HEAD COACH JOHN HARBAUGH
Opening Statement: "I appreciate you guys being here. I appreciate [the fans] being over there, too. Thanks for being here. [This was a] great win, a great bounce-back win. [It was] a great winning-football win, in terms of handling a really tough week, a really challenging week, but also understanding what it takes to bounce back and win the next week or play a good football game. I thought we did the things we needed to do. The guys already knew how to do those things, but to come out here and do them in this game, in terms of winning maturity, if you want to call it that. I know Marlon [Humphrey] mentioned that; it was something we had talked to the team about; that [idea of] maturing as a football team to win games like that. They did that in this game, and this was a tough game. The score doesn't really indicate it, but this was a grind of a football game. You guys all saw the game, you know that's true. So, it was a grind. And probably one of the biggest things – there were a lot of turning points in that game; the blocked punt [by Jake Hummel] and Nate [Wiggins with his] interception to set up our first 10 points. But also the fact that our offense was backed up three times in the first half, all the way back inside the 10 [-yard line], even inside the five-yard line and didn't cave to that high-pressure defense, in terms of them making a play there that would've turned the game around and put [the Browns] in the game. I think that's probably the winning key to the game, especially offensively. You just keep pushing; you don't make mistakes. They overcame some things on a couple of drives, especially the drive the got us back to [being up by] 17 [points]. And then [they] made plays at the end against a defense that is loaded up to stop the run. So, that was good to see. I am proud of the guys. What question do you have?"
Was there anything said when you were going into that fourth quarter and you had that double-digit lead? Was there anything said, because you had talked about one of the things you wanted to do was fix how people communicated on the sideline. Was there anything said in that fourth quarter? (Jamison Hensley) "Yes, [but] I don't remember any specific thing, other than, 'The game is not over. The game is not over. Let's go. Let's finish it up and do what we need to do.' [We just said] things like that."
How important was it to see that type of response immediately from your defense, especially with the takeaways? (Morgan Adsit) "It was important. It was important. I wanted to see a good defense. I wanted to see the defense that I believe we can be – a defense that we've been working to be. I wanted to see that. We saw that, a lot, and we can [still] get better. We need to get better. We will chase that, too, but I thought the defense really stepped up and played a good football game."
We've seen ILB Roquan Smith, over the years, play pretty well as a Raven. Would you say that was his best game as a Raven? (Kevin Richardson) "Well, that's a tough question. I don't know if it was his best game ever. He could [probably] answer that better [than me]. I've seen so many good ones. It was in that category, but he's such a consistent player. That's probably why it's such a hard question to answer, because he plays so well pretty much every week."
Another thing that CB Marlon Humphrey said this week was "We're not going to have a repeat of last year. The guys who do it right are going to play." You saw more opportunities for a guy like CB T.J. Tampa Jr., a guy like ILB Teddye Buchanan at linebacker. How do you feel like some of those decisions played out after this game? (Kyle Goon) "Those decisions, all should be looked at in a positive light. We were going to want to give guys opportunities. T.J. [Tampa Jr.] has been practicing well the last couple of weeks. Teddye [Buchanan] has been practicing well. But that's no slam on anybody else. Trenton [Simpson] has been playing well. He played well in the game, too, so I don't have any negatives to say about any of those guys. But it was good to see those guys step up and play well when the opportunity presents itself. We want everybody to be able to respond that way. I know you're going to ask me about Jaire [Alexander]. Jaire Alexander is going to play great football for us this year. I kind of made the decision [to make him inactive] – he was pushing me hard – but I made the decision [and told him], 'Let's get completely right [and] in football shape.' You have to be in football shape, and he didn't get a chance to be in training camp for the full thing. So, he's healthy [and] he's going to be fine. He'll be out there very soon, playing great ball for us."
