HEAD COACH JOHN HARBAUGH
Opening statement: "The guys [at the podium before me] said it, but I am really proud of these guys. I'm really proud of the effort, the way they stuck together and the way they played together. It was our best football game of the year; [it was] complementary football [in] all three phases, coming off our best week of practice – and we've had good weeks of practice. We've had really good weeks of practice, very intentional weeks of practice, and this was another level. At this point in time, to see that is really what is impressive about these guys. I told them I'm so proud of them for that reason. So, [it was] a great win, and I appreciate them. What questions do you have?"
When your defense pitches a shutout like that, when you're watching that defense, what stood out to you? (Jamison Hensley) "Probably, I just think the poise. Marlon [Humphrey] made a good point in the break before the game; he said, 'Make it about the next play.' He said, 'When you're a defensive back, you have to play that way. You have to have a short memory.' And he kind of implored the whole team to make it about the next play, and I thought we did that. If you look at our offense, I feel like our offense did that. Our offense, [in the] first quarter, we were just trying to find our way a little bit, and you have to be patient. You don't want to be impatient and do something that's going to hurt your team, and they didn't. They were patient. 'Be patient,' – that was the verse from James 5:7, 'Be patient, therefore brethren, until the coming of the Lord.' I think it applied to the game; there was a certain patience that we played with and kept playing winning football. It paid off for us."
The interception by OLB Kyle Van Noy and the handoff to S Alohi Gilman, was that all influenced by Hall of Fame Ravens S Ed Reed talking to the team on Friday? (Gerry Sandusky) "Well, I told Kyle [Van Noy], I said, 'We used to have this list around here. Ed [Reed] was on the list – there were a few other players on the list on defense, but not many. It was 'The List' when I got here, they already had it. [Former Ravens defensive coordinator and assistant head coach] Rex [Ryan] had that instilled in the guys, and if you weren't on The List, you couldn't pitch the ball.' So, I told Kyle when he came off the field that he was now officially on 'The List.'"
You mentioned patience over this season, and defensive coordinator Zach Orr has taken a lot of criticism, and of the defense, a lot of criticism, but you maintain these guys will be better. Is today the type of example that shows, I don't want to use the word validation, but sort of what you were anticipating would happen? (Kimberley Martin) "Sure. Yes, probably so. And then even with that, I feel like we've been playing really good defense for a many number of weeks. We played good defense last week. We played good defense the week before, but coming up with those plays is the difference maker. When you come up with those plays, that's what creates a performance like this, and the guys did that. [Defensive coordinator] Zach [Orr] has been great. The coaches have been great. I think they had a really good coverage plan. Joe Burrow is the best that you're ever going to see in terms of dissecting coverage and knowing where to go with the ball. I thought we did a really good job in the back end of disguising, and then even when he made his completions, showing up and making tackles and not giving him anything deep down the field. So, hats off to Zach [and] the whole staff – they've done a great job all year."
With that interception, I know you don't know what Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow was thinking, but do you think there is a cumulative effect of hitting the quarterback leading to a play like that in regards to someone who's waiting for the ball? (Jonas Shaffer) "Definitely, definitely a great point. I mean 'T-Rob' [Tavius Robinson] got that pressure. 'T- Rob' deserves a lot of credit. He had two or three pressures out there, I think, and was just running around making plays. He was very physical, and to come back like that [in] his first game getting back [from injury] and to make a difference ... But, I do believe that the pressure is what causes the opportunity for turnovers. You're right."
On offense, TE Mark Andrews said that you guys had a really great week of practice. Do you agree with that, and if so, what was so good about it? (Brian Wacker) "Well, the guys we're sharp. It was our best week of practice all the way around. Like I said, we've had really good practices. I mean the offense has had really good practices, too, and then sometimes it doesn't translate to the game. It translated to the game, and I do think it translated in a way from the patience standpoint. Our guys didn't get rattled. I think that we knew we had some plays kind of up our sleeve. Lamar [Jackson] did a great job, like [with] the touchdown pass to [Rasheen] Ali – that was a Lamar check all the way. Lamar got us to that play, pulled it out of the gameplan right at the right time and made it happen. To me, that's a function of preparation."
