SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR CHRIS HORTON
Opening Statement: "Good to see everyone. Hope you guys are all doing well. For our guys, it's a big week for us [playing against the] Steelers. We're really out here just focusing on us, understanding that we need to just go out there and take care of our business, play the way we play football and just go have some fun on Sunday. The guys are playing well, they're practicing hard, and now we're just ready to go."
It looked like WR LaJohntay Wester may have been a little hesitant to field some of those punts Thursday night. Is that kind of what was being told to him, or do you want him to field some of the ones that he let bounce? How did that play out? (Cordell Woodland) "I think there was only one that [LaJohntay Wester] might've looked to us on the sideline [where] there might've been some uncertainty, but again, I'll say it, whenever he's back there, he has the right to make whatever decision he feels is the most comfortable. I don't think he's uncertain at all to field any ball. This guy has more confidence than some of the veteran guys I've seen back there returning punts. So, on that ball, we had him a little bit deeper, and it ended up being a shorter kick. He didn't run up to it. The ball hit the ground a little bit, and it got a chance to roll on the ground. But he's a confident returner. We have all the confidence in the world in him, and we're just waiting. And I'll say this: Just because there's a punt, that doesn't always mean that that ball needs to be fielded. If it doesn't look good to the returner, then our No. 1 job is to make sure our offense gets that ball back after the play. And the ones that we do field, you guys have seen him, he's had success, so he's going to continue to do that. He's making a great decisions. He's a young player, and he's excited to really get the ball in his hands, and hopefully somebody will punt us one so we can get going."
You don't feel like WR LaJohntay Wester has been more cautious since the fumble in Cleveland? (Jeff Zrebiec) "No, not at all. Not at all. I think [LaJohntay Wester] is doing everything right. He's making the right decisions, and for us, we just tell him, 'Hey, keep doing what you're doing,' because when the right punt happens, we'll get the return."
RB Rasheen Ali has taken on a bigger role in general with RB Justice Hill out. I think it's not really surprising to see the Bengals kick away from RB Keaton Mitchell so much on kickoffs, but what is Rasheen going to bring to the table as returner when teams go out of their way to avoid Keaton getting the ball? (Kyle Goon) "[Rasheen Ali] is a dynamic player. Before Keaton [Mitchell] was back there, 'Sheen' [Rasheen Ali] was back there getting all the reps. And for us, we don't really care which one of those returners get the ball because we know that both guys are very dynamic, and they can make plays in this return scheme. So, if teams want to kick the ball away from Keaton, any opportunity that 'Sheen gets,' he's making the most of them. And we've seen it earlier in the year where he's popped some big returns. We're just waiting for those things to continue to happen, and he'll be fine. We love him overall as a special teams player because he can do so much more than just being a returner. He's really good in coverage. He plays all over the field, and I'm excited to have him back out there."
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR TODD MONKEN
For ball security, what – as coaches – can you do to try to emphasize and try to improve it, especially in a week when you're going against the Steelers? (Jamison Hensley) "Last year we talked about it – [when] getting ready for the Steelers – [you know that] they do a great job of punching at the ball, getting around the football, and it's been a huge part of their success. And when you look over the years – at least since I've been here – not only against the Steelers, [but] when we don't turn it over, we usually put ourselves in a heck of a position to win. And it's obviously heightened after last weekend, in terms of turning the ball over. So, you're working on it diligently in your individual [drills] and with the scout team punching at the ball."
Head coach John Harbaugh was talking about running the ball. Obviously, you guys were in a lot of two-minute offense, but with that being said, when you look back on what happened in this Bengals game, do you feel like you ran the ball enough? And what do you think – going forward – it leans to your plan of running the ball? (Kyle Goon) "Well, we didn't score enough."
How did the snowball effect of the turnovers on Thursday night impact what you guys wanted to do offensively from a playcalling standpoint? (Todd Monken) "Well, it only changes it when the score gets to a certain point. That's really what happened. The turnovers added to that. It stopped us from scoring, and it gave them points. So, that puts you ... In the second quarter, we had one drive – one legitimate drive – and we were using Keaton [Mitchell] in that series. That was Keaton's series. It wasn't that we didn't want Derrick [Henry] to touch the ball – that's silly. But then we got right into two-minute [offense]. And then, once we got into the second half – and we turned it over a couple times, then the last three drives we had were in two-minute. So, that's going to dictate a game just like it is if you're winning, and you're running the ball more. Do I understand that you can't control the game if you can't run it? Of course I do. That's a big part of what you have to do. So again, we'll always be looking to run the ball moving forward."
