HEAD COACH JOHN HARBAUGH
Opening statement: "So, I told the team last night, [and] I reminded them again afterwards that my birthday was on September 23, and they had fun with it, because it was so many years. They gave me a jersey with how many years old I am on it. I can tell you it was, definitely, an offensive lineman number. I got a couple of presents, and we were getting ready to play the [Detroit] Lions, and I didn't have time to open them. I said, 'Well, I'll open them up after.' And then we lost, and I'm like, 'Well, I'll open them up after we win.' And then we didn't win for four weeks. Then we won, and I didn't have time; we won [again], but I didn't have time. I opened it up this week going into this game, and one of them was this coin that a friend sent. It's got a warrior on it, and the back of it is Joshua 1:9, and it says, 'Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.' And I talked to the guys, and I just told them ... I think what I was so emotional about last week was their courage and their ability to not be dismayed in times of adversity when things look tough and dark. And that is what won this game again. That's why I'm so proud of these guys, and that's why it means so much. By no means is this the end. We're 5-5. Our heads are just above water. We're just above water; we're breathing. We're not even out of the water. But what you saw out there was a tough, hard-fought game against a really good team. The [Cleveland] Browns are a very good football team. They're a tough, determined team. It's a typical AFC North battle, and I'm proud of the guys for the way they played and what they had to do to find a way to win that game in the second half the way they did. What questions do you have?"
What was kind of going through your mind when you heard on the headset that 'Hurricane' was the play call? (Jamison Hensley) "Well, I didn't hear it, actually. We were talking about it, and I heard that it was – I knew it was going to be called, but it was part of the conversation. I was excited. It was a good call. We talked about calling that if we got inside of one [yard of a first down]. If we weren't inside of one [yard to go], we weren't going to go for it. But we got to one [yard to go], because of 'Hop' [DeAndre Hopkins]. Because Lamar [Jackson] and 'Hop' executed and made a play [that] got us down in there. Then we get – I can't remember the sequence of events – but that was the call that was going to be made. It was so beautifully executed. When you see it – and 'A good idea has many fathers' – but when you see it executed well, that's what makes it a good idea. That's what I'm probably most proud of."
So, before that, I thought K Tyler Loop kicked the ball well all game, and you were well within his range. Was there no thought about kicking a field goal to try to go ahead by three? (Jeff Zrebiec) "Yes. Oh, yes. That was part of the deal. That was what we thought, and we weren't going to do anything unless it was close enough to go for it."
What kind of gave you the confidence, whatever you want to call it, to go with that play instead? (Brian Wacker) "I think just the fact that we practiced it so much, and we felt good about it. We felt like Mark [Andrews] would execute it well. It looked really good in practice. It was a good idea. And if you get the look you want – if they give you the sneak, you could do that. There's other checks involved there, too, that we have. But like Mark said, we can't say too much, but I just felt like it was going to be executed well."
Was there calculus between, is that any more high risk than a normal tush push? Were you looking for the kind of knockout punch right there? (Jonas Shaffer) "I don't know. It's a good question. That's a good question. I'm not sure what that would be, calculus-wise."
Did you think it could go for as big of a play as it did? (*Brian Wacker)* "I was hoping for a first down." (laughter) "But, you knew it had a chance, and it just was executed so beautifully. Then when I say this, and I told Mark [Andrews] coming off the field – when he turned the corner [on the play], and he saw [the open field], I mean, he accelerated. I'll bet he was well over 20 miles an hour there. He kicked it into fourth gear, and he was rolling."
With as much diversity as TE Mark Andrews has gone through the past year, how good was it for him to have the milestone touchdown here, but also become the career-yardage leader for franchise? (Reporter) "I think that's such a good point. That's what life is. Football – and maybe it's one of the reasons why people are so attracted to the sport and to the NFL, because you see that adversity play out in front of everybody's eyes. Then you get the criticism or the outside noise or whatever that people have to deal with, which is the same thing that people go through in their everyday life. So, you can relate to it. You see Mark [Andrews] go through that. Lamar [Jackson] has been through that. So many guys have been through those things. Then you see them overcome like that, and that's what that verse is all about; that kind of courage, and not to be dismayed, to maintain your faith and faith and guts. Keep fighting; the Lord is with you wherever you go. Just hope and belief and all those things, that means so much. I think people relate to that when they see it. So, yes, to your point, that's the long version of the answer, but I think it's a great point."
