SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR CHRIS HORTON
A lot was made about Hall of Fame S Ed Reed's presence at practice last week, from him suggesting to take out the junk food to what he had to say. How much do you think he had an impact? (Jerry Coleman) "It's Ed Reed, right? Those guys are going to listen. When a player like that speaks, guys are going to listen. And then it's just part of us just going out and playing football. It was good to have him here. It's always good to get a word from a veteran player like that, a Hall of Fame player. It's inspirational anytime those guys come around. I'm not even a player, and I was fired up, so it's good. I grew up watching him play, so it's good to have him around."
Was Ed Reed showing up a surprise or was that expected by the guys? (Jerry Coleman) "I have no idea. [Ed Reed] showed up, like all these guys; all these guys are welcome back in Baltimore. They helped build this place. So, when you get those guys back, it's always good to hear from them."
Was that as physical and as sound as you think you played in kick coverage all year? Was that one of your biggest takeaways coming out of that game? (Jeff Zrebiec) "That's a great question. It's one of those things we've been chasing. We've been talking about – starting just with Tyler [Loop] – and him being consistent on where he places the ball. And we got an opportunity to see that in the game this week against a pretty good return team. And then our guys, man, they've been chasing it. They've been playing pretty well all year. I think they've been covering pretty well, and they just went out there, and they played good, sound football, the way we play football. And it was good to see. It was good to see all the different guys making plays and just being in the right spot. I think of Charlie [Kolar] just running people over and getting to the football. I think of David Ojabo just being in the right spot and making tackles, and that's the way we want to play football around here. So it was really good to see."
I know senior special teams coach Randy Brown had his sights set on K Tyler Loop pretty early on as a kicker. Obviously, Patriots K Andrés Borregales is another rookie who went just before him. Was he a guy who you got to know during the pre-draft process? And how surprising is it to have two rookies both right around 90 FGA% in their first year? (Jonas Shaffer) "What [senior special teams coach] Randy [Brown] does with those guys, when he goes out and he talks to them – I had a chance to talk with [Andrés] Borregales at the Combine – and we sit around and we all conversate at the roundtables. But obviously, Tyler [Loop] was our guy when Randy bought him in, and we talked about it. And it's just good to see young guys out here making kicks and having success. People expect them to fail when they come in because they are young, and they're not veteran guys, but when they trust the process, and they go through the fundamentals, those things show up, and the ball goes through the uprights. And it'll be good to see those two guys go out and compete."
How tough was it to see ILB Teddye Buchanan go down with an injury on Sunday? (Jerry Coleman) "It's always tough to lose a player like Teddye [Buchanan]. He has done so well for us. Since the day he walked in this building, he was a pro. We talk about being pros, and as a young guy, [he] came in as a pro and established himself as a player – not only for us – but also on the defensive side of the ball. But it was tough. Anytime you see a non-contact injury and how much he's done for us, and the success he's had in our phase of the game, we're going to miss him. But obviously we wish him well, and we'll get the next man ready to go and play some good football for us."
I think New England ranks top three or five in punt return average. What stands out about that particular unit, and do you think the performance from your kick coverage unit can translate into this game? (Josh Tolentino) "It's pretty easy, right? I like to say anytime we've been challenged, and we've faced some pretty good returners throughout the season. We just [faced] one last week. And then it starts with us first protecting the punt with all due respect to Marcus Jones. He's a heck of a player. We respect him, but obviously, we're going to go out and play our game, because it all starts with us. And if we protect the punt, and we cover the punt like we know how, which we've done a really good job at this year. Our guys have been getting down the field, and we've been making plays, [so] we should be fine. We just have to do our job, and it's always going to be about us. We respect the guys on the other side, but they also have to play us."
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR TODD MONKEN
Is it tougher to make evaluations of the offense when you have such a limited number of plays in a game? (Jamison Hensley) "Evaluations of the offense by limited plays? I don't know if I'd say that so much as – and I wouldn't even say it's frustrating, other than [the fact that] you have to be able to maximize the plays that you do get. And I thought, at times, we did that on Sunday, and at times we didn't. But I was proud of the way our guys fought, I was proud of the way they played physical, and that showed."