On QB Lamar Jackson's other touchdown pass that capped off a pretty impressive end-of-half sequence, how critical was that to get points there? Could you kind of continue your thoughts on how Lamar was today? (Josh Tolentino) "Yes, yes, it was critical. I think we got a big sack, got [the Bengals] backed up, got them stopped, got the ball back on the touchback and then went down the field in about 45 seconds or so. Lamar [Jackson] made huge plays. Zay Flowers comes up with a massive catch. Lamar makes a great throw, and then Lamar's poised in the pocket. One thing about Lamar, he will take some sacks sometimes, but I also think it's a function of – Lamar has a pretty good feel for the fact that he can also make some plays. So, he held the ball in there a couple of times, a little longer than maybe he's going to make you comfortable and yet found receivers. The one time he got out and scrambled also. So, it still comes back to Lamar; he played great. He's been preparing well. He's been working hard. He said he felt better – as you guys asked him about it during the week, [and] as he reminded you. So, it was good."
Do you have any updates on ILB Teddye Buchanan, T Ronnie Stanley or CB Chidobe Awuzie? (Jeff Zrebiec) "Ronnie [Stanley] looks fine. [With Chidobe] Awuzie, we're going to know more tomorrow. I think he got caught up in that netting down there in the end zone somehow with his foot or something. [With] Teddye [Buchanan], we'll know tomorrow, but I don't think it looks good, initially. We'll have to confirm that tomorrow."
How much were you sweating when QB Lamar Jackson was late on the plane? (Jamison Hensley) "Well, I knew [Lamar Jackson] was going to get there. I knew the plane wasn't going to leave. We did have a dilemma, because the weather was coming in – there was a problem. If we didn't get in at a certain time, we were going to have to go to Louisville and bus up. So, you had to make a decision. Are we going to bus from Louisville and put Lamar [Jackson] on a plane? But it wasn't just Lamar, it was also like four guys who – we told them, 'President [Donald] Trump is coming to Baltimore [for the Army-Navy Game]. The Secret Service is going to close down the city, and they're not going to let you out. You have to leave by 1 p.m.,' we told them. Well, they thought that they knew better, and they left like 1:15 p.m., and next thing you know, we have four guys trapped in the city by the Secret Service."
Not even QB Lamar Jackson can get through? (Jamison Hensley) "Not even Lamar Jackson can get through."
But did it seem like QB Lamar Jackson was more like Lamar out there? (Jamison Hensley) "I think Lamar [Jackson] has been playing – no, I'm not going to ever say – I think Lamar competes every single week. He gives you everything he's got. It's a long season, and he fights and plays ball. So, I love the way he's been playing. I love the way he played in this game, and it was great to see him and then the rest of the guys, too – the O-line deserves a ton of credit. The running backs were running hard, both backs – [Rasheen] Ali too – all three backs. [There were] receivers making plays. Early in the game, they get a blitz, Lamar dots 'Hop' [DeAndre Hopkins], who takes off and runs for 35 yards. It was great. I don't know what he was doing there at the end, but it worked. So, just everybody was contributing that way. Mark [Andrews] had two huge catches – in the one drive you're talking about – he had a huge catch."
Do you feel like that touchdown late in the first half was a momentum change, too, because early in the drive Cincinnati Bengals CB D.J. Turner II had his hands on an interception and dropped it? (Reporter) "Yes, I think that drive was a big drive. To get down there and to get the seven points, take it the 14, [and it's a] two-score game going into halftime – it was a huge drive."
The physicality of being like this, you guys average a huge amount of yards per carry, defense is hitting, playing the edge. Is there something about this time of the season where you kind of lean on the physicality of your team? (Jonas Shaffer) "That is our identity, and we have been playing that way. We've been playing with physicality. To see it kind of come together with some fruits for our labor – it was really good to see today. But yes, that's a big part of December football."
WR ZAY FLOWERS
On how he would describe the offensive performance today: "We came out and executed our plan. We could have made a few more plays here and there, but I feel like we are ready for next week. We are ready for next week. We are ready to move on to next week."
On what it was like to make completions with the temperature being so low: "It's slick. The ball becomes slick. So, that's on me. We practice in the cold, so I have to catch those. Yes, that's about it."
On how he would evaluate QB Lamar Jackson's performance and how the offense clicked: "We turned over the ball one time. I had a drop – two drops – but we took care of the ball better than we did last game, so that's a plus."
On what this win says about the resilience of this team: "We're going to fight until the end. As long as we have a chance, we are going to keep fighting all the way to the end."