How difficult is Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett, in specific, and their defense as a whole make things for you guys today? (Jeff Zrebiec) "That's what [the Cleveland Browns] do, and we knew that. I think we did a great job of, and it starts with Lamar [Jackson] at quarterback. You minimize their big plays, because they're going to make their plays, they're going to get their sacks, they're going to get their TFLs. You minimize them and don't let them become really bad plays. Then you find a way to make plays to take advantage of when you get a crack, and you get an opening, because there's vulnerabilities there. And Lamar did that, and the guys did that. I think of the pass to Zay [Flowers] down the field, Lamar scrambling for yards and getting first downs and first-down conversions, things like that [and] getting us into field-goal range and making sure we kept field-goal range. Those are the things that are challenging to do against a defense like that, and that's what you have to do to win games against defenses like that."
When the backup quarterback comes in as a spark for the other team, how big was the pressure you guys were able to put on Browns QB Shedeur Sanders to keep him off balance? (Cliff Brown) "I'm so glad you asked that. I should have said more about that in the team post[-game] meeting. First of all, the defense. I think they gave up 187 [total] yards. The pressure of the pass rush was incredible, especially in the second half. How many sacks, many quarterback hits – [they] really didn't give Shedeur Sanders a chance to breathe really at all. I thought the coverage was really good, man coverage. Yes, he completed a couple there, but how about the coverage down the stretch? How about 'Chido' [Chidobe Awuzie]'s play? How about 'Ro' [Roquan Smith]'s play? Just tight coverage and batting balls out and getting PBUs, [and] of course, the sacks. I'm just couldn't be more proud of those guys."
Just when a backup quarterback like that comes in without much film – because S Kyle Hamilton got a good hit on Browns QB Shedeur Sanders on that second series, which kind of rattled him a little bit and led to interceptions, and just keep playing your game? (Reporter) "Yes, we didn't have enough to say we played ... You practice your gameplan, and the gameplan was going to be good for their offensive system and what they're doing. We were not going to change that. They're not going to change who they are. You don't know how the quarterback's going to look exactly, but you just have to take care of your own business."
Did you notice the defense getting any more swagger or confidence as that game kind of rolled on in the third and fourth quarters? (Jonas Shaffer) "I thought they played the same the whole game. Yes, they hit a couple of runs on us early. We had to clean up a gap control and some tackling, and once we got that cleaned up, it seemed like they were rolling."
How much does it help going forward to win a couple of 'muddy' games, if you will, where you have this one where there were some mistakes in the middle and then, obviously, their defense is really difficult and tough? (Brian Wacker) "Well, it's just a tough league. It's not going to be perfect too often. Even when it seems perfect, everybody can still find something, and you should because you want to improve. But that's how it works. It's like DeAndre [Hopkins] said – he said, 'All of these things that we've been through, that makes us who we are going forward.'"
Did you get out of this game OK, health-wise? (Jeff Zrebiec) "I believe so, but I haven't gotten a report on that yet."
TE MARK ANDREWS
On the name of the play that resulted in his 35-yard rushing TD in the fourth quarter: "It was a great call. It's called 'Hurricane,' and I think the guys just executed really well. [We were] just trying to be versatile in that package, and it was a great play call. It felt great to get in the end zone."
On how long they've been working on that play: "We're always constantly working on different things and variations of certain things to keep the defense honest, and it was a perfect scenario to pull that out there."
On if he got a sense coming into this game or coming into the week that getting that situation and that play could work in a big way: "Yes, I think the critical-down plays are something that we're constantly focusing on [when] finding unique ways to gain an edge, and that's what it was really all about."
On how many times they've repped that specific play: "We've repped it a few times, so we had it down pat and ready to go, and like I said, [I give credit to] the guys up front. Once I saw the open edge and Pat [Ricard] kicking the guy out, I was just opening my stride and getting there."
On if he could tell pre-snap that there would be a running lane: "Yes, sometimes. Obviously, I'm looking at what they're doing, but we're going to be able to create some more things off that, but I can't give you all too much."