I think some people are wondering how RB Rasheen Ali ends up with more snaps than RB Derrick Henry and RB Keaton Mitchell. (Jerry Coleman) "The game played out that way. If we're using [Rasheen Ali] in third down situations in two-minute [offense] as a protection back in Justice [Hill]'s role, it certainly has a chance to go that way."
How would you evaluate G/T Emery Jones Jr. In his debut? (Pete Gilbert) "[Emery Jones Jr. was] good; I thought he really competed. The first time for any player – but it was fun to see him out there competing and moving around. He's only going to continue to get better."
We know QB Lamar Jackson has created such a high standard for himself over the years. What have you seen from him these last few games where even by his own admission, he's not playing at the level we're accustomed to seeing. (Luke Jones) "Well, I just give [Lamar Jackson] a lot of credit. He's battling each week, trying to get healthy enough to be able to play every Sunday. That's what I see out of him. I see a guy that's battling little nagging injuries, things that are stopping him from being able to get out there every day and practice. So again, that's what I see – I see a guy battling."
How much do you think the lack of practice time is impacting QB Lamar Jackson on Sunday? (Jerry Coleman) "I don't know that. That's hard to judge. That's hard to judge; a practice – a walk through – those kinds of things, that's hard to judge. I just know we have to coach better and we have to play better, collectively."
I know QB Lamar Jackson wasn't out there at practice today. Do you expect for him to be able to play on Sunday? (Jamison Hensley) "[Lamar Jackson] wasn't out there today, [but] I would expect that Lamar will play on Sunday."
The pre-snap changes to plays were such a big part of the offense when you got here. Do you feel like that has been as good as you'd like it to be, in terms of checking into the right plays at the line? (Cordell Woodland) "I think there's always room for improvement. Everything we do, we're looking for improvement. I think we've come a long way in terms of checking at the line of scrimmage protections and trying to get into a premier play, but there's always room for improvement with how we design it, how we practice and then how we execute on Sunday, which is the most important thing."
On QB Lamar Jackson's second fumble, we asked him post-game why he didn't let go of that ball. He said there was a 'Tampa-2' dropper, and then when you look at the film, it looked like there was a pretty clear throwing lane. Is that worrisome for you, at all, to kind of reconcile what he saw versus what was actually there? (Jonas Shaffer) "Well, I can't speak to what [Lamar Jackson] saw. The players have to play the game. They're the ones that – again – once they get out there ... And Lamar, first off, I'll just say this, I've been around few quarterbacks that see the field like he does. He is elite at seeing the field and finding guys open."
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR ZACH ORR
As an NBA fan, Jayson Tatum was out here today. (Jonas Shaffer) "Yes, I didn't get a chance to talk to [Jayson Tatum]. I had seen a lot of the guys went up and talked to him and welcomed him. He's a remarkable player. I'm definitely an NBA fan. He's one of the best in the league. I wish him good health, but it was neat to see him come out here. He's big like a 'monstar' out there. So, it was good to see one of the best players in the NBA come check out practice."
It was a really interesting split between the two halves in the Bengals game, and obviously, I'm sure fatigue played a part considering what the turnover margin was. Would you take away from that first half the way your defense was able to keep the Bengals out of the end zone and what came apart in the second? (Kyle Goon) "Yes, I think it was a good effort by the guy; just showing [that] no matter what situation you are put in, no matter where they put the ball at, it's our job as a defense to stop them, and [in the] first half we were able to do that. It was great communication, great effort, great execution from the guys, and they were able to stand up strong in the red zone and do a good job on third down. The second half I thought we played well besides the first two drives of the second half, and it was really the two third downs that got us. You have to tip your hat off to them. They made some plays, but we could have been better on our end as coaches and players in those first two drives. We know we're capable of. We're still chasing to really live out and play to our full potential. I feel like we haven't done that yet though. I think the players will tell you that as well. So, we know when we do what we're supposed to do, play after play, that we can really shut people down."
