HEAD COACH JOHN HARBAUGH
Opening Statement: "Alright, [it's] good to see everybody. I appreciate you being here. [It was a] great afternoon, great crowd [and a] great team we're going against. I thought the work was so good. [There was] a lot of energy, right? I mean, it just amps up a little bit when you get to these kinds of practices. [It was] so good for us. I can't wait to get a look at the tape and get to work. But, thanks to the [Indianapolis] Colts for coming. I thought it was a well-run practice that both teams did their best to keep staying on their feet as much as possible and keep it healthy. So, we were happy about that. I think we got a lot of good work done. So, what questions do you have?"
I know that when you watch the film, you'll get a little bit more detail, but did anything jump out at you? Anything that you saw from your team that you maybe didn't see in the regular practice? (*Jamison Hensley)* "You're looking at the details, really. I mean, you're not really looking at the outcomes as much. I mean, obviously, I give [the Colts] credit, right, at the end. They got two interceptions in two minutes, so that was great. [It was a] great job by those guys underneath making those catches. So that was disappointing to us; we don't want to throw an interception in [a] two-minute [drill]. So, we'll look at that, and that's why I like [joint practices]. I mean, it makes you feel what it's like in a real situation to be there, to try to compete and get the stop or whatever it might be. So, we got the stops, which I was happy about, but then the rest of the way, everything is broken down into pieces. Everything is a drill that's a part of the whole, and [we] to try to break it down as far as we can right down to every single individual type of performance or technique or whatever, and try to improve."
In terms of special teams today, there were a very tight, in terms of number of opportunities for each side, but there was one breakdown, at least on the return game, and at the end I saw one on the punt return game. Tell me about what you saw on those special teams opportunities. (*Ken McKusick)* "Yes, I mean we'll get a chance to look at those plays and just work through them. I think we came free in the punt rush once or twice. We had some good rushes, and we did really well with the vice stuff. I thought our gunners looked really good. Also, [we had] the chance ... Those reps for those guys in games are really kind of rare because you only get the three preseason games for the young guys. Most of these guys have never played special teams before. So, we'll coach those plays. I mean, the one that got outside the edge, whoever the edge guy was, we'll coach him up on it."
With the fight that broke out, is not something, obviously, that guys are all used to it. What's your message to the guys after something like that happens? (*Brian Wacker)* "Well, the same message as before. It's like we want to play it like it's a game. So, here's an opportunity to handle those situations like you're going to handle them in a game, and we did 99% of the time, but we didn't on that play. [Indianapolis Colts head coach] Shane [Steichen] and I were talking afterwards – and also [general manager] Chris Ballard, we were both talking – it's always special teams. It always happens in these practices on special teams. Usually, it's the gunners [with the] the gunner vice drill. You can pretty much chalk it up and predict that it's going to happen because it's one of those full-field, really competitive drills. It happened, but it should be a learning experience opportunity for our team, too. You don't have to throw a punch [to] get thrown out in the game. You go back at them, [and] they may throw you out, and the officials [at practice today] threw both of those guys out. So that's an opportunity for us to learn from."
You've had OLB Kyle Van Noy, obviously, for a few years now. Are there still ways that he's finding to impress you just with his ability to move all around and then obviously the physical side as well? (*Zach Perelis)* "Yes, another conversation [I had] with one of their coaches, but he [Kyle Van Noy]'s just a really good football athlete, Kyle Van Noy. I'm sure he still runs pretty fast. I'm sure he still jumps pretty high and all that, but he does all the football movements functionally really, really well. He can get off blocks, he can make tackles, he can rush the passer, and he's got leverage on the blocker. He finds a way, because he is really good, and I think that's what you're talking about."
We didn't see S Kyle Hamilton out there today. Is everything OK? (*Cordell Woodland)* "Yes, it's one of those camp deals. [We will] just hold him out of this one and try not to make anything more of a problem than it needs to be."
In 11-on-11 drills today, TE Charlie Kolar got open a bunch of times. Also, that tough, contested, catch made. How comfortable do you feel with TE Isaiah Likely out for a little bit of time with Charlie and how he's grown as a receiver? (*Kyle Goon)* "Yes, well Charlie [Kolar] came in as a receiver. That's the interesting thing. And I do think he's grown as a receiver, also, but he's really – probably his biggest growth came as a blocker. He never blocked, I don't think, maybe one time, at Iowa State. It doesn't seem like it. Now, he's kind of known as a blocker, and yet he had two or three big, huge, passing play catches today. We had numerous big plays in the passing game. We had a couple big runs. We had a number of red zone scores, which was good with the first group [during] the first set with the 'ones.' So those are all great things to see, and Charlie was a big part of that."
