SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR CHRIS HORTON
Opening statement: "It's good to see everyone. I hope everyone is doing well. I just think that our guys right now, they are starting to find their way. These guys have come out these past few weeks and have played some really good football. We are just looking forward to continuing to do that. We do that by making sure we come out here and put our best foot forward – like we have been doing – and just try to get better at the smallest, littlest details that we possibly can, so we can go out on Sunday, and we can play our best football. Questions?"
What have you noticed about the consistency from P Jordan Stout this year compared to last season? (Josh Tolentino) "It's night and day. I think sometimes with players ... And for Jordan [Stout], he came in, he's following Sam [Koch], right? Everybody knew Sam. Sam was really good at what he did, and Jordan was talented. We just had to get that talent out of him, and sometimes that takes a little bit of time. Right now, he's having – these past few games, he has punted well, and that's what it takes. His job is required to flip the field. I think against Miami where we had four punts inside the 20-yard line. So, he's doing some really good things for us, and he's developed a lot of different punts. So, we got him to a point where we can continue to do these things, and we're going to utilize them. So, just continuing to grow – I think that's the biggest thing every week and every punt is different, but he has grown. He's shown a lot of improvement."
S Keondre Jackson has five special teams tackles in three games. He also has two penalties. How do you sort of balance not wanting to take his aggressiveness out, and how hard physically he's playing with wanting to be a little more disciplined? (Jeff Zrebiec) "I think it's just understanding, right? I think with Keondre [Jackson], this dude loves playing football. I think if you guys turn on that tape, and you watch him play, he's an impactful player in our phase of the game. As a coach, you don't want to take that away from him. Because he's very prideful about how he plays and what he puts on tape. But as we continue to move forward, it's my job, as his coach, to help him understand [that] you play to a certain level, and there's a certain edge that you can play to. Then you have to be able to control yourself and come out of that when you find yourself in compromising situations. We'll get him there, because he understands that we pride ourselves on not having penalties. You can't survive in this league when you give up field position because of penalty. So, we're getting him there. We're going to work on it. We're just going to encourage him to keep playing the way he's playing. And then again, it's my job to help him understand, 'Where's that edge?' We don't want to go over that edge, because those will result in penalties."
Was S Keondre Jackson a guy you saw in the pre-draft process that you went to the scouts and coaches and said, if you get an opportunity to bring in a guy for special teams, this is one of the guys? (Jeff Zrebiec) "Well, to be fair, I didn't even watch [Keondre Jackson]. I just know when they brought the guy in, they brought him up. He's got size, he's got speed, and that stuff showed. Those are the traits we look for. There's a bunch of other scouts and coaches that did that. So, when he came in and he started practicing, we just knew it was going to probably be a matter of time before we get him playing the type of football we want to play, because he's got all the traits. Now, he's playing the way he's playing. We want to make sure we keep that going."
What'd you think of his back flip? Did you coach that one, also? (*Ryan Mink)* "[Laughter] I can't do any back flips. So, this guy [Keondre Jackson] is very athletic [and a] very talented player. Again, it is just those things; he gets so excited by just going out there and just making plays, and he should be. That energy feeds, and it goes across our team. So, when you do those things, you just keep encouraging them and tell them if you're going to flip, make sure you stick the landing." (laughter)
I know you can only speak to the operation here in Baltimore, but seeing what Seattle did on their kick coverage with a couple of 300-pounders in the middle. Do you think we'll see teams operate or op for more size than just speed just because of what you kind of get advantage-wise there? (Jonas Shaffer) "I think there's a time and place for it. I think it all depends on where you play the ball and probably who you're playing against. From a matchup standpoint, I think ... Obviously, for us, I think just the way we play – it's a little bit different. That's not the first team that I've seen have a bigger guy out there. I know Minnesota has some bigger guys out there as well. So, I think it all just depends on how you want to play the game and what you think those guys can do."
A lot has been made about the noise level at U.S. Bank Stadium, but in addition to that, especially given it's also a day game, there's also some weird shadows and light going through that building. Is that a conversation at all with K Tyler Loop, or is it just more so once you guys get on the field? (Josh Tolentino) "I think it's one of those things – because none of those guys have ever been there – I think it's one of those things we will talk about during the pre-game. For us, it's just trusting our process, going out there and doing what we do."
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR TODD MONKEN
What kind of stress do the Vikings put on an offense, with the things they like to do, the creativity with blitzes and the aggressiveness? (Jeff Zrebiec) "You hit it on the head. [They're] very aggressive. [They] do a really good job of challenging your protections, your IDs in your run game [and] your edge mechanics, so it'll be a real challenge for us."