In your wide receiver room, WR Tylan Wallace kind of gets lost sometimes in the discussion. But today, he comes through with the touchdown, and he had the big fumble recovery just before the touchdown. What does he bring, and how important is a guy like that to the whole thing? (Bo Smolka) "I'll tell you, this would be a great question for Lamar [Jackson] too, because I know [Tylan Wallace] is a guy that Lamar trusts. He's a football player. He's a football player, and he does football things. He blocks people, he catches passes when you throw it to him, he returns punts, breaks tackles and runs for touchdowns. I am proud of these guys. I will tell you, these two guys [Lamar Jackson and Zay Flowers], man, not just these two guys, [but also] guys like 'Ro' [Roquan Smith], Kyle Hamilton, Kyle [Van Noy] and Ronnie [Stanley] – all the guys, I can't mention them all – [they are] guys that just led this week, kept their poise. They just [stayed] locked in, and said, 'Let's have a great week of practice and get ready to go play a really tough football game against a good team that had a lot to play for [and] who is going to win. I've said it before, [the Cleveland Browns] are going to win a lot of games this year."
Did you also feel this was a strong bounce-back game for the special teams unit? You had, obviously, the blocked punt. But you also had – WR LaJohntay Wester also had a nice return to set up a drive and P Jordan Stout had a lot of good punts in the first half. Was that a big part of it? (Childs Walker) "Yes, [that was] a big part of it. Special teams is big, because [when] you get in that kind of a game where the defense is going to really make it tough on you and you don't have field position, you need to play defense and you need to play special teams. You need to give your offense a chance to get rolling. As soon as our offense got [some] breathing room, then we made plays. As soon as we had a little bit of breathing room, and Lamar [Jackson] was able to do what he does, we opened up the playbook, and Lamar starts making plays, and Zay [Flowers] starts making catches like he did. What was the one where he caught the ball [and] ducks under a tackle, then came out of that thing – that was sweet. So, that's what they got a chance to do. But the special teams [unit] and the defense, I think, bought the offense the time to do that."
We've talked about the bounce back and handling the week. Was there anything you said or did differently that you may not have done on another week? Or did you just want it to be back to normal? (Mark Maske) "Man, I don't even remember. I don't remember any of that stuff. I say stuff, and I forget it."
CB Nate Wiggins, he said that we would see him be a different player this year. Can you just talk about the growth? You mentioned his interception. (Carita Parks) "Well, we've been seeing it in practice, [and] then it wasn't quite what he wanted in the game [last week]. And [then, during the week], we watched tape together, he and I. And he knew, he already was telling me [things he could improve upon]. I thought he came out today, kind of locked in and just took a deep breath, and played [with] that technique that he wanted to play [with]. And I think he'll just keep growing from there."
Do you have any updates on CB Marlon Humphrey and OLB Kyle Van Noy? (Jeff Zrebiec) "None of those [injuries] are any kind of season-ending deals at all. It's just stuff we have to look at tomorrow and see where we stand."
ILB TEDDYE BUCHANAN
On how satisfying it felt to end the game strong after last week's loss: "It feels good. That was obviously a huge point of emphasis for our team and just to get that done – play a complete game for the most part – felt really good."
On playing beside ILB Roquan Smith today: "'Ro' [Roquan Smith] is special. It's like having a coach out there on the field, especially for a young guy like me. 'Ro' makes all the difference on our defense and our team as a leader, so yes, all the credit in the world to him. He has done an amazing job leading this team. From everything he does – his effort, his leadership – I can't say enough good things about him."
On his first two NFL games and how he's been able to handle his responsibilities: "For me, it's just all about staying ready, preparing to play and to play well. I've done that as best as I can. There's still a lot of football to be played, so I'm looking to continue to do that throughout the season."
On if there is anything specific ILB Roquan Smith has said to him that's helped him make an easier transition to the NFL: "Yes, 'Ro' [Roquan Smith] is helpful every single day. [I'm] just getting to pick his brain [and] ask him what he's thinking. He's also just vocal on the field, telling me what he's thinking, and that helps a lot. So, yes, 'Ro' is awesome."