To that point, are you sort of torn when you got 40 plays or whatever it was and nine yards per play versus trying to get to 60 or 70 plays in a game. Obviously, some of that's dictated by what happens, but finding that balance to get more plays weekly. (Brian Wacker) "Yes, it's more frustrating when it happens, say against the Texans when you're not playing good, and things aren't going your way, I could care less how many plays we have if we play well, and if it gives us a chance to win. If we maximize those plays, obviously, whichever we have. Like I said, at times we did, and at times, we didn't."
,What have you seen out of the Patriots defense? (*Jamison Hensley)* "They do a great job; defensively, they do a great job playing off each other. [They play with a] knock-back style and [they] set the edges. Their guys on the perimeter do a great job of setting edges when the ball gets spit out. They're physical, they don't miss tackles, and they rally. I'll just add [that] they don't give up a lot of big plays. That is the recipe for playing great defense, making the offense earn it. So, we'll have a real challenge."
How much did you like seeing RB Rasheen Ali getting into the end zone? (Valerie Preactor) "Well, that was cool. That was just a check, Lamar [Jackson] getting to that – something we had worked – in the right spot. Those are the things that, as an offense, that you get excited about. [Those are the things] that you do, and you carry over from practice to the games. That's really it. But more than anything, just for our guys collectively."
Do you feel like there's a common denominator to the slow starts offensively? (Jeff Zrebiec) "I don't know that. Two weeks ago against Cincinnati, we scored on the first drive and then we got backed up for a couple of drives, and then we had an opportunity for a touchdown with 'Zay' [Isaiah] Likely, and we didn't get it. And I think on eight of the 14 games, we've scored on the first drive. So, sometimes it's that, and sometimes we haven't started very fast. There's a number of times we defer, so you don't get the ball to start. That adds to it. And at one point, we were leading the NFL in points in the second half. Well, some of that's playing better then, and some of it is that you start the second half with the ball, all of which we certainly are looking to start fast, that's for sure."
When the weather gets colder, it seems Derrick Henry has some of his best performances in December and January. What makes him such a threat when the temperature drops? (Michael Howes) "Well, I think [Derrick Henry] is a threat no matter what the temperature is, but I do think that as the temperature drops, or the weather changes, the running game certainly comes to the forefront. I think he's a hard guy to tackle. I think we've played well at the back end of the year, I think the statistics would back that up. And when you're playing well, that means you're ahead, and you're running in the third and fourth quarter, and you're wearing down the defense. I think that would hold true even in the playoffs [like] when we played the Texans or the Steelers over the last few years. You're able to get ahead, stay ahead and run the football."
Despite the low number of plays, we did see an uptick in explosive plays like the WR Zay Flowers and WR DeAndre Hopkins catches, how satisfying was that for the offense and you guys must have an appetite for more of those explosive plays? (Josh Tolentino) "Well, let's talk about what wins. Don't turn it over, be explosive, touchdowns in the red zone, eliminate lost-yardage plays and be excellent at conversion downs. We've been explosive in the run game; I think we're first in yards per carry, and we're like seventh yards per attempt. Where we've struggled is in other areas, right? Touchdowns, we've turned it over, and we've had too many sacks. That's what's going to bog you down. Have we been as explosive as last year? No, there's been reasons for that. All of us are a part of that. But, the struggles have come when we haven't converted in the red zone, when we haven't always converted on third downs in short-yardage situations, especially five-[yards]-or-less – we've been fine in the others. And then, we've had way too many sacks, [where] all of a sudden, you look at drives – even like last week – and [you say], 'OK, a sack.' [And now], all of a sudden it's hard to overcome second-and-17 or another sack, and those are the things that – I can call it better, and we can collectively continue to strive for excellence. It's about this week – everything statistically only matters what we do this week."
To your point about the red zone, how important is QB Lamar Jackson's mobility in that area? (Brian Wacker) "Oh, it's huge, but that hasn't been all of it. I have to call it better, we can scheme it better, we can block it better, and we can certainly execute in the passing game better and hold onto the ball. All of them – I think we talked about this a couple weeks ago – it all collectively adds up. It's not one thing. There's four or five areas where we just haven't executed at a high level in a number of areas. And when we do that, I really believe we're going to take off, because those are areas that are stopping us. We certainly have plenty of playmakers, and that has shown up statistically."
