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POSTGAME QUOTES
JANUARY 1, 2012
Opening statement:
“Obviously we are disappointed into today’s outcome. I didn’t think we played smart football at times. We gave up two long runs defensively. One of those runs came late in the fourth quarter when we were trying to fight back into the game. The Ravens are a team that has committed more defensive penalties than anyone in the NFL, and I don’t think they got called for one today. The film will be interesting to look at. Overall, we must do a better job eliminating our penalties. Some of the plays we were called for didn’t look like penalties. However, those particular plays were called, and we must overcome them. The three touchdowns they scored are all plays we must defend better.
“On offense I thought we protected the quarterback today. We need to be more consistent in the running game. We were picking up two and three yard gains, but we must find a way to generate longer runs. We must play with our pads lower and finish at the point of attack. Those short gains need to be consistent six and seven- yard gains. Early in the game we put ourselves in some third-and-long situations, and those are hard to overcome. The Ravens bring pressures and show different fronts, so we must work to sort those out. Our number one goal is to be world champions and we still have that in front of us. We must keep getting better to achieve that goal.”
Is this a bittersweet day?
“It is a bittersweet day. I know we have the fight part right. There is no quit in this team. We need to get the mental part corrected early in the game. We cannot put ourselves behind.”
This team has been good against the run recently, today they broke three big ones. How do you eliminate big plays such as these?
“We have got to play better. That is what happens when guys don’t take care of responsibility and do their job right.”
Is today bittersweet after losing to Baltimore but still making the playoffs?
“Yeah, it’s kind of weird. We obviously didn’t get it done today, but we still have a chance. It’s what we wanted at the beginning of the season. We wanted to come in and make the playoffs, because once you’re in the playoffs, records up to this point don’t matter. Win you’re in. Lose you’re out. We’re here. We’re going to have a great week of work and get ready to go.”
What were the wind conditions like out there today?
“It was pretty windy. I don’t know how fast it was going, but it definitely was windy out there.”
Did the wind affect your throws at all?
“I didn’t feel much. I’m sure it did on a couple of them, but both teams played through it.”
It appeared there was pass interference on the second-to-last play of the game in the end zone on the pass attempt to WR 
“I tried to give him a shot. It wasn’t called. I don’t know; I’ll have to go back and look at it. We were close.”
What kind of pride do you have in making the playoffs your rookie season?
“It means a lot. We’ve got a lot of great guys around me. We’ve got a great locker room, a lot of great teammates. No one gave us much credit going into the season, but we didn’t worry about that. We came out and worked hard. We’ve been successful up until this point, and we’ve got a shot in the playoffs. We’re in it. Now it’s what we do with it. I think everybody’s got the right attitude. We’re going to have a great week and we’ll be ready to go.”
You seem to be pretty comfortable running the no-huddle offense:
“It’s just getting calls and all that stuff — not letting them get (substitutions) get in. You’ve got to relay everything to everybody. It feels like you can limit (what) that they do. We came close again.”
What will it mean for you to play a playoff game in Houston, near your hometown?
“It’ll be a lot of fun. I’m sure I’ll have a lot of people there that are from Katy, right outside of Houston, or just a lot of family and friends. It’ll be fun to go and play there.”
Is there more pressure playing your first playoff game in your hometown?
“It’s no more pressure. I expect a lot out of myself. I’m not going to worry about any of that other stuff. I’m just going to go out and play the game.”
Aside from making the playoffs, do you feel your team has potential in front of it?
“For sure. We definitely haven’t played our best game yet. It’s what we’re working for. We’ve got to go put it all together and just let it all out. Once we’re able to do that, this team can be really good.”
What are your thoughts on making the playoffs?
“It’s just a blessing. At the beginning of the season, we thought we should get to the playoffs, and we have the opportunity now, so we’re going to take full advantage of it.
What will it take for you to be victorious versus Houston next week?
“Play a complete football game. We have yet to do that this year, so we need to focus on our keys, the tendencies they have and just execute.”
There have been or at least were a fair share of naysayers that did not believe this team would be a winning one, let alone make the playoffs before the season started … How have you been able to keep that outside the locker room and not affect the team inside it?
