SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR CHRIS HORTON
Opening Statement: "It's good to see you guys. I hope everyone's doing well. Just to recap the game, I thought our guys took a step forward from the first week and went out there and played hard. It was a lot of good execution, a lot of good, young guys playing a lot of good football. I thought Tyler [Loop] did a really good job on his field goals, and I thought Jordan [Stout] had an outstanding night on his three punts. It was good to see as a whole. I just want to continue to see this group, this young group just continue to develop, so we can start climbing our way and getting ready for the regular season. Questions?"
With K Tyler Loop, on some of those different style of kickoffs you guys are trying out, where are you guys at, just as a team, in terms of zeroing in on different ones you might try during the regular season? (Brian Wacker) "I really don't think we've made up our mind yet of what we want to do. This is what the preseason is for. It allows us to go out there and just try a lot of different things, and as we continue to move forward, we'll see what we like based on what we've done, and what we don't like based on what we've done. So, we still have another game. We have another game ahead of us. We still have a couple more practices to really just figure out where we want to go with the type of kickoffs we want to use."
With K Tyler Loop as well, going from being in a competition as a rookie, now to being "the guy" just with one game in the preseason yet to go, have you seen his mentality change? How has his mentality grown since the beginning of training camp to now? (AJ Gersh) "I don't think it's changed. I think the guy is a competitor. [Tyler Loop] loves to compete. No matter when he was in the competition with John [Hoyland] or not, he came out with the same approach every day, and that's what competitors do. Then, he's made a lot of kicks, and he's kicked the ball well. It's his spot, and now [it's time] for him to just to continue to grow, continue to learn, continue to take the coaching, and he's going to have success."
Knowing that the last of couple roster spots often come down to special teams, not to say that guys aren't intense earlier in the summer, but do you see a little more urgency the last week or so, knowing that guys are kind of making their last push, so to speak? (Luke Jones) "When you look at the young guys – it's a young group – we're dealing with a lot of guys that love playing football. This is one of the better groups we've had, as far as young guys coming in – drafted and undrafted guys. These guys – they love playing football, and so because they love playing football, it really hasn't changed. They understand that if they come in here, they work every day, they'll play here, [or] they'll play somewhere else. There will be opportunities for them, so we try to help them understand that. Every guy can't make this football team, and that's a fact. So, you just come out here, you work, and you just watch these guys work, and they've done a heck of a job."
Head coach John Harbaugh said that he thinks you all are going to carry four running backs. Is that good news for you, since RB Rasheen Ali is one of the more explosive options on the kickoff return? (Childs Walker) "That's always good news, right? It's always good to have a guy back there that's very dynamic in what he does, a guy that runs with power. As we get closer to the season, we'll see how this thing shakes out."
OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR TODD MONKEN
We were just told that QB Lamar Jackson got stepped on and that's why he left practice. Did you see the play where it happened at all? (*Jamison Hensley)* "I did not, no."
Head coach John Harbaugh predicts that he might have four running backs. How important is it in this scheme would it be to have FB Patrick Ricard in the mix with these running backs? (*David Andrade)* "Patrick [Ricard]'s invaluable. He does a number of things for us. [He] can play in the backfield, on the line of scrimmage. He allows us to play in that mode – downhill, especially, with Derrick [Henry] now, [with] our ability to play under center and play with a fullback. So, he's invaluable, [and has] been invaluable here. I look forward to having him this year."
In that same breath, FB Lucas Scott is a guy who's gotten here that made that transition to fullback. What have you seen from him and how have you seen him kind of take to it? (*Justin Robertson)* "[Lucas Scott]'s been great. My cousin [Army West Point's head football coach Jeff Monken] raved about him [and] how he's wired. That's really what Jeff said about him is [that] he's wired the right way. He's going to do exactly what you want. He's physical, and I think he's starting to pick up being in the backfield. It's different when you play O-line, and everything's in front of you within a yard or two. But [in regards to] learning how to fit runs up in the backfield, he's been great."
We saw the offense work on a little bit more 'hurry up' this week. Is that more so just kind of preparing for the Washington Commanders, and helping to be prepared or is that something that you guys could adopt more of this year? (*Jonas Shaffer)* "[It's] some of that. We have in the practice plans to work on tempo. We've been working a lot of two-minute [drills], which is separate from that, but we've been working a decent amount of 'no huddle.' Once you get the full install in, it's a lot easier to work through your 'no huddle' because you've got everything in."
We have seen G Andrew Vorhees and how he has just seized that job. Has he hit every checkpoint that you've wanted to see from him this offseason? (*Childs Walker)* "Well, I thought both [Andrew Vorhees] and Ben [Cleveland] competed well. I'm excited for Andrew, and I'm excited for all of our guys, but I'm excited for Andrew. Essentially, think about what he went through a few years ago, then to come back [and] basically red shirt, then start off last year and then get dinged up and then we went with Patrick [Mekari]. So, I'm excited. He's come a long way, and his best football is still ahead of him."