How did you feel like you guys did on the operations stuff? Are you getting guys set when you wanted them to? (*Childs Walker)* "Yes, it was really good. We had, really, one situation where a new guy who's been here for two days had a tough time being on or off the ball. It didn't impact the plays at all, but he's learning the formations. I am not thrilled about it. I think maybe we had three formation deals, and either two or three of them were that situation. So, it's not the easiest thing to come in in two days and learn a whole offense. There's a lot going on there."
You talked about the starters in these joint practices being able to get a lot of good work. Did you feel good about what you saw at least from what you can remember from today? (*Cordell Woodland)* "Well, yes, I mean I'll let you know later about the tape, but I felt really good about the work. To your point, they got a lot of reps. They got seven out of every 12 reps that we did in all those periods. I think that's about 60%, if my math is right. So that was good to see them get all those reps against another defense. I mean, that's a really good defense and a really good front, especially. It was good work for us."
Seemed like LB Mike Green was applying a lot of pressure in that last period. How encouraging was to see him getting that? (*Garrett Downing)* "Yes, I mean [Mike Green] did. He thought he got there about three times. That's what the games are for. But he was bringing it. I thought William Kwenkeu getting that last sack was very impressive. It was fun to watch."
Coach, prior to that last series, what sort of feedback were you getting from the defensive side about how your guys were doing? (*Giana Han)* "They said it went well down there. They said there was like three or four or five plays that they didn't like, so I'll have to see it. I was on the offensive field. They seemed happy about it, though."
You mentioned that the Indianapolis Colts defensive front specifically being able to have a joint practice and preseason game against a team like this. How much does that help go into the regular team? (*Alex Flum)* "It does. I was really happy when [Indianapolis Colts head coach] Shane [Steichen] wanted to do it because I know they've got a lot of good players. The wide receivers, and I mean their offensive line is really good. They've got a great [running] back and really good linebackers. I mean the top linebacker didn't practice, but those other guys, they look pretty good today, especially in [the] two-minute [drill]. So, when you can play against really top-notch players like that that are not your own guys, it's valuable. It's like a preseason game in that sense for the 'ones.'"
I think you mentioned little bit about the preseason. Is it going to be like the usual no QB Lamar Jackson, no RB Derrick Henry, for the top guys? (*Jamison Hensley)* "That's the way it's going to be for this game [on Thursday]. Yes, we will take the next game as we go."
Looks like you guys have rotated G Andrew Vorhees and G Ben Cleveland in that left guard spot. What have you noticed from those two guys and them being able to establish a rapport with QB Lamar Jackson and the other guys on the line? (*Zach Perelis)* "I think good. Andrew [Vorhees] had a really good camp kind of all the way through. [I have been] really impressed with the way he's played. He's a pro, he's very physical and is a very strong guy. And then Ben [Cleveland] had a slow start to camp, but once we put the pads on, he accelerated and has done well. So yes, I think they're both playing really well. We're not finished. I mean, you get evaluated through the whole season when you're younger, you've got to keep it going anyway. But I like the way those guys are playing."
Were you impressed with WR LaJohntay Wester? I think he might've taken one back, then it was called dead. Just curious what you saw him in the return game today? (*Sam Cohn)* "He looked good. I'm going to be watching those guys and just see what their posture was when catching the ball. I think they'll all be able to make returns. I want to see their posture catching the ball. I want to see how solid they look fundamentally catching punts, because that's where it starts. You got to be able to catch the punts. I learned that from [Kansas City Chiefs head coach] Andy Reid and [former Eagles head coach] Ray Rhodes taught me that the very first year. Your punt catcher is more important than your punt returner. If you have both, then you've got something special."
What does good posture look like when you're catching punts? (*Chris Bumbaca)* "Square. You're perpendicular to the path of the ball. You're square shouldered on the catch. You are right down the middle, elbows tight, high hands. How's that? You like that? That's an easy one for me. I know the answer to that one." (laughter)
Have you shown them? Have you gotten out there and showed them yet? (*Cordell Woodland)* "You mean like catching a real punt? Absolutely not." (laughter) "We all know you don't do that. We all know we don't do that, right?"