On getting the win and scoring the go-ahead TD on the same day where he broke the Ravens' all-time receiving yards record: "I'm extremely thankful. Being drafted here eight years ago, it's extremely humbling just to think about all the players, the coaches and this incredible organization that I've been able to play for. Without them, none of that's possible. It's been a lot of hard work, and I just think humility and gratitude is the main thing [I have]. I thank God just for allowing me to be in this position."
On his thought process when he turned and saw an open running lane with FB Patrick Ricard out ahead of him: "I trust Pat [Ricard] with my life, so once I saw that, I said, 'Let's go.'"
On the defense's performance in creating turnovers and getting the offense the ball back: "I think [with] the momentum of this game, they really helped put us in a good place, and [we're] just relying on them. For the last few games, it's been the defense really stepping up – really all phases, [including] special teams and defense. Tonight, I was able to step up, and it's been complementary football, which I think is amazing. We're starting to hit our stride, and we're not by any means satisfied. I think this is a hungry, humble group that's going to continue to work each and every week to try to be the best that we can be at the right time."
On how hard it is to sweep a team in the AFC North: "It's big, man. And [the Browns], they fought hard all game, scratching and clawing to move the ball and do the right things, and I think we played good football and efficient football. And for us to get this win tonight, that's what it's all about, man. We're extremely thankful."
S KYLE HAMILTON
On TE Mark Andrews' rushing touchdown: "We're going to – we have a crowded backfield right now, we have a lot of talent back there. We need to get [No.] 89 [Mark Andrews] more touches in the run game, maybe." (Laughter) "But no, it's cool to see the offense having plays off of plays like that in critical situations. You see so much about the tush push these days. Last week, [he] pitched it to Lamar [Jackson], and this week kind of the – whatever you want to call it – it's pretty cool when it comes together, and it works. And just respect to the offense for winning the game right there."
On how much he's seen the offense practice trick plays during practice: "I'm going to be honest, I don't watch them during practice. I'm mostly just doing defense, get off the field and talk to my teammates, but I'm sure they repped it a lot. I mean, obviously, it worked. So, props still to [offensive coordinator] 'Monk' [Todd Monken] and all those guys."
On TE Mark Andrews breaking the franchise receiving yards record: "Oh yes, I forgot about that, thank you for reminding me. Shout out to Mark Andrews. I think [he is now the] all-time receptions, touchdowns and yards leader now? (Reporter: Not receptions yet. He still needs five more.) "Alright, well, he's going to be; we manifested it. [That] just goes to show what kind of guy – what kind of pro kind of player he is, day in and day out. One of – if not the most — consistent people that has been on this team since I've been here, just mentally and physically. He broke his ankle a couple years ago, [and he] gets to work, comes back ahead of schedule and plays in the AFC Championship. [That is] just the kind of guy he is, and I'm glad to see him reap the benefits. And, like you said, there are ebbs and flows to everybody's career. I can't seem to catch a pick in Cleveland, for some reason." (Laughter) "But yes, life happens, stuff happens, and he's a warrior. I am just happy for him and happy for his family."
On how pleased he was with the overall performance from the defense today: "Complementary football is what we preach, and we hope that one day – one of these games – the defense is going to go play lights out, [and the] offense is going to play lights out, but it's not guaranteed in this league, and it rarely happens. So, we got thrown into some sticky situations; [but] we held [the Browns] to a field goal on the muffed punt, and that's what we're called out there to do. It doesn't matter the situation, doesn't matter what the situation is in the game, if there's a blade of grass to defend, we're going to defend it. But yes, I think everybody just stayed locked in. Situationally, I thought we were really good today."
On how difficult it was adjusting to Browns QB Shedeur Sanders coming into the game: "We preach nameless, faceless opponents. I was confused when the crowd was going crazy, but then I saw Shedeur [Sanders] come in. There weren't really too many adjustments; we're playing our game, [just] trying to get off the field and get turnovers, which guys did today. I am super happy for Keyon Martin; [he got his] first sack today. Marlon [Humphrey] is hurt – out with an injury – and he comes in [and] he plays well, [so I am] super happy for that guy. Nate [Wiggins got] another pick, I think it's his third now against the Browns. So, we just need to play the Browns more, and Nate will get picks, hopefully. But yes, I think everybody stepped up, and it was good to see a complete product, for the most part, today on defense."