On if he anticipated starting this early into his NFL career: "I'm not sure I would've necessarily anticipated it, but for me, the mindset is always just stay as ready as I can. Just prepare every single week to be successful. Whatever happens, happens, and whatever the coach says, I'm going to be ready."
On the emotions of playing for the Ravens defense and being a Ravens inside linebacker: "It's a blessing, for sure, just to have that responsibility. It means a lot to me, and I take that very seriously. I know the type of pedigree that the Ravens defense – especially Ravens linebackers – have. For me, that's easy motivation to just do my best on the field and help the team win."
WR ZAY FLOWERS
On how important the win was this week after the loss last weekend: "We don't want to start 0-2. I would rather start 1-1 than be 0-2. We should have closed it out last week, but stuff happened. That was the first game that we didn't play in the preseason. So, we know what we can do."
On what it is like to be an offensive leader and a catalyst for speeding up offensive play: "I feel like anybody could start with a spark. Anybody could spark us to just start moving the ball. I just feel like my energy is always consistent, and I try to keep everybody up [and] keep everybody with a smile on their face. Whoever makes the play, makes the play. As long as we get the ball moving downfield, I feel like we'll be alright."
On how impressed he's been with WR DeAndre Hopkins' catches: "[DeAndre Hopkins is] crazy. He's crazy. He's crazy. [People are saying] he's 'washed,' but that man looks like he [is] just getting started."
On what the mood at halftime was after having a slower first two quarters offensively: "We knew we were going to have to be man-to-man today. We tried to get 'D-Hen' [Derrick Henry] started on some runs, and get him started. Our offense goes how [Derrick Henry] goes, and we have receivers that could get open today. And today, he started slow, and we knew [that] we had to kind of pick it up at the receiver position."
On how important it is to have different players in the receiving room that can make plays: "I feel like everybody in our receiver room has something that we need. 'Ty' [Tylan Wallace] can do everything. 'Tez' [Devontez Walker] can run; 'Tez' is super fast. 'Bate' [Rashod Bateman] and I can do everything. You never know what's going to happen. You could bring 'Ty' in and let him run routes, and he could score. You could bring 'Tez' in [and] let him run by somebody. 'D-Hop' [DeAndre Hopkins] [grabs] contested catches, and 'Bate' and I just separate and get the ball."
RB DERRICK HENRY
On how it was closing the game out as a team after last week: "Always rather get a win and in the division as well. [The Browns are a] tough opponent. Always happy and better when you win than lose."
On WR Devontez Walker's two touchdowns today: "'Tez' [Devontez Walker] has been getting better; I've seen it in practice. It's just going to happen in the game. So happy for Tez. [He] made a big play for us when we needed it and helped the team, for sure."
On the Ravens offensive weapons: "I mean these guys just want to make plays. 'L' [Lamar Jackson] is doing a great job, offensive line did a great job giving 'L' time to deliver the ball, and these guys want to make plays. They work hard in practice, so it's good to showcase in the game. I feel like those guys have been doing that. Glad to have them [on the] team."
On an extra edge from the Ravens defense in practice: "Hats off to them. They played very well. [They are] playing lights out. From defensive line to the cornerback room, and everybody. So, hats off to the defense. Great job to them, for sure."
On how he would grade ILB Roquan Smith's 64-yard return: "No grade, he got to the end zone. So, he got to the end zone, so that's all that matters. That was a good job by the defense, too, on that sack, that strip-sack."
On his fumble during the game and how he can prevent it from happening again: "Take care of the ball. I think you know how I feel about that. So, take care of the ball."
On the message going into this week's practice ahead of Monday Night Football: "I think it's building off this game, [the] team wanting to get better. [It's a] team focus on finishing games and getting the 'Ws.'"
WR De*ANDRE HOPKINS*
On if he thinks he scored on the play that was ruled down at the 1-yard line: "I thought I was in. I'm not sure what I did to whoever it is in New York ruling things that way. I feel like no one owes me anything, but I think those guys got it wrong in New York. I respect the League, how they go about their business, but they definitely got that wrong."
