SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR CHRIS HORTON
Opening Statement: "It's good to see everyone today. I hope you guys are all doing well. First, I'd like to start by just congratulating all those guys that made the Pro Bowl team, especially Jordan Stout. He's having an unbelievable season. [This is] well-deserved. I think Jordan will stand up here and tell you – he'll credit, probably, his punt team, the protection, he'll credit the gunners for making sure that his net is where it is. Again, the first three years for him, he was out there, he was going, and he's just been trusting his process. [Senior special teams coach] Randy [Brown] has done a great job with him. And [with] him just going through it, everyone has played a part in Jordan's success – just [him] being able to stay healthy through the season; the trainers taking care of his body in the weight room, it's been outstanding. So, I am pretty fired up for him. [As] for us, we're just getting ready to go play another football game and try to play our best football. Again, our guys are playing at a consistent level; they're playing hard; they're playing physical; they're executing, but we want more because we want to try to create more explosive plays. Questions?"
Was there a moment with P Jordan Stout back in the summer where you could see this would be a big year for him? (Josh Tolentino) "I wouldn't say there was a specific moment. I think with Jordan [Stout], he just came in –every year – he came in, he worked, and he just tried to find something to get better at every year. And I think this year, it has really just clicked for him. And everything that he's doing with [senior special teams coach] Randy [Brown] on the side and just talking about drops and trying different things, these things are paying off for him. And again, it's a part of growth. Those earlier years, he's a young guy, and you get better through experience, and he's played three full years. And so, with that experience, it's starting to translate, and it's carrying over. And our guys are doing a great job around him. The surrounding crew is doing an unbelievable job of making sure that they're all playing at a high level."
With the field goal attempt that fell short for K Tyler Loop last week, was that just – the accuracy seemed like it was there, it was just a matter of distance. What was your perspective after watching the film? (Jerry Coleman) "I don't think it was a matter of distance. I just think Tyler [Loop] got out of rhythm. You know how kickers are – it's a rhythm. And when he got out of rhythm, he just kind of got underneath the ball, miss-hit it and spun it a little bit too much. I don't think distance is a question. I think it's more just his rhythm and going through the same process every time."
He's made kicks longer than that before. (Jerry Coleman) "For sure, yes."
What about with the weather? Is there any type of weather situation? It's Green Bay. (Jerry Coleman) "I haven't talked to [senior special teams assistant] Randy [Brown] about that yet, but we'll be prepared for it. We'll go out and we'll do what we do. Obviously, in the kicking game – I've talked about this before – there's a process. Just play the ball where you're supposed to play the ball and just hit your best ball. And in the return game, if there is some weather, we just have to continue to make great decisions. And I think LaJohntay [Wester] has done a great job of that."
I think we saw WR LaJohntay Wester as the first kick returner on Sunday night, and you went back to normal. What was the reason there? (Jonas Shaffer) "I think it's just part of our gameplan. We're rotating those guys. All those guys have a skillset, and they belong back there. So, for us, it's just about, what do we want to open up with? And that's just part of what we did. And then when we didn't get a ball, we went back to something else and then we didn't get a ball. And then we waited till we got a ball, and then we kind of went back to our other guy. So, it was just kind of just playing a little game back there, but all those guys are capable of doing what we ask them to do."
Along those lines, I don't know the kind of phrase for it, but the play where you kind of did like a single-high where you guys did it with one returner as opposed to splitting the field. Is that just kind of your response to how New England handled kickoffs previously? And what was your expectation of that working in game? (Jonas Shaffer) "I think it's more of just kind of how we want to handle our edges. I think Pat [Ricard] back there is an asset in the old system. Having him back there, he did a great job. He's a good lead blocker, but it ultimately will play out kind of what we see from the kickers as well."
WR Devontez Walker was involved in the special teams turnover. Just what have you seen from 'Tez' Walker as he's evolved in special teams? (Carita Parks) "'Tez' [Devontez Walker] has done a great job. Just from last year, I think about where he was and how he was trying to establish himself, get himself on the field. He's always had the speed, and that's one of the things we look for, but then he started to show the physicality that we wanted him to play with. And he fills a very good role for a place where we need those guys. We talk about Jordan [Stout] and the success that he's having. Part of that is [assistant special teams coach Anthony] Levine [Sr.] just coming back and doing such an unbelievable job with those gunners on the outside, just making sure that it's speed – that they're winning with speed – and Tez has that. He's able to make tackles, and he's a smart football player. He blocks on kickoff return, he covers kicks, he forced a fumble, and he ends up in the right spot right on that fake punt. And [he's] a guy that's paying attention to the details, and he just wants to be good."