You have so many of your guys back and now you may be adding our S Ar'Darius Washington into the mix. What does that allow you to do, and is it possible to have too many pieces back there to make it all fit? (Pete Gilbert) "No. To answer your second question first, no, it is not impossible to make it happen. We love having a lot of good players, and obviously 'A.D.' [Ar'Darius Washington] is one of our best players, so it's been great to see him back out there on the practice field. I think the thing that's really good about the secondary and how [defensive backs coach] 'Double D' [Donald D'Alesio] and [senior defensive assistant/secondary coach Chuck] Pagano have helped train those guys is – those guys are versatile. So, they can do a lot of different things for us, not just playing nickel safety, corner, dime. So, we're going to get our best 11 [players] on the field, and we're going to figure out a way to do that. We have a lot of guys who go out there and play good football for us. We'll just add him back in the mix."
What did you see from your defense once CB Nate Wiggins left the game, and depending on his status, how are you feeling about your ability to, he's played such a huge role this whole year – how do you feel about your ability to..? (Kyle Goon) "Nate [Wiggins] has been having a remarkable year. Obviously, it was unfortunate when he went down. I thought the guys – obviously when you lose one of your best players, it's an impact – but I thought T.J. [Tampa Jr.] came in and played well. He had a pass breakup in the end zone right before the [end of the first] half. He had the one P.I. where he grabbed a guy where he probably didn't need to, but I think the plays that they scored on didn't really have an impact with that position in particular. So, obviously, we would love to have Nate out there; hopefully he's able to go Sunday for us. He's one of our best players, but we have full confidence [in the other guys]. 'Chido' [Chidobe Awuzie] has been having a heck of a year. When T.J.'s been called upon, he's been playing well. So, we feel confident in a lot of those guys – Keyon Martin has played for us. So, we feel good about our group."
Does not knowing what Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rogers is going to be capable of doing in terms of his hand and all of that, does that complicate preparation at all? (Jeff Zrebiec) "Ns, we are expecting the best. [Aaron Rodgers] is still very effective. He's been doing this a long time. He's been doing it as long as some of these guys have been born on our team, so he'll figure out a way to get through whatever he's going through, and we expect him to be at his best."
The Pittsburgh Steelers' passing game over the last five games or so has really struggled to push the ball downfield. Is that something that you want to emphasize with your guys to not to be overconfident about that, like 'OK, just because they've been in an underneath passing game, it doesn't mean they're not going to take a shot at it?' (Luke Jones) "Oh yes, definitely. Even though [the Pittsburgh Steelers] have been throwing the ball short, they do have routes that are going deep. They have double moves that they've run with multiple guys, specifically [D.K.] Metcalf, but No. 19, Calvin Austin, can run, No. 10, Scotty Miller, can run, and they are calling those plays – downfield plays – and guys have been open. So, we know what they're looking at on film, and we know that they will try to push the ball down the field on us. So, we have to be ready. We can't sit there and just sit on routes. We have to play to the integrity of the defense and play ball."
Some of the players said that they watched old Ravens vs. Steelers clips. How much has former player yourself who's been in this rivalry, how much do you kind of harken back to those black and blue days in those matchups? (Ryan Mink) "Yes, I think the guys, they know about it. They know about it. It's something that if they're a football fan, they know about the Ravens vs. Steelers rivalry. It's crazy because, obviously, we play them twice a year. We played them three times last year. So, I really, honestly just focus on the team that we have to get ready to beat and the scheme that we have to get ready to beat for the particular year. So, us playing them so much last year kind of led to going back and showing the film of what we could have gotten better at and what we did well. And then just showing the young guys what type of game it's going to be. It's going to be a physical game. It's going to be a battle, and you're going to have to scrap, and you're going to have to bring your hard hat. So, I think the guys, they do enjoy seeing that because it kind of brings back that college rivalry, high school rivalry that you really don't get a lot of in the NFL."
A couple guys have said they've heard a lot of, 'You're not a Raven until you beat the Steelers.' Are you one of the guys making sure that they're aware of that? Are those teammates or who? (Sam Cohn) "I haven't said that, personally, but I know that's what's getting said around here. I know the players – they pretty much handle that. It's good that they're keeping that going. When I was a player here, that's what I was told, and so the tradition is still alive."
