into the league, and they come out and show what they have, and you have a lot of film or don't have a lot of film. At the end of the day, it's about us. It's about what we have to do to play our brand of football, to be more connected than they are, to be in tune with everything that they're trying to do. They, obviously, have great weapons around him. J.J. [McCarthy] does a great job of ... He's been able to get a little bit of games under his belt to come out and do what he does. He was a first-round pick for a reason, so it is going to be a good challenge for us, but we're just focused on us and what we have to do to be the best that we can be, and that's what it's about. It's about today, it's about tomorrow, and then we'll go from there."
On if he could tell that S Kyle Hamilton was going to be as physical a player as he's become who could play at the line of scrimmage when he arrived at Notre Dame: "Yes, did you tell [Kyle Hamilton] that I taught him that? No, I'm playing, I didn't teach him that." (laughter) "When he came in as a freshman, I was a senior at Notre Dame. He was this tall, lanky dude who walked around kind of weird and [had] spaghetti arms, spaghetti legs. He was [185 pounds]. You couldn't tell right away. Obviously, he was developing into his body. He was a young kid, but when we got onto the field, and he was able to play, you could see his athleticism. The good thing that I learned from him at a young age or [what I] remembered was that he was a fast learner. Whether he learned that as he gained experience through playing ball, that's what it is, but it doesn't surprise me at all. You could tell after my senior year, his freshman year, that he was going to have potential to be one of the best. That was pretty obvious. He's a humble kid who wants to learn, who's willing to learn and be that guy who [wants to know] what can he do to get better? It kind of carries on to here. But what he does [on the field] – that's what he does, so it's no surprise at all, and I'm happy as hell for him."
QB LAMAR JACKSON
On if he's expecting a loud atmosphere in Minnesota: "Yes, no doubt. It's basically a home-field advantage for those guys, and they have a pretty good record right now, so of course. Of course."
On how he handles and prepares for the crowd noise: "I don't focus on it. I play football. I've been in loud environments before. I don't let anything get to me."
On having the crowd on the Ravens' side in Miami and it being different in Minnesota: "I guess so. I guess so. Yes, I was at back at home [in South Florida], and Flock Nation was in the building, so definitely. Definitely."
On if the back-to-back wins have given the team a boost of confidence: "Absolutely, but we have to stay locked in. We can't get on the high horse just from winning two games in a row. We have to stay locked in."
On how he would assess his first game back from injury and the offense being back to full speed: "I feel like we still left plays out there on the field. It could have been better. I believe the defense of the Dolphins got us off the field like three times, so it could have been better, but I'm just happy we got the victory."
On how he will prepare for heavy blitzing from the Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores: "I just prepare for anything. That was like way [back] in 2021. We can't focus on that. We have to focus on everything, because we don't know; they might play a zone game. We just have to be prepared for everything."
On what it takes to have success against the blitz: "Just getting the ball out, our [offensive] line having great protection like they've been doing, and guys just getting open. That's all."
On if he relishes when teams blitz him and if he feels like it gives the team an opportunity to make big plays: "I just want to get a completion, stay on task [and] execute the down. That's pretty much how we just stay ahead of the sticks."
On the importance of getting the tight ends involved in the Miami game: "Their numbers were just getting called, and those guys were executing. It can be an anybody game. We don't go into a game thinking it's the tight end game or the receiver or the running back game. We just take advantage of what the defense gives us, and that's pretty much what it was."
On if the speculation that he was holding back coming off the injury was off base: "Yes, the speculations and what I'm saying [are] totally different. Yes, so like I said, I feel good, and I was ready to play. I felt like I did what I needed to do to win."
On if he's ready to run if need be: "If I have to."
On if he's specifically worked on overcoming the blitz at any point in his career and the key to being successful against the blitz: "I just try to get better at everything. I don't try to single my mind out and focus on one thing. I tried to focus on everything I could to get better, and blitzing was one of them, because early on in my career, I was getting sacked like crazy. [With] me just getting older in my career – [in my] eighth year – it's like, man, we have to get the ball out, have to know where the protection [is], where the hots are and just execute."
On if the players feel like they've turned a corner compared to when they weren't having success: "Yes, no doubt. Like I said, we've been locked in for the last couple of weeks, and we have to stay that way. I believe we turned a new leaf; I believe so."
On feeding his teammates with the post-game meal with food from his restaurant after the Miami game: "It was great. I got great feedback, and everybody was wanting to know what was in the mystery drink, but it's a mystery, so I can't tell [them about] it."
On if it means anything to him to earn AFC Offensive Player of the Week last week: "It was always great to win an award in the National Football League, but like I said, I have to stay locked in."
OLB DRE'MONT JONES
On what the last 48 hours have been like for him: "[Some of the] craziest moments of my life. There's been a lot going on. [I'm] just trying to get adjusted. The good thing is I've been in some systems that are similar to here, so there's a couple new plays for me, but I think the overall basis of it I understand."
On if it's a compliment to him to be traded to a team that's in need of pass rush help: "Yes, you've got to took that as a sign of respect. Personally, for myself, I appreciate that, to be wanted in that aspect. It is huge for me in my career. I'm just happy that I'm here, and [I hope to be] able to win some games."
On entering this week with a sack in four straight games: "I'm just locking in with my focus. I'm just really honing in on that film room, really honing into my craft and just taking what I do to the drills and taking it to the field, and it's been hitting."
On how it feels to end up in Baltimore: "It feels great. It's been crazy. It's probably the craziest moments of my life. I never thought I'd be in this situation ever, but it's been dope. I'm loving the Ravens organization. It's not easy, but it's the NFL. Nothing is easy."
On where he was when he found out that he had been traded: "I was actually bathing my two babies at the time and then [Titans general manager] Mike [Borgonzi] called me. It was like 7:00, and he broke down to me what was going on, and then I got on the phone with my agent, and I got on the phone with [the Ravens], and everything just got rolling."
On how quick the transition is in terms of being ready for Sunday: "The transition has been like the snap of a finger. The next thing you know, [I'm in] Baltimore. It has been quick, but I think I'm ready for it. I've been training all my life to be prepared for something like this. I think I'm going to be ready."
On his impressions of the coaching staff and defensive coordinator Zach Orr: "They're great. I can't really say too much about them, because I don't know them that [well] yet, but so far, I'm liking their approach. They're high-energy people, which I appreciate. We need that."
On if he has any mutual connections in the locker room: "I'd say [there are] like two guys that I know. Amani [Oruwariye] and Carl [Lawson]."
On what the Ravens can expect to get out of him as a player: "Somebody who is physical as hell. [Somebody] who is going to attack every play like it's my last, and we're going to go out there and just try to kill or be killed."
On if he has a favorite pass rush move: "I'm not going to say that. I just like to rush. How about that?"