On what the mindset is going into next week: "We are going to ride the momentum, but we are on to next week; this game is over. We got the win. We have to win out, so that's what we're planning on doing. So, we're getting ready for next week."
On how he would evaluate the defense's performance: "You can see how they practice. You can see how they practice every week, week in and week out, the energy in their [defensive] room; the energy in all [of the defensive meeting] rooms. So, it is not a shock to me."
On what his reaction was to the OLB Kyle Van Noy interception and S Alohi Gilman touchdown play: "Oh no, that was crazy. I had seen [Kyle Van Noy] ready to pitch the ball, but I'm like, 'Man, just go down with the ball.' And then he gave it to 'Lo' [Alohi Gilman], and 'Lo' – you could tell – he was ready to touch the end zone. He has been waiting on that."
S ALOHI GILMAN
On how surprised he was when OLB Kyle Van Noy handed the ball off to him on his INT: "I wasn't surprised at all. Shout out to Kyle Van Noy. [It was a] great play [by a] great player. I was actually yelling at him to pitch the ball after he caught it, so it worked out. I saved some hamstrings for him. Put it on me. So, shout out to Kyle Van Noy. It was a great play. Shout out to the defense."
On how proud he is of the defense's performance in shutting the Bengals out: "Yes, 100%. Anytime you do that in the NFL, it's hard to do. You have a lot of respect for the guys on the other side of the field. Joe Burrow and Cincinnati, they're obviously a great offense, so you have a lot of respect for it. It's not easy to come by, so you have to enjoy it. Shout out to the coaching staff for preparing us the right way, and everyone just coming in together, buying in, play after play, just buying in and finding little ways to get better. [Playing] December football, that's what we preached. How can we get better in December and be the best, be at our peak. Everything we did in the past is what it is, but we want to be at our best in December, and we took the right step today."
On if he thinks this was one of their best weeks of practice: "Yes, I think we had a little bit more intentionality when it came to what we have to do better. Looking at the past couple of games, [we've had] different phases [of] situational ball where we can have a little extra communication and just be a little bit more on top of it. And we did that today. We made sure we were on it in those situations, and it paid off."
On the energy the group had going into this game knowing they could end the Bengals' season: "I think that's the competitive part of it from the DBs, but I think it's always about us. It's never been about them, but as a competitors, I think we're pissed off we lost to them the first time; I'm not going to lie. So that's kind of where I came from. But at the end of the day, it's about us. It's about our defense; it's about our team. But it was good to go out there and just put that on tape and let everyone know that we're ready to roll."
On what goes through his mind when he sees their pass rushers chirping QB Joe Burrow: "Yes, we have each other's back, obviously. We have great rushers up front, [and we had] the rush and coverage coming together. They put together a good plan for us to go out and execute. We knew we had to do it together, so that was kind of the emphasis of where we can get [home on] these guys. Let's get a little bit more sticky in our coverage, give these guys an opportunity, and then as it all came unfolded, we just let it rip from there."
On his trust level with OLB Kyle Van Noy after playing with him in Los Angeles: "100%. I have a previous relationship with [Kyle Van Noy]. I've played some good ball with him, and [have picked] his brain in the past. I was a young guy [when we were together in L.A.] and just talking to him, he's obviously been to a couple Super Bowls and has a lot of knowledge, so I'm one of those guys [where] I'm willing to soak up as much knowledge as I can and I feel like when I was in L.A. with him for a year, that kind of was the case, so I definitely think it translated, but Kyle has a lot of knowledge of playing this game in the right way. [He's always] just giving us little tips. He's a great leader, so I definitely think it paid off."
RB DERRICK HENRY
On how the run game was from a physicality standpoint today: "Well, if we run the ball and have success, everything works. The guys did great job blocking and executing for us to have an efficient run game and be able to make some plays for the offense."
On what stood out to him about the practices this week: "I just think everybody was just locked in. We know what we need to do and just keep churning, week by week, in all three phases of everybody just focusing on their job, individually and as a group."
On what he can say about the defense's performance: "Oh, like [the reporter] just said, and we knew it throughout practice, [the defense] is going to come out and have a great game. I think they showed that from top to bottom just playing together and got a shutout, which they definitely earned and just focused on playing complementary football."
On if he thinks that the Ravens' offense wore down Cincinnati in the third quarter with the run game: "Yes, it's always good when you get momentum. You can all feel that shift, and you have to keep our foot on the gas. I think we might've gotten three points out of that [first drive in the second half]. We know we have to be better at scoring and getting in the end zone. But, yes, whenever we get that momentum shift, things come off it."
