1 00:00:04,760 --> 00:00:07,440 Speaker 1: Welcome into the Lounge presented by DraftKings. I'm Garrett Downing 2 00:00:07,480 --> 00:00:09,840 Speaker 1: here with Clifton Brown, and we are sitting at the 3 00:00:09,840 --> 00:00:14,960 Speaker 1: Biltmore Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona for the NFL Annual Owners Meetings. 4 00:00:14,960 --> 00:00:16,720 Speaker 1: We just had a chance to hear from Raven's head 5 00:00:16,720 --> 00:00:19,520 Speaker 1: coach Jesse Minter. He met with the media for more 6 00:00:19,560 --> 00:00:23,960 Speaker 1: than thirty minutes today during the AFC Coach's Breakfast. Covered 7 00:00:24,000 --> 00:00:27,120 Speaker 1: a lot of ground in that conversation, and so we're 8 00:00:27,160 --> 00:00:28,840 Speaker 1: going to break it all down based on what we 9 00:00:28,880 --> 00:00:30,760 Speaker 1: heard from him. I thought he gave kind of a 10 00:00:30,840 --> 00:00:35,360 Speaker 1: vision for the upcoming spring, summer, and fall going into 11 00:00:35,400 --> 00:00:38,239 Speaker 1: the season, as well as his perspective on some key 12 00:00:38,240 --> 00:00:41,320 Speaker 1: guys on this team. So Cliff, just big picture level, 13 00:00:41,360 --> 00:00:43,159 Speaker 1: what stood out to you have to hear from Jesse. 14 00:00:43,400 --> 00:00:46,160 Speaker 2: Well, he's spent a lot of time over the past 15 00:00:46,240 --> 00:00:49,279 Speaker 2: week since he's become head coach thinking about how he 16 00:00:49,360 --> 00:00:52,159 Speaker 2: wants to lead into this season. And this is a 17 00:00:52,240 --> 00:00:55,240 Speaker 2: huge off season for him, his first year as a 18 00:00:55,280 --> 00:00:59,320 Speaker 2: head coach, working with new players, putting in a new 19 00:00:59,360 --> 00:01:03,160 Speaker 2: offensive set, a new defensive system, new special team system. 20 00:01:03,200 --> 00:01:06,360 Speaker 2: So there's a lot to cover over the months leading 21 00:01:06,440 --> 00:01:09,480 Speaker 2: up to week one, how do you want to do that? 22 00:01:09,480 --> 00:01:12,119 Speaker 2: There's been again a lot of thought between the coaching 23 00:01:12,160 --> 00:01:15,440 Speaker 2: staff how they're going to do that, and now they'll 24 00:01:15,440 --> 00:01:18,080 Speaker 2: finally get to work with some of the players and 25 00:01:18,200 --> 00:01:20,520 Speaker 2: implement what they've been talking about for two months. So 26 00:01:21,000 --> 00:01:23,360 Speaker 2: it's part of the off season process for first year coach. 27 00:01:23,440 --> 00:01:27,120 Speaker 2: But he sounds really on the handle of how he 28 00:01:27,160 --> 00:01:29,920 Speaker 2: wants to do it, and everything to me that Jessee 29 00:01:29,959 --> 00:01:32,800 Speaker 2: Minders said so far since taking a job has sounded 30 00:01:32,880 --> 00:01:35,080 Speaker 2: really well thought out that you can just tell that 31 00:01:35,160 --> 00:01:37,920 Speaker 2: he really spends a lot of time thinking about the 32 00:01:37,959 --> 00:01:39,880 Speaker 2: process of teaching and coaching. 33 00:01:40,400 --> 00:01:41,319 Speaker 3: Completely agree with that. 34 00:01:41,880 --> 00:01:43,880 Speaker 1: Ulso should mention that if you want to listen to 35 00:01:43,920 --> 00:01:46,520 Speaker 1: the full press conference, you can head over to the Ravens. 36 00:01:46,240 --> 00:01:47,280 Speaker 3: Press Pass podcast. 