I know this doesn't affect your guys' prep so much, but Ray Lewis is going to be there on Sunday. Jonathan Ogden is going to be there. They're going to be hyping up the crowd. Are you hopeful that just the environment of this game will help put your players in a certain mode to play their best for this rivalry? (Kyle Goon) "Yes, definitely. We want to put on a great performance for our fans and specifically [for] guys who've played here. Obviously, you're talking about two of the best ever in the sport, and they were playing here, Jonathan Ogden and Ray Lewis. So, we want to put on a good performance for them. But I think our guys, I like the mentality of our guys and how we've been approaching this. It really doesn't matter who we're playing, where we're playing at, what time we're playing at, we have to do what we have to do, and we have to play great defense. So, we've been taking that approach, and we'll continue to chase that. So yes, that's in the back of our mind that we're playing at home. We want to defend our home turf. We're celebrating a lot of great people who've done a lot of great things here. We're playing in front of our fans, but at the end of the day, the game is going to be played in between the white lines."
What kind of challenges does Pittsburgh Steelers TE Darnell Washington present? He's become more and more involved in the pass game. He gets in spaces. He's unique. (Pete Gilbert) "[Darnell Washington] is literally the size of an offensive lineman for real. He's the size of the offensive line, but he can run and build up some steam going forward. So, definitely, when they check the ball down to him, we have to get 11 hats to the ball and corral him. It has to be 'gang tackling.' We can't leave each other one on one to tackle him. I think really where he's grown at is his catching ability ,and 'A-Rod' [Aaron Rodgers] has really been targeting him down in the red zone. In the red zone, he's probably their most targeted player. So, we definitely have to have awareness of where he's at and make sure we take care of him."
ILB Roquan Smith was talking about the conversation he had with the team about the path forward, and I know we have talked about his leadership quite a bit, but how nice is it to have someone like him who's just always willing to step up into that vocal role? (Carita Parks) "It is beautiful, and I appreciate [Roquan Smith] so much, because that's not an easy thing to do. He's human just like everybody else in this building. I know he might have stuff – he might wake up – everybody wakes up tired or not in the mood, or something may happen away from here that might be affecting him, but you would never know. We tell the guys, 'To be a leader, you have to be it every day. You can't pick and choose when you want to be a leader, [and say] Oh, I'm just feeling good, or I'm playing good. Now I want to speak up and talk.' If you're going to be that, you have to be that all the time. Roquan's the best example of that since I've known him, the last three or four years. He brings it every single day. When he comes to work, he comes with the right mindset; he attacks the day, and then he wears that badge of rallying the team together. He always has something to say when [head] 'Coach' [John Harbaugh] calls it up. If nobody's going to say something, everybody's going to look at 'Ro' to do it. I just appreciate him, and we appreciate him so much for that, because that's tough. That's a tough thing to do when everybody's watching you and you have to be on your p's and q's nonstop, and he knows that. He accepts that, and you have to tip your hat off to a guy like that. It's no surprise of what he's done on the field and off the field in his career."
TE MARK ANDREWS
On his reaction to finalizing his contract extension: "[I am] just super grateful and just excited for this moment. It means a lot to me to be a part of this organization and a part of this community – this city. Just being drafted here eight years ago, it means the world to me to be able to go out on the field to compete and fight with these guys and this team. And I couldn't ask for a better situation, and I am extremely thankful to everyone in this organization. I want to thank [owner] Steve Bisciotti, [executive vice president and general manger] Eric DeCosta – all those guys in the upper office – and my teammates. [I also want to thank] really everybody in my family, [this is] a really big moment for us – and my beautiful fiancée – so it's awesome."
On if he's been feeling like he's on 'Cloud Nine' after his engagement and the contract extension: "I don't know about, [but] It's been an awesome, incredible week. There's no doubt about that. Getting engaged to the woman of my dreams; I am truly so thankful for her – and then this happening. But, at the end of the day, this is Steelers week. I'm extremely focused – I think the whole team is – and that's where my head is at."
On the timeline of his contract extension: "This happened [over] the last two weeks. Everything kind of finalized pretty fast. It was just both parties really wanting to get a deal done and coming together. It was awesome. It felt like four years ago – it happened extremely fast then [too]. So, I am very excited."