WR DEANDRE HOPKINS
On what he thinks went well in today's game: "I would say what went well were the explosive plays. We really don't get a lot of explosive plays like that, especially against a defense like this. We haven't – the last two games, we haven't had explosive plays. And so, [we're] just kind of getting back to our ball [with] Zay [Flowers] making plays, Lamar [Jackson] doing his thing on the ground. But I would say, just us making explosive plays [and] not turning over the ball."
On his 30-yard catch and ability to make big plays during important games: "I'm just thankful that I'm able to play this game at this age [of] 33. I have a lot of friends who I came into the league with who aren't playing [anymore], so I am just grateful that I'm able to play at this age and that my quarterback trusts me to come to me when I'm out there."
On his relationship with QB Lamar Jackson: "I'm very grateful for Lamar [Jackson]. Lamar and I – we've been wanting to play together for years. [There were] some things a couple years ago where I thought I was coming here, [and] they decided to go another way, and Lamar and I were like, 'Man, when an opportunity comes, we're going to make it happen.' And this offseason, I could have gone to some different teams and got more money than I did here, but I was like, 'At this point in my career, I want to play with somebody who I consider a friend off the field and [on] a team that I knew was a couple of plays away from accomplishing something last year.' So, to play with Lamar, play with Derrick [Henry] and Zay Flowers – I think seeing Zay have one of his best [seasons in his] career, that gives me a joy. Just being able to be out there with him in practice, coaching [him] through some things and just watching him [grow] as a player."
On how his current situation compares to what he thought would happen when he signed with the Ravens in the offseason: "When I'm out there on the field, I try to do what I can. Obviously, I'll always be a competitor and have a 'Mamba' mentality until the day I retire. And even after that, I probably still will have that mentality. I feel like I'm one of the best players on the field. Statistically, if that's not the case, that's always going to be my mindset. And so, coming here this offseason, obviously, there are a lot of guys that deserve the ball on this team. We have a good offense, so I wasn't – and I'm not – upset that things aren't statistically where I expected myself to be. But, we're in a position to play a big game this upcoming week – next weekend. To me, that means more than statistics – going out there playing meaningful football."
CB MARLON HUMPHREY
On the defensive performance this week: "That was kind of the mindset that we wanted on defense, and the whole team, they brought their 'A-game.' It was a really good [week of] practice this week, and we just capped it off really well on Friday, so we practiced really well, and then I think 'Z.O.' [defensive coordinator Zach Orr] challenging us last night to just go out there and let it loose. It's really hard to beat us when we're all on the same page. That was 'Z.O.'s' biggest message last night. If we're all on the same page, it's really hard to beat us, and I think he challenged us last night, and I think we accepted the challenge, and we showed up today."
On how defensive coordinator Zach Orr challenged the defense: "[Defensive Coordinator] Zach Orr just got us in our defensive meetings, and he just made it clear to look at what we do when we're all on the same page. There's not many times where we're all on the same page, and we get beat as a whole, and when you look at that, it is really not, and I thought today there were some things, but we played physically. With how we did things, the ball seemed to bounce our way."
On what shutting out QB Joe Burrow says about this defense: "Yes, that's major. I think I did not realize [Joe Burrow] had never been shut out. It's definitely pretty hard to shut them out. I know they were Tee [Higgins]-less, but nonetheless it's a really big accomplishment to shut out a quarterback and a receiver [in Ja'Marr Chase] of that kind of stature, so that was a major accomplishment, and hopefully it'll get us some momentum going into the next week."
On if this week of practice stuck out in how physical it was: "I would say so. I know, for me, one play I basically left my feet and almost dove on the ground. It was just a really good week of practice. The message was, 'Hey, we have to practice well. We have to practice well.' But I feel like guys really took it to heart, and it kind of did get a little contagious. You walk in the locker room, people are talking about how you had game reps in practice, which is concerning – you don't want to go too hard in practice to where you're getting hurt, but bodies were kind of a lot of places this week during practice. I thought 'A.D.' [Ar'Darius Washington] coming back – he brought some juice in practice; he was all over the place. So, practice makes perfect, and if anything proved that, it was definitely this week."