I think Vikings OLB Andrew Van Ginkel has only played three games for them, but what does he do to unlock the stuff that their front four is good at? (Jonas Shaffer) "[Andrew Van Ginkel is a] very versatile player. He can pass, rush, can play off the ball [or] on the ball. His initial quickness is something that, to me, stands out. [He's] a really smart player. Obviously, [Brian Flores] had him in Miami, and when the head coach of Miami wants him [when he becomes] the defensive coordinator in Minnesota, it's a good sign as a player."
QB Lamar Jackson has been really good against the blitz this year and really the past couple of years. Obviously, every team is different, and every blitz is different. What in particular has stood out as to why he's been so successful against the blitz? (Brian Wacker) "It's always a number of factors. We've continued to do it better. We've worked on getting the ball out. Our coaches have worked awfully hard at making sure we have built-in places to go with the ball, and Lamar [Jackson] has worked awfully hard at understanding the concepts that we run, what we're seeing, what does that mean to us, where do we go with the ball [and] where our issues [are] in protection."
Have you seen enough from G/T Emery Jones Jr. to suggest he could help you at some point relatively soon? (Jeff Zrebiec) "At some point. I'm excited. [Emery Jones Jr.] has worked awfully hard to get back. From what I see, he's everything we hoped he'd be at this point. When you don't go through training camp, and you only have one day in pads, that's really hard to say, but he's diligent. He's tough. He's a Raven; you can see that. He fits here."
Have you guys narrowed down what position that G/T Emery Jones Jr. might be best served at? (Jonas Shaffer) "I don't think we've narrowed that down yet. I don't think we've done anything like that, but we have been playing [Emery Jones Jr.] at a couple of positions just to get him comfortable."
Just knowing what TE Isaiah Likely has gone through with the injury then a little slow to get back into the game, how much excitement do you have for him as he's gotten more involved in the offense the last couple of weeks? (Josh Tolentino) "[I was] disappointed for him at the beginning of the year to not be able to play, to get hurt in training camp, but for [Isaiah Likely] to come back, he's only continued to progress; you can see that with every week."
TE Mark Andrews is approaching another franchise record. What can you say about the way he's evolved with his role in this offense and the way that he still competes? (Ryan Mink) "[Mark Andrews] is a warrior. The guy loves football. Just watch him warm up; he competes in warmups. He grunts in warmups. He's in a rare category of guys I've been around that are tough, practices his rear end off, and it shows up in the game. He's a warrior."
With a clean injury report today, what does that mean for the team heading into the second half of the season? (Michael Howes) "It's always a good thing when you have a clean injury report. That's just the way it is. Guys are able to practice at a high speed – guys you can count on in the games – and you can game-plan around."
I think Minnesota's near the top of the league in the early-down blitz rate. Does anything that they do with that pressure remind you of what you've seen from Pittsburgh over the years? (Jonas Shaffer) "[It's] similar. That's a good comparison. They're going to challenge you in more ways than most. Miami was a good test for us, because they were similar. [They were] not as extreme, and I don't mean extreme in a negative way; I mean that in a good way, but it was a good start for us getting ready for this team that's going to really challenge us, and they have good players, a great scheme and a good coaching staff, and that shows up. That usually shows up in statistics when you're playing at a very high level, so it'll be a real challenge for us, but every week is a challenge, in terms of scheme and the players you go against, so we're excited about the opportunity."
Much has been made of the noise in the Vikings' building, I know you guys have been practicing with the speakers. Does that really affect your operation? Is it something you have to account for? (Childs Walker) "It does [affect your operation] if you let it. It does if you're not prepared. [You] get the play call in, communicate in the huddle, get up to the line of scrimmage, fight like hell to give them nothing – and what I mean by nothing is no turnovers, no penalties [and] no false starts – nothing that allows them to gain momentum and put you behind the sticks."
It's kind of a different dynamic in the tight ends room. You basically have four, if you count FB Patrick Ricard, veterans who are in contract years. How do you see those guys playing off each other, the unselfishness they have and how that helps with the dynamic between that? (Jeff Zrebiec) "They've been here all three years that I've been here, and they've been unselfish in all three years I've been here. They've been team guys. That doesn't mean they're not disappointed when they don't get opportunities. That's the nature of skill players – they want the football. They want an opportunity to let their skill set shine, but that has not stood in the way of them thinking [about the] team first. They're all going to get their opportunity somewhere down the road, but they've been great for us. They're a huge part of what we've been able to accomplish here offensively."
