SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR CHRIS HORTON
Can you talk about when LB Jake Hummel became available? What were your thoughts and emotions? (Ryan Mink) "I don't know if I really had thoughts and emotions – it's free agency. When those guys [in the scouting department] came to me and said, 'Hey, let's watch all these list of linebackers,' [Jake Hummel] was at the top. The thing is, when you watch free agent special teams players as a special teams coach, you kind of know who the guys are throughout the league because those guys are studs on their other teams. So, when you're watching the tape and he became available, I went in there, watched the tape, and I said, 'This is the guy.' We had just lost some guys, and I said, 'This is a guy that can help us and really help our young guys. He understands and plays the game the right way.' I went to 'Harbs' [head coach John Harbaugh], I talked to 'Harbs' about it, had him watch [the film on Jake], and we kind of came to an agreement, 'Hey, if he's available and he wants to be here, [let's get him].' And he wanted to be here, obviously, his best friend is Charlie Kolar. They played together [at Iowa State], and so that was a good selling point. I'm tell you, this man, it's really exciting to have him on the team. He does bring leadership, and he knows how to play the game. The tape speaks for itself."
We've seen K Tyler Loop get off to a great start from a place-kicking standpoint. As it pertains to the missed kickoffs, what are those conversations like as he tries to fix those mistakes? (Josh Tolentino) "Those are, I think, little detailed things. The kicks that fall short of the landing zone, obviously, those are experimental kicks. [They are] things that we're trying. We're trying to do a lot of different things. We want to get the ball on the ground, but then there are the kicks that are going out of bounds. I think, ultimately, those are the ones we have to get out of our system. We just want to put a ball down there, and he has to be able to just kick that ball down there. But ultimately, it comes back to us – just making sure that we keep it simple for him. That way he's not thinking out there, 'Well what type of kick is this going to be?' So, when [Tyler Loop] leaves the sideline, it's already made up where we want the ball, and those things shouldn't happen. I think we'll be able to get those out of our system pretty quickly. But other than that, the kid has done a heck of a job."
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR TODD MONKEN
Going back to the last game against the Browns, when their defensive mentality focus was stopping the run, how much does that change and alter kind of what your gameplan was? (Jamison Hensley) "[The Cleveland Browns] were really good, and we didn't execute at a high level. [We] didn't coach well enough [and] didn't play well enough. The tape tells the story. And they're going to make plays on their own, [but] we just can't add to it. We have to play better. We certainly can run the ball better than that, and we have run the ball better than that against them, and we've played better than that. We're certainly capable of better."
WR Devontez Walker had two touchdowns against the Cleveland Browns. He has a connection with QB Lamar Jackson. How have you seen him grow from Year One to Year Two? (Valerie Preactor) "Well, you can just see [Devontez Walker's] confidence grow. I really think that's the biggest thing. Last year when he first got here, he was hurt. [He] had a soft tissue injury, so he didn't get to go through a lot of [training] camp. This year, the same way he wasn't hurt, but we've got some other guys getting a lot of reps. I just think his confidence seems to be growing [and] ours in him. With that comes more opportunity. And so, we'll just continue to see how it plays out. But it also means that we can't play him as often, right? We will target him, and then the [touchdown] streak will be over, so we only can play him a certain amount of plays each game to make sure the streak stays intact." (Laughter) "Let's keep the real important stat here alive."
I know it's only been two games, but why do you think you guys are seeing as much man coverage as you are, and how do you think you're responding to it? (Jonas Shaffer) "Well, I think some of it is who we are with Lamar [Jackson] and our style of play. I think some of it is ... You know, playing the Browns, [it] wasn't really out of character for them. They really want to match you. They want to challenge you, [and] they want to give you nothing. So, at the end of the day, I can't speak for the other coordinators. I can only speak for how we execute and how we coach."
There was a lot of talk about T Roger Rosengarten's comments about pre-snap stuff, which he thought was the cause of some of the running game issues. Can you explain that a little bit? (Jeff Zrebiec) "Is that possible? Of course that is, but that wasn't everything. Let's not just paint it all on that. We have to coach better, and we have to play better. There was enough [blame] to go around with all of us. No one was exempt from that; the coaching staff [and] players, we're all in it together. When we play well, it was us, and when we don't play as well, it's also us. We have to look at how much we have in [the gameplan], how much time do we have to get it done during the week, the looks that we're going to get to make sure that our talent shines on Sunday or Monday."