“Because it’s just us — we take it as just us against the world and it’s just us out there playing football — no one else.
What are the keys to eliminating the mistakes you spoke of earlier?
“(The keys are) repetition in practice, being a student of the game and understanding the situation and staying in your playbook all the time so they won’t happen.”
What is your take on your own personal development from your rookie season to the present?
“I think I’m doing pretty good, (but I still have) room for improvement. I still want to get better, I still want to be a dominant football player and do the things I got drafted to do.”
What do you feel this team is capable of doing as you go into the first round of the playoffs?
“The sky’s the limit for our team. We just have to play all three phases (of the game) the way we’re supposed to play ; either the defense is playing good and we’re playing bad or we’re doing good and the defense is playing bad (or it could be) the special teams (having a bad game). I think we’re going to take advantage of it this week.”
If you had to describe this team in terms of a characteristic, what would it be?
“Big hearts — we have extremely big hearts on the team, we’re extremely competitive, we want to win 100 percent every single time.”
What’s the feeling about getting into the playoffs but not in the way you wanted to today?
“We really just have to watch what we did today — learn from it. Even though it’s a new season, we know that these mistakes we made today, Houston is going to see it and they’re going to try and attack us the same way. It’s a bittersweet moment. We’re not really happy with what we did today, but we’re in the tournament, and we’ve got just as many chances as everybody else does to get to Indianapolis.”
How do you feel for
“I feel happy for him. I was in a similar season in ’09 — I had played eight seasons and not got in, and he’s played 11 and he’s in for the first time. So it’s special, because that’s what you play for. To just have an opportunity to get a ring, it means a lot. We’re all happy for him, and just to get from where we were — going from the lockout to coming together in camp to where we are now — it’s taken a lot. We can’t apologize for how we got in. We’ll move on and see Houston next week.”
Did he ever talk about how much it would mean for him to make the playoffs?
“All the time. We spend the majority of our time with him. Deep down inside, you know how special it is just to get in, and everyone wants a chance. Everybody makes a good living and everybody makes a lot of money. But at the end of the day, when boils down, you want a ring. Now we have a shot.”
So many people said you couldn’t be at this point. Is it gratifying to be there?
“A little bit, but now we really have to make some noise, because you look at the last three years, we’re in the playoffs two out of the three, so it really doesn’t mean anything if you go out in the first round. Our whole focus now is to go out and get a win.”
You guys have faced six or seven first place teams and lost to all of them, and that’s still the case today. Do you have the confidence you can go into the playoffs having not beaten a good team?
“We know that, but every team is great in the NFL. We all get paid the same, we all try to win every game, and it’s just unfortunate that we’re losing to some of the better teams. We’ve been in each of those games (and) a play or two away from winning those games, but we’re just happy around here that we’re in the dance and have to now prove to the world that we belong here.”
Every couple of years, you’re getting into the playoffs personally, but for a guy like Nate Clements — who never had until now — how do you feel for him? Did you have a chance to talk to him after the game and find out how much this means for him?
“Yeah, I just went over there and said ‘congratulations.’ It’s big to him. Yesterday at the hotel, he mentioned that to everybody. And to be in the league for 11 years and not have a playoff berth and for him to come to Cincinnati and get one, we really were working hard for him to get it (because) he deserves it. He’s one of the hardest workers here, so big ups to him.”
You mentioned Nate spoke to the team before the game last night. What did he say?
“Nate was just talking about his story — how he’s been around the league (for a while) now, how he’s had a couple big pay days. But he said he would trade all that in just to be in the playoffs. I’m so happy that he’s able to get in here and get his first playoff (berth). Big ups to him because he deserves it.”
To see a guy just want to win a football game that badly to make the playoffs, does that affect a team?
“You know, every game you go into, your goal is to win. That’s how it is. That’s how this team has been the whole time — we never think we’re out of a game. We were down by 14 I think, it was at halftime and we came back lights-out trying to get a ‘W.’ We fell short on that, but we heard the good news that we’re in the playoffs now, and now we’ve really got to get down to business.
“It’s mixed emotions. You’re sad that you lost a game, but you’re really happy, because one of our goals is to make the playoffs and we did that here. We’re really excited for the city, excited for the Brown family, and we put in a lot of hard work this off season.”