RB DERRICK HENRY
On how valuable having joint practices are: "Yes, I just think it's a good measurement to see where you're at as a team. I know we've been going against each other for however many practices this has been, so it's a good measurement to see where we measure up against another opponent, get some good practice in and get some good work in and watch the film and see what we need to get better."
On where they think they need to work the most: "We've got to watch the film. We made some plays. They made some plays. It's football, but the biggest thing [that] I think Coach [John Harbaugh] wants to see is us coming out here competing, letting the work that we put in show against another opponent, and just strain and finish when you're in there."
On if he is where he wants to be from a conditioning perspective before the season starts: "Yes, I'm just going to continue working in training camp. This is the ultimate work that you can put in to get ready for Week 1, and that's just my main focus is coming out here [and] doing the best I can to make me better every day, be the best teammate I can be, to be the best leader and bring that intensity and hold myself accountable each and every day."
On if it feels different knowing he's going up against a defense that isn't his own: "It's just another practice that's organized differently. Of course, you want to get hyped up just because it's a different team. You're not going against your own teammates like we are every day. So, it has a different feel to it, but it is still football, and you just want to have fun while competing."
On the competition at the LG position: "Those guys are competing. Andrew [Vorhees] is doing a great job, and you enjoy guys who are competitors, who bring that intensity, who want to get better, who love competing and let it show on the field."
On if there's anything that they see during training camp that makes them think they can improve their running game this season: "I don't really try to go too much off of last year. Last year is done. I think the good thing about football is you've got to prove it again, and I think you've got to put the work in when you're out here in the meetings and letting it transition, and then you can build off of last year, for sure. But yes, it's a whole new year, [and] we look to be effective, but we know it starts out here by putting the work in to be able to do that when that time comes."
On if it's a positive to see teammates having that edge and having a competitive fire during a joint practice: "I always knew that we had that. Nobody wants to fight. Things get chippy, [and] guys talk. That stuff happens all the time. We know we've all got each other's backs. It's just competing. Sometimes it gets the best of us, but we know it's all fun and games at the end of the day; we all just want to get better."
On if he feels like he still has more to contribute as a pass catcher in this offense: "I'm just taking advantage of any opportunity that I get in the pass game. We have great pass catchers out of the backfield, [with] Justice [Hill], Keaton [Mitchell] and Rasheen [Ali]. Those guys do a heck of a job, and if 'Monk' [offensive coordinator Todd Monken] gives me the opportunity, I try to catch it. So, thank God I caught it."
On how he prepares for the physicality of the games: "Shoot, it's my 10th year. If I'm not ready now, then I don't know. I know what to expect and what it's like. I just focus on getting better. Our defensive is physical, so they do a good job of getting us prepared and getting me prepared. So, I look forward to it."
On being in the second year in this offense: "I think it benefits any player that's in the offense for the first time and then coming in for a second year, I think you get used to the scheme. [You have] more experience, you get more comfortable, and then you just work on elevating your game and getting better [while] looking forward to the next season."
On what he's seen from RB Keaton Mitchell: "[Keaton Mitchell] has put a lot of work in to get back to this point, and I know how bad he wants it and how hard he worked to get back to what he feels like [is] himself. And he's been showing it through OTAs and camp, and I think you all have seen flashes of him, making some splash plays, and that's just who he is. And that is a credit to him and his work ethic to get back to where he wants to be an explosive player."
On what RB Rasheen Ali has shown during camp: "Yes, 'Sheen' [Rasheen Ali] is doing a heck of a job, as well, throughout the off season and going through camp. I think it was just with that experience [and having] that first year under his belt, getting used to things more experienced. He's running better, he's recognizing things quicker, just doing a heck of a job from Year One to Year Two. I think he's just going to keep growing, but his growth from [Year] One to [Year] Two has definitely been recognizable. He's been doing a heck of a job."
QB LAMAR JACKSON
On how today's joint practice went: "[It was] great work. We went against a good defense. Guys caught some great passes out there. [We had] great runs. I feel like overall it was a great day. It was a good day."
On if training camp gets boring and if they look forward to joint practices: "I wouldn't say it's boring. I [would] say [we] just [like] competing against another team instead of going against our guys all the time. Your competitive side starts to kick in a little more."
On if joint practices feel like preseason games: "Yes, it does. It does, and we get great work out of these types of practices."
On why TE Mark Andrews is good in the red zone: "I believe [it is because of] his feel for the game. His feel for where he is on the field and the routes we have going on. He [has] got a great eye for the defense."