Did you feel like you had to coach around some of those pass protection woes, how you adjusted your play-calling? (Jonas Shaffer) "Not really. I didn't feel like that. I mean, some of that is part of playing against a really good [defensive] front – you're going to have some issues. Some guys are going to get beat against good players. Just like when they play us in man [coverage], at times, they're going to get beat by Zay Flowers. That's just the way it is. You have really good players, [and] they have really good players. You do everything you can, or try to, to help yourself in protection with slides and chips and those kinds of things. And then eventually, at times, they're going to get the best of you, and you're going to get the best of them."
You mentioned WR Zay Flowers, his energy and love of the game, he's just always having fun. How much do you think that bleeds into the rest of the offense and his teammates? (Ryan Mink) "Well, you can definitely feel his energy. You can feel it on the field. You can feel it in the locker room. You can feel it around the building. But ultimately on the field, it's about his playmaking. Let's be real about it. At that point, everybody has to bring their own juice. That's what we do on gameday. You're a pro, and everybody is ready to go on gameday. So, on gameday, it's his playmaking ability."
WR DeAndre Hopkins has made the most of his limited opportunities to this point. Do you perceive that being the case of how you guys use him, where he may not get a whole lot of action, but when he is involved, it's usually something big? (Cordell Woodland) "Well, I'm excited for him and for us. You can still see his ability to track the ball [and] make contested catches. That's obviously what he's done his whole career. We're just going to continue to get him up to speed. With every day, I think his packages are going to continue to grow as we keep going and moving forward. And we have to have that be the case, because he's a tremendous football player. The more we can get him on the field, the better we're going to be at moving forward."
What has it been like having TE Isaiah Likely back at practices this week, and what element does he bring to the huddle? (Josh Tolentino) "Well, it's great seeing him back with a smile on his face. He loves playing football. He's a weapon for us, so we're excited to get him back out there."
How much does that change or impact things? I'm sure it does a little bit, but in what way does it impact things for you once he's back? (Brian Wacker) "He's just such a versatile player. There are a number of things you can do with him, in line and flexed out. So those are the things that, when you have versatile players that allow you to do a number of things, playing a lot of modes with them, then it's certainly an advantage for us. So, we're excited, like I said, to get him back on the practice field and get him back out there."
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR ZACH ORR
When you're watching the Detroit Lions and them putting up 50 points last week, what kind of jumps out at you on the tape? (*Jamison Hensley)* "[The Detroit Lions are] just a team that's connected. It's an offense; obviously, they've had their core for a while, [and] it all starts with Jared Goff, [Amon-Ra] St. Brown, the two running backs [Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery] and the offensive line. So, it's a really good unit. You can tell that they're well coached. They know what they're doing, and then they're talented. They have stars at every level from the front, the backfield, at receiver and in the quarterback position. So, it's definitely going to be a challenge."
Not only do you have CB Marlon Humphrey in the slot, but S Kyle Hamilton has played there. Is there usefulness in having a lot of different body types and lot of different guys to throw at a guy like WR Amon-Ra St. Brown? (*Jonas Shaffer)* "Yes, I definitely think so, because [Amon-Ra St. Brown] is a heck of a player. I think he's underrated. He's definitely one of the top players and receivers in the league. I feel like he doesn't get talked about a lot, but [the Detroit Lions are] a versatile offense, not just with him. So, we're blessed to have versatile defenders, but it's going to be pushed to the test, and our guys understand that. We understand that we have to become ready to play with our best football to play well."
There was a lot of talk throughout August if CB Nate Wiggins could be primed for a real breakout year. Obviously he had the interception, but how have you seen that manifest in the last two weeks? What is he like from what you've seen? (*Sam Cohn)* "Yes, I think [Nate Wiggins] responded back [after] Week 1. I think he'll be the first to tell you that he didn't play the way that he really wanted to play. He worked at it hard in practice, got it corrected, and he had a great game on Sunday. He was locked in on his technique [and] his coverage. The interception was great to see, but all the other plays throughout the game, he was great as well. So, that's the expectation we have for him because of the player that he is, the player that he's shown. Now, he has to be consistent and stack another one Monday night."