On if there were times over the last year that he didn't think an extension would happen: "Going back to ... I've said this multiple times – I try not to worry about things that I can't control. I just put my head down to work, each and every day, and good things will happen. I think that's the case here, is just continuing to stay humble, believing in God, believing in yourself, and good things will happen. I believe that's the case."
On what it means to be able to continue playing alongside QB Lamar Jackson: "I just want [Lamar Jackson] to know I'm going to compete my butt off for him and do everything I can to help win games. I know that he knows that. I'm going to be there for him, and I am excited for this year, for this game and just being able to win games and compete together, because he is the ultimate competitor."
On if he is supporting QB Lamar Jackson during a tough stretch this season the way Jackson supported him at the end of last season: "Yes, I'm always there for Lamar [Jackson]. He doesn't need anybody to make that happen. He is Lamar Jackson, and he is that great of a player. So, [I have] full confidence in him, always and forever."
On how much he's embraced the city of Baltimore and if he is hopeful that he will be able to retire a Raven: "100 percent, yes. This has become home for me – really every aspect about it. I've loved getting to grow up here as a man and play for this city [and] for this organization. There's no place else I'd rather play."
On forgoing free agency and getting a deal done during the season: "Yes, it was extremely important for me [to be in Baltimore]. I'd say I was very patient in this process and just – again – not trying to control things [that] I can't control and putting my head down, going to work and fighting for this team as much as I could – especially this year. But, it was extremely important to me – and I expressed that to them – to be able to stay here and play week in and week out for this team."
On if it takes faith to be as patient that the team would take care of him during the contract negotiation process: "Yes, it's all about faith. Life is really about faith. How much can you put in and can control what you can control and keep that faith, no matter what happens on the other side. And in this case, it worked out. I'm so thankful."
On if he's pleased to avoid free agency considering the upcoming market for tight ends: "Yes, I think, obviously, my agent did an incredible job of setting up this deal. [The Ravens] did a great job with us as well. I think it's going to be awesome. I couldn't be happier, to be honest with you."
On the reaction from the rest of the tight end following the extension: "I think the biggest thing is that we all root for each other, so they were all excited. I got a text from all the guys yesterday when it happened, and I think that speaks volumes to the type of men that we have in the room. Those guys are all going to get what they deserve, and they deserve a lot, so I'm proud of them."
On how he envisions himself aging into the third contract of his career: "I think with a little bit of age comes some wisdom. I'd be able to help lead this team – first and foremost – and be able to direct and help guys in the right way. But at the end of the day, I know that I can compete and produce at a high level. I'm going to continue to do that."
On how focused he and QB Lamar Jackson are on getting a Super Bowl win: "[I am] extremely hungry – extremely hungry – for this opportunity. And the beautiful thing about this week is that it's all in front of us. This is the first step to making our dreams happen. As a team, you couldn't want it any other way. So, what an opportunity."
S KYLE HAMILTON
On if it feels like it's a brand new season because the Ravens and Steelers are tied for first place in the AFC North: "Yes, I do feel like it's like that a little bit. We have to acknowledge the good and the bad that we've done so far though. I don't think it's good to just forget it, because we've learned so much. It'd be a shame if we were not to use it going forward, but it is kind of like that. We've had this conversation twice now. I guess this is our third season ... We started 1-5, then [went] 5-1. We have to finish out strong and put ourselves in an opportunity to win the Super Bowl."
On what he's learned about Ravens-Steelers games and what it takes to win them: "It is the purest form of football that you'll get, honestly. It's two teams [that] know each other well. Line up, stop-the-run [and] run-the-ball kind of game, and both teams have enough firepower to open the game up to throwing the ball. But at the end of the day, it's just about winning your one on ones and being physical. One day, I'll be able to tell the grandkids I was playing in this rivalry, and it's a blessing to be a part of it."
On what he sees from Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers and passing the ball deep: "I'm sure they would like to be more explosive than they have been, but everybody has their struggles throughout the year. They're in the same position as us. They've put themselves in the position to possibly win the [AFC] North and get in the playoffs just like us, so it's not all bad over there, too. I'm sure they have the same outlook on the rest of the season as we do. It's a big game for both sides. In terms of Aaron [Rodgers], he's Aaron Rodgers at the end of the day. He's been doing this for a long time. You're not 42 years old still doing what he's doing without being a special talent, and [he has] probably the best arm we've seen in football. I'm excited to go out there. [It's] my first time playing against him, so it'll be fun. He's been a staple of this game. [He's a] multi-time MVP [and] won a Super Bowl. There's not much else to say. He's done everything. He's been through everything, seen every defense, so it's up to us to kind of throw stuff at him to try to keep him on his toes."