On the message to the team at halftime: "Really no message. We have enough veterans and guys who've played a lot of ball that knew we were making mistakes. And we knew ourselves we had to come out in the second half and correct it."
On what he's seen from WR Devontez Walker: "I'm one of his biggest fans, so I was overjoyed to see that."
On the battles he has with defensive backs: "I've been doing this for a while, and it just comes from knowing where the quarterback is putting the ball. And just over and over doing it throughout my career. These guys are definitely on a different skill set than when I came into the league 13 years ago. These DB's are definitely faster and stronger, so I just try to combat that with little things that I know how to win."
On using multiple weapons on offense today: "That's one of the best defenses in the NFL. You see what those guys did last week, so you have to take your hat off to them for coming out and stopping the run game today. They get paid like we get paid. Those guys definitely gave us a good battle today."
LB JAKE HUMMEL
On what happened on the punt block: "A couple of punt rushes before, we brought a pressure, and I felt like I could get a one-on-one with the personal protector. Luckily, our special teams coordinator Chris Horton stressed to me to run a similar block, and I got the one-on-one and was able to beat him and make the play."
QB LAMAR JACKSON
On how big of a response this game was after how last week's game ended: "I feel like every game is huge [while] trying to win against a divisional opponent. I don't know how it goes when they are ranking it and stuff like that, but a divisional opponent rival at that; [it's a] 30[-year] anniversary, [and] first home game in front of the Flock. We had to bring it home."
On how WR Devontez Walker is reliable while continuing to get more reps: "'Tez' [Devontez Walker] is a very hard worker. We've seen it in camp since his rookie season last year. He's been grinding and all he needed is the opportunity and he's showed it each and every time."
On what he makes of WR DeAndre Hopkins' contested catches and how they have built trust: "I [have] seen it [in DeAndre Hopkins]'s whole career. Even when I wasn't in the league, I've been watching 'D-Hop' make spectacular catches and when he was on other teams as well. But just seeing him at camp, just building chemistry there, and I feel like everyone called him – I believe people called him 'washed' and stuff like that, but he's showing otherwise."
On how big of a deal it is to have a receiver like WR DeAndre Hopkins: "A guy who can be covered and still make plays? I feel like we have that, but [DeAndre Hopkins]'s different. He's a vet and he has seen it all at the cornerback position. The guy has huge hands to catch the ball – one hand, two fingers – it doesn't really matter. He made things happen. So, shout out to 'D-Hop.'"
On what his thoughts of the defense's performance were after the loss last week: "I [have] seen that through our camp. Like I said, I feel like we go against the best defense each and every day, and [I] feel like they showed it today."
On how different the defense looked in practice this week after the loss to Buffalo and CB Marlon Humphrey's comments about the defense not being 'mature' enough: "[The defense] looked extremely mature today. [They] got turnovers, kept points off the board, except that wild touchdown, but they just did the whole thing, and they did what they're supposed to do today."
On why he has a bandage on his arm: "I get an IV every game, but yes, I am fine."
On the importance of keeping the offense's 'foot on the gas' to win games like this: "I feel like it is extremely important. It's an NFL game and wild things happen throughout Sundays, Mondays, whatever it is, people [are] playing. We just try to, like I said last week, we should have kept it going, but this week that's what we did. We got the job done and shout out to all phases. Everyone played their part."
On what his post-game interaction with Cleveland Browns QB Joe Flacco was like: "[It was] great seeing [Joe Flacco], even though it was on the opposing team, the rivalry team, but it was great seeing him. It's fun watching him."
On what the key was to move on from the loss last week during practices this week: "Not dwelling on the past. [We] started the season 0-1, [and] we can't take back what happened last week. We have to move forward, and like I said, it's a divisional opponent, and we are trying to be in the plus, not the minus."
