HEAD COACH JOHN HARBAUGH
Opening Statement: "OK, it's good to see everybody. I appreciate you being here. [We had a] good practice [and] a good day. We are working hard to try to be ready to be at our best on Sunday. [We have a] big challenge in front of us, obviously, [as we will be] playing the Pittsburgh Steelers in a game for first place [in the AFC North]. We've both been in this situation before, but this is our time, and this is their time, and we're looking forward to it. What questions do you have?"
When the players come in and you're addressing them in the team meeting, do you even have to talk about the magnitude of this game? (Jamison Hensley) "No, no. It's business really, right now. We're just trying to focus on the job at hand and trying to do the preparation the right way and be prepared to play the game the best way we can. There's a lot of work that goes into it, a lot of study and a lot of physical work on the field, too, so we're just trying to get everything right and get focused on the things that are going to make a difference in the game."
What are you seeing out of the Steelers? Do you see some of the same issues from them that maybe you guys have been going through this year? You have the same record, obviously. (Jerry Coleman) "I see a Steelers team that's very physical. I just see a Steelers team. [They are] a well-coached team [and] very physical on both sides of the ball. I think they make a point – they always have – to play that kind of football, and they're doing it on both sides of the football. [They have] a very downhill, aggressive run game, but they attack you from sideline to sideline. They have a lot of really good runners – guys that they can toss it to, hand it to, throw it to, screen it to – any kind of different way you want – check it down to. They get them the ball, and then they can catch it and they can run and make yards, that's what they do. So, all those things are at a premium, in terms of defending those types of plays. A quarterback [in Aaron Rodgers] that knows exactly what he's doing and where he wants to go with the ball. [They have] a big, physical offensive line. [They] just [have] a typical Steelers mentality. And they have a reputation and an identity that they've had for many years. [You can] say the same thing about their defense – [they have a] big, physical front, fast and active linebackers, downhill-playing safeties and sticky coverage guys that are very aggressive, handsy and active, both in press and when they play off, so kind of what you would expect to see."
QB Lamar Jackson had missed the first day of practice the past couple weeks. Is it significant to get him back out there for the first day this week, and did the extra couple days off after Thanksgiving day help with what he's going through? (Josh Tolentino) "I'm not sure exactly the level of help, probably. [But] yes, it's always good to get a couple days rest – probably for everybody. So, that's a positive, in that sense. [The mini bye] wasn't very enjoyable for us. It would've been better if we'd won the [Thanksgiving night] game, so [we're] dealing with that. But yes, it's good to have [Lamar Jackson] out there doing what he did today. It's a plus."
We saw that OLB Tavius Robinson and S Ar'Darius Washington returned to practice. Ar'Darius Washington has been out a long, long time, but is there a chance that Tavius Robinson can play this week? (Bo Smolka) "[There is] not a chance that Tavius [Robinson] could play this week, probably not, I would say. I think we'd be allowed to do it, but I'm not planning on doing that right now. There is a chance Ar'Darius [Washington] could play, actually, this week. So again, I wouldn't say it's a probability, but I'd say it's a possibility."
What do you see in RB Jonathan Ward and adding a guy like that to the backfield? (David Andrade) "I'll tell you, [Jonathan Ward] had a nice practice today. He did a really good job. He was doing the look team, obviously, and the Steelers have two excellent backs who are elusive and tough to tackle [and] hard-running guys, and he did that. I thought he did a nice job. [He] looked good."
I don't want to misquote you, I kind of heard a part of that. You said earlier that OLB Tavius Robinson won't play this week, and there might be a chance for S Ar'Darius Washington to play? (Jeff Zrebiec) "That's right."
You guys have had a lot of success with your safeties, certainly since you got S Alohi Gilman. Does that make it sort of an interesting puzzle to figure out how you would get S Ar'Darius Washington back in? (Childs Walker) "Well, [Ar'Darius Robinson] can play nickel, too; he gives you versatility. That's probably why you'd really be interested in doing it. I'd take 'T-Rob' [Tavius Robinson] back in a second, too. He just is a little more – he didn't practice as much today, [and] Ar'Darius] went through the whole practice, so that was good."