On building chemistry with WR DeAndre Hopkins: "I feel like we're getting better. I feel like we're great. I messed up one time though; I didn't think [DeAndre Hopkins] saw me on the route I gave him. He did see me. But overall, I feel like we did pretty good today."
On talking to the official as he left the field: (laughter) "He was talking to me about the call from the Cleveland game when I got kicked in the leg. He was asking me what happened, but it was all good, man. I feel like he'll give me a call next time."
On TE Charlie Kolar's development: "[He's] awesome, man. Charlie [Kolar] is getting a great feel for the game. He's looking like a little Mark [Andrews] and a little Isaiah [Likely] out there, in his own way. He [is] coming along great."
On where he was when the fight broke out: "I'm chilling. I know the cameras [are] on all of us, so I can't really do too much. But I feel like our guys handled their own."
On showing frustration when things don't go well during practice and how he measures a good day: "Oh, yes. When I did that, it was just competitive nature. If something [doesn't] go my way, if it [doesn't] look good to me, I might have a reaction that people [are not] used to seeing. But just watching how my guys are out there on the field and how we [are] moving in the ball during certain periods, I felt like we did pretty good, besides the little 'BS' interceptions – [there were] too many, but it happens."
On how WR Devontez Walker has been developing through camp: "Me and 'Tez' [Devontez Walker], our chemistry's been doing good since last year. During the Giants game, he had his first touchdown, I believe. He really hasn't been getting a lot of reps with me this camp, but I feel like we're right there. We're right there."
On talking to Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo after practice: "Yes, [former Bengals defensive coordinator and current Colts defensive coordinator] Coach [Lou Anarumo] was telling me that he [was] glad he [doesn't] have to face me twice a year anymore. But I told him it's always going to be competitive. [The Bengals are] a division rival. We see [them] twice a year, and no matter [what] the record is, it is always a good game. That's what we were pretty much talking about."
On if he feels just as fast in his eighth season as he did when he entered the league in 2018: "Absolutely – I've been saying that – except when I got a little bulky; I was kind of tired a little bit. That's why I had to get that weight off of me. But I feel good. I feel [how] I did my rookie year, speed-wise [and] mobility-wise. I feel great."
On if he's pleased with where the offense is at this point: "I feel like [with] our offense, there's always room for improvement in camp. We have good days; we have bad days; we have OK days; we have great days, but I feel like there's always room for improvement. We're right where we need to be right now."
On what he's seen from RB Keaton Mitchell so far and on his expectations for him this season: "[I have] high expectations. To me, [Keaton Mitchell] is getting his speed back, but [with] more repetition, he's going to be where he needs to be. He's looking good to me."
On what he's noticed working against his own secondary: "They made practice extremely competitive, man. There's a lot of first-rounders in our secondary. A lot of guys who've been around, besides Malaki [Starks], obviously, but those guys are ball hawks, and I see it each and every day."
On what it's been like to be reunited with CB Jaire Alexander and to see Alexander celebrating with him after his touchdown run in practice: "[Jaire Alexander] celebrated against me when he caught the two interceptions. I got that a lot in practice back in college, so I'm used to that. But that's my brother, man. I love that we've got him on our team, man. I'm looking for a lot out of him this season."
On if joint practices are a good measuring stick to see where they are as a team: "Absolutely, because we don't see these guys every day. We get to see different looks from different guys, different types of coverages, see how different guys guard different people, different blitzes and stuff like that. So, definitely, we get a lot out of these types of joint practices."
DT NNAMDI MADUBUIKE
On what he got out of joint practice against the Indianapolis Colts: "It was a good day. It was good competition. I feel like we got better today. It was just good to be out there with a different team, just get different looks. So yes, it felt good today."
On going up against Indianapolis Colts RB Jonathan Taylor: "[Jonathan Taylor] is really quick, and he is really patient. He hits the gaps late, so you have to really be more patient. He tests your patience and gap integrity. He's a really good back. He definitely helped us get better."
On if he feels like he has a better sense of where the defense is at after today: "We haven't watched the tape yet. It was hard to tell, but [we are] definitely going to watch the tape and definitely see for sure for [Thursday's game]."
On if he feels the team is physically ready to go into the season: "We feel more than ready. Every day, when we practice against each other, it's very physical. Even when another team comes in here, we're going to be even more physical, and we're going to get different looks from different teams. They have different plays, different schemes. It definitely tests our patience; it tested our fundamentals overall, and that's what I think we got out of today."