DL NNAMDI MADUBUIKE
On the bounce back win today: "Great team win and really proud that this team finished strong in the fourth quarter. That is what was nagging us since the Buffalo game – just not finishing in the fourth quarter, but we showed today that we can. It's great momentum for us. I'm also really proud of the offense and really everything. The defense making stops, and special teams blocking kicks. It was just a great team win overall."
On the two teams chirping at each other during the week: "It was just chirping. Nothing real unusual back and forth between two division rivals. Obviously, reporters' questions are going to lead you in a certain direction [and] create some buzz. But it's good for the sport; it creates a competitive edge."
On the sack of QB Joe Flacco: "At first I put my hands up because I thought he was going to throw it, but he didn't. Then I planted my feet and finished strong. I'm happy about that. I want to stay consistent for this team, keeping the force and putting the attention on the D-line and all the guys because they work so hard."
On the two takeaways from the defense today: "[It was] great, huge. Tavius [Robinson] stepped up huge today with that sack and strip. And then of course, Roquan [Smith] with the recovery for the touchdown. Those were huge plays and showed what this defense can do. Now we just have to stack days, practices, weeks, games and stay consistent throughout the whole season."
OLB TAVIUS ROBINSON
On what was going through his head after forcing a fumble that ILB Roquan Smith returned for a 60-yard TD: "I didn't actually know the ball was out. I kind of just [had my] head in the dirt, and then I heard screaming and stuff. I looked up, and I [saw] 'Ro' [Roquan Smith], and then I started running with him. By the end of that, yes, I was tired for sure, but it was awesome."
On what he thought of ILB Roquan Smith's performance today: "Man, [Roquan Smith] is our leader right there. Since I got here, with the way he practices, I'm not surprised that he has games like [today]. That's someone who, when I'm on the field with him, I'm trying to play up to his standard, every time. So yes, again, he's our leader, and I am super proud of him, for sure."
On the defense stepping up today: "I think for us, it's just that no matter what's happening, we're always trying to be at our best. [We want to] all do our one-of-11, and just play good defense."
On how encouraging it was to have a bounce-back win like this: "[It was] very encouraging. I think we did what we wanted to do. Obviously, there is still going to be a lot to correct [and] a lot to get better from, but we're just going to keep growing as a defense."
On what he thinks of ILB Teddye Buchanan: "I think he's a dog. I think the way he plays – and the way he runs with the ball – he's a dog, for sure."
On how hungry the defense was to get their first takeaways of the season: "[We were] definitely hungry. I think that's something we preached about in the offseason, so to start to see those comfort fruition and see guys taking shots on the ball [and] going after the ball is huge, for sure."
ILB ROQUAN SMITH
On if the end zone was immediately on his mind when he picked up the fumbled ball from the Cleveland Browns: "For sure. I feel like it took me back to my high school days playing running back, but it was an awesome job by 'T-Rob' [Tavius Robinson] being able to get the sack fumble and I just reaped the reward [of] being there close to the ball. I just had to do a little sprint for about 15, 20 yards [64 yards]."
On how the defense responded after CB Marlon Humphrey's comment about the defense not being 'mature enough': "At the end of the day, it's only about the people that's in the locker room. We have the utmost respect for each and every person that we go to war with out there – all my guys and from [defensive coordinator] 'Z.O.' [Zach Orr] at the top of the helm. So, it's more so about just being who we are for four quarters, and I felt like we showed that today, but still there were a lot of plays that we felt like we left out there. So, there's room for improvement, just got to get back in the lab, get better, enjoy this victory and on to Monday night."
On if the motivation to immediately put pressure on the offense had to do with how the defense performed against Buffalo last week: "Yes, absolutely. I feel like last week we all had a sour taste in our mouth, and it was just more so about moving on and not letting last week beat you twice. I felt like it was a great job by [inside linebackers coach] 'Tucc' [Tyler Santucci], giving me some great pictures this week; then for studying these guys and knowing what they like to do in certain situations and just pulling the trigger. I still feel like I left some plays out there, so it's just more so about getting back in the lab, getting better, enjoying this tonight and on to the next week."