With WR Rashod Bateman not being able to go this past Sunday, I've seen more playing time for WR DeAndre Hopkins. What did you make of the snaps that he gave you guys, and I guess what is kind of keeping him from being maybe as explosive and productive as he was those first two weeks for you guys? (Jonas Shaffer) "Nothing in particular. Some of it is [that] the ball just doesn't come [DeAndre Hopkins'] way. And some of it is, we haven't called his number. Some of it last week was because we were running at a ton. We didn't have a ton of plays. All of the above is added into that. Hopefully, we can get him going this week."
Just going back to the starting fast thing, kind of the opposite has been true in the second half, you guys have scored in six of the last eight first possessions in the third quarter. What's worked there adjustment-wise for you guys? (Brian Wacker) "I don't know. I really don't. Someone might come up and say they have that figured out. It's not like we haven't planned the whole week for the start of the game of [planning to do] what we like. I would think that a whole week of planning is better than 20 minutes of halftime, normally. I don't know. Sometimes, like I said, if you get the ball to start the second half, sometimes field position plays into that, like in the Bengals game. I know I'm going on a little [tangent]. So, we score on the opening drive, 'Tay' [LaJohntay Wester] doesn't field the punt, [and] we get it backed up. Then Lamar [Jackson] fumbles, we get a great stop, but we're at the two [-yard line, and] we don't get ourselves out. Well then, we get really good field position, we move it, and we fumble, and then we get a pass interference call. So, I don't know exactly why that is coming out at halftime because it's not like we're not discussing a lot of the same things. And like I said, we've had plenty of games where we've started fast, we just haven't been able to continue that. And there are a number of reasons why, we just have to continue to fight to stack plays. That's the biggest thing, collectively; calls and our players executing."
I'm not sure if you're aware of this, but it seems like a lot of coordinators and quarterbacks have been asked about pure progression vs. coverage reads? Do you have a preference for the way you teach it? (Jonas Shaffer) "[It was] said that [this topic] was going to come up. I said, 'Well, I'm the eighth different guy that's going to have to comment on that.' And really, all of it is exactly what quarterbacks and coaches have talked about, which is with all the disguises and looks that you're going to see, and all the things a quarterback has to go through, I think it enables, at times, a quarterback to have a smoke break. [I mean that] in terms of, I can start on one side and kind of sweep the board. Old school, one-high, two-high man takes me to a side, especially in certain quick game concepts. But, you see it across the board, and coaches have been doing that for a long time. [San Francisco 49ers head coach] Kyle Shanahan has been doing that for a while; that's shown up in their schemes, [as well as Los Angeles Rams head coach] Sean McVay and guys like that. And I think you're seeing more and more at the college level that way. So, I think it's an easier transition for the guys. But, I just think that with all the looks that you're getting, I think it enables a quarterback to at least get through his progressions a lot quicker."
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR ZACH ORR
When it gets closer to the end of the game, and your defense is kind of being backed up, and you see that zero still up on that scoreboard, how much is the motivation to finish it off and get that shutout? (Jamison Hensley) "There's definitely motivation, because you want it for the players and the guys. They're conscious about it, but I think the thing that we were most pleased about was that we just wanted to finish the game. At that point in time, it was 17-0, and there was still like eight to nine minutes left in the game, and we all have been around the league long enough [to know] that no lead is safe, and a lot of things can happen. So, we wanted to just put an exclamation point on the game. Hats off to the guys that made the play. It was great execution from the jump with holding the look, holding the disguise. Tavius [Robinson], 'T-Rob,' was great on his path, and then 'K.V.' [Kyle Van Noy] doing what he's supposed to do [with] getting to his spot [and] intercepting the ball. When he was running, I saw he was slowing up and looking to lateral it. I was screaming, 'Don't do it! Don't do it!' And then all of a sudden I see 'Lo' [Alohi Gilman] running up the sidelines. So, that was a heck of a play, and that's the way you finish. We've been talking about that the whole time [with] taking it play by play – finish the play, finish the quarter, finish the half and finish the game, and it was good to see the guys finish the game."