What more do you feel you can do for this young team and these wide receivers from a leadership standpoint?
“Just keep us motivated. And when we make a bad play, just keep working hard and forget about it. I always try to keep our heads up and try to win games.”
Do you think the rest of this team believes it can go as deep into the playoffs as you do?
“I always believed from day one that we had this team and this chemistry to get into the playoffs and make a run for that Super Bowl, and that’s our ultimate goal — to get to that Super Bowl.”
Expectations for this team outside this locker room were not terribly high before the season started. What are your thoughts on where this team started and where it is now?
“We’re just getting that chemistry around (us). We’ve just got to cut out the mistakes. We’re young, but now, it’s for us to grow up. A lot of people doubted us in the beginning, but I always believed in this team, these coaches, the owner and everything about the decisions they make. I just hope we can get everything together and have great practices this week and just keep moving forward.”
What will it take for your team to be successful against the Texans next week?
“Cut out the turnovers, make every play and catch, and be on the same page.”
Every team has ups and downs, as have you yourself this season. How do overcome that and what will it take for this team to take the growth it’s had into a championship contender?
“We just all got to grow and become great football players, believe in our coaches and make plays. It’s a competition, so we’ve just got to compete and make each other better like brothers would do.”
This is your 11th season, and this is going to be your first playoff game (next week). What is the feeling like?
“I’m ecstatic and excited for my teammates. We have a tremendous opportunity ahead of us. I’m happy for all the guys because I know how much work we put in, and now it’s paying off.”
Coach Lewis had you speak to the team last night. What was your message?
“I’d like to keep that between me and the guys. I shared my experiences with them.”
You’ve made a big impact in a short period of time. I know a lot of guys look up to you and respect you. How do you feel about that?
“I just try to always work hard. That’s how I’ve done it my whole career. You have to lead by example.”
The big goal is to win the Super Bowl, right?
“Exactly. Once you have the opportunity, the goal becomes real. If you ask any team, the mindset is to win the trophy.”
You play the Houston Texans. They took a game away that you seemed to be in control of. How badly do you want to get back at them?
“They pulled it out in the end. The key for us is to continue to finish. Finish the ball game.”
What are your thoughts on what this team can do now that it is in the playoffs?
“Anything can happen. I’m just blessed. I cherish this moment because I know how hard it is. Eight years ago, I was in the same position, and things didn’t work out (and I ended up) sitting at home. You never know when you’re going to get your chance. Today we got our chance. The football gods were with us and (now) we’re in there.’ ”
You’ve been waiting your whole career to play in the postseason and it seems like a pretty emotional moment for you. What are you feeling right now?
“I mean — aw, man — my heart is heavy right now, because I know how my team prepares. We work extremely hard. Things don’t always bounce our way, but today we got a ticket to the playoffs, and all we ever asked for was a chance.”
How much did you question personally whether or not this would ever happen for you?
“I never questioned it, I just worked extremely hard every year with the mindset of reaching the ultimate goal, and I think everybody on this team has the same common goal, and that always is to win the Super Bowl.”
All these guys knew your situation. What did they say to you after the game?
“You know what? I’ve learned so much, and these guys probably don’t know it, but I’ve learned so much from them — as they do from me — and I’ve been truly blessed. It’s been an honor playing and going to battle with these guys week in and week out. And right now, I’m just going to cherish it and enjoy the moment because I know we have a task at hand this weekend.”
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What are your thoughts on going to the playoffs in your first year?
“We’re excited. We’re disappointed with the way the game turned out today, and we left some plays out there. But we put ourselves in a position where we didn’t necessarily have to win, and now we’re going to Houston as the sixth seed in the playoffs and that’s all that matters.”
You seemed to get some things going in the second half. What was the difference?
“In the first half, we had trouble converting on third-and-shorts, which stopped some drives. In the second, we put some drives together and Andy (Dalton) made some plays, and our tempo was very good. Unfortunately, we came up short. Overall, our offense did some good things, just not enough today.”
Today’s game didn’t go the way you guys wanted to, but you guys are in the playoffs. Your reaction?