On if he thinks that this game was his best performance as a Raven: "I don't really look into all that. My job is to just go out each and every week, play to the best of my ability and that's just what I do. [I] let everybody else decide if it's the best game or not. That's not my decision. So, I'm just focused on being the best teammate, best leader and best linebacker for the guys."
On how happy he was to be able to perform well as a whole defense after last week's loss: "At the end of the day, like I said earlier, it's only about the guys inside of our locker room and the guys that we're going to war with. So, all the noise, honestly, I don't really hear it, nor do I care about others' opinions. It's more about the guys who I'm going to war with. That's who I care about, [their] opinions, how they actually feel and how we're going to go out and show exactly who we are. We're going to do that week in and week out. Last week is last week, it's in the past for a reason. [We] learned from the mistakes, did a lot of great things, but it's great to have your weaknesses revealed Week 1 as opposed to later in the season. So [we] got that sour taste out of our mouth. [We] left a couple of plays out there today, but it's just more so about being who we are for the rest of the season, not having any let ups and playing four-quarter football."
On during which part of the past week that he was able to move on from the loss against Buffalo: "I watched that game probably three times; so two times on the bus, in the plane, and then another time – probably four now that I think about it. Then another time with the defense on Tuesday. So, I would say after Tuesday the game was flushed. I knew there were plays that I left out there that I wanted back. At the end of the day, it's a week-to-week league, so you can't focus on a game that you played last week and let it beat you the next week. It's about moving on, making the corrections and putting your best foot forward to be the best possible defense that we can be. I felt like we did that despite [that there were] a couple plays out there today, and we just have to continue to get better from [them]."
On how rewatching the film from the loss against the Buffalo Bills multiple times last week impacted him: "I feel like you just hone in on the details and know that it's small things that eventually add up to big things. It's just about being real with yourself and upfront. If there's plays out there, you have to look yourself in the mirror and say, 'Hey, there's a play right there that I can't make [or] I can't allow to happen; nor as a defense we can allow to happen,' knowing how much respect offenses have for us and how much respect Coach 'Harbs' [John Harbaugh] has for us on the team. So, [we] just have to play our part for four entire quarters and not just three. I think it was just more so that, and it just revealed some weaknesses, and we said we're not going to allow that to happen again. That was the main thing, and we kept the main thing, the main thing."
On how the performance of the defense, specifically in the fourth quarter, felt: "It's pretty sweet. I kind of hate that duo at the end with No. 10 [Quinshon Judkins] broke out for like 30 yards [and] messing with my D-line's rushing numbers and things of that nature. So, that left a sour taste for sure, like seeing that happen and then the little late touchdown by the [running] back, but it is what it is. Obviously, you have to get better from it and grow from it, knowing that we'll probably see those plays again."
On if he took offense to Cleveland Browns' WR Jerry Jeudy's comments about not needing to worry about the Ravens' secondary: "At the end of the day, people talk. That's why people have mouths; it's for the ones that can talk and that's what he chose to say with his mouth. Hey, at the end of the day, it's about what you do on the field. It's not about talking; talking doesn't win you anything. It's about how you come out and play. So, hats off to him for having this opinion. It's his America [where there is] freedom of speech."
On the key to carrying this performance over to Monday night against the Detroit Lions: "I think it's going to be very simple: being who we are play-in and play-out [and] not allowing teams to get us off balance. Teams are going to be professional, so they're going to make plays, but it's about the response mechanism and how we're going to respond to adversity. I know each and every guy in our locker room is going to respond the right way. So, it's about just being who we are and doing our 1-of-11 [part on the defense] every single play, one play at a time. If we do that, the sky's the limit, and we know that, but it's not going to be easy. We have to stick to who we are."
WR DEVONTEZ WALKER
On his NFL career starting with three touchdown catches on three receptions: "It's great. I take all of it in. I take it day by day. [I'm] just being ready when those opportunities present themselves. All those plays were crucial [and during] 'had to have it' downs, so [it's about] just being ready for those opportunities, then getting out there and executing those plays."