RB DERRICK HENRY
On if he saw the defense shift to his side on TE Mark Andrews' TD run: "No. I was just making sure Mark [Andrews] got around and got the first down, and we got a touchdown."
On if they had any sense that that play could spring a big play: "We were just focused on getting the first down, and it turned into what it turned into, and God is good."
On how much they worked on that play this week: "I'm not going to give you all that. Just know that it got repped to perfection because we scored."
On his reaction to seeing that initial play call and then seeing the end result: "We need to get a first down so we can keep the drive going, and it ended with a touchdown, so it was even sweeter."
On his reactions to seeing TE Mark Andrews racing down the field: "I was saying, 'Dig, dig! Get the legs going!' It looked like he was going to score, so I knew it was going to be a touchdown."
On if they had a sense they were going to score since the defense was able to consistently get them the ball back: "I can tell you [that] I didn't think it wasn't coming. Heck yeah. We just had to keep stringing plays together and stringing drives together to get in the end zone. It came on a critical down that we needed, and it was a hell of a play by Mark [Andrews]."
On what it was like seeing the defense make a stand on the game's final drive today: "We know they're going to come out and do their thing every time, so that isn't a question. We don't question those guys. Those guys practice hard, and it translated to the game."
On if this win was more satisfying after he was held to 23 yards in Week 2 vs. Cleveland: "I didn't care about Week 2. I wanted to win today. Week 2 is in the past. I can't control what has already happened; I was worried about today."
On how it feels 5-5 and on a four-game winning streak: "It's better than 1-5, I'll tell you that. We're back to .500."
On if it gives them a boost to win closer, "uglier" games: "You need games like this during the season. This is kind of like a playoff-style game. I'm glad we were able to get out with the win, and [we're] just focused week by week. We're 1-0 this week, and we look forward to next one."
QB LAMAR JACKSON
On TE Mark Andrews' rushing touchdown: "That was crazy. I was celebrating the whole time. We were practicing [the play] earlier on in the week, and it was looking pretty good. We just needed a couple yards, but for [Mark Andrews] to go for a touchdown; that was amazing. And for him to [now] have the [franchise's] all-time receiving yards [record], that's crazy. Shout out to Mark."
On what was going through his head when he was watching TE Mark Andrews' rushing touchdown: "'Go.' That's all I was saying in my mind; 'Go, go, go, go, go, go.' [Mark Andrews] turned on the jets, too. I guess he was looking at [No.] 49 [Carson Schwesinger] like, 'No way.'" (Laughter)
On how valuable TE Mark Andrews has been throughout his career: "[Mark Andrews has been] extremely valuable. He is always there. He is always there when we need him; he showed that tonight. He is 'Mr. Reliable.'"
On how proud he is of how TE Mark Andrews has handled adversity since the AFC Divisional game last season: "[Mark Andrews] is a grown man. I know he is going to hold his own. Just as much as [outside] people beat him up, I feel like he beats himself up, so why kick someone when they're down? That's my brother at the end of the day, so I am going to always have his back."
On Browns DE Myles Garrett having four sacks: "This type of defense is going to create chaos. They want to hit receivers [and] knock them off their routes and stuff like that. And then they [use] zone coverage with a guy like Myles Garrett pressuring, so you don't want to just throw it up and cause a turnover. Even though we had two [turnovers]; one [was a] tipped pass [and] one went off an [offensive] lineman's helmet, but we don't want to just turn the ball over, so you're going to try to go to a check down, if anything. But he just kept tracing, so that's how why he was getting sacks."
On if he was looking for WR DeAndre Hopkins when he was sacked in the red zone: "I'm always trying to see if someone popped open, yes."
On the team's ability to win a 'grind-it-out' game on the road: "[It says that we can] fight through adversity. At the same time, this is divisional game, so we know type of game it'll be. I guess not with the turnovers and stuff like that, but we knew it was going to be a dog fight."