As you're looking to try to get the offense back on track, do you feel like the lack of QB Lamar Jackson running – his rushing production – it obviously isn't there compared to years past for him. Do you feel like that's an element that's missing from you guys as an offense? (Cordell Woodland) "The focus really is on the next game, so that's what I'm looking at, is the next game. So, I think there's a possibility that [Lamar Jackson] runs the next game and makes a bunch of plays that way. We look forward to the next game. You look at the past from the standpoint of what you can build on and improve on, where you go, but no two games are the same. You can't live in the last game or the game before that. You can go back and look at it at some point in time and say, 'Well, this is how we encapsulate it, but we don't have time for that. Our time is to get the gameplan organized for the next game. It's a different opponent, it's a different set of circumstances with our own guys. It's a different set of circumstances with each guy that you're talking about. In this case you're asking about Lamar, it's different this week than it was last week for him. So, everything changes, and you just try to put it together for the next game and do the best you can to have the best plan you can, and then teach it, drill it, practice it and get it all oiled up so you can go out there and compete as best you can."
To that, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin already said, I think yesterday, that they're going to be locked in on trying to stop the run game, obviously led by RB Derrick Henry. You guys have faced loaded boxes all year. How do you go about still towing what you want to do, knowing that that's what they want to stop? (Cordell Woodland) "That's what the game is for. Of course [the Steelers] are going to do everything they can to play the best defense they can, just like our defense will against them. And then how are they going to go about attacking our defense? We're going to go about attacking their defense the best way we can. And really, at the end of the day, it's going to be execution. It's going to be operation, execution and playmaking, all the things that it always boils down to."
How do you think Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers not being able to take under-center snaps maybe affects your guys' job defensively? (Jonas Shaffer) "Well, we'll see. We don't know that [Aaron Rodgers] is not going to be able to do that, so we'll have to prepare for his ability to do that. He didn't do it in the last game with the hand issue, but you just don't know. So, we'll have to just organize our defense accordingly. [There are] certain plays they can run, whether they're under center or not. It changes the dynamic a little bit with the play-action stuff and the boots and things like that. But they still can run play-actions and boots if they're not under center, but we wouldn't say – we wouldn't discount the fact that he could very easily show up under center, too. So, we have to be ready for that as well."
This is 39th or 40th time you've been in this rivalry with the Steelers. How would you describe this rivalry over the years? (Jamison Hensley) "It's a great rivalry. It's great to be a part of it. It's an honor to coach in it. It has been an honor to coach in it all these times. We respect the [Steelers] organization very much, and the coaches; [head] Coach [Mike] Tomlin, the team and everybody. You know you're going up against a very worthy opponent. We understand that, and that's why it's such a great thing to be a part of. I'm sure someday we'll have a lot more time to reminisce about it than we do right now. So, that's really about all I can say about it at this point, because what it's going to be like on Sunday is going to depend on how well we play. If we play really well, then it's going to be great, and if we don't, it's not going to be so great. And that's kind of what I'm thinking about."
Is there ever an element about this matchup that can't be prepared for as far as your preparations? Just the fact, I know you've played the Steelers twice a year for the whole time you've been here. You know each other. Players change, coaches change, schemes change, but yet, this game seems always close and kind of crap shoot no matter how the team is playing. Why is that? (Morgan Adsit) "Well, there have been some blowouts. We've been on the good end of a couple, as I recall. It's been a while," (laughter) "It's been a long time. But I don't know about the closeness to the game or really – but there's a lot of things that change within the game that may not meet the eye. There's a lot of schematic dynamics that change from game to game. Usually something shows up that you really haven't seen before. It seems like in this game, a lot of scheme shows up that we've never seen before. Maybe they would say the same thing; I'm not sure. I think that's always an interesting part of it. Even with all the games that have been played, you'll still see new things. Then, like you said, the other stuff is the different players and coaches that are involved."
I know you were asked about G/T Emery Jones Jr. on Monday. Does his experience at right tackle make that transition to left guard any more difficult? (Jonas Shaffer) "I don't know. It's a good question. It's a question I've asked as well, but [Emery Jones Jr.] has been working at left guard, and he seems comfortable there. He says he is really comfortable there, and he's not so comfortable maybe going to right guard right now. So, that's kind of the deal. I think long-term, that'll be a conversation, probably, after [the season is over], but for right now, we're going to focus at left guard. The right guard thing would be more of an emergency-type situation."
WR RASHOD BATEMAN
On how the offense can get going and get the rhythm back that they had earlier in the season: "We just have to execute our plays. We just have to do whatever we have to do to be successful. There are a lot of errors that we have to clean up, but I feel like, just all around football, we have to play better as an offense."