What was it like when P Jordan Stout found out he made the Pro Bowl? (Carita Parks) "We found out in our team meeting, so [Jordan Stout and I] kind of talked about it, and it was just very – you just congratulate him because you know how hard he's worked to get to this point in his career. And that's the guy that we saw that [senior special teams coach] Randy [Brown] went out and scouted that came from Penn State – that's the guy we drafted to this organization. That's the guy that they've been looking for. And this year, he's putting it all together. And like I said, it was an unbelievable moment for him. He's earned it. He deserves it."
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR TODD MONKEN
With why RB Derrick Henry didn't touch the ball at the end of the game, in real time, can you take us through how a situation like that occurred? (Jerry Coleman) "Well, I think [head] Coach [John Harbaugh] addressed it. I'd rather leave it at that. Coach already addressed it. What I was fired up about, offensively, was we looked like our old selves. We really did. We were better in the red zone. We were much better on third downs. We kept drives going. We ran the ball well. We threw it well. We just, unfortunately, shot ourselves in the foot, which has really been an issue for us. Even the last couple weeks, we've moved it well. Unfortunately, we've had some lost-yardage plays and turnovers that really stopped us, but I was excited about the way we played, other than the turnovers. That's part of it. They kept us from really scoring enough points or giving us a chance at the end."
Yes, fumbles kill you. How do you get better at that? (Jerry Coleman) "Well, we're working the hell out of it, and that's what we're going to continue to do. That's life. I've been up here for three years now, and we're human. We're going to make mistakes; that's what humans do, and then what do you do? You fight like hell to fix it – that's what you do – individually and collectively from the player level to the position-coach level and then to the coordinator level, and we make sure that we fight like hell to eliminate it. That's what you do, because we know. How do you win? You don't turn the ball over, and you create turnovers. You're explosive, and you don't give up explosives. You score touchdowns in the red zone. You don't give up touchdowns. We convert to keep drives alive, eliminate lost-yardage plays, all of those things. When you do that, you're going to be successful on offense. You're going to be highly successful."
With the run game, obviously, there's been some questions about the strategy, but it has been seeming to come together over the past few weeks. What have you liked from what you've seen on film as far as that's concerned? (Carita Parks) "I think our guys are running off the ball. I like our physicality. Obviously, we've had excellent gameplans. I think our [running] backs have run hard. We've gotten Keaton [Mitchell] more involved, and that kind of lends to the point. We've gotten Keaton more involved, and we want to get him more involved. That's part of it. We really haven't had a lot of snaps. What did we have, 38 [snaps] two weeks ago and then 54 [last game]? That's 92 total in two games, but we've run the ball well. We've been able to get Keaton involved. We've gotten Derrick [Henry] involved, and I think that's a good thing for us. It keeps him fresh. Now, when we're running it that well, the wideouts aren't real fired up. They want to touch the ball, and that's a good problem to have when you have really good skill players, running backs, tight ends [and] wideouts that want the ball. We're trying to get 'D-Hop' [DeAndre Hopkins] more involved, and that's a good thing. It just feels like we're headed in the right direction. It really does."
You mentioned WR DeAndre Hopkins, and you were able to get him more involved. Was that intentional in the gameplan, or is that just how it unfolded? (Carita Parks) "A little of everything. We've had [DeAndre Hopkins] in the gameplan for a number of weeks. Just sometimes the ball doesn't find him. Sometimes it does. Sometimes coverage dictates that. That's the same with 'Bate' [Rashod Bateman]. We'd love to get 'Bate' more involved. It's nothing he's doing. He's blocking his rear end off. He's all in. I'm so fired up for him – coming back from the ankle [injury] – and I think he played really well. I think we had 12 passes on the [stat] book two weeks ago, and we had 20 this week; that's not a lot of opportunities. It just isn't, and that's a good thing. That means you're running the ball well. You're staying ahead of the chains. That's a good thing, but we certainly have a good number of skill guys and are always trying to get them involved."
Obviously, it's just a one-game sample size for the Green Bay Packers without DE Micah Parsons, but how do you think they're trying to make up for his absence? (Jonas Shaffer) "First of all, [the Packers] have a lot of really good players, and they do a great job defensively. We went against them two years ago when we practiced up there [during the preseason], and you could see that. [They have] tremendous coaches. They play hard. A lot like the team [in the Patriots] we just played, they rallied the football, they play physical at the point of attack, [and] their safeties are aggressive and [run] downhill, so it's going to be a real challenge. Obviously, like any team, whether you lose Lamar Jackson [or] whether you lose [Micah] Parsons, that's a hit; that's a fact, but their two edge guys are still really good players. They're very active inside, do a great job with their blitz patterns and on third down, so it'll be a real challenge for us. But obviously, like any team, when you lose an elite player – a [future] gold jacket player like that – it's going to sting."