On if this is the first time tackling someone who is 300 pounds like Steelers TE Darnell Washington: "No, because we've played [Darnell Washington] the past couple of years. He has put some great stuff on tape, too. [For] one, he is a physical blocker. Obviously, he kind of dominates in that area. He's kind of a freak athlete. [People say] he should be playing [offensive] line, but he's out there hurdling people, catching the ball, [catching] jump balls and stuff like that. [He's] really a really unique athlete, good player, physical guy and fits their mentality perfectly, so he's a load to bring down and all that stuff, but I feel like it's Ravens-Steelers [game] at the end of the day. Just run and hit."
On having Boston Celtics player Jayson Tatum at practice today: "I told [Jayson Tatum] if they had a 10-day [contract] laying around, just throw it my way. I'll go play some great defense. Just seeing a guy like that, it kind of puts the basketball dreams on the back burner. He is like 6'9'' and handling the ball like he's 6'0''. [He just] jumps out the gym [and] shoots the ball, but yes, it's cool. I appreciate everybody who got him here. I think [the Boston Celtics] are playing the [Washington] Wizards tonight. Hopefully, [they] get him back healthy soon, but yes, I would for sure be a point guard, so I'd have to work on my shot a little bit if they did give me that 10-day [contract], but I have to focus on the football team."
On what Boston Celtics player Jayson Tatum said to the team: "[It was] just kind of a, 'What's up? I'm Kyle.' I already knew who he was. I don't think [Jayson Tatum] knew who I was. It's pretty cool just to have other athletes come in [to meet the team]. He was talking about how much he just respects us and what we do. I think I made a joke about how everybody out here is crazy, just to be doing what we're doing. He was [like], 'I 100 percent agree with it. It's a grind.' They have a grind. We have a grind. It's different grinds, but it's mutual respect at the end of the day."
On having S Ar'Darius Washington back in practice and the versatility he brings to the defense: "We kind of have a good problem; it's just a lot of good guys in the back end, so I don't really know how it's going to shake out of who plays where, but getting somebody like [Ar'Darius Washington] back – you all saw what he could do, really for the first time last year, at the end of the year. It's his fifth year now, but injuries have hampered his career so far, but when he is out there, he is one of the best. [We're] happy to have him back, happy to see him back out there [and to] just see he's in good spirits."
On his reaction to TE Mark Andrews' contract extension knowing how much he means to the organization: "You kind of summed it up right there. [I have] nothing but great things to say about Mark [Andrews], and even [when I was] a rookie, he kind of formed my work ethic – and he probably doesn't even know it – just by observing him and lifting with him and watching how he practices and stuff like that. As a 21-year-old rookie coming here, you were 'the man' at whatever school you were at. If you're a first-round [pick], and you see guys like that, who are the man in the league, working like how he works, it's hard for that not to be contagious. Along with just his play the past eight years, and I'm sure he'll be great the next [however many] years he's here, but it's hard not to reward a person like that and a player like that. So, [I'm] super happy for him [and] super happy for his family. I'm sure he'll be a Ring of Honor [member] and all that stuff someday, and [I'm just] super happy for him."
RB DERRICK HENRY
On what being nominated as the Ravens' Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year means to him: "It's a blessing to be a blessing. I always want to have my hands in the community, wherever I'm at, to have that effect on me with the youth and these kids and just trying to be a positive influence with the platform that I have. And it's an honor to be able to be recognized for that and [for] being the Walter Payton Man of the Year representing this organization who does a great job in the community, as well. So I'm grateful."
On the moment he found out about the nomination during their team meeting: "I didn't think it was going to be me, but I kind of saw the camera angle, and I was like, 'Maybe it is me,' and they announced my name. And my daughter kind of gave me a hint after the Jets game. She was like, 'Your friends have something to tell you,' and I didn't know what she was talking about, but I saw her doing the video, and that's why she did the video. So, I was surprised, but like I said, I'm grateful. It's an honor."