On if going against players from other teams forces the defense to lean more on their fundamentals: "Yes, [we] definitely have to lean more on the fundamentals. Jonathan Taylor, he was hitting those gaps really late, and sometimes, when you have the B-gap integrity, you think he's going to peak in C, but he is really waiting for you to peak and see, and then he hits the B-gap. So, it's like, 'Oh, OK. You need to more gap integrity in your B-gap. So, I think stuff like that is good to be tested in these joint practices, and it gets us better as a team."
On if he looked forward to the joint practice today: "It was exciting just to go to practice and have another opponent come here and practice with them and get better. It was exciting just to see different faces, different looks. It's all exciting and just having the whole team together."
On what CB Jaire Alexander brings to the defense: "[He's] hype, [has a lot of] energy, everything we need in a Ravens defense. He's a great player, great person, just brings that hype energy, as you can see right there. That's just a little glimpse, you know what I'm saying? A little snippet. Just overall great energy, and that's exactly what we need."
On having DL Brent Urban back on the team: "Great. 'Big Urb' [Brent Urban]. He brings that energy, too, especially in our D-Line room. It just feels [like we're] back [to] normal. Not saying it wasn't normal before, but having guys that you've played with before, and they're coming back, it just brings that [feeling of home] again and just the energy that I'm talking about. Good vibes."
On what it's like playing next to DT Travis Jones: "We [are much] more coordinated than we've ever been this whole year. This past offseason, we've been working together in gains, working together in communication. He's gotten strong, he's [helped] me [get] stronger. He's pushing me in the weight room, I'm pushing him in the weight room. I'm pushing him on the field with conditioning. We're just iron sharpening iron, and we have great chemistry. We both love each other as brothers and just as teammates as well. The sky is the limit for both of us. I feel good about it."
On the communication within the defense: "It's a work in progress. We're still in training camp, and we're all still getting better. So, like Marlon [Humphrey] said, it's not perfect, but we're scaling up to where we need to be."
On if there has been an adjustment period for the defensive line following former Baltimore Ravens NT Michael Pierce's retirement: "Not really. We have a majority of the same guys that are here, especially with 'Urb' [Brent Urban] coming back. Mike [Pierce] is gone, but we have guys that we've had before, Broderick [Washington Jr.], 'Trav' [Travis Jones], 'Daf' [Odafe Oweh], 'Urb,' [and] Kyle Van Noy, so it's not really much of a slip off, but we do miss Mike, though."
On his thoughts on G Andrew Vorhees and G Ben Cleveland: "[Andrew Vorhees and Ben Cleveland] are both big. They're both strong. They're all working. Everybody's working to be the best that they can be. Sometimes Ben runs with the 'ones,' sometimes Andrew runs with the 'ones,' and sometimes I ask both of them like, 'Hey man, I didn't see you today. Where were you at?' It's just a quick laugh, but everybody's just getting better. Everybody's doing the best they can, and they're both improving."
On OLB Mike Green's development so far: "He's twitchy. He's fast. He's quiet, you know what I mean? But I can tell, he's just locked in. He's just ready to go. He's just ready to rumble and just ready to just get after it. And that's what you want to see as a young rookie. [He is] very hungry and very patient to wait for his time to go. And then, when he goes, he's going to make the most of it, and that's what he's doing."
On if he saw the scuffle between Colts and Ravens players during joint practice: "No, I was far away. I didn't see exactly what happened. Do you know what happened exactly? I heard Nate [Wiggins] was slugging somebody or something. I don't know, but it was crazy." (laughter)
On if he spoke with CB Nate Wiggins after the incident: "No, I didn't. I haven't even talked to him yet. I may have to say something to him. 'Hey, bro, something happened I missed out on. I wanted to get into it.' No, [I'm kidding]." (laughter)
On the rarity of OLB Mike Green's pass rush abilities: "Yes, [it's] rare. You don't see that often, and he's really been blessed with that bend. He has that mentality, as you can tell, as a rookie, to just keep getting better. He doesn't talk much, and he works really, really hard, and he puts in a great effort on tape. He's only going to get better. That's the only thing that's going to happen. He's going to keep getting better and keep being great. So, I'm happy for him. [I want him to] keep going."
On DL Aeneas Peebles and if he reminds him of himself early on in his career: "Yes, 'Fub' [Aeneas Peebles] is very, very twitchy. [He is] great in the pass rush, very good at flipping his hips. [He] asks a lot of questions. [I] always give him answers to anything I know. [He is] very hungry to get better. So, in comparison to me, I don't know, we're just different players, just different people, different ways of doing things. That's how I think about it."