How do you think QB Lamar Jackson has handled, mentally at least, the physical nature of the injuries and everything that he's been going through? (Jerry Coleman) "Man, has it been hard on [Lamar Jackson]. I'm just telling you, for a guy that loves to play football and loves to be out there with his teammates, it's been hard. It's been a struggle, because like any player, to be able to shine, you want to feel your best, especially with lower body injuries. When Lamar has the ball in his hands, he's electric, and so I know it's been really difficult for him. It's been difficult trying to get himself back and not feeling like he's playing at the level he's capable of playing at, but I've been pleased with how he's gone about it and gone about his business, and I know he's going to fight to get back out there this week."
If you can say, was QB Lamar Jackson able to practice today? And for QB Tyler Huntley, the experience that he has of having already started for you guys once this year against Chicago, what does that mean for you guys in the possibility of him starting again? (Jonas Shaffer) "First off, we'll see how the week goes. We'll see how the week goes with who's available, all of our players, and we have confidence in whoever takes the field, whether it's Lamar [Jackson], 'Snoop' [Tyler Huntley], whether it's 'Coop' [Cooper Rush] or any of our players. When 'Bate' [Rashod Bateman] wasn't able to go against Cincinnati, you count on the other guys to step up. It's the expectation of the position. That's what we do. [It's] the expectation of next man up. When Andrew [Vorhees] went down at left guard last week, Emery [Jones Jr.] has to go in the game. When you lose players, that's the nature of what we do. Next man up and fight like hell to play at an elite level; that's what you do."
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR ZACH ORR
Now that you had a chance to watch film, what do you see that happened in that fourth quarter that allowed New England to make a comeback? (Carita Parks) "I think it was just [from] an execution standpoint, I think that our guys – we were competing. I think our guys were in the right spot. You have to tip your hat off to New England and the quarterback [Drake Maye]. They made the plays when they had to make them, and they out-executed us on the last couple drives. I think it was a combination of when we covered the guys well, the [pass] rush wasn't getting there in time. When we were hitting them early and quickly and making them get the ball to his hands, he made some good throws, and the receivers made some good catches. So, it just comes down to execution. We just have to find a way to get off the field. As a defense, with the fourth-quarter lead, you dream about those situations and ending the game, and it's unfortunate we weren't able to do that. So, that's something we have to definitely learn from and correct this week."
Obviously, Green Bay Packers QB Jordan Love's status is kind of up in there and QB Malik Willis, too. Can you talk about this short week with preparing for the two and the differences between them? (Cliff Brown) "I think that the benefit that they have is that Malik Willis has been there for a year or two now, and he's actually started games for them. So, if you look at the game when he came in against Chicago last Saturday, the offense didn't change; [they were] still running the football, [using the] play-action pass, still taking their shots down the field. I think the element that Malik adds is a little different than Jordan [Love]'s, [which] is the QB-designed run game. So, Jordan Love, he'll do that in certain situations, but that spikes up when Malik Willis is in at QB. But both of them, and the offense as well, they have talented players all over the field at the receiver position, tight end position and running back position. You could tell that [by] the way they were calling the game, they felt comfortable with them just running with Malik running their offense. So, it won't be a big difference preparation-wise. We'd just have to be ready for more QB-driven plays if Malik starts and plays."
What was the breakdown on the Patriots' late rushing touchdown, and what was the teaching point for the defense? (Josh Tolentino) "It was just all about gap control. We had two guys in the same gap. We should have spiked into the 'A gap' and constrict that space. So, whenever you end up with two guys in one gap, it creates a vertical seam, and those [running] backs were going to find it. We did a pretty good job bottling up the run game for the most part, but that one cost us right there."
How do you feel like LB Trenton Simpson did filling Teddye Buchanan's role? (Josh Tolentino) "I thought [Trenton Simpson] did well. He had a couple plays that he'd want back, but overall, he played a really good game. I was proud to see that. We were proud to see that, because that's what we expected from him. We saw that earlier in the season when he had his opportunity. He played fast. I saw that he ended up forcing the quarterback out of bounds and got a sack. That flip play that they ran early in the game, that's a play that they've scored on a lot, and they've gotten big explosives. He was there to make the TFL. So, he played well. I am very encouraged with his performance, and I know he's looking forward to building on it."