“It’s another big step to our goal, and we’ve got to keep playing. This is the start of a new season, and we’ve got to go capitalize on this opportunity that has been given (to us).”
On the next to last play, it looked like you got mauled:
“Yeah! (
Were you aware of what was going on in the other games at all?
“No. We were just trying to control what we could control, and come out of here with a ‘W.’ ”
The Baltimore Ravens gave you a lot of attention today:
“Yeah, that’s something I’ve got to get used to — people crowding my side (of the field). I got a little frustrated out there, but that happens. That’s one of the things I still need to work on — wait for my opportunity and don’t get mad. But it’s going to happen like that.”
You’re going to Houston next week, which is a team you probably should have beaten a few weeks ago at Paul Brown Stadium. I guess it’s a matchup you go into with a pretty good amount of confidence, right?
“You know, Houston is a great team. We had ‘em (nearly beat) in here, but they came back, so it’s going to be a tough team to play. They’re going to have the crowd (in their favor) down there, so we’re going to have to go out there and play.”
Put the regular season into perspective — a 9-7 record and a playoff berth:
“You know, that’s high(er) expectations than everybody thought we were going to do, but we could do better. We just have to go out there and keep playing.”
What did you guys prove this season?
“That we can go out there and play with a young team. We’ve got a lot of young guys in this organization, but we’re hungry and I feel like this team can go far. We lost the game, but we’re in the playoffs. A lot of people are happy we’re in the playoffs. It starts a new season. That’s always a good thing. I feel good. I got a little frustrated out there today — a cloud in my sight — but it’s going to come like that when you’re making plays like that.”
The game that ended up getting you into the playoffs was the win vs. the Tennessee Titans. You never know what game will be the most important:
“You never know. We were down at the half in that game and came back and won it. It was a special win. We didn’t know at the time how special it was. We have a young team, and now we have an opportunity to do what we want.”
What did you think of the crowd today?
“It was a great crowd, and I hope it can be that way every time we play.”
Opening statement:
“Credit to the Bengals. They are a tough, young football team. They made the playoffs, so congratulations to them. They’re a team that doesn’t quit, and this is the best division in football because of teams like the Bengals, the Browns and obviously the Steelers. It’s a great accomplishment to win this particular division. I don’t know how you could do it any better than winning it here against that football team with the effort they put in, and the crowd was incredible. On behalf of our team, we’re grateful for the opportunity to play in a game like this.”
How rewarding is it when momentum is changing, the crowd is getting into it, Terrell Suggs makes a big play and your offense is able to capitalize?
“We needed a play. In games like this you need your best guys to come up with a play in critical moments like that. “
Was that 70-yard touchdown a drawn up play?
“No, I think our assistant coaches did a great job. Obviously the players execute and get it done, but I thought our coaches did a nice job with the game plan. We did some unique things, with Anquan (Boldin) being out, that helped us passing and running. Wade Harman came up with that scheme during the week and it was there at the right time.”
Can you talk about the importance of the running game:
“Well, December and January football in the AFC North, you have to be able to run the ball, and you have to be able to complete passes. We’ve got a big, strong armed quarterback that completed some passes in tough situations. We ran the ball well, so it’s really important and hopefully we’re built to do that.”
Can you have everybody healthy in the next playoff game?
“Yeah, we have a much better chance now. Towards the end of the game we were down six or seven players with various things. It doesn’t look like anything serious, but we had three or four concussions, an MCL sprain and a couple other things. We were scrambling, but now we have two weeks and an opportunity to get healthy.”
Can you put into perspective how it feels to win the division, have the week off and play at home?
“I wish I could, but like we told the team last night, we all understand what this game meant to us. Our football team really wanted to win this game, and we needed to win. For our team to sweep the division, to go undefeated at home … I’m so proud of those guys.”
What did it mean to have Marshal Yanda out there?
“It was a huge boost. He didn’t decide until today. We thought there was a chance he would play, but wasn’t totally sure. There’s not a tougher player I’ve been around in 27 years of coaching.”
After getting that turnover how big was it to score quickly in the fourth quarter?
“That was the difference. Sometimes with the running game you have to keep at it and stay true to your tracks.”
What does today’s win mean?