On the level of physicality they've displayed at practice: "I think there has been physicality. We haven't practiced bad all week, but there's a lot of plays where, in a game, I would make that. And I felt like in practice, obviously when you say that, you usually have to go to the ground, and I felt this week there were kind of some situations where it was like, 'I'm going to make this play at all costs.' I'm not going to just say I'll make in the game or I'll jump on this guy's back, and obviously, you don't want to do that, but in this week of practice, it kind of seemed like that seemed to happen a little more. Even when someone catches the ball, you give an aggressive punch. Things you don't always want to do. But this week, from my eyes, from what I saw, there was a lot of physicality in finishing at the ball, no matter what the circumstance was."
On if they felt like their backs were against the wall coming into this game: "Oh yes, for sure. I think the message has been clear. It's kind of 'win or die trying,' and with our backs against the wall, some people look at it as a bad thing. I think we're kind of looking at as a good thing because you just have to do it, or you don't. There's no more talking. We did well [today], so we just got to kind enjoy this one a little bit and then keep the momentum."
On if they had an angry and motivated energy coming into this game: "I don't know if we were necessarily pissed off at this, that and the third, but we definitely didn't like losing two AFC [North] games back to back. We just feel like we haven't played to the standard. Ed Reed comes in on Friday. Honestly, that might've been why we played so hard on Friday, as well. I forgot about that. That kind of did motivate us. Ed, he's very unfiltered when he talks, so I actually did forget about that. I think that had a lot to do with some things, but we're going to keep that momentum going as far as practicing like that. If you got to be sore for one day, that's alright, but we have to practice exactly how we're going to play, and that's what we have to do for the rest of the year."
On OLB Kyle Van Noy's handoff to S Alohi Gilman on Nan Noy's INT: "It's crazy because 'Harbs' [head coach John Harbaugh] does not like the lateral stuff that Kyle [Van Noy] does all the time in practice. It's usually very unsuccessful, but this time was more of a handoff, and it worked well. So, Harbs I don't know. I think he'll like that one, so that's good."
On what Ravens S Ed Reed said to them at practice last week: "Ed Reed ended up speaking to us like three times because he dropped to the DBs, and then [defensive coordinator] Zach Orr saw that he was talking to the DBs and got the whole defense. But it was about camaraderie, what you put in your body, practicing and trusting your brother. Get this junk food out of the meetings and stop eating junk food. I'm very upset about the junk food, so hopefully guys took it to heart and ate a little healthier, but it's always great to hear from a Ravens Legend. It's a blessing that those guys want to come back, and I hope they know that they're so much appreciated. Maybe we need a Raven to come back every week, if we practice like that and play like that. So, we'll go from there."
On now having the fourth-most INTs in Ravens franchise history: "I just want to win a Super Bowl. Honestly, that's all I care about. That would be the best one, so if I could do that, that'd be great."
QB LAMAR JACKSON
On if he feels like they accomplished what they wanted to today: "I'd say we got better. Yes, we definitely got better. We just have to keep going; it starts in practice."
On what he thinks the offense was able to improve upon today: "We played [the Bengals] two weeks ago. They did some great things, but like I said, I feel like if the turnovers didn't happen – if all of those turnovers didn't happen – we would've had a chance. And we turned the ball over one time today, and we had a chance."
On the sequence at the end of the second quarter when the Ravens were able to get a touchdown before the half: "[It was] just film study, and all of us working together. We watch film and pay attention to what those guys were doing. 'Monk' [offensive coordinator Todd Monken] called a great [play] on the two-minute drill, and we just fired it off."
On what it meant to get WR Zay Flowers a touchdown: "It's great. It's great. [We have] to find the end zone some more."
On the 30-yard touchdown play to RB Rasheen Ali: "Like I said, it started when I was watching film to see what those do, and I just made a check at the line, and Rasheen [Ali] just did the rest."
On the weather conditions today and how many times he's worn gloves throughout his NFL career: "It was cold. The conditions were cold – it was too cold. I don't know if this is my coldest game that I've played in, but it's probably up there. Yes, I think I wore gloves in Buffalo in 2019. I wore one on my non-throwing hand – my left hand – and I just did it just to try to keep my hand as warm as I could for the game. In practice, I was throwing with two gloves, but in the game, I didn't want to have too much grip on the ball and guys are open, I [wouldn't] want to miss that."