Obviously, you've been around this franchise for so many years as a player and as a coach. What's it like to kind of be in the building, knowing in order to make the playoffs, it will require elements outside help? (Jonas Shaffer) "I think, obviously, we're moving forward now, but after the game it was tough. It was tough just because the expectation, the standard that this organization has and the standard that we set for ourselves, and we know the ultimate goal that we want to reach. To not be in control of that is definitely tough, but the type of the men and women we have in this organization, we understand that we have to move forward, and we still have at least two games to play. We have to control what we can control. The only thing we control is how we prepare and get ready to go play Green Bay on Saturday. We have to go out there and win that game to even have a chance to get to where we want to get to. So, that's what we have to focus on, and I was happy with the guys seeing them and how they came in the meetings and how their energy was in the walk-through today. So, I feel very encouraged about that, and that's not a shock because the type of people we have in the building."
Did you ever get the chance yourself to play in Green Bay? (Jonas Shaffer) "No, I never got a chance to play there [at Green Bay]. I never got a chance to play there. I have been out there twice the year after I got done playing in 2017 – that was a good day for the Ravens, and then I got a chance to go out there last year for the preseason. But Green Bay, Lambeau Field is obviously a historic stadium that if you love football, you know all the rich history that it has, and getting a chance to go out there, man, was really neat. You can just feel the aura when you walk into that stadium. So, I know we'll be fired up to be there, and I know our guys will be excited."
S Ar'Darius Washington did a lot of good things in the game. How was it having him back in the lineup and how is he coming along? (Carita Parks) "It's good to have [Ar'Darius Washington] back in the lineup just because he's a versatile piece that can go in there and go play. 'Chido' [Chidobe Awuzie] was down for us, so he was able to go in and play nickel and was able to kick 'Marlo' [Marlon Humphrey] outside a little bit. I think you were able to see all his abilities, coverage abilities. Then, that play that he made before the half, blitzing off the edge, retracing [and] getting the ball off the quarterback was big for us. So, it's really good to have him back. He's one of us. The guys love him. They love playing with him. He brings the energy out there. I know he had that one play; he was in a good position and kind of slipped out of his break, but we have full confidence that he'll make those plays. I think it's just amazing to see the guy come back earlier than expected from an Achilles injury, and just to have the mindset that he was going to get back and come out and make an impact in just two weeks of playing. He's only going to get better."
When you look at how this defense physically has fallen short in primetime, and I know you played a lot of really good opportunities after the 8:00 era, but you just kind of attribute that to playing good teams or is there anything bigger to the mindset about how you approach these games? (Jonas Shaffer) "No, I think that – I don't want to discredit teams that we're playing at all. We are definitely playing some good teams. Every week is competitive. It's the National Football League, top of the line, and you understand the prime-time games are in prime time for a reason. Most likely the teams that are playing are really good. But honestly, I think that it just comes down to us just executing, and sometimes we've executed, sometimes we haven't. Just really this year, I felt like we've just been maybe a step behind. So, it's something that we continue to chase. We're not making excuses about it. Like I said, tip your hat off to the teams we're playing. Obviously, they found a way to get it done, and that's something that we continue to search for. We've had our opportunities. We just have to make those plays and find ways to put ourselves in better positions to make those plays."
Any reaction to S Kyle Hamilton and ILB Roquan Smith being named to the Pro Bowl yet again? (Carita Parks) "It's great. We congratulated those guys. [Head] Coach [John] Harbaugh did a good job of announcing the Pro Bowl winners, and then we talked about it in our defensive room, just because I know those guys have won that accolade multiple times, but you never want to take it for granted. Any time you get voted by your peers, the fans, the [coaches], as a Pro Bowler, basically an all-star in your profession, that's something that ought to be celebrated and congratulated. It couldn't happen to two better people. The way they approach the game with their preparation, the way they approach the game with their practice habits, the way they take care of themselves in the offseason, and the way they continue to lead and show up, week in and week out. So, we're proud of those guys. We're happy for them. Both of them are well deserving. Both of them are, I think, two of the top players at their position and two of the top defensive players in the league. So I'm glad that they got the accolade."
S KYLE HAMILTON
On what he's seen from the Packers and on how challenging it is to prepare while not knowing their quarterback situation: "They're a very talented team. They've been one of the better organizations in the league and are always good for the most part. [They have] a lot of great skill guys on the outside. Their running backs are good. Their offensive line is physical. With the quarterback thing, they're both super talented. [Jordan Love and Malik Willis] can both throw it, and they're both pretty mobile, so we'll just prepare as we go throughout the week, but we just have to do us first."