That was a vintage, Hall of Fame Ravens S Ed Reed type of play. I asked special teams coordinator Chris Horton the same question; did you know that Ed was showing up, and what kind of impact did he make? What do you think of what he had to say to the guys? (Jerry Coleman) "I didn't know [Ed Reed] was coming in that day, but when we found out he was in, shoot, we were excited. So, I was looking for him to come ask him to talk to the defense, and he was already in there talking to the defensive backs. So, the rest of the defense, we just came in there, and he shared some great words about how he would love to be back in this building playing football and that you can't take it for granted. And if you want to win, you have to go take it. You have to hold yourself accountable, and you have to hold each other accountable, and you have to be on the same page. Part of accountability is what you do off the field, so what you're putting in your body, how you're handing yourself, how you are taking notes in meetings. I think that's a really good message to hear from a guy who's one of the best to ever lace them up. He was in this building for many years. A lot of the players – all of them – know who he is. A lot of them have watched his film, still watch his film and see the plays that he made. So, when you are in that presence, I think it does something to you. He came out in practice and talked to the team and was there hanging out. I think it was good. So, I definitely think that he inspired our guys, and that's good. I think as an alumnus, or whatever you want to call it – a legend – I think whenever you get a chance to come back and talk to the guys, you never know who you can inspire. He definitely inspired not only them, but us as coaches as well."
You have been a proponent of bringing back guys or the history of the Ravens, whether it's pictures or video clips, all that stuff, why do you think that's important? (Garrett Downing) "Just because we do a great job here. [Head] Coach [John] Harbaugh – we honor these guys. Their pictures are on the wall, videos are always playing, and you want the guys to really see why these guys are up here – what does it mean to 'Play like a Raven?' And we talk about it, but let's show you. It just happens to be some of the guys who played like a Raven are some of the best players to ever play this game. So, I think that whenever you see guys, you hear about the great stories of them. I think whenever they come around, and you can have conversations with them, it kind of just connects one another. So, that's why I'm a big proponent of just showing the guys like, 'Hey, look, Play like a Raven. This is what it is. These guys have reached and accomplished what you're trying to accomplish, what we're trying to accomplish as a team and individually.' So, I think it's always good to show those guys what it looks like."
With ILB Teddye Buchanan going down, ILB Trenton Simpson, obviously, should be more in the picture. Can you talk about how you've seen him grow this year and how you think maybe he still be using various spots and just what you've seen? (Cliff Brown) "'Trent' [Trenton Simpson] has grown up a lot. I think that [when] you look at it, you always look ... When you're going through tough times, you never know why are you going through that, and what it's preparing you for. I look at it when Roquan [Smith] missed time early in the year, and Teddye [Buchanan] and Trent went in there and were starting for a couple games, and they played well. Trent played really good in those games. Those were two of his best games in his career. And I think I said that Teddye, we went with Teddye – I think Teddye was slightly a little bit better [at that time] – but now Trent's opportunity is back again. Teddye went down early in the game, and Trent stepped right in, played really well, still was able to execute his various roles. So, I'm excited for him to go out there and show what he can do. We all have the utmost confidence in him. 'Ro' has confidence in him, and the team and the defense have confidence in him. So, I think that those games he got to play early on, really is going to help him out going forward for the rest of the year."
To that point, what have you seen from ILB Trenton Simpson this year, either in meetings, in preparation or in games he has played that gives you confidence? He's lost his job twice in the past few years. What gives you confidence that this could be the one that he gives you the kind of football you need? (Sam Cohn) "Yes, I think that [Trenton Simpson] is just more comfortable. He's just more comfortable. I think that, like I said, going with Teddye, it wasn't no knock on Trent. I think that was just like how well Teddye was really playing. But, I see a guy who's locked in and taking notes. He has command out there. He's more vocal, and he's a strong, physical guy. He's running, and he's hitting. Are there going to be mistakes here and there? Everybody makes mistakes. Some of our best players make mistakes, but he has limited those mistakes a lot. So, that's what gives me the confidence, and like I said, the game that we just finished playing, you go in from maybe getting two or three reps with the starters a day, to really have to go in there and go play however many snaps he had to go play against that offense in that high-pressure situation, and he didn't bat an eye – and he still had to play all of his special team snaps – so that just shows you what type of player and what type of man he is."
Do you envision him playing both special teams and defense? (Sam Cohn) "Oh, yes. Oh, yes. I told [special teams coordinator] [Chris Horton] 'Hort,' I said, 'Look, don't take [Trenton Simpson] off special teams.' I said, 'If he's tired, we'll figure something out, but we need all our best players out there, and he's one of our best special teams players as well, too.'"