I think every year since you've been here, QB Lamar Jackson hasn't played in the preseason. (*Jamison Hensley)* "I don't think so."
Has there ever been any concern about rust or anything like that with QB Lamar Jackson, especially at the beginning of season after not playing in the preseason? (*Jamison Hensley)* "I'm not concerned. [Lamar Jackson] practices his rear end off every day. Every year I've been here we practiced against other teams, which is as close as you're going to get, so I'm not concerned at all."
How pleased are you with the pre-snap [cadence] getting ready or getting set. It was such an emphasis this camp and certainly seems like there are less penalty flags than at that point? Where are you on that? (*Pete Gilbert)* "Well, it's been better. You guys are out here. It's pretty easy to see and in the games. We've been a lot better, and we have to continue to be elite. Like I said, you can't consider yourself an elite offense and really challenge defenses if you can't change your cadence. You just can't. So, we know that's been an emphasis, and we've been a lot better."
Why do you think that with RB Derrick Henry in the red zone, he's such a weapon in there, other than his size, why do you think he's so effective as a red zone weapon and get into that end zone? (*Jamison Hensley)* "Well, you hit it. First off, [Derrick Henry]'s big; he's explosive; he's highly competitive. For his size, he plays with great vision and pad level, so that's exactly what you want down there, because you're not going to be able to block everybody. You're going to have to break arm tackles. You're going to have to get some yards on your own, which he is certainly capable of."
Obviously, the sample size from the first preseason game to the second preseason game for QB Cooper Rush was super different. I'm just curious, how did you feel about how Cooper did in that Dallas game? (*Sam Cohn)* "Well, it was a lot more fun at halftime to not have three yards passing; I can tell you that. You would expect that from one game to the next, right? Practicing against the [Indianapolis] Colts is different than actually playing [them] and taking the field. I thought both quarterbacks played better. Cooper [Rush] played really well. I think Devin [Leary] played well. So, that's a good sign. I mean, improvement ... I think our team, as a whole, played better on offense. I shouldn't say the team – the offense played better, more efficient. I thought we ran out the football. I thought we played physical. I thought we were more diligent and intentional in terms of our route running and getting our spacing right. So, a lot better, and I think [Cooper Rush] felt a lot more comfortable. Good for him being back in Dallas for the preseason game [and] going back to where he started his career."
I did want to ask about RB Rasheen Ali. We didn't get to see a lot of him last year. Obviously, he's been healthy throughout camp this year. Have you seen a difference in him compared to from the year prior? (*Cordell Woodland)* "For sure. [With] 'Sheen' [Rasheen Ali], you would expect that. He came in a year ago, and he was dinged up. We didn't have him right away. As he was recovering – I can't remember, it might've been a 'pec' [injury] – it was something he had a year ago. So, just getting him back [for a] full offseason [and a] full training camp; he's only going to continue to get better. He is an explosive athlete that we have to continue to find ways to find opportunities within the offense to get him involved. He's an explosive athlete."
This being Year Three for you, with all the continuity that you have at offense, do you feel like you are kind of farther along right now than you have been through previous eve of regular seasons and where this offense is and everything? (*Jonas Shaffer)* "For sure. You just talk about staff ... So, our staff's together. We've all worked together. We've all game-planned together. We're all used to the way we go about our business on a daily basis. [With] coaching, every day that you hear something of how we're going to try to attack people. Then the players themselves, there ought to be a comfort level there to where we're just looking to tweak things, improve and be more efficient at some of the little things that I know we can be better at."
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR ZACH ORR
What did you like from CB T.J. Tampa Jr. today? (Valerie Preactor) "Oh man, T.J. [Tampa Jr.] had a great day. He had two interceptions [and] played aggressively. That's been our challenge to him. He's really talented. [So, we tell him to], 'Trust your size, trust your speed, trust your ability, play aggressive and challenge these receivers more.' He did that today, and it paid off. So, we're happy with T.J."
You know what it takes to make this team as an undrafted rookie free agent, what have you seen from some of the guys on your side, that have really made big plays during the preseason? (Alex Glaze) "This is a great rookie class, as far as draft picks and undrafted free agents. But, [we just want to see] consistency. It's like, if you can be consistent – we talked about how, [if] you can be consistent, it's going to equal production. That's not just in the games, that's also in practice, as well. So, it is really cool to see a lot of guys taking the consistent efforts they've put in practice [and] carrying it over to the games. Now they've started to make a name for themselves and put themselves in a really good position. So this week and then on Saturday [during] the game, [if] they keep that going, [there are] going to be a lot of guys that are going to make our team or make somebody else's possibly."