”It means a lot. It gives us that bye, a chance to get a little bit healthy, and a game in front of our fans.”
What was the atmosphere like in the locker room after the game?
”It was obviously pretty exciting. We haven’t won the division since I’ve been here. Especially, in the way we did it. To go undefeated in a division that has three playoff teams is a pretty big accomplishment.”
How big was it for the Ravens to get the quick score on Ray Rice’s 51-yard run to make it a 24-13 game with 5:41 remaining?
“It was really big. It was a game that, at halftime should have come out and put them away. That’s what it feels like. At the end, we were really trying to hang on. Obviously, that turnover (fumble by
Talk about the performance of your offensive line:
”Those guys are in there battling. They are the guys doing all of the dirty work. They do a great job, week in and week out. For Marshal (Yanda) to come back and play when we thought he was going to miss two weeks showed toughness. It really makes you look at those guys in a whole different light and say, ‘Wow’.”
Is having a home playoff game special for you?
“Not yet. We need to go out there and win the game. Just because we are at home doesn’t mean that anyone is giving the game to us. We need to go out there and play hard. We need to win a couple more games this year.”
Did Ray Rice’s touchdown runs (70 and 51 yards) surprise you today?
“He did a good job today when he got into the open field to not allow the defense to catch up to him. Obviously, getting into the end zone on both of those was huge.”
Talk about the importance of the running game when you play in conditions like this afternoon:
”It was really windy out there. It didn’t prove to be that bad out there during the game. In pregame warmups it was pretty windy. During the game, it didn’t have too much affect on the football. There was definitely some weather out there. For us to come up with those two runs was big.”
What does it mean to win a division that has three playoff teams?
“It’s definitely big. We didn’t just win the division, we beat everyone. It says that we will probably see one of those teams down the road and we’ll have to get after them again.”
What does it mean to you that you have won 44 games in your first four years, most in NFL history for a four-year quarterback?
“It’s pretty special for us to be able to come out here the last four years the way that we have week in and week out to win games. Hopefully, I can add three more playoff wins on top of what we have the last few years. If we play well, we have the team to do it.”
In the third and fourth quarters, talk about the wind conditions and if that impacted the playcalling:
“There was a heavy wind out there and you could tell. We had to weather the storm a little bit in the third quarter and we did a good job coming back in the fourth. They were able to gain some yards, but for our defense to come up with the fumble (in the fourth quarter) and us to go down and score was big.”
Walk us through the touchdown to Pitta:
“He did a great job running up on the guy and breaking out. The cornerback hugged up on Torrey (Smith) and I wanted to make sure he had no shot at getting it, so I laid it out in to the corner. He did a good job of getting the ball and getting his feet inbounds.”
On your touchdown runs, talk about what you saw and the blocking that you got:
“First and foremost, I’m going to give credit to my offensive line and Vonta Leach. You know it takes eleven for a run play to go. The first one I had, Marshal Yanda shouldn’t even be playing. It was huge. The run game is different when he’s not in there. For him to say, ‘You know what, I’m going to tough this one out because I know what’s at stake,’ that shows what kind of guys we have on our team.
“But the first one, I just had to stay on my track. Vonta got on a guy, and then I was off to the races. The second one, the same thing. I can’t tell you how happy I am for Joe Flacco and the game that he played, managing the game and not forcing anything down the field. That check-down to Vonta was just as big as me scoring the touchdowns. It got us in third-and-short situations. We’ve been playing a lot of situational football this year, and a lot of it hasn’t gone our way. Today it went our way. It just feels good to know that we have a home game for the playoffs. It was a total team effort. Running backs, we get the glory. Man, that bill is going to be expensive for what I have to get my offensive line. I have to get those guys something nice. They’ve set it up nice for me this year.”
What was it like being in the locker room after how much you guys talked about the importance of getting that home field and maybe getting a first-round bye?
“To end the regular season this way is very humbling because of the things you go through the course of a season — the highs, the lows, the ups and downs. To be able win the division on the road to secure a home playoff game, the feeling in that locker room was like no other. We have a great coaching staff and great organization. When we win, everybody wins. I can only imagine what the city of Baltimore is doing right now. It’s amazing. I’ve been in a playoff game, but never had a home one. First one me, Joe (Flacco), coach Harbaugh. We all came in together. Winning the game was huge, but this week is going to be huge. The bye week gets people healthy. We came into this game a little banged up. But when you get that bye week, we’re going to come back full strength.”