On if it was frustrating to turn the ball over immediately after the defense made an interception: "Yes, [but] you just have to keep a clear mind. I wouldn't say frustration, but you're kind of ticked off because our defense just put us in a great spot, and then for us to turn the ball back over; we can't have that. And shout out to the defense, because they played a great game."
On his chemistry with TE Mark Andrews: "I don't know, I can't call it. I said this way back, years ago, it's just street ball. If it's not there, you make something happen. You see something in the defense, and [Mark Andrews and I] just connect."
On the team's belief that they could be 5-5 after starting the season 1-5: "We weren't really worried about trying to be 5-5, we were trying to be 2-5 at the time, or 3-5. We're just trying to take it one game at a time. Obviously, we were 1-5 and we're not used to starting slow, at all, so we just had to worry about what was in front of us, just like we did tonight."
OLB DRE'MONT JONES
On if Browns QB Shedeur Sanders subbing in gave the Ravens extra momentum: "No. It gave us zero extra momentum. The momentum was already there. 'Ro' [Roquan Smith] did a good job of just bringing us together and relaying the message that everything is the same. 'You want to go out there and just kill,' and I thought we did a good job. I thought defense played great."
On how he is fitting in after his second game as a Raven: "I think I'm fitting in pretty good. I think [there are] still more things [that] I think I need to get better at, personally, for myself, to help maximize this. I think I am fitting in pretty good. Everybody here is making it easy, from the players to coaches, the staff – everybody's doing their job and helping me out."
On how it feels to get two consecutive wins: "I haven't experienced two wins in a row in a while. So, it is an amazing feeling. It's hard to win in the NFL, and when you do, it is great to just celebrate with people you worked hard with."
On what the pass rush was doing well during the game: "Rushing [the passer]; that's what we were all doing. Just rushing, hitting our moves and then just finding ways to try to affect [Shedeur Sanders]. We were rushing, blitzing [and] covering our ass off. That's how we affected Shedeur, and that's how we can affect any quarterback doing the things we were doing today."
On what it was like to see S Kyle Hamilton sack Cleveland Browns QB Shedeur Sanders and doing his signature celebration: "It was hilarious. It was hilarious. I had to join in on the party. I don't know if you saw me, but I was directly behind [Kyle Hamilton] doing it [the celebration]. It was perfect timing."
On what it was like to see the pass rush be successful in this game: "It's huge. It makes us not so one-dimensional that it's only one or two guys getting [to the quarterback]. It's like five, six, seven [or] eight guys that get to the quarterback. So, it makes it hard for teams to pick and choose who to stop."
TE CHARLIE KOLAR
On TE Mark Andrews' rushing touchdown: "Obviously, it was a good call by the coaches. They all shrunk in there, so we got the edge open quickly, and 'Rog' [Roger Rosengarten] and 'Pat' [Patrick Ricard] did a great job [blocking]. [Mark Andrews] was able to spring out, and then Mark turned on the jets. It was a great play."
On what he was thinking while watching TE Mark Andrews' rushing touchdown: "I was just trying to finish my block and then try to chase [him] down – you always try to chase down the play – but [Mark Andrews] was moving. It was awesome."
On how proud he is of TE Mark Andrews after breaking the franchise all-time receiving yards record: "Mark [Andrews] is a warrior. It's an honor to play alongside him. I just love that guy. I love my whole room. And in a game like that, where in the past few years, we didn't play very well on offense [but] we were able to get a win. A win is a win. We really didn't play well for large portions of the game, but when it came down to it, we made the plays we needed to. And that's just who he is, [and] it's good to see."
On what was going through his head after hearing the play call for TE Mark Andrews to take the snap: "I think the coaches did a great job of scheming [the play]. The way we did the one play last week, too, with a little pitch to Lamar [Jackson], and that was obviously a play off of plays. It's a copycat league, and you try to use what you can, and then create your own niche. That was a great play by 'Trav' [run game coordinator Travis Switzer] and 'Monk' [offensive coordinator Todd Monken]. And then they showed up in a look similar to what we had with the sneak, and we were able to get to the edge quickly, and Mark [Andrews] did the rest."