We saw OLB Mike Green get an interception yesterday. As it comes to coverage, dropping into coverage; how good is he at that? He looks like he's got the knack and the athleticism for it. And how important is that as a guy who's going to be in pass-rushing situation? (Ryan Mink) "He's a really good athlete, so he's comfortable going backwards, flipping his hips [and] changing direction, and he has natural hands as well. So, I think he caught a pick earlier [in the offseason], it was either rookie mini-camp or OTAs. He's a great athlete, [and he] feels comfortable in coverage. But, it's important as a rusher – obviously we want him going forward a lot more than going backwards because of his pass-rush ability – but when you're an outside backer, or you're an edge rusher, you have to be able to drop a little bit so you can help manipulate protections. If not, teams are just going to slide to you the whole time, and now you limit your chances of getting one-on-one. So, he's been great. All of our guys are great [at] dropping in coverage, and it really helps us on third down and pass situations with our blitz package."
When OLB Mike Green is trying to be the guy with an outside rush, and because of how much speed he can get and the corners that he can turn – obviously, if you have an offensive attack, you have to kind of respect that and get out. Does that open up other pass rush lanes for the other guys, where it's like basketball rules that allow you to free some other guys up? (Jonas Shaffer) "Yes, it does. And we talk about rushing as one. So, there are four guys rushing, [and] yes, you have to win your one-on-one battle, but you also have to understand where your guys went in to cover that space. So, there is a lot more that goes into it than the naked eye would see because, yes, I can beat this guy off the edge and smoke him, but if he just retreats out of there, and we leave the B-gap wide open, it doesn't matter how good of a rush you have; now the quarterback got off the spot. But to answer your question, it does help the interior guys or the other three guys that he's rushing with open stuff up, because now you know the tackle has to respect his speed, so now the gap is wider to run games on the inside. So, it's definitely helpful."
Do you think OLB Mike Green could be better as an edge setter than maybe people would expect, based on just his height and weight? We saw the play in preseason game where he stood up the tight end. (Childs Walker) "That's one thing that stood out to us when [Mike Green] was at Marshall, [and we were] watching his film, [was that] he was ... Dude would just go hard, whether it was [in the] pass game or [the] run game and play physical, fast and violent. So, it's been good to see that translate to this level, because yes, that was a question, are you going to be able to set consistent edges? Are you going to be able to continue to close versus down blocks? Because teams are going to try him. We had a talk today – teams are going to try him [starting] September 7th [in the season opener]. He's done a great job of it. He enjoys playing in the run game. He wants to be a three-down [and] four-down player. In order to do that here, you have to be able to play the run, and he's done that well."
ILB Jay Higgins IV is one of the young guys making some plays. What traits do you see that keep him around the ball a lot and also, do you have any clues about why he was not drafted? (Cliff Brown) "[Jay Higgins IV] is a really instinctive player. He's really instinctive [and has a] high football IQ. He's a guy that – it's rare nowadays. A lot of linebackers now got moved to linebacker late in college or his first time playing the position was in college. He's been a linebacker basically his whole life. So, he understands how to read [offensive] linemen, read pulls, understands zone drops, man drops [and] spacing in coverage. That's underrated for the linebacker position. He was a great player in college. His resume speaks for itself, he should have been drafted, but measurables probably knocked him down. He's definitely athletic enough [and] fast enough to play at this level. [When] you combine that with his IQ and playmaking ability; he keeps it going. There's no reason why he shouldn't play a long time in this league. He works at it. He works hard. I am just very pleased with him."
With the physicality, but also the discipline in particular the secondary has shown in a couple of preseason games. That's really hard to do when you're a young guy who's desperate to make the play. How impressed, surprised and pleased were you watching that? (*Pete Gilbert)* "I'm very impressed. And like I said, it's a great group. We said on the first day at camp, we were like, 'We understand what we're trying to get accomplished as a team, and then we understand individual goals. We are not going to shy away [from the fact] that guys are trying to earn a spot in National Football League. But, the better we play as a unit, the better you're going to look as an individual.' The guys, they've taken that to a whole another level. So, they've shown that since rookie mini-camp, since OTAs [and] since training camp and now [have] carried it over to the games. I think it's just a credit to [senior defensive assistant/secondary coach Chuck] Pagano and [defensive backs coach] 'Double D' [Donald D'Alesio] and [defensive quality control coach] Brendan [Clark] getting those guys prepared. We have a lot of guys who can play a lot of positions. I haven't seen so many rookies and young players be able to go back and forth from safety, corner and nickel within a game or within practice and still make plays. So, it's a credit to what they're doing in that room, players and coaches, and I'm just excited for them. I'm excited for everybody. This week, it's a special week. We understand it's our last time we [are] going to all be probably together as a 90-man roster, but [we have] a lot of great players [and] a lot of great men in that locker room."