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR ZACH ORR
What do you like about OLB Dre'Mont Jones? (Jeff Zrebiec) "[Dre'Mont Jones] is a physical player. He plays hard. I love his versatility. He came in as an interior guy. I think that his ability to really kick out on the edge and continue to hold his power and show his athleticism is a testament to his hard work. But I love his versatility – in the run game and the pass game. [He is] a guy who can play across the line of scrimmage for us. So, I'm excited to see him on Sunday. He's had a great couple of days of practice since he's been here."
You've been clear that you've talked to Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, too. When you guys knew OLB Dre'Mont Jones was available, did you ask him his opinion at all? (Jeff Zrebiec) "No, I didn't. I didn't ask [Mike McDonald]. I had seen his film, and I felt like if something was alarming, he would've hit me up. So, no, the film was good enough for me and meeting Dre'Mont [Jones] was good enough for me."
With the snaps for OLB Dre'Mont Jones as an interior rusher for Tennessee, was that just where they needed to invest in? Could it be a situation where you guys line him up more as a 'three tech' to get the other guys where you want them? (Jonas Shaffer) "I don't know exactly what their plan was in Tennessee, but I think they had to do what they had to do to generate pressure. [Dre'Mont Jones] did line up on the edge primarily, but he lined up a little bit as an interior guy. I think for us, the good thing about versatility is we could hunt matchups; the best matchup that suits him, [and] that's going to help us out as a defense where he could line up on the edge and interior. But I anticipate he'll line up more in the interior for us than he did in Tennessee."
You already did this with S Alohi Gilman earlier in the year, but when you acquire a player midweek and you expect he's going to play a fairly prominent role, how does that impact your preparation and your gameplan? Do you have to streamline some things here and there? (Luke Jones) "Yes, definitely, I think what is good about both of these acquisitions – they happened at least earlier in the week, where we were able to have a full day of game-planning and go and adjust. Both of the guys we acquired – they come from similar systems, so [with] the verbiage, [there] is a lot of carryovers. So, that helps the transition phase a lot. And then, we just see how much they can handle and go from there. If they can handle a lot, then they'll be out there a lot. Alohi [Gilman] was able to do that, and Dre'Mont [Jones], like I said, he came in, [has] been practicing, [has] been running the defense really well; so, he'll be out there a lot as well."
How do you approach a premier talent like Justin Jefferson? (Ryan Mink) "[Justin Jefferson] is definitely talented; [he's] arguably the best receiver in the league, and they do a good job of finding ways to get him to football. They've seen every type of coverage you can run at him; so, we've just got to mix it up and not let him get a beat on what we're doing, not let him wreck the game and make sure we always have awareness of where he's at. Also, it goes hand in hand with the rush as well, so we have to get some pressure on this quarterback, so he doesn't have time to sit back there and find Justin Jefferson all day. So, it's definitely going to be a challenge for us. Our guys are looking forward to it, and we definitely have to have awareness of where he is at on all times on Sunday."
Head coach John Harbaugh has talked about how you guys didn't necessarily have a lot of expectations for DL C.J. Okoye this season. He was kind of thrown under the fire. Why do you think he's been able to handle that as well as he has? (Childs Walker) "First thing – shout out to C.J. [Okoye]. Since he's been here, the transformation he's made as a football player [and] in the classroom has been tremendous. So, you have to give him credit first, and then I think the person you have to credit next is [defensive line coach] Dennis Johnson – C.J. will tell you that. Dennis brings that fire every single day at practice in individual drills. So, he's always on C.J. in a good way. So, he was prepared for his moment when he got it, and it was really nice to see what he did in the preseason carry over to what he's been able to do for us so far this year in the regular season. He's continued to get better. You think about a guy – I want to say three years ago – who'd never played football before, and now he's in a National Football League going against the best players in the world. You talk about a whole complete 180; it's crazy. So, he's done a good job. I think that it's his work ethic that's led him to do what he's been able to do."
What does DL Aeneas Peebles have to do to sort of get back in the gameday plans? (Jeff Zrebiec) "I think [Aeneas Peebles] just has to keep working. He's been doing a good job out here at practice. Right now, for where we're at as a defense, he's just behind some other guys right now. We need some bigger bodies in there, and 'Fub' [Aeneas Peebles] will get his opportunity, and he'll make the most of it. You ask any of our offensive guys and guys in practice who's one of the toughest guys that they go against in practice, who brings it every day with their work ethic and their mindset? It's 'Fub.' So, right now, just that's what we have to do from a defensive standpoint; he's just behind a couple guys. I don't think it's a knock on him; it's just what we have to do right now."