On if he feels that the offense is a little bit out of sync: "Yes, I would say that we are. I feel like we have been all year. We've had our good days, [and] we've had our bad days, but we know what we can do, and we all know what we're capable of, so to go out there and not do what we can do doesn't feel good. We're just trying to clean it up, go out there and put up the points that we know we can."
On if it's been more difficult to overcome the offensive struggles further into the season: "It's a situation [where] it could happen at any time, so we just have to go to work and not give up on it. We have to keep believing and keep trusting that it's going to break through whenever it is going to. We have the guys to do it; we just have to go do it."
On the mindset of playing the Steelers and knowing they can still win the division: "It's just another game, and we'll just do what we need to do to get where we want at the end of the day."
On how important a successful run game is to the offense to help the pass game: "It's important. There are a lot of things that we can do better, but I don't know. We have to play better all around, for sure. Yes, we have to play better all around."
On how his previous experiences overcoming injury struggles have helped him this season: "I just control what I can control at the end of the day. Whatever [happens], people make the decisions that they want to make or assumptions, but I've had to develop a callous being here, dealing with injury and whatnot. As far as [for] me, I just have to stay ready when my number is called, be ready when my number is called. That's my role, so I'll just continue to thrive in that."
On how WR Devontez Walker has responded since Thursday's game: "It's normal. As a receiver, we all had [Devontez Walker's] back as a team. He's not the reason we lost. There are a lot of reasons why we lost the game. We know 'Tez' can make those plays, and we know that, so every receiver has these days. He just had one [of those days]."
CB MARLON HUMPHREY
On if this game against the Steelers feels any different than the previous games he's played against Pittsburgh: "Honestly, no. But when I look at it, it is a little different. I don't know, it's weird. I am not on social media, so maybe I'm on ESPN a little bit too much, and I guess the AFC North is the 'mid' [division], so I feel like that's not normal. But it is two teams that kind of literally can control their own narrative, as far as this game goes. But I think it's a great opportunity. We want Ravens versus Steelers rivalries with just how they've competed over the years. I think there's no better stage than two teams that are just trying to get right, so I think it'll be a great game."
On the mindset of being 6-6 while also knowing that they have the chance to control their own destiny: I think when Roquan [Smith] was speaking, the thing that clicked in my head that I started thinking about is that talk is cheap, man. How you play speaks way louder than words. Every game you play in the NFL is very meaningful. If you can't get up for this one, I think that shows something about your character, that shows something about your will. And honestly, I think that just shows if you are a Raven or if you're not a Raven. I think how we come out of this game and how we prepared this week kind of echoes, not only for this game, but for the rest of the season, because we're basically in playoff football right now. They say that there's no must-win game, but this is definitely a must-win game."
On if he feels like everything is still in front of them as far as how they can achieve and reach their potential as a team: "I would say so. I was talking with somebody, and I feel like we haven't really played great, right-above-good football [with] all three units throughout this entire season. I feel like the offense has played good at times, and the defense has played badly, and the defense played good, [and the offense didn't]. But I feel like not all three levels have played great, great, great. So, I feel like we're still coming together as a team, but we just hope that now is the time we start clicking and can start getting less of the bad stuff on film and more of the good stuff, and we can get that momentum and start rolling."
On if this game feels different because both teams are fighting for first place in the division: Honestly, Coach [Zach] Orr was showing us some tape and some clips in meetings today, and I know it's only Wednesday, but it did get me excited. Just this rivalry, what it means to people – it's the closest thing to college and high school, those types of rivalries. So, to me, this means a lot to me being in this rivalry. It's the only rivalry in the NFL that I've been a part of in being on the same team, so for the guys that don't know, I think Coach Orr is doing a really good job of showing clips and showing the history of the game, game-defining plays, pictures that you see all throughout the building, different things. So, this is the game, and this is the week, but we just have to get it done."
On S Ar'Darius Washington returning to practice this week: "It was good, man. It's a testament to [Ar'Darius Washington]'s hard work and his rehab process. He got back really quickly. I know that's a playmaker that ... I'm not sure how he feels, what all that and the ins and outs, but it was really encouraging to see him back and doing what he loves to do."
On his evaluation of the final five games of the season: "Like I kind of said, it's going to be key. We have not played great, complementary football really all year, and it is time. We worked really hard to get where we are. Do we like our record? No. But, do we have everything in front of us? Yes. So, I think it's time to show it. We've talked all throughout the year. I've made bad plays; everyone has made bad plays; everyone's made some good plays. But now it's time come together, have your brother's back, make sure your brother knows what he's doing so we can go out here, be on the same page and execute. I think we're too good of a team on paper – I know that's been said and everything – but now it's time to be a good team on Sunday, Monday – whatever day we're playing – at one o'clock."