Is that hard when you've already had now three linebackers down with injuries? Is that part of the calculus? (Sam Cohn) "It's just part of it. It's just, you only get so many guys active on gameday, and if you have your helmet, you have to be ready to play. So, whoever's out there on the sideline, if your number's called, you better know what to do, and you have to go out there and execute."
What has stood out about New England Patriots QB Drake Maye that has made him so good so fast? (Luke Jones) "I'm going to be honest, I'm really impressed with Drake Maye. I think before we talk about the physical tools, I think it's the 'mental.' They put everything on this dude's plate. This is a new system for him this year. He has full control, and he has to get them in the right checks in the run game. He has to point out the most dangerous man for the receivers to block. He has to get them in the right protection – usually, centers handle that with young quarterbacks – [but] he's doing that. He's sight-adjusting routes; he's checking plays. So, he has full control. He's running the show at the line of scrimmage. When I put on the tape, that's what really impressed me with him. I'm like, man, this guy's in his second year, and he has full control of the whole offense. He's running the show. Nobody's telling him what to do. All the responsibility is on him, which is impressive. You really don't see that with second-year guys, especially somebody in their first year in a new system. And then you talk about the physical gifts. Obviously, there's a reason why he was a Top 5 [draft] pick. He can make every throw. He can throw on the run. He moves better than what I even remember of him coming out [of college]. So, he extends plays. He's just a real good player, and you can see why he has the MVP hype, and why they've won 11 games, because he's their best player. He's really blossomed into one of the top quarterbacks in his second year, which is impressive."
I don't know how big PFF was during your day, but what's your relationship with the whole thing and maybe what you tell players or don't tell players about that are kind of used to positional ranking? (Jonas Shaffer) "I always tell them, I say, because there's a lot of stuff that's out there, and I tell them, 'We watch the film. We go off the film. We judge you off the film, not off of a ranking.' I think the rankings are good for some reasons, but truth be told, the coaches and the players only know what defense we're actually running, who's responsible for what. So, it's tough to kind of rank somebody when you don't fully understand the responsibility of what that person is doing. I think it's good for general [knowledge], for the fans to put stuff together, but our players, we tell them, 'Don't worry about what's being said – good or bad – on the outside. You just need to worry about what's being said in the building, because that's what matters.'"
When OLB Dre'Mont Jones is winning as consistently as he was outside and even affecting the inside, how impactful was that for other players and just how physical do you think that entire front was? (Josh Tolentino) "It's impactful. It's really impactful when you can win with the four-man rush, and you can win at multiple spots, so now you can hunt mismatches; that's what we were able to do with Dre'Mont [Jones]. I thought the whole front –the outside linebackers [and] the D-line – played their best game of the season last week, and we needed them to. We told them, we said, 'Look, we're going to have to go in here. We're going to have to win with four at times.' And they dominated in the four-man rush, and it all started with the physicality and the violence. We challenged those guys non-stop to play like that regardless of who's in there, and they did that. They did that. So, we're looking for another performance like that. If we can get that out of them, we're going to be in good shape. So, they had a great practice today. We are looking forward to it."
S KYLE HAMILTON
On what jumps out about Patriots QB Drake Maye: "I think [Drake Maye] is super mobile. [He has a] big arm, [and he's a] big guy. I've met Drake a couple times, too; he's a good dude. But just as a player, he presents a lot of problems for a defense. I can't remember the last time we went against a very mobile quarterback like Drake, so it'll be big for us just to have good rush lanes. But, he can hurt you just as much with his legs as he can with his arm. So big props to him. I know he's in the MVP conversation and everything – all deservedly so. He's had a great year. It's only his second year, right? He's probably going to be a problem in the league for a long time, so I'm excited to go up against him and this team on Sunday."
On how much discussion the team has had on finishing strong at home: "I think our home record is not what we want it to be. I don't think it's as much as focusing on finishing strong at home as it is just finishing strong for the whole year. Obviously, we have some pretty important games coming up, starting with this one. So home, away, neutral, wherever it may be – in the parking lot – we have to lock in and do we need to do so we can get into the dance."