On if it was frustrating to play fewer snaps last game: "No, not at all. Everything happened for a reason. I'm just trying to focus on how I can be better. There's been games where I had opportunities, and I felt like I didn't take advantage of them, and I wasn't the best at [maximizing] those opportunities. So, it goes hand in hand. We're all a team, and we're all one. There are going to be times we wish we did things better than what we did, but that's the thing. You learn from them, and you grow for the next week and try to be better the next week. But yes, my only focus is how can we be better at this game for my team to help us win."
On how much they pick up from watching film of the Bills' rushing success against the Steelers last week: "Yes, the Bills are the Bills, and they have their scheme and how they do their run game and everything else. And the history behind this game is a little bit different, and I'm sure they game-planned for the Ravens differently. So, the Bills game is good film to watch to see how they play, but I feel like they play us differently, so we just have to be ready, prepare and be ready for a four-quarter battle. I know that the Bills had success, but [the Steelers] still have guys over there that can get after the ball and have some good tacklers, and I think they are No. 1 in turnovers, so we just have to be locked in. That happened, but they still have some guys that can get after it."
On if he feels like a new season starts on Sunday: "We're just trying to stay focused on the game. We're not too worried about the aspects of who's in first or where it takes us or stuff like that. We're just trying to be focused on this game and us doing our job and being better than the last game because that wasn't what we want to put out and who we are as a team. So, we're just trying to focus on being better in execution, in meetings, all the details like I preach and say every week and let it go out there and show on Sunday. It is a big one, though."
On if this is the time of the season where he leans on his offseason training and it's tough for opponents to keep up with him physically: "That's why I train, to prepare for the season and have my body in the best shape for a full season. It's a long season, and I always try to work as hard as I can in the offseason just so I'm ready."
TE ISAIAH LIKELY
On what the focus is going into the rivalry game versus the Steelers: "[It's] really just harping on the fundamentals, knowing that your opponent knows you. There's a big rivalry. There's going to be a full 60 minutes and knowing that it's going to take it all."
On what is the key to winning in matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers: "That extra yard, whether it's you're blocking for that extra second to spring a running back through a gap, you're blocking the extra second for somebody to get open down the field, or you're just trying to run for that extra yard to get that first down on that third-and-short or that fourth-and-inches and really just extending drives."
On what his emotions for TE Mark Andrews signing a contract extension: "I love Mark [Andrews]. I'm gassed. I was one to text him, telling him, 'Big bro, I love you. Proud of you. Keep going. We have more work to do this year.'"
On how TE Mark Andrews' contract extension affects him and TE Charlie Kolar's futures with the Ravens: "I just watched my brother get paid, so I just see joy. I am just living in the moment, knowing that you have everything in front of us. We [will] try to win Super Bowl this year, [taking] one game at a time, one opponent at a time and knowing that I'll let the rest take care of itself."
On if TE Mark Andrews signing a contract extension is motivation for tight ends being rewarded: "Yes, I would love how the tight ends are getting paid now, what it is, how it's affecting, seeing the best guys in the league get rewarded for it is definitely good for it."
On what has been the best part about having TE Mark Andrews as a teammate: "I'll say how open [Mark Andrews] is to questions. [With] me coming from a smaller school, a non-Power-5 [school], I had so many questions. I didn't know ... I was a kid that before any football game, I was eating a Wendy's Four-for-Four [meal]. So, I'm just trying to take care of my body, trying to maintain my body, being able to understand defense and not just bet on my athleticism to get me through a play, a down or a series. So, him just teaching me how to study, teaching me how to prep my body and really just teaching me how to be a pro."
On if in the last game against the Cincinnati Bengals, he felt more like himself: "For sure, it was a great time just being able to run after the catch, being able to get open, scramble plays, and just understand that everything with me, just getting back to the fundamentals, holding the ball tight and knowing where you are when the play has to be made."
On if the focus for the game against the Steelers is on ball security: "For sure, knowing the opponent, knowing how they tackle, how I would say 'vicious' at the ball they are at the run point when you go into the ground, and just understand that [we have to be strong with] fundamentals."
On what it has been like seeing QB Lamar Jackson go through some nagging injuries recently: "I would say just watching him go through adversity and just having him keep a clear mind. Understanding that the main thing is getting through every week with a win up to this point, and then really just being able to know that we're in first place now. Let's keep it there, because right now we control our own destiny."