37 00:01:47,600 --> 00:01:49,920 Speaker 1: It's posted there in its entirety if you want to 38 00:01:49,960 --> 00:01:52,960 Speaker 1: watch it. It's also posted on our Apple website, our 39 00:01:53,000 --> 00:01:54,880 Speaker 1: YouTube channel, so a lot of places to watch that 40 00:01:54,920 --> 00:01:58,280 Speaker 1: full press conference and listen to it. And I agree 41 00:01:58,280 --> 00:02:00,800 Speaker 1: with you. Every time that he talked, it's clear that 42 00:02:00,880 --> 00:02:04,640 Speaker 1: he has a vision for how he wants to operate, 43 00:02:04,640 --> 00:02:07,760 Speaker 1: how he wants to build the team, the core tenants, 44 00:02:07,800 --> 00:02:10,120 Speaker 1: the principles that he wants for his team, and he 45 00:02:10,639 --> 00:02:14,440 Speaker 1: really has been preparing for this moment, and he described 46 00:02:15,360 --> 00:02:18,440 Speaker 1: the next big item on the calendar is Monday, which 47 00:02:18,600 --> 00:02:21,560 Speaker 1: Monday is when the offseason program begins. It's the start 48 00:02:21,560 --> 00:02:24,760 Speaker 1: of the voluntary program. Players are back in the building, 49 00:02:25,040 --> 00:02:27,200 Speaker 1: and he talked about how it's been a sprint for 50 00:02:27,240 --> 00:02:30,680 Speaker 1: the coaching staff since being hired to get everything in 51 00:02:30,760 --> 00:02:33,560 Speaker 1: position so that when the players get there, they can 52 00:02:33,639 --> 00:02:37,240 Speaker 1: hit the ground running. And there was a lot of 53 00:02:37,240 --> 00:02:41,920 Speaker 1: talk today, you know, reporters asked him about expectations regarding attendance. 54 00:02:41,960 --> 00:02:43,919 Speaker 1: Is Lamar going to be there, what do you expect 55 00:02:43,919 --> 00:02:46,600 Speaker 1: on that front? And he didn't make any commitments on that, 56 00:02:46,960 --> 00:02:49,240 Speaker 1: which makes sense because it's a voluntary workout. 57 00:02:49,400 --> 00:02:50,960 Speaker 3: It's up to the players whether or not they want 58 00:02:50,960 --> 00:02:51,160 Speaker 3: to come. 59 00:02:51,200 --> 00:02:53,880 Speaker 1: But something he has said repeatedly which I really love, 60 00:02:54,680 --> 00:02:57,280 Speaker 1: is that he's talked about how he wants this coaching 61 00:02:57,280 --> 00:02:59,800 Speaker 1: staff to create an environment where players feel like this 62 00:02:59,840 --> 00:03:01,280 Speaker 1: is where I want to be. I want to be 63 00:03:01,360 --> 00:03:03,920 Speaker 1: part of this, and so they've been working hard to 64 00:03:04,000 --> 00:03:07,079 Speaker 1: get ready to create that environment where the players get 65 00:03:07,080 --> 00:03:09,200 Speaker 1: there on April six, that they feel like this is 66 00:03:09,200 --> 00:03:12,359 Speaker 1: the place where I can help this will help me 67 00:03:12,400 --> 00:03:14,720 Speaker 1: become my best right And it's. 68 00:03:14,600 --> 00:03:19,960 Speaker 2: Not all always what happens when they're in a classroom. 69 00:03:20,840 --> 00:03:22,400 Speaker 4: Doing weight work on the. 70 00:03:22,280 --> 00:03:28,040 Speaker 2: Field, it's the relationship part, like hanging out over lunch 71 00:03:28,160 --> 00:03:32,639 Speaker 2: talking football, talking to the coaches about what they want 72 00:03:32,680 --> 00:03:34,560 Speaker 2: to see from them and how they're going to put 73 00:03:34,560 --> 00:03:38,360 Speaker 2: together this offense and defense and special teams. This particular 74 00:03:38,480 --> 00:03:41,040 Speaker 2: Ravens team, the twenty twenty sixth team hasn't even been 75 00:03:41,080 --> 00:03:44,200 Speaker 2: formed yet, and it's in the process of being formed, 76 00:03:44,200 --> 00:03:47,480 Speaker 2: and new relationships are being built and a completely almost 77 00:03:47,520 --> 00:03:51,560 Speaker 2: completely new coaching staff is building relationships with new players. 