On if he thinks other teams will replicate the play soon: "Yes, I feel like that's the theme of football. There are only so many plays you can run, so you try to take things from other teams. People take things from our team. You want to see what works and what doesn't. I think it's a sign of respect for coordinators in the league too, is that everyone kind of plays off each other. It was a great play, [and] obviously, that play has really taken over the league with the sneak and the push; people are trying to find ways to run it and then trying ways to stop it. In Minnesota, last week, they had the guy horizontal on the ground. That's kind of where that started, and teams are trying to find ways to stop it, so we try to find ways to beat them. So, it was a good win."
On if he's taken time to reflect on the team's improvement this season from 1-5 to 5-5: "We're proud of the work we put in. We're still 5-5. We're a .500 team, that's not what we want to be. But, it was a great win. We always like to say, since we get Monday off, you get 48 hours, so enjoy it, get your body right and start working on the next week to try to get a win. We have the Jets [at home] next week. They're a good team, they just beat the Browns. The Browns are a heck of a team on defense, and they made a lot of plays. They made a lot of plays, and we have to look at the film and get better. It's weird, it's a great win, but that's the part about football. Win or lose, you have to move on. You have to move on and get the next win. But no, it's good to get a win. It's good to get back."
K TYLER LOOP
On how kicking in tough conditions boosts his confidence: "It just keeps building. We talk about it all the time between Nick [Moore], Jordan [Stout] and I, the more reps we get at that, the better we feel. That's why we got so many this week in that wind at practice. [We were] just challenging ourselves that way. So, when we got here, it was like, 'Alright, we're good. We can make these kicks.'"
FB PATRICK RICARD
On how well he thinks the offense executed the play, 'Hurricane,' which led to a touchdown by TE Mark Andrews: "I think it was executed in the best way we possibly could have imagined. I honestly thought the play was dead, because when I went out there to block the guy, he kind of just stood there almost. I don't think he knew what was happening. So, I thought it was like a dead play, and all of a sudden, I turn around and see Mark [Andrews], and I'm just trying to run as fast as I can for him. It's just a credit to Mark for seeing the look and going for it and just racing to the end zone."
On if he thought the Cleveland Browns defender didn't want to meet with him head on in the 'Hurricane' play: "I think he was just focused on the sneak. And then I think Lamar [Jackson] and Derrick [Henry] went the other way. So, I think by the time I got on him, I don't know if he really knew what was happening, and I didn't either."
On how many times the offense practiced the 'Hurricane' play: "We just put it in this week, and [we] practiced it a couple times."
On if he was concerned when he heard 'Hurricane' being called: "No, no. In the moment, you're just locked in. You just listen to the call, get lined up as fast as you can and try to just play the play out."
On if he sensed they were possibly going to check into a sneak on TE Mark Andrews' touchdown run: "If they had another certain look, we were checking into a sneak."
On if he knew that the play call would be for an attempt at scoring a touchdown, rather than just a first down: "I don't know. I don't know what would've happened if we checked out of it, but I'm happy we didn't."
On if he sensed a sneak play would be called when before the offense ran it: "It depended on how my guy played it, and if you are trying to make me miss. We knew it could have been a big play, it was just a matter of how they played it and the look they gave us, and everything just worked out perfectly for us."
On how big of an impact TE Charlie Kolar made on TE Mark Andrews' touchdown: "Oh yes, that's what I'm saying. There were so many other factors than just my block and my guy. I don't know how good – I'm assuming [Charlie Kolar] did a great job – because there was a giant opening. So, credit to him, credit to Roger [Rosengarten] and [Daniel] Faalele on that side of the ball. I'm assuming they had great blocks. Obviously, I didn't see it."
On if the touchdown play late in the game was more special with it being TE Mark Andrews who scored it: "Yes. Especially, with [Mark Andrews] breaking the [all-time receiving yards record]. I think it's just an exclamation mark on that record, and we all know how important he is here as a teammate [and] as a person, and I'm just really happy that he made that play for us."
On the play 'Hurricane' gets its name from the spin that TE Mark Andrews does: "I don't know why they called it that. Maybe, maybe that's why it's called that."
On what he thought of TE Mark Andrews' speed on his touchdown play: "I think it was pretty good. I wonder what the number it was. I'm curious if he got past 20 miles an hour or not. We always just jazz each other about our miles per hour, because, obviously, I'm the slowest guy in the room."