On the Ravens' defensive performance today: The defense was playing lights out holding a – what I feel like – is a high-powered offense with Joe Burrow. They could have had Joe Flacco out there, and it would have been a high-powered offense. They have Ja'Marr Chase and Chase Brown, those guys – and Orlando Brown at tackle – for them to stop those guys, and for those guys not to have any points on the board, that's tremendous. Hats off to our defense."
On if today's game felt normal for him: "Yes, [it's] starting to. I believe all of us on offense had good rhythm. It felt like us, and we just have to keep pushing the envelope. [We have to] just keep getting first downs, stay out of 'get-back-on-track [situations], because it's hard to convert in the NFL [when] you're trying to get back on track. So, we stayed out of those situations, but got positive yards and stayed ahead of the sticks."
On he feels like they were able to control the game with the use of their run game: "Yes, the offensive line was blocking their tail off, and our running backs running the ball. Derrick Henry, Keaton Mitchell [and Rasheen Ali], those guys run the ball hard. I believe no defense wants to hit people in the cold; it would probably cause body aches or something. I believe they got worn down a little bit."
On if he feels like they played like a playoff team today: "I say we played better [than a playoff team]. The defense definitely did. I feel like ... I don't think we were on the field that much though. We only scored 17 points on offense, [and] our defense scored one. But, I don't think we were out there as much. But if we're not going to be out there much in a playoff game, I feel like we have to take advantage of every opportunity. But defense did great. Offense – hats off to everybody, but I feel like we can still do more."
On if he could tell that the defense had a nasty taste in their mouth about losing to Pittsburgh last week: "Our defense always has a nasty taste in their mouth. Teams like to – when they're playing against the Ravens, defense or offense, teams like to play their best. Our defense is known for just being dominant, so losing two games in a row – to division teams – I feel like just all of us had a nasty taste. But, like I said, shoutout to our defense because they played amazing."
On if he felt better physically today: "I believe I told you guys early on in the week that I was feeling better, like Thursday. I guess you guys had to see it to believe it. I'm starting to feel better."
On if he took extra precautions about re-injuring his hamstring because of the cold weather: "No, I'm trying to win by any means possible. If I am out there, like I told you guys before, I'm going to try to go. But if I can't, I can't. I was able to go, so that's what I did. I took advantage of every opportunity."
On if today's game was fun for the team and if that energy could help them go on a run over the final three weeks of the regular season: "I believe I said this earlier, it started in practice. We had one of the best weeks that we've had this season. [We] had good meetings [and] got in a little later than usual. I feel like every time I've been late, we've had good games." (Laughter) "I was late to the airport [because] I got pulled over, so I'm going to start with that. I believe it's true." (Laughter) "So, I felt like when I was late to the airport – I haven't been late this year – so, when I was late to the airport, I felt like it was going to be a good game. I didn't want to tell [the team] that, but the cat is out of the bag now."
On why he was late to the airport: "There was traffic."
On how late he was: "Probably 15 minutes, but that's late."
On if they had to hold the plane up for him: "Yes. I felt like we were going to be popping out on our skin in all phases because we had great week."
OLB DRE'MONT JONES
On how proud the defense feels after a strong performance: "We feel super proud. Every D-lineman in [the locker room] is ear to ear, smiling, because we work so hard. We prep it all the time. Reaching the passer is the thing we focus on each and every day, so it is good when everything comes to fruition like that."
On if the defense came into the game extra pissed off: "100 percent, kind of [because of] how things went down on the Thanksgiving game that we lost to [the Bengals]. We felt like we should [have done] what we did today. So, we had that hunger, [and] we had that passion. I think we let it show today."
On what happened during the scuffle between him a few Bengals players late in the first half: "You know how it goes. Their feelings get hurt, or they get to chirping because something happened – because I touched their quarterback [Joe Burrow], so they get all chippy and stuff like that. But, I'm not worried about that. They're going to talk – everybody is going to talk – but it's about, can you finish the game and play the right way with your teammates? That's what it's really about."
On the feeling of posting a shutout and what the energy level on the sideline is: "We didn't really discuss the fact they had zero points. I think we just wanted to attack. We knew we had them on their heels just by how they were calling it, how they looked [and] their demeanor. They didn't feel lively to me, and I feel like we just wanted to attack them."
On when did he sense that the Bengals didn't feel lively: "Yes, I felt that [during] play one, that they weren't ready to play. It was too cold for them."
On if he feels like it's important to play with an edge: "Yes, I think to play defense, you need to have a little bit of an edge. Sometimes, you need to talk, and you get a little extra push, but nothing to the point where it's going to cause a penalty, obviously. But you have to have that fire in you to play defense. I think it coincides with us giving up zero points."