Was there any point during the week where you weren’t expecting Yanda to play?
“You see him after the game and you see him on Monday, you’re like, ‘We might as well prepare without Yanda.’ But then you get out there Friday, and you know he’s in pain but doesn’t complain, and he’s good to go. That’s the kind of guy he is. There is a reason why got paid the money he did. I’m not saying it’s about the money, but it’s well-deserved. He’s a Baltimore Raven.”
How does it feel to wear that AFC North Division Champion T-shirt?
“I’m going to wear this one home. It feels great. We’ve worked so hard this year. This was our goal, to be division champs.”
Last week, folks thought you were primed for a big game. This week, you set career highs with six catches for 62 yards. What was the difference this week?
“Last week, we were able to establish the run and we pounded it on (the Browns). A lot of times, it’s about what the defense gives us. This week was a little different with the situations we were able to take advantage of.”
Talk about the nine-yard touchdown pass you caught in the corner of the end zone before the half:
”It was a corner route. The cornerback bit on Torrey (Smith) as he came across the middle. Joe threw a perfect ball to the corner and we were able to complete that one.”
Did Ray (Lewis) getting hurt and missing games earlier this season affect the leadership dynamics of this defense?
”We knew we all had to step up and we did. Ray was still right there. The leadership is here. We have so many guys (defense and offense) that are leaders. That’s the thing about it. When Ray went down, everybody stepped up. Everybody understood that our leader was down and it was time to step up.”
How does it feel to know you have an offense that can respond with big plays immediately after the defense forces turnovers?
“That (51-yard Ray Rice dash) touchdown was huge. It made it a two-score game. It took pressure off of the defense and allowed us to make plays. It makes you want to make another play, but sound ball.”
How does it feel to be division champions?
“It feels good. Everyone’s kind of happy, taking it in. You know what I mean? You wouldn’t have thought we won 12 games with the way you’ve been treating us and bashing us. Twelve wins is 12 wins. If you go undefeated at home, you go undefeated at home. We swept the division and are division champs, with a first-round bye. I’m just going to take it in and celebrate it with my brothers. We did it together.”
Can you take us through the forced fumble?
“We like to get turnovers as a defense. The coaches are always forcing that issue, that we have to get turnovers. On the play before, the guy got outside and it was my fault. Ray (Lewis) said you owe me one, pretty much. I said all right, and when he caught the ball, I knew he missed it and said just go for the strip, went for it and got it.”
What can you say about after the fumble, Ray Rice scoring a touchdown?
“You know, I’ve always been a big Ray Rice and offensive line fan. I strongly believe in our running game, and I strongly believe in our offensive line being in the trenches with us — you know what I mean? When they’re good, we’re great. When our offensive line dominates and Ray is running behind them, a lot of good things happen as you can all clearly see throughout the course of our season. When our offensive line is playing great and Ray’s running the ball, we’re winning games. That’s all that matters.”
You finally have a home playoff game. How big is that?
“It’s valuable, man. I’m looking forward to the rest and sitting at home and watching the first week of playoffs with my babies. You know, that is the biggest thing. To be division North champs, that’s your goal. To go undefeated at home, win the division and then have home field advantage — I don’t think we got it — but we got a home playoff game and our fans, they deserve it. Our fans, they support us and they stick by us, even when we do uncharacteristic stuff and when we don’t play Baltimore football. Our true fans stayed with us.”
Prior to the forced fumble and sack, did you feel pressed to make a play?
“I thought I was going to pick a couple, actually. He (Andy Dalton) threw three that were right over my head or outside of my hands. I thought I was going to get a pick, actually. That’s what I was going for. But I’ll take the forced fumble and the sack. It all goes into the stats. We all love stats on this defense, particularly me.”
In the locker room they chanted MVP to you. What does that mean?
“It’s flattering when your team thinks that. You know, whatever happens, happens. It would be a nice accomplishment to be alongside Ray Lewis and Eddie (Reed).