On if coming off of a shutout victory can help them build some momentum and confidence: "Yes, for sure. I think it's a confidence builder, definitely. And again, against Cincinnati, who kind of has had our number since I've been here. I can't remember a performance where we left the Cincinnati game feeling good about ourselves since I've been here, really. So, I think that was a big confidence boost for us as a defense [in] just knowing what we're capable of and still watching that film and understanding where we could be better at is a big thing for us. So, the scoreboard saying zero points is obviously what we love at the end of the day, but there's still a lot of stuff we get better at through these last few games into the playoffs."
On the Patriots' running game: "I think they don't shy away from it. It seems just from watching the film, you can see their mentality is just [they're] going to do it until you stop it. And they have two great backs, and obviously the quarterback is an extension of that run game. But yes, it's kind of a very complementary type of backfield that they have. It kind of reminds me of Detroit a little bit, just what they have going on there. [Rhamondre] Stevenson and [TreVeyon] Henderson, they both can gash you for big runs and also run downhill and get out of the backfield, so it presents a lot of problems. They go into fullback sets, kind of old-school, I-formation football and kind of just challenge you to man up and play the run. So, we're definitely going to get that challenge this Sunday, and I'm excited to see it and go up against it."
On if it was special to have Ravens Hall of Fame S Ed Reed in the building last week: "Yes. Not even just because I'm a safety, that's an added point, but any of those guys who are on the walls in these buildings that we walk past every day, it's good to know that they're not just names and faces. They actually come in and have conversations with us and kind of keep it real with us. Like, 'Hey, this would not have flown when we were on the team,' or 'Here's awesome stuff that you guys do well.' It's not just they come in and bash us like they're Boomers or something, but they give us pieces of advice and stuff that we can hold onto throughout the game, throughout the practice week and stuff like that."
On what he's seen from ILB Trenton Simpson in the second half of the season and on what gives him confidence in Simpson playing well and contributing down the stretch: "I sound like a broken record saying this, but we have guys who are our best kept secrets, honestly, on this defense, who are super talented, but just with the way things shake out, they don't get a ton of snaps at whatever position. But, obviously, it sucks for Teddye [Buchanan]. He's having a great rookie year. It sucks to see somebody go down like that, but he's got a bright future ahead of him. I'm sure he'll do great with rehab, but Trenton [Simpson] steps in, and it's almost like it was a seamless change. It's not like he came in, and [the Bengals] started gashing us in the run and stuff like that. He actually made a lot of stops in that game, and we're going to be relying on him going down the stretch. So, I'm excited for him. He's in Year Three now; he's grown up a lot. I'm super excited to just [see him] put his talent on display because I think he is honestly one of the more talented people on this team and on this defense."
On if QB Drake Maye not having a go-to guy in their offense makes preparation more difficult: "I don't think you meant this in your question, but I don't think it's like a lack of having a [go-to] guy. I think it's kind of a surplus of having the guys that they have, with [Stefon] Diggs and a bunch of different guys on that offense, that can catch the ball and are dangerous in the pass game. And it's up to us to win our one-on-ones. That's what it comes down to in this league is winning one-on-ones. And it's different playing teams who have a for sure No. 1 [receiver] that's getting 15 targets a game, and you can game-plan for that, but you have to be ready every snap, no matter who you're covering. So, it's a challenge for sure. But I think we have guys in the secondary and guys up front [who can] get after Drake [Maye] and try to rush him up a little bit so we can make plays on the back end."
RB DERRICK HENRY
On if the magnitude of these last three games have gotten bigger for the team: "I think it's just like last week – we have to win every single game. It's like we're in the playoffs right now. Every single game matters, and you have to win every single one of them."
On how the mindset changes for these types of games: "I think it's a grown-man business. We know what's at stake. We know what we have to do, so you have to go out there and win."
On what makes New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel successful: "I just think it's just a testament of his coaching, the coaching staff and having his team prepared. He's a great coach. He does a great job, and they've been doing a great job this year, and that's why they're in the conversation and the running for the top seed in the AFC. So, he's a great coach and does a great job."
On how a shutout win against the Bengals helps the team's confidence: "I guess good, and they didn't score. We won the game against a divisional opponent and on to the next one."