Regarding the interception this weekend from S Reuben Lowery III, and after what you've seen throughout camp. The camera on the broadcast flashed to you, smiling and dapping up with head coach John Harbaugh. What was that sort of conversation like, and how good was it to see him get a turnover in the game? (*AJ Gersh)* "It was great. I just looked at [head] Coach [John] Harbaugh and said, 'Man, that's a great play.' We talk about it as a defense – no matter how we get on the field, whether it's we score on offense, or, we give the ball away, whatever the case is, our job as a defense is to stop them, no matter where the ball's at and get the ball back to our offense. Just to see that happen on the very next play – they created a max protection look, [and] everybody knew a [deep] shot was coming. [Reuben Lowery III] was back there in the post, deep with range, and then it showed his athletic ability and tracking ability to come down with the interception. So, I was just happy for him. If you go back all the way from OTAs, he probably has the most takeaways and interceptions out of anybody on the team since we've gotten started. So, it's good to see him get that in the game and get the national recognition that he's been working for."
WR TYLAN WALLACE
On what goes his head when he sees QB Lamar Jackson leave practice early: "Obviously, at the time, I guess, I didn't really notice it. I was in [there] running the plays and stuff. Obviously, I noticed he wasn't there, but didn't know what was going on. But I was thinking like, 'Oh, he's just probably resting his arm,' or something like that. But, obviously [we're] keeping [Lamar Jackson] in our prayers and everything. I hope he's doing great and all that stuff, but I'm sure [with] Lamar being Lamar, he'll be back soon before we know it."
On how he feels entering Year Five: "I feel good. Honestly, it's crazy going back on it. I've talked to everybody about that. I remember when I just got [to Baltimore] as a rookie, and now being able to say this is Year Five now, it's really crazy to me. But, I feel like I've grown so much as a person, but also as a player from my rookie year. I feel great going into it. I feel like, especially this year, we've got the team to do it all this year."
On if WR Devontez Walker having a strong preseason could have a carryover effect into the regular season: "Oh, for sure. Like I said, 'Tez' [Devontez Walker] has all the things that he needs, man. And when he puts it all together, when he gets out there in the field [and] gets his opportunities, he's going to make the most of them. I believe that for sure for 'Tez.'"
On where he thinks his biggest area of growth has been as a receiver: "I think especially starting from [my] rookie year, I think it took a while for me to adjust to the speed of the game and also just how things are run at an NFL level. I feel like it took me a while to get adjusted to that, but I feel like now, going into Year Five, I feel like I have a really good understanding of how the game is played, the speed it needs to be played at every snap and also just the overall offensive concepts that we run now. I feel like, as a vet, I know how to study, I know where I fit into all those concepts. I know what we're trying to do as an offense, so I feel like in Year Five as a vet, [I feel] like I've gotten a good understanding of that."
On if he's talked to WR LaJohntay Wester about his punt return TD: "Yes, for sure. So far, I don't know if I need to give [LaJohntay Wester] any notes. He looks like he's starting off really good. But yes, I'm always talking to LaJohntay, [and] he's a baller. When he gets the ball in his hands, he's going to make something happen. So, I'm really excited for him, [and I'm] ready to really see what he's going to do this year."
On what makes a punt returner electric: "I think the biggest thing is really just making guys miss. If you have that ability, that little twitch that you've got in you to be able to make guys miss, I think you have the ability to take it all the way home, really. I think that's the biggest thing. That, and I would say probably just being able to run tough with the football. Sometimes you've got guys right in your face, [and] sometimes you've got 10 [or] 15 yards of space, and you've got to make something happen with it. So, really just the playmaking ability to make somebody miss and run through tackles."
On how he got used to having many players running at him as a punt returner: "For sure. Yes, it's way different. Like you said, I've talked to a lot of guys, and they're like, 'I don't know how you do it, man. I would never,' you know what I mean? I think the biggest thing for me is [that] I don't know if you ever really get used to it. I think that's just a part of the game of football. Somebody has to do it. So, I look at it that way, and I look at it as whatever the team needs me to do, I'm going to do it. It's not about me, it's about what we need, and what's best for the team."
On the importance of signing autographs and greeting fans during training camp: "That's a huge thing for me. Signing autographs for all the kids just because I didn't have that as a kid. I wasn't able to go to training camp practices [and] meet NFL players and stuff like that. So, I know how much that can mean. If I was a kid, and I had that opportunity, it'd mean in the world to me. And I always look at it as, one day, they're not going to be asking for your autograph. So, I always look at it as [I should] take advantage of the opportunity you have now to make people happy."