On his five QBHs today and why he thinks he was so successful today: "I got five QB hits because we have guys who all can rush [the passer], and I can rush myself. I studied my tail off for this week, just because I wasn't happy about how I played [in the past] game [against the Bengals]. So, I think how I studied [them] translated to the game, but I don't do it alone. I don't do it without 'T-Rob' [Tavius Robinson], Mike [Green], 'KV' [Kyle Van Noy], 'Ja' [David Ojabo], 'Urb' [Brent Urban] [or] 'Jenk' [John Jenkins] – they all have to do their part so I can do my part, too."
OLB TAVIUS ROBINSON
On what his emotions were after his first sack in the game: "After I got the sack, I ran out the field, hugged all the trainers that were with me from Day One when I said, 'Look, I'm going to be annoying. I'm going to be in here as many hours as possible to get this foot right.' So, I went over there, hugged all those guys and just, yes, just trying to bring juice every second."
On what his reaction was to OLB Kyle Van Noy's interception: "I didn't even know until just now that 'K.V.' [Kyle Van Noy] was the one who caught the ball and pitched it. So, it's just great to see that, and then for 'Lo' [Alohi Gilman] to go all the way to score was great for sure."
On how today's win shows the team's resilience: "I think we kind of said it at the start of this week, like ,'It's do or die,' and we just have to take it one week at a time, go 1-0 each week, and that's kind of what we're focusing on."
On how it felt to get a sack in his first game back since returning from an injury: "Yes, it felt great to be out there. I lost my voice yelling so much. I was trying to juice up the guys and all that. So, yes, it was great to be back out there for sure."
On what he saw from DL Travis Jones in today's game following his contract extension last week: "[Travis Jones] has been doing what he's been doing. He's been a 'dog,' so to see him go there and play how he did is amazing."
On what the mentality was going into today's game against the Bengals: "The mentality was just to go 1-0. We knew it would be 'Do or die,' so it was about being 1-0 this week, and now turn the page and move on to next week."
ILB ROQUAN SMITH
On what his emotions were after seeing ILB Teddye Buchanan go down: "No, it sucks anytime you see your guy go down, somebody you go to war with every day and truly just a good dude. It's giving me chills thinking about it, and just knowing what [Teddye Buchanan] stands for, knowing all that he's gone through. So, when you just see that, it just sucks. Obviously, it's an unforgiving business, and we know that. We signed up for that, and it just sucks, but I know it's a minor setback for him."
On if he gave ILB Teddye Buchanan a message after Buchanan got injured: "There's not much I can say in the moment outside of just that I'm there for [Teddye Buchanan], and [I] let him know I'm there for him regardless of what it is. He's a strong-minded individual, and it's just one of those things, one of those tough pills to swallow. But, like I said, it's a reality. [There's] nothing me or him can do to change it, and it's just part of this unforgiving business. So, [we] can't take any moment for granted, and I know he doesn't as well."
On what was clicking together for the defense today: "Yes, absolutely. I feel like we talked about it all week, and I felt like we did truly have our best week of practice this week from a defensive side of things. Then, just knowing the type of challenges that the [Bengals'] offense is going to present. But it's about, 'OK, they're going to make some plays,' but it's about doing what we do. And yes, the shutout came, so that was just part of it where it was just each play has a life of its own, and I was just more so emphasizing that to the guys [saying], 'One moment at a time, take a deep breath before each and every play and give it all you have.' That's what I felt like we did. Yes, they made plays, and we're going to have to make some corrections, but shutouts don't come often in this league. So, anytime you get one verse a guy like [Joe] Burrow, it is definitely pretty special."
On if the performance from today is something the team can build off: "Oh, absolutely. I think this is just part of us showing who we are as a defense. Right now, we need that, game in and game out, because like I told the guys, there's no more second chances anymore. It's like, right now, it's the moment every single time, and we have to carry that throughout the rest of the season in order to get to where we want to go."
On what he saw from OLB Tavius Robinson today: "'T-Rob' [Tavius Robinson], 'T-Rob' is probably one of the best guys around, and it's like a guy you would want to marry your sister, just off the field. And then on the field, the guy's one of the hardest workers I know. He never complains, always shows up to work, day in and day out, never says, 'Why me? Why me?' He just took it as an opportunity. He just came out and just showed who he is. I always have respect for him, and I just know the type of player he is. He's just going to continue to keep getting better, and I'm just grateful that he's on our side."