Is that interior pressure something that you feel like is the next thing on your guys to do list, obviously, losing DL Nnamdi Madubuike, who played only so many snaps. Is that part of the thinking I guess with getting someone like OLB Dre'Mont Jones? (Jonas Shaffer) "Yes, I definitely believe that interior pressure is everything when it comes to pressuring the quarterback. Because you can win cleanly on the edge, but if the quarterback is able just to step up, then your rush on the edge means nothing in reality. So, [with] interior push, you can ask probably any quarterback in the league, they don't like when the pocket's getting pushed in their face, and they can't step up and move around. So, interior pressure is key, and I think that's what was a key that [Nnamdi] Madubuike was able to do for us. He wrecked so much havoc, pushing the pocket [and] causing disruption. He got a lot of sacks, but he caused a lot of people to get other sacks as well, where the quarterback can't step up, and now he's just stepping into the edge guy. So, Dre'Mont [Jones] is going to be able to add to that for us, which is good."
What have you seen from OLB Carl Lawson so far as far as ramping up, getting ready? Do you think he's close? (Pete Gilbert) "Yes, I think [Carl Lawson] is close. He's looking good. We've been throwing him out there. He's picking up the playbook. This is kind of a totally different system for him. He's kind of been more in the four-three up-the-field-type defenses recently. We're a little bit different, but he definitely still has juice left. We are just continuing to ramp him up, and his opportunities are coming soon as well."
In the last three games, you've held teams to 17 points or less. What do you think has been kind of the key to getting that turnaround? (Jamison Hensley) "I think that it's the mindset approach that no matter what is going on, it's to move on to the next play. I love the mindset that our guys have right now. They took ownership of that. They're going out there playing the play. They're moving on to the next play. We've had teams move the ball into the red zone. We've been able to get teams off the field in the red zone, whether we hold them to field goals or get takeaways or get fourth-down stops. So, I think that's key. And then the major thing is getting the football, getting the football. We've been able to take the ball away. That's the most important thing. So, we have to keep that going. There's a lot of things that we can continue to improve on. So, it's good to see that the hard work is starting to pay off, but there's still more work to do for sure."
There was a lot of noise, a lot of criticism of you and the defense earlier at the start the season. With this performance in the past three games now, does that relieve any of that pressure for you guys? (Michael Howes) "Nope. No, man. We understand where we're at. We've dug ourselves in a deep hole, and we have to keep digging ourselves out of it. We have a long way to go. So, we are just now getting where we need to be at, but there's a long way to go as well."
RB DERRICK HENRY
On what stands out about the Vikings' defense on film: "[The Vikings] give you a lot of different looks. They do a lot of different blitzes, and [they have a lot of] movement in the run game. They just throw a lot at you try to get you flustered, and you've just got to focus in and worry about executing, and we'll be fine."
On having everyone healthy out at practice compared to a month ago: "I think the past is in the past. We're just focused on right now, and [we're] just focused on the preparation, getting prepared for Sunday and going out there and playing our style of football."
On if it feels like the offense is getting back to where they want to be: "Yes, there's a lot to build off of. [We're] just focusing on this week. Guys are just ready to go [and are] preparing the right way, and we just want to let it translate to Sunday and give ourselves the best chance to win. But, we know we've got to prepare through the week for that to happen. This a good team [and a] good defense. So yes, we've got to practice [our] execution just so we do it in the game."
On preparing for the Vikings defense that may give looks on defense similar to opponents they've played this season: "I think you watch film. The practice squad will give you looks, and you just keep watching film, study and do the things that you do throughout the week when you're playing their defense. They'll [show] a lot different looks, and [they have] a good defense, so you've got to prepare."
On TE Mark Andrews' performance last week and on Andrews being 18 yards away from the franchise's all-time receiving yards record: "[Mark Andrews] has been a great player for this franchise since he's been here, [and] he's earned the right to be able to be in that spot. He is a great player for us. He'll do anything he can to help his team, and I'm very happy for him. I hope he accomplishes it, and I know he would rather have the win if he doesn't, but I think he will. So, I'm very happy for Mark. He's a great teammate."