ILB ROQUAN SMITH
On what his anticipation level is for the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers this Sunday: "Yes, [I am] very excited about the game. I know that it's going to be a very physical game, and I embrace the physicality. So, [I am] very excited about that, and I know we are as well. It's going to be a great matchup, and [I am] excited about it."
On if physicality is what defines the rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers: "Yes, I think this rivalry [started] well before I was born because – shoot, the Ravens were [first here in] '96? So, yes, it's been going on for a while. I remember watching it growing up as a kid, even though in Georgia you would see the Ravens versus the Steelers, whether that was in the playoffs, or whether that was in the regular season, it's always been one of those matchups that you just know is going to always be a tough, physical game. It is always going to be chippy. So, you look forward to those matchups, and I'm just excited about the opportunity, excited to be playing here and excited about the matchup with these guys."
On how much of a boost it is to have S Ar'Darius Washington back on the field and possibly for the game: "Yes, absolutely. I have a great deal of respect for 'A.D.' [Ar'Darius Washington] – the way he works day in and day out, who he is as a person. So, if he is playing, [I am] excited for him, if not, I'm sure he will be one day whenever his time is. So, just focusing more on the things that I can control, and that's just how I go out, how I play, how I lead and how I command a defense. So, that's my main focus, and whoever's out there, that's up to the coaches."
On what his reaction was to QB Aaron Rodgers signing to the Pittsburgh Steelers and what his thoughts are to go against the team: "I have a great deal of respect for the guy [Aaron Rodgers]. You don't play – what, 20-plus years in this league if you're not one of the most talented people that's played the game. So, I have a great deal of respect for him, but at the end of the day, it's more so about us and what we do. So, we just have to go out and impose our will and play our brand of football. That's what it's just going to come down to, and I have a great deal of respect, but it's not about that."
On if the players discuss the importance of the last five weeks of the season or if they are just focused on Sunday's game: "Yes, it would be crazy for me to say if you don't look forward at all, but honestly, it's more so about the moment that we have right now. That was a question I posed to the guys [like], 'What are you willing to do for the game?' And I think that's what it just boils down to. I think this is a perfect week for that – just, 'Hey, we obviously get to play the game we love. Football is the reason we're all here, and obviously, out there on the field as well, and just the type of connections and the things that football has brought us all into our lives.' So, it's just about being prepared, giving everything you got and knowing that, 'Hey, if someone told you that you control your own destiny in life or just in anything, what would you give up?' And I'm sure a lot of people would say, 'Heck yes, sign me up for that.' We're in that position right now, so it's more so about what you're going to do with it, and it's not about talking about it. It's about more so showing with your actions, so that's what it is. At the end of the day, it starts with this game right here, and [we have to] forget everything from the past. It's more so about this week, and this week it's the Pittsburgh Steelers. Obviously, we're tied right now, so it's a big matchup, but at the end of the day, it's still the game of football. We just have to go out and play our brand of football. And if we do that, we'll like our chances."
On what prompted him to give that message to the team: "Honestly, I was just sitting down, and I was just thinking. It just popped up in my head. I ask myself questions sometimes, and I'm like, 'What am I willing to give up?' Sometimes, I'm like, 'What am I willing to give up?' And I think that's different for each and every person, because it's like we're all unique in our own way. The chance of you being you is pretty crazy when you look at the numbers behind it. So, I think it was just something that was going through my head, and I was like, with something going through my head, I should maybe ask the guys. I thought it went over very well, and it is something that we tend to lose sight of just because, 'Hey, we get to play this awesome game, this kid's game for a King's ransom. We get to just go see the world, do crazy things and meet amazing people, and it's all because of this game of football.' That's why all of you guys are here, too. And it's like, without football, none of this would be possible. When you really think about that, so how are you willing, in a sense, to pay the game back or just show your appreciation for the game? And I think that goes from the coaching staff to the players to everyone – everybody in this building. So, you just want to think about it like that. And it's just like, 'Hey' ... and knowing that you're not going to get it back. It's about just taking advantage of the time that we have doing this, because we're going to look back one day and be like, 'I remember that story I wrote on this,' when you're not writing stories anymore, or 'I remember this play I made,' when I'm not playing anymore. So, when you think things like that and just show your appreciation. It's not about words, it's more so about showing it with your actions. So, I think that's just what it is, and I thought it went over really well with the guys."