On if there's anything special to him about playing at Lambeau in December: "Yes. I've never played there, so it'll be cool. I know it's one of the last few cathedrals of NFL football, but yes, it'll be fun. I don't think it's going to be crazy cold up there, which is a blessing. But yes, it would be cool to kind of check that off the list."
On how they handle this week and getting mentally prepared knowing they don't control their own destiny: "We have to win our game first to give ourselves a chance, and we'll see what happens after that, but we're playing football. We have an opportunity to go out there and win a game, so we have to prepare that way, and we have to go out there and play that way."
On the atmosphere in meetings and practice this week: "Obviously, it's not happy-go-lucky, but we put the loss behind us, and we still have an opportunity. Really, we're fortunate to still have an opportunity at this point. We put ourselves in a pretty tough position. We have to win out and have to get some help, as well, but we have to take advantage of that opportunity and at least give ourselves a chance."
On if his position group did any holiday gift exchanges: "We had a secret Santa. It was pretty underwhelming, honestly, but it's always cool to see what guys bring and see what little pieces and tidbits they might have picked up that you liked throughout the year. We exchanged those gifts last Friday, and it's pretty cool."
On the most impressive gift that was given: "That's the problem. There weren't too many great ones. I think Marlon [Humphrey] might have got a Louis [Vuitton] something for somebody. I got Marlon a bunch of Sun Day Red gear, so hopefully he'll use that in the offseason."
On being named to the Pro Bowl and if it's not something he takes for granted: "Yes, exactly that. It's surreal. I'm just really thankful for the players, coaches and fans that see me in such a light to vote me for the Pro Bowl, and there are a ton of guys deserving it, especially in my position. There's a ton of guys that I voted for that didn't get it that I thought played great football throughout this year. But yes, I'm just thankful to be in the position, and obviously, that's not the end goal, but it's cool to kind of have that accolade. I don't take it lightly. I'm definitely blessed and thankful for the opportunity."
C TYLER LINDERBAUM
On how he found out that he made the Pro Bowl and his reaction: "[I found out] just on social media, like everyone else, probably. Yes, it was good. I guess [it] feels good, but we have a game coming up on Saturday, so I guess I'm not too worried about it."
On how they handle this week now that they are no longer in control of their own destiny: "[We are approaching it] just like any other week. It's a must-win game, and our focus is on Saturday night and nothing else. [We are] trying to get a win."
On how he feels having to rely on another team to make the playoffs: "I'm sure it creeps in. You're hoping that the Browns win, but at the end of the day, it doesn't matter if you don't get the job done on Saturday night [against the Packers]. So, our job is to get as prepared as possible to play a really good team at Lambeau [Field]; it's tough place to play. [We are trying to] leave there with a win."
On if there is anything special for him about playing at Lambeau Field in December: "Yes, it will be a cool experience. Obviously, being close, I grew up a Packers fan, so I grew up kind of watching games in there. But, I won't be a Packers fan Saturday, that's for sure."
On if he ever envisioned himself doing a "Lambeau Leap": "It was always fun to watch, but hopefully we don't see any Lambeau leaps from them on Saturday night. I don't know how old the stadium is, but it's a cool place. It's going to be a fun atmosphere, and I am excited to go out there and compete."
On his favorite Packers players growing up: "Oh, shoot. There's a long list of greats there. I think Jordy Nelson was probably my favorite [or] Donald Driver. There was a lot. Eddie Lacey was [also] fun to watch."
On the run game performance during Sunday night's game: "There was some good and some bad. I don't know what we average per carry, but I think we're putting ourselves in better position on second downs and getting to third-and-shorts, which is a world we want to live in. And that's how it has to be. If we're running the ball, you have to put yourself in good situations; short yardage and stuff like that. So, I think we did a good job."
On the pre-snap penalties the offensive line had on Sunday night and if it was because of the mid-game change at quarterback: "No, I just think there needs to be more focus. [We had a] lack of focus, and obviously, you have to eliminate those, because it can really hurt a team."
On what it means to be the first offensive lineman to earn three straight Pro Bowls since former Ravens G Marshal Yanda: "I didn't know that. That is pretty cool. Obviously, I have a long ways to go to try to chase down Marshal [Yanda]'s accolades. He was a tremendous player – one of a kind. And I just come in here, do my job each and every day, do what I can for the team, and that's my approach. And I'm sure Marshal's was very similar."