On what he took away from the rush offense's performance in Cincinnati: "We executed well, got the running game going, and we have to continue to do it in this upcoming game. But, preparation is key and let it translate to the game."
On if he looks at the team as a "run-first offense": "What did the head coach say?" (Reporter: "Run-first offense") "Then that's what it is."
QB LAMAR JACKSON
On his mindset with three weeks left in the season and the playoffs looming: "I have to worry about the Patriots. I can't think ahead. I have to focus on these guys, because it's an explosive defense, explosive offense, so we have to lock in."
On how the Patriots defense can stress a quarterback: "Their defensive line is phenomenal – linebackers, secondary – just all phases. Like I said, that defense is explosive. They like to get after the quarterback, so we have to just be on point and execute everything."
On the importance of attending the community events he attended over the last few weeks: "I was in chapel last Tuesday, and then [team chaplain] Johnny Shelton had told us about this event. I'm like, 'Yes, I want to do that,' but I didn't sign up for it. I just pretty much just went out there and did that. I felt like it was cool to do. I didn't do it for [any] special reason.[I'm] just trying to do something for the community and do something Christlike – Jesus Christ."
On how he's feeling after not practicing with an illness yesterday: "I'm good. I'm good, yes."
On if it's been frustrating dealing with different injuries and illnesses this season: "[It was] another rest day. That's all."
On if he's still watching film on his tablet when he's sick: "If I'm sick, I'm sick. I'm not doing [anything]. I'm trying to get better."
On how the running game is coming along: "I felt like I just ran when it was necessary [to] just keep positive yards [and] get first downs here and there, but I'm not going to try to push anything. [I'll] just try to do what I could."
On if defenses are treating him different because he hasn't run as much this season: "No, because Cincinnati was still doing what they [were] doing the first time, on Thanksgiving, when we played them. They did the same thing, similar things, but I feel like I'm just getting better."
On the importance of the offense starting faster and why the team hasn't been able to start fast: "Inconsistency, basically. I can't call it, but I felt like this past game, we did a lot better, but [the Bengals offense] just had a long drive, so we couldn't get on the field. They were converting and stuff like that, but our defense played lights out. I can't call it why we start off slow and why sometimes we start off fast. Hopefully, this game, we start off fast and finish faster."
On connected with WR Zay Flowers for a touchdown last week: "It's awesome, but I would like to connect with all my guys, because we have so much potential at the tight end area. We have 'D-Hop' [DeAndre Hopkins]. We have 'Bate' [Rashod Bateman]. We have 'Tez' [Devontez Walker]. We have young guys [like LaJohntay Wester]. We have these guys, these guys are good. The guys are already great, but with our offense, it can be even better. I'm just trying to get a great connection with everybody, but Zay [Flowers], he's been working hard each and every game. He's working hard in practice. It was just that timing."
On the key to being more efficient and getting touchdowns in the red zone: "Just calm down. We've been here. I feel like we execute a lot in practice. We just have to push the envelope in the game, because we have opportunities; we just don't take advantage."
On if there is a sense of urgency to win the last home game and protect their turf: "I can't say we really look at it like it's the last home game. We feel like each and every game, we have to win, so I don't look at it like [being more important] just because we're home. No matter where we're at, [we have to win], but this game is special, because you just said it; it's the last home game. I didn't even think about that, so we just have to lock in [and] protect our territory."
On being dangerous and using his legs in the red zone: "If the opportunity presents itself, just take advantage."
On if the Patriots' game is a playoff game in his mind: "Every game is like that. For the situation we're in, we have playoff hopes, but we just have to win this game and win out, basically, so we have to worry about the Patriots. I'm not going to say it's a playoff game, because I feel like every game is a playoff game. We're trying to win."
On scoring on six of the last eight opening possessions of the third quarter and why they've had more success with second-half adjustments: "I don't know. I'm going to start saying, 'I don't know.' I know, but I don't want to give it away. How about that?" (laughter)
On if it's as simple as adjustments: "Yes, adjustments. Yes."
On if he'd like to get WR DeAndre Hopkins more involved: "Yes, absolutely. [We] definitely want to get 'D-Hop' [DeAndre Hopkins] involved. His catch radius is crazy. I always say this; his catch radius is crazy. [He's a] great contested catcher. We just have to get him more opportunities."