It seems like whenever CB Nate Wiggins gets the ball in his hands, it's going back the other way pretty quickly. We have had a few of those type of players here in Baltimore. Is that just something that you can't really teach? I mean, because you don't really get that many opportunities. I'm guessing you're not practicing that? (*Jamison Hensley)* "No. First, you can't teach 4.2 [40-yard dash] speed. [Nate Wiggins]'s speed is legit. His speed is legit, even though he tired out [in the game on Sunday], and he'll tell you that. I think that's something that you're blessed with to have – that run ability once you get the ball in your hands, and what you do with it. I think nowadays, just this generation, these guys have played all over the field since they were kids. So, we have a lot of guys who, once they get the ball in their hand, they know what to do with it. Even look at Roquan [Smith], he picked it up and was moving as well. That definitely [means we're] blessed because when we get the ball in our hands, we tell our guys we want them to score. We want to go put up points from a defensive standpoint."
When it's going to be as loud as it'll be on Monday night, as a defense, is there a lot of nonverbal communication that has to take place? (*Ryan Mink)* "From a defense standpoint, we love the crowd noise. We want the crowd to be loud. We know they're going to be loud and rocking on Monday night. It's a great atmosphere – it's the best in the National Football league. So, we love that and embrace that. But, from a defensive standpoint, our communication has to go up to a whole new level. We're not going to be able to hear each other talk. You do have to be locked in on the gameplan, anticipate motions and shifts, any checks we have, what we're going to, and then you have to sign and co-sign with one another. We embrace it. We know it's going to be tough for the opposing offense coming in Monday night for them to communicate. We know we have to communicate as well. [Head] Coach [John Harbaugh] does a great job. You guys hear the music blasting, blaring, [and the] crowd noise blaring throughout practice. So, we get in great work at it every single day."
You could probably say every week that it's important to pressure the quarterback, but you look at Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff and what the Green Bay Packers did Week 1 compared to what the Chicago Bears did in Week 2 when they didn't sack him and barely hit him. How big is that this week, knowing you're probably going to be depending on a lot of young guys? (*Jeff Zrebiec)* "Yes, it's big. It's really big. You talk about [with] any quarterback, if you let them sit back there, set their feet and get comfortable, they'll make you pay. Jared Goff is one of the best at that. He's one of the most accurate quarterbacks when he has a clear picture, and he can set his feet and throw the football. So, we definitely have to generate pressure on him, whether that's with a four-man rush, or whether that's sending extra guys at him. We definitely cannot let him get comfortable, sit back there and pick us apart."
RB DERRICK HENRY
On what he is hoping to see differently from the run game this week: "[I expect for us to] be better, and [for the lack of production in the run game to] never happen again. [We need to] continue to get better. [For] me, myself first, [I need to] be better with the football and be more efficient and be more explosive. It's [about] us getting better each and every day and letting it translate each and every week."
On what he thinks caused the lack of production from the run game last week against the Cleveland Browns: "How I look at it, I always look at myself first. I never look at another man and [start] saying what they did wrong. I always point a finger at myself, saying, 'I need to be better.' If they're stopping the run, and there's no where to go, then make one. I feel like I didn't do that well, and I need to be better at that. But as a whole, we're just going to focus on [continuing to] get better. I need to do better, and that's my focus."
On the evolution and increased talent of the running back position in recent years: "I think it is great. It's something that we wanted two years ago, when we all were trying to figure out what to do. I think the big answer is just play better. And I feel like guys are doing that, and I know guys will continue to do that. But yes, it's a good time for the running backs right now. We just have to keep it going."
On if he thinks there is something that needs to be figured out with the offense, or if natural adjustments come with time throughout the season: "I don't think it's figuring it out. I think it's just doing your job, and doing your job at a high level. We know what's required. If you don't play in the preseason, then it's time to go during the season. So, it's just about playing better, improving and focusing, doing the little things right and doing the best you can to put the team in position to win each and every game."
On the challenges presented by the Detroit Lions defense: "They are built to stop the run. They are a D-Line of run stoppers. Their linebackers, they fly to the ball, [they are] always around the ball. And then their secondary are [all] willing tacklers. So, it is a tough defense. They play with a lot of energy. They feed off one another. So, it is going to be a good matchup on Monday."