78 00:03:51,600 --> 00:03:55,040 Speaker 2: So it's not just about what happens on the field 79 00:03:55,080 --> 00:03:57,840 Speaker 2: and in the weight room. It's about getting guys to 80 00:03:57,920 --> 00:04:01,400 Speaker 2: work together, getting guys to enjoy the process, and coming 81 00:04:01,440 --> 00:04:05,240 Speaker 2: into the under Armor Performance Center and spending the day 82 00:04:05,320 --> 00:04:07,800 Speaker 2: there and looking forward to the next day. That's the 83 00:04:08,040 --> 00:04:11,440 Speaker 2: atmosphere he's trying to create. He talked when he got 84 00:04:11,440 --> 00:04:14,240 Speaker 2: the job Justice Monder about being a connector. This is 85 00:04:14,320 --> 00:04:17,800 Speaker 2: part of process of connecting the Baltimore Ravens at twenty 86 00:04:17,839 --> 00:04:20,560 Speaker 2: twenty six to be the best team possible in all 87 00:04:20,600 --> 00:04:21,279 Speaker 2: three phases. 88 00:04:21,800 --> 00:04:24,800 Speaker 1: He also said that he really feels like those relationships 89 00:04:25,120 --> 00:04:29,040 Speaker 1: are formed through face to face contact. And I mean 90 00:04:29,040 --> 00:04:31,599 Speaker 1: that's so true. Anybody can speak to that. And he's 91 00:04:31,600 --> 00:04:33,960 Speaker 1: been on the job for a few months. Players have 92 00:04:34,000 --> 00:04:35,960 Speaker 1: been scattered all around the country. Some guys have been in, 93 00:04:36,040 --> 00:04:37,880 Speaker 1: some guys come in for a day, and so you've 94 00:04:37,920 --> 00:04:39,880 Speaker 1: had a chance to meet with him. He's of course 95 00:04:39,960 --> 00:04:41,920 Speaker 1: talked with guys over the phone or on zoom or 96 00:04:42,000 --> 00:04:45,320 Speaker 1: via text, but like, there is something different when you're 97 00:04:45,320 --> 00:04:47,719 Speaker 1: in the weight room together, when you're in a classroom together, 98 00:04:47,760 --> 00:04:51,520 Speaker 1: when you have lunch together. And that's what he's looking 99 00:04:51,560 --> 00:04:53,760 Speaker 1: forward to building, and I think that that is going 100 00:04:53,839 --> 00:04:56,200 Speaker 1: to be really important time, Like this is going to 101 00:04:56,279 --> 00:04:58,600 Speaker 1: be money. Is going to be his first team meeting. 102 00:04:59,400 --> 00:05:01,760 Speaker 1: And there's like steps to the whole thing. There's the 103 00:05:01,839 --> 00:05:04,120 Speaker 1: mandatory mini campus is the first full team meeting. Then 104 00:05:04,120 --> 00:05:06,919 Speaker 1: there's training campus is the first training camp. Like there's 105 00:05:06,960 --> 00:05:10,440 Speaker 1: a lot of steps in the process, but there is 106 00:05:10,440 --> 00:05:12,840 Speaker 1: something significant about him stepping in front of the room 107 00:05:12,839 --> 00:05:14,840 Speaker 1: for the first time as a new coach and saying, 108 00:05:14,880 --> 00:05:17,840 Speaker 1: here's what we want. Here are the expectations that we have. 109 00:05:17,920 --> 00:05:20,279 Speaker 1: Here are the standards that we expect. Here's the program 110 00:05:20,279 --> 00:05:23,120 Speaker 1: that we're looking to build and here's how I want 111 00:05:23,160 --> 00:05:25,760 Speaker 1: to help accomplish that. And like that's all going to 112 00:05:25,800 --> 00:05:28,279 Speaker 1: be part of what takes place during this offseason program. 