On if some the defensive plays by the Browns' defense and DE Myles Garrett were frustrating: "It can be at times, but we knew [the Browns] were a great defense, and we knew that they weren't going to make it easy for us. And we know that Myles [Garrett] is just a generational talent. He's going to make plays. It's just a matter of us just sticking together, grinding it out and knowing that plays will happen. I'm glad they did it in the end."
WR LAJOHNTAY WESTER
On how he can use today's game as a learning opportunity: "It definitely was an experience today. I haven't muffed a ball since probably my freshman year of college. But, when you're on a team like the Ravens, you have brothers that are going to have your back in times of adversity, and the defense came through for me. They held [the Browns] to only three points [after the muff], so it wasn't a big transition. It definitely was a learning experience. I know now that when the ball is in the air, that's mine. And I have the whole organization on my back, so I have to protect it with my life."
On what happened on the muffed punt: "Well, I think I tracked it pretty good; I just kind of took my eyes off the ball to see if I had room to return it, and when I looked back up, it kind of curved on me. So, I tried to adjust last minute, and I ended up muffing it."
On if the tough weather conditions: "[They were] not really tough conditions, I've played in worse, but I think it was just my focus. I took my eyes off the ball. When you are back there, and the ball gets kicked in the air, you have to lock in on the ball and have to trust your guys [that are] blocking. I took my eyes off the ball, and I ended up muffing the ball."
On decision making when punt returning: "I didn't know I caught it at the 2[-yard line] until I got to the sideline. Like I said, I trust my guys that are blocking for me, and [Corey Bojorquez] kicked a returnable ball to me. I feel like I'm the type player to be able to flip the field, [but] that's that on that."
On still being given the opportunity to play your role after a mistake: "I feel like my coaches believe in me. I feel like my teammates believe in me. It's football at the end of the day, it's not going to be perfect all the time. Of course, we would never want that to happen, but it's football, [so mistakes are] going to happen sometimes."
On if there was a sense a relief when he fielded a punt after muffing one: "No, I really wasn't sweating it that much. Yes, I didn't want to muff it, but it's football. Like I said, [we have a] next-play mentality."
On the balance being happy for his former college teammate Browns QB Shedeur Sanders in his NFL debut, and focusing on playing against him as an opponent: "It is really easy. It is really easy. I play with the Ravens, [and Shedeur Sanders] plays with the Browns. I could call him after ... But no, I play with the Ravens, so when I have a Ravens uniform on, I'm all Raven. When I get home, I will shoot him a text or call him and let him know how proud I am of him."
On his reaction to TE Mark Andrews' rushing touchdown on the fourth-down play: "We got the win. [Mark Andrews] did what he was supposed to do. It was a great play call at the right time, and he executed the play – the whole offense executed the play."
CB NATE WIGGINS
On having an opportunity to make a play with the game on the line: "It was a fun moment to have, seeing the offense believe in us, letting us go out there and seal the game. It's amazing. We live for stuff like that. I think we're a defense that can stand up and do stuff like that."
On the defense's mindset when the Browns went to QB Shedeur Sanders when QB Dillon Gabriel went out: "It was the same thing – stop the run; stop the quick game. We knew they weren't going to throw anything deep, so it was just stopping the quick game [and] stopping the run."
On his reaction to QB Shedeur Sanders waving to the fans as he came in make his NFL debut: "It was a fun moment, just seeing him get love. There was no change for us. It was a good thing."
On why he thinks they were so effective on third down: "Our pass rush has been coming alive and disguising and showing [the Browns] different looks that they haven't seen."
On his interception: "I was dropping into coverage, and he just threw me a good luck charm, and I just had to catch it. I'm happy I caught it."
On the Browns only converting on two third downs and what it means for the defense: "It's just giving us confidence, knowing what we can do now. We have a standard every week, knowing we can stop teams like that and hold teams from not getting in the end zone. It's just the standard now."
On how the team feels to get back to .500: "We're feeling great. We're just going to keep going forward."
On teammate S Kyle Hamilton doing a QB Shedeur Sanders signature celebration on the field after sacking Sanders: "It was fun. We're all just having fun. It feels good out here."