On if he thinks that eventually teams will not be able to address all of the offensive weapons the Ravens have: "I don't really try to focus on what [other teams are] trying to do. I just focus on doing the best I can and being effective. But we have playmakers at the wide receiver position that can take the top off and make an explosive out of any play. We saw [that] with 'D-Hop' [DeAndre Hopkins], Zay [Flowers], 'Bate' [Rashod Bateman] and even our tight ends. But I just try to focus on me, [on] being the best player I can be for this team, being efficient and playing better. I can't wait until Monday."
On if he is surprised at WR DeAndre Hopkins' ability to still make plays at this stage of his career: "No, I think [DeAndre Hopkins] has done this his whole career. Everybody knows that stigma, when you get up in age, all of a sudden, something has changed. But hopefully, they keep calling him 'washed' because that [stuff] has been working. We need it."
TE ISAIAH LIKELY
On how he's feeling with a few practices under his belt: "Refreshed. Just being out for a little while, just away from the guys on the field, I'm finally getting out there, getting to practice, get to run around [and] get that little kid feeling again."
On how difficult it's been to wait to get back on the field: "You fall in love with lifting a little more, obviously. It's just really just a longer offseason is what I just try to tell myself in my mind, but really, just being able to put my feet back in some cleats, run around and being able to catch the ball is just something you fall in love with again."
On how he's feeling: "I feel good. Like I said, going from running around full speed to having to get surgery, to now being able to get back in the cleats, run around again, be with the guys, be with 'L' [Lamar Jackson], 'D-Hen' [Derrick Henry], Mark [Andrews and] everybody. Just running around being a teammate again, there's always something you want to be."
On how quickly he turned the page from the disappointment of his injury to getting back on the field and a positive outlook: "At the end of the day, what happens, happens. That's something I was taught at a young age. Just don't dwell on it. Obviously, understand what you got into – understand the road ahead – and try to always look at the positive in the midst of everything, and I feel like that's what I did. Obviously, if I couldn't be there physically, I always wanted to be there, whether it was on the sideline, helping with film, whether it was in a meeting room or something in between. Now, it's just being out there helping out again like that."
On his chances of playing on Monday night: "I'm taking it day by day right now. I'm finally getting my feet back under me, so really just being out there – just being a presence out there – is good for me right now. But obviously, [I'm] taking it day by day. You all know I want to be out there."
On when he felt like he turned the corner on rehabbing and running: "I feel like I never lost the sense of being back on the field. The quicker I felt comfortable being myself in cleats is when I felt comfortable enough to go out there with the team, and I feel like right now is just exactly where I'm supposed to be."
On if he felt like he was able to pick up right where he left off in his connection with QB Lamar Jackson and the rest of the offense: "That's why, I try to tell everybody, the connection on the field with Lamar [Jackson] starts off the field. Lamar has to trust you day to day before he trusts you on the field to make a play. I feel like from when I was a rookie to now, the connection I've built with Lamar off the field has helped me on the field. I feel like me not being there was [like me] still being there, just being able to talk to him every day."
On watching QB Lamar Jackson and WR DeAndre Hopkins the last two weeks: "Usually at practice, I'd be trying to have the most spectacular catch, but seeing 'D-Hop' [DeAndre Hopkins] out there, one-handing everything – it's a sight to see. He's a vet's vet; I can say that. Like I tell you all the time, I didn't know 'D-Hop' played as much as he does, so just seeing him after he [makes a catch], he'll always give me a wink, or he'll look at me and smile, and I'll be like, 'Alright, I have to go ahead and show him up.'"
On rehabbing in the facility's new training room space and if it helped him feel more connected to the field: "For sure, especially when it first happened. Usually, when you are in a treatment room, it's just treatment, rehab and then going to lift and going to do whatever you have left. Having the open glass windows, I was definitely excited to [watch] during the Colts joint practice. I got to sit out there and watch it a little bit. Especially when I wasn't supposed to be on my feet, just being able to be in the [mix], watching it from the [open] glass and be able to talk. Hopefully, they heard me out there talking a little smack."
On if he talked to CB Nate Wiggins coming off the field during the Colts joint practice: "I talked to Nate [Wiggins] a little bit, and then [tight ends coach] George [Godsey] was kind enough to put the tight end one-on-ones right in front of me at the glass, so it was definitely fun."