113 00:05:28,520 --> 00:05:31,039 Speaker 1: And then there's the actual football piece, which is, Okay, 114 00:05:31,120 --> 00:05:34,800 Speaker 1: let's start to go to work and implementing this offense. This 115 00:05:34,880 --> 00:05:37,560 Speaker 1: off season program. Part of it is what happens in 116 00:05:37,560 --> 00:05:39,919 Speaker 1: the weight room. Eventually during this first phase, they're not 117 00:05:39,960 --> 00:05:42,120 Speaker 1: on the field at all. Eventually get to the field, 118 00:05:42,400 --> 00:05:45,280 Speaker 1: but they're in the classroom. And I think the I 119 00:05:45,320 --> 00:05:49,120 Speaker 1: honestly think the classroom piece really for maybe the majority 120 00:05:49,160 --> 00:05:51,839 Speaker 1: of the off season program is the most important piece. 121 00:05:52,040 --> 00:05:55,320 Speaker 1: Classroom and connections, because that's where this team is going 122 00:05:55,360 --> 00:05:58,239 Speaker 1: to learn the offense, the defense, and then also build 123 00:05:58,279 --> 00:06:01,120 Speaker 1: this build the relationships with this new coaching staff. And 124 00:06:01,160 --> 00:06:03,320 Speaker 1: I think that's going to be imperative absolutely. 125 00:06:03,440 --> 00:06:08,600 Speaker 2: I mean, again, it's a new system offense, defense, special teams, 126 00:06:09,120 --> 00:06:12,000 Speaker 2: play callers on both sides. Jesse's gonna call of players 127 00:06:12,040 --> 00:06:15,640 Speaker 2: on defense first time he's done that as a Ravens head, 128 00:06:15,680 --> 00:06:18,960 Speaker 2: as a Ravens head coach, Declen Doyle offense coordinator, first 129 00:06:19,000 --> 00:06:23,200 Speaker 2: time as an offensive play caller period. And so how 130 00:06:23,320 --> 00:06:27,600 Speaker 2: quickly they can teach the system, get guys to feel 131 00:06:27,640 --> 00:06:31,400 Speaker 2: comfortable in it, play fast, and then also get feedback 132 00:06:31,440 --> 00:06:35,359 Speaker 2: from the players about their suggestions and where they feel 133 00:06:35,360 --> 00:06:38,320 Speaker 2: most comfortable. I mean when you have players like Kyle Hamilton, 134 00:06:38,480 --> 00:06:42,480 Speaker 2: Lamar Jackson, Derek Henry, when they say to you say, look, 135 00:06:42,560 --> 00:06:44,720 Speaker 2: you know this sounds good, but if we did it 136 00:06:44,760 --> 00:06:47,360 Speaker 2: this way, I think it'd be even better. You listen. 137 00:06:47,440 --> 00:06:50,080 Speaker 2: So it's a collaborative effort. This is the beginning of 138 00:06:50,080 --> 00:06:50,680 Speaker 2: that process. 139 00:06:50,800 --> 00:06:53,720 Speaker 1: Yeah, some of those things are I think still influxing 140 00:06:53,839 --> 00:06:55,599 Speaker 1: up in the air. A couple examples of that to 141 00:06:55,640 --> 00:06:59,320 Speaker 1: your point, Like one of them is captains. The way 142 00:06:59,360 --> 00:07:02,080 Speaker 1: that John Harbor always did captains was they did a 143 00:07:02,080 --> 00:07:04,880 Speaker 1: game by game and so there was never outside of 144 00:07:04,880 --> 00:07:08,320 Speaker 1: actually the playoff games in twenty twenty four where they 145 00:07:08,320 --> 00:07:12,880 Speaker 