On hearing WR DeAndre Hopkins say he is one of his biggest fans and what he's meant to his career: "It means a lot. 'D-Hop' [DeAndre Hopkins] is somebody I've been watching since middle school, so [it's great] getting those props from him. We have little side conversations every day. He probably doesn't know it, [but] those little conversations we have go a long way with me. He's one of those guys. He's been there for me since he's gotten here, so he's somebody I kind of lean on [and will] look to lean on more down the line."
On the advice WR DeAndre Hopkins has given him: "[DeAndre Hopkins says] just go out there and play. Last year, the guy I saw when I was out there, I was thinking a lot [and] wasn't able to play full speed. This year, going into the spring, going through [training] camp, [I've been] knowing what to do, being able to play full speed and just not thinking out there. That's how I'm able to go out there and do that, so that's one of the things he tells me. Lamar [Jackson] says the same thing. [I'm] trying to get a feel of what he's thinking out there. Maybe speeding up a couple routes or have to be here in this route or there in this route. [I'm] just picking up [things from] all their brains and then going out there, like I said, and executing those things."
On QB Lamar Jackson spreading the ball out to many different receivers: "Lamar [Jackson] understands what we have in our room and throughout our offense. We have so many weapons everywhere, and he wants everybody around to have just as much success as he does. That's just the type of guy and quarterback he is. He makes you want to go out there and play hard for him."
On watching ILB Roquan Smith's scoop and score touchdown: "I was like, 'Man!' I looked up and was like, 'That's 'Ro' [Roquan Smith]?' I'm thinking that's a safety or corner. He was moving on that. That's one of the fastest I've seen him move since I've been here, so it was fun to watch."
On if he thought WR DeAndre Hopkins' first catch of the game was a touchdown: "It was 100 percent a touchdown, but it's surreal seeing that. Like I said, I grew up seeing that, so being a teammate of [DeAndre Hopkins'], it means a lot to me. I feel like when he got here, it didn't really hit me as much. Then last week, walking out of the tunnel with him – a guy of that caliber who's done it all in this league – being able to look beside you and be like, 'Dang, that's my teammate.' That's somebody who I idolized growing up, so it's been great."
On the message from the team to always be ready for your opportunity: "They do a really good job letting you know you have to always be prepared for when those opportunities present themselves. It may not be many, but when you get in there, they expect you to produce. You have [reps with the] 'twos' and 'threes' in practice. When you get out there in the game with Lamar [Jackson], you're a 'one' at that point. They expect results when you get out there, so that's the mindset that they engrain in you when you're here."
On how satisfying it's been to take advantage of his few opportunities: "It's really satisfying, especially knowing you have guys like Lamar [Jackson] and the coaches trusting you to put you out there. So, it's really satisfying."
On the post-game message in the locker room after the bounce-back win: "Just continue, continue thriving and continue going. Just building off of it and continue progressing. We know we haven't hit our stride yet. We haven't hit our full potential, and when we do, we're one of the more dangerous teams in this League. Then, we want to reach the ultimate goal of playing for a team championship at the end of the year."
WR TYLAN WALLACE
On the bounce back win today: "We always knew what we could do. Obviously, last week didn't go our way, we didn't finish the way we know how to finish. So, our philosophy this week was we know we can make plays, we just need to finish the game. So, we had it in our mind, we're going to get the lead, we're going to protect it, and we're going to win the game. All we need to do is finish."
On the offense getting three touchdowns from WRs Devontez Walker and Tylan Wallace combined: "I feel like he and I just pride ourselves on waiting for the opportunity, and when it comes, being ready for it. I was telling 'Tez' [Devontez], you just never know when that opportunity is going to come, but just make sure you take advantage of it. I feel like he did a really good job of taking advantage of the opportunity he had today, and as long as we can keep doing that, we'll be fine."