ILB ROQUAN SMITH
On preparing to play the Minnesota Vikings and QB J.J. McCarthy's mindset: "Absolutely. I think [J.J. McCarthy] has a great mindset from the little I do know of him and that I've heard of him. I know he's a competitor [and that] he's a winner, so [I have] a great deal of respect for him. I am excited about the opportunity to go up to Minnesota, knowing that it's a really good team. Their talent on the offense is – obviously, [Justin] Jefferson, [Jordan] Addison, [No.] 1 [Jalen Nailor], [T.J.] Hockenson, even the backs [that they have] – Aaron Jones [Sr.] and [Jordan] Mason. I have played against those guys before, so I have a lot of respect for those guys, but [I am] excited about the opportunity."
On if beating the Vikings feels like a tall task: "Every game in the league is a tall task. At the end of the day, they're our opponent, and you should know your opponent going into each and every game and have respect for your opponent. But at the end of the day, it's about what you do, and that's our focus – going out and doing what we do. Yes, [we have] respect for them, but at the end of the day, you have to be yourself. I'm going to be myself regardless of who is out there."
On the improved health of the Ravens roster: "Yes, absolutely. A healthy team is a good team, and your best ability is your availability, as they always say. So, it's about just continuing with that and just going out and being ourselves throughout the week and echoing that into the weekend on Sunday."
On his initial impressions of OLB Dre'Mont Jones: "I am excited to have [Dre'Mont Jones] here. I have a lot of respect for him. I remember when he was out in Denver. I haven't really seen much of him in Tennessee this year, but I just know the guy can definitely affect the game. [He is a] very physical player. I love having physical players out there with me, so I am very excited about that. I think he's a great addition to our team, so I'm excited for him to show everyone exactly who he is. I know he's happy to be here as well from talking with him."
On how he approaches playing against a young quarterback in Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy: "I would consider that a rookie, if it's your first season playing, in my opinion. So, obviously you don't have a lot of experience in the NFL, but that doesn't take away from who [J.J. McCarthy] is as a player. It's just about us going out and being who we are. You have to treat it accordingly."
On how aware he thinks the defense needs to be of Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy's mobility: "I think [J.J. McCarthy] is very athletic, and I think the guy can make some plays with his feet. He tries to stay alive a lot and make things happen. So, it's going to be up to us and what we do. That's what it's going to come down to, play in and play out, and playing through the echo of the whistle, as we do. So, that's what it's going to be about, plain and simple."
On what he has shared with his teammates about the atmosphere of playing in U.S. Bank Stadium: "Well, a lot of guys [on our team] have played a lot of ball throughout the league, and [in college] as well. I have a great deal of respect for the fans out in Minnesota. As I remember being there years ago, it does get loud in there, but it's only as loud as you allow it to be, especially from a defensive perspective. So, that's what it's about – controlling what we do and enforcing what we do."
On if the defensive mindset going into this week is to try to shut down the noise in the stadium: "Yes, [but] I think that's any place you go to. If you're the home team, and the home team is not doing so well, then fans tend to get quiet. I think that's just human nature."
On what's been working well for the defense with forcing more takeaways: "They say takeaways coming bunches. Granted, I did drop one [in Miami], so that didn't help the bunch." (Laughter) "But yes, it is just something that's been a focal point for our defense. It's about just going out – and [head] Coach [John Harbaugh] has been harping on it day in and day out. Players have been harping on it as well. It's about just carrying it over into Sunday. We know that takeaways help win games, and if we continue to do that, we'll like our chances in each and every game we play in [if we] keep getting the ball back in the offense's hands – in Lamar [Jackson's] hands; knowing what he can do with it."
On if he's been practicing on the JUGS machine recently: "Yes, I need to be on them badly. [Inside linebackers] Coach [Tyler Santucci] was throwing me rockets out there at practice as well, so it was one of those things, but nobody can beat me up more than I can beat myself up for that one. I probably would've gotten caught No. 6 [Malik Washington], anyway. But still, it would've been a nice pick to have in the books. I don't think I've ever dropped one like that until then, until I did."
On TE Mark Andrews nearing the Ravens' all-time receiving yards record and how much respect he has for him: "Mark [Andrews] has been around the game for a while. I remember even going against Mark [when he was playing at] Oklahoma, even though [the Georgia Bulldogs] kicked his butt in the Rose Bowl. But I remember then, knowing about Mark and [thinking], 'Yes, this guy is going to be a good player.' And then, since I came into the league, [I have] always seen him and Lamar [Jackson] just making things happen out of nothing sometimes. So yes, he's a great player, a great pro [and a] good dude. I am excited for him, but I'm sure he's not focused on that. I'm sure he's focused on going out and being the best teammate he can be, and for us to get the 'dub' by any means or whatever job he has to do, regardless of the yards. But, hats off to him. And when he does get it, that's awesome for him."