On if it's important to look at the long game and want to make sure he's healthy later in the season and be patient: "For sure. I feel like that's [with] everything to go with the injury. You always want to look at the long game, because at the end of the day, in this league, it's a turtle's race. You don't want to get in [games in] September at 80 percent [health]. [I] really understand that January is so far away, so I want to [play]. Obviously, we just put up 40-plus [points in] back-to-back [games], so knowing that the offense is well capable to be able to be themselves, whether I'm on or off the field, knowing that I'm in no rush, and they're not rushing me to get back. [Being] limited isn't helping anybody. You guys want to see me be me."
ILB ROQUAN SMITH
On the challenge of playing against the Lions' offense: "Yes, it's a great challenge for us as a defense. We know who we are, and it's going to be about coming out and stopping the run, first and foremost. I've got a lot of respect for their running backs. I played with 'D-Mo' [David Montgomery] in Chicago, and I played against [Jahmyr] Gibbs, as well, and I know what both of those guys bring to the table. So yes, we've definitely got to start with stopping the run, making these guys one-dimensional, and then we'll go from there."
On facing Lions QB Jared Goff: "Yes, I think it's obviously a lot easier said than done, but I think it starts with stopping the run, making them one-dimensional and forcing them into a drop-back pass game, and things are a lot different that way. But, obviously, if they're able to run the ball and establish the run, then that allows for them [to succeed] with their play-action shots and things like that. So, that's what it's going to be about. It's a very simple plan, but obviously, it's easier said than done. So, I've got a lot of respect for those guys."
On what he likes about playing on Monday Night Football: "It's awesome. You [get to] play in front of the world, so you show exactly who you are on Monday Night football, so I'm excited about the opportunity. I'm excited, as a defense, to show the world exactly who we are for another week, and [we're] just going to build off that."
On the challenges that Detroit's offense poses in the middle of the field: "Absolutely. Yes, a lot of play-action shots, and a lot of in-breaking [routes]. They want to definitely get the ball in the paint, you [definitely] see a lot of that. So, it's about taking care of that, stopping the run, and then on the play-action shots, getting back, getting in windows and closing windows. Or, if we're in man, guarding your man or whatever the case may be, and just taking the things away from him that they want to do."
On what he's seen from ILB Teddye Buchanan that has impressed him: "I've got a lot of respect for Teddye [Buchanan], man. The guy played five years in college, so he's been around ball for a while. He's been playing linebacker his entire life, so he's got a lot of experience. He's a very smart player, man. He doesn't make a lot of the same mistakes, and he's very advanced for a rookie, so 'E.D.C.' [executive vice president and general manager Eric DeCosta] and [the scouts] got themselves a steal with him in the fourth round."
On the importance of the rookies' presence on the defense: "Yes, absolutely. All of those guys are obviously rookies, but at the end of the day, all of those guys are well oiled. Those guys know what they're doing. They've played a lot of ball throughout their career [and] in college, and it's just the league. It's the National Football League, but it's still football at the end of the day, and I've seen those guys perform all throughout camp versus a great offense and going up against Lamar [Jackson] and our offense. So, I know those guys are ready for the challenge, whatever the challenge may be. And whenever their opportunity and number is called, I'm sure they'll be there to answer."
On being named AFC Defensive Player of the Week: "That's last week. I'm moved on, and right now, [I'm] focused on stopping the run versus Detroit, knowing that it's going to be an explosive offense, and getting [the award] again this week, maybe. So that's more of the focus and getting the [win], first and foremost."
On how much time he spends with ILB Teddye Buchanan in the classroom and off the field: "Did [Teddye Buchanan] tell you about that? We definitely kick it a lot. We've got a lot of similar things we enjoy doing together. He's a great guy. He's very smart. He's able to understand the game, especially as a rookie, man. The way he understands and sees the game as a rookie is way better than what I did as a rookie. So yes, hats off to him, and I'm excited to keep growing with him and whoever else they have out there with me."
On building off what they did last week and establishing momentum on the defense: "It's about just being ourselves, at the end of the day. [It's about] coming out, being who we are play-in and play-out and not having any lapses. Doing your 1-of-11 [part] and doing your 1-of-11 play-in and play-out. And if we do that to the best of our ability, we'll definitely like the results."