On when he gave his speech about what the team is willing to give up to win: "That was this week."
On what the reaction was from the guys after his speech about what the team is willing to give up to win: "Well, it is more about just taking it all in. You don't need a reaction. It was more so I don't need reactions; I don't need words or anything like that. It's about showing it, and you show that when you play the game of football throughout the week in practice as well as in the game on Sunday. So, I think it boils down to that. It's not about just looking for a 'Hoorah!' or anything like that. It is more of the truth, and you show me how you play the game. I think that's plain and simple."
On if being 6-6 and in first place in the AFC North is surprising after having high expectations in the preseason: "I think you never would have envisioned 6-6 at this point with the expectations. But at the end of the day, expectations are expectations, and they don't mean anything. So, it's more so about what you go out and do. I think that's the biggest thing. But at the end of the day, if you told me, Week 14, at the beginning of the season, you'll be tied for first place, [and] you [will] control your own destiny, I'm signing myself up for that every day of the week and twice on Sunday. I'm sure each and every guy can attest to that in the locker room. I think that's what it's more so about. Forget everything that's happened, because the only thing that matters right now is the moment – the moment that we're in and the moment that we have. And that's what it is this week versus Pittsburgh at M&T Bank [Stadium] at whatever time it is – that's what matters."
On how important it will be to slow down Pittsburgh's run game: "I have a lot of respect for No. 30 [Jaylen Warren] and No. 14 [Kenneth Gainwell] as well, but at the end of the day, we're physical as well. That's what we pride ourselves on. So, it's about physical meets physical and who's more physical? That's what it boils down to, and that's what it's going to be at M&T Bank Stadium. So, if you love physicality, tune in. If you don't, don't tune in, and I'm all about it. So, I'll make sure I'm ready, and I know I will be."
On what OLB Dre'Mont Jones has brought to this defense: "I have a great deal of respect for 'Dre' [Dre'Mont Jones], with how he came in, how he's adapted to the style here. He's been a physical player pretty much his whole career. [He's] a big end for sure, and just the way the guy worked. He doesn't say much, just comes in, puts his head down and is just eager to get better, day in and day out. So, I'm just excited for more opportunities to go out to war with him and for him to be here and help us continue to win."
On what S Kyle Hamilton is like during the game compared to how he is off the field: "[Kyle Hamilton] is a dork!" (laughter) "No, I'm kidding. He's a really good dude. [He's] very, very intelligent. And, yes, being able to just line up with that guy when he's close to the box – it takes a lot of pressure off everybody down there, like D-linemen, linebackers and everyone. Because he's just as big as a linebacker, just as physical as a D-lineman, linebacker. So, he has all the intangibles and is very smart as well. So, he sees a lot of different things coming, and obviously, he's a mismatch for receivers and most tight ends, as well, that are trying to block him. So, yes, I have a great deal of respect for him, the way he works, who he is as a person, great family. So, I'm just grateful to be able to play with the guy, and I just know he's just going to continue to keep climbing the ladder and continue to keep getting better."
S MALAKI STARKS
On S Kyle Hamilton: "That's who I wanted to play with. That's who I wanted to learn from. I think they asked me pre-draft who I thought the best safety in the league was, and [Kyle Hamilton] was the first person [I said]. So just be able to learn from him and his process and how he goes about things, I'm super grateful.
On playing in his first Ravens versus Steelers game: "Yes, I'm excited. It's a really big game. It means a lot to the organization and the people in the building, so I'm very excited."
On if he watched this rivalry growing up as a football fan: "Yes, I watched it. I wasn't sitting at the couch every time, but I've seen it from time to time, so I understand from the energy that I have around the guys in the building what it means and what needs to be done. So, I'm super excited to go out there and just compete."
On if people have told him that you're not a real Raven until you beat the Steelers: "I've heard it from a lot of people. It has kind of been just thrown out there, and that just goes back to the history and how important the game is. So, I'm just excited."
On if he puts anything more on this game knowing what is at stake: "I don't think you approach it that way. I think you look at every week the same. Every week is a must-win, technically. You want to go 1-0 every week, and you want to go out there and be your best and accomplish the things you want to accomplish, and I think [for] us going forward, [it's about] just realizing that every week is 1-0, every week is 1-0. It is a week-to-week league, and I think that'll be huge for us."