On what it was like to see OLB Kyle Van Noy make the interception and pitch it to S Alohi Gilman: "'K.V.N,' [Kyle Van Noy] – that was an awesome play by him. He shows that he still has hands and whatnot. He's gotten a lot of picks throughout his career. Then just the 'vet' savviness of him, knowing that he probably was going to get caught. Having 'Lo' [Alohi Gilman] right there and [making] a smart and safe play by handing it to him – almost like a 4x100 relay – and he knew he was only half of the relay. So, he knew he had to get it to the 'home run guy,' and I thought that was pretty awesome. It was a hell of a play by him. 'Lo' ran back to Hawaii, so it was pretty sweet."
On if he would have run for the touchdown if he had gotten the interception: "Oh, if I would've gotten it, I think I would've ran it too. 'K-Ham' [Kyle Hamilton] had a really good block, and somebody else had a really good block, so I think I could have got in there as well. But I'm grateful that ... I tried to keep up with 'Lo' [Alohi Gilman] but he took off, my Mustang didn't keep up the Ferrari, so it was one of those moments."
On how proud he is of the pass rush today: "I thought the D-line played a really good game; getting pressure on [Joe] Burrow throughout the game, and it rattled him. He wasn't the same. So, I think that's just something we have to use moving forward and just keep letting those guys loose and those guys continue to keep getting pressure on whoever we're playing. Because the games, the straight rushes or whatever the case may be, it's an opportunity for the guys just to showcase who they are. I think it's just something that we're building upon, so I am just excited for more to come."
On if the defense is playing for defensive coordinator Zach Orr after a challenging start to the season: "I think at the end of the day, you play for yourself, first and foremost. If somebody says they don't play for themselves, they're lying. You play for yourself, first and foremost, and then you play for the brotherhood. You play for the brotherhood, because at the end of the day, each and every one of us has a part and an input on all of our lives. So, when you think about it from that perspective, where it's like, 'OK, 'Trent' [Trenton Simpson] does this, Teddye [Buchanan] does this, [and that] affects my livelihood – how I live my life. If I make this play, playoffs – whatever the case may be, we all have an input on our lives. So, when you think about it like that, it's bigger than that. And then, when [defensive coordinator Zach Orr] is obviously in charge of the defense, I think it just all ties together, and we have an input on his life, and he has an input on our life [with] how he calls [the game]. So, it's a huge team commitment and it's a brotherhood that you have to be willing to lay it on the line for each other, because if not, you won't make it far. And I think it's just life. What are you willing to give for the guy next to you? And I know it's easier said than done, and it is not about talking, it's about going out and showing it, play in and play out. And I think the individuals, when you watch the game, yes people are going to make plays that play 100 miles an hour, try to do their job every single play and try to take the man out on the opposing side knowing that he's trying to take something off your plate. And when you have it like that, it just truly makes you stick together. And [forget] all the noise, the noise doesn't mean much. It's more about the guys in this locker room and the guys that are going out there and putting it on the field every time. And that's what it always will be about."
T RONNIE STANLEY
On how much of a message physicality was this week: "I think that's just been our focus for the season and just the mentality we want to have going out there every game, no matter what happens. Especially in the AFC North, where we know it's always going to be a physical style of play."
On the emotions stirring during this game: "It's just a battle out there. Things happen; tensions flare; competitors compete. It just – it is what it is."
On what happened during the scuffle he was involved in: "I'm not sure exactly what I did that was flag [worthy]. I think I did a good job on the play. [The Bengals player] ended up rolling over trying to choke me out, and then I got up and got in his face. I didn't push him, and I didn't push the referee down; I didn't touch anyone. I don't know how I got a flag on that, so it is what it is."
On what's been the message from the team going into this game: "Don't let them off the hook. We felt like we had them last time we played, and we let them off the hook. This time, it was [about] making sure we kept the lead and finished the game on our terms."
On if he feels like the team played with more of an edge than it has this season: "Yes, I think we're just playing more up to our capability and standard. I think in those other games, that wasn't really shown. When we do that, it looks like what it's supposed to look like."
On what the team needs to do to take another step forward: "Yes, exactly. [We need to] just make sure we take another step forward, don't take steps back and build on everything that we're getting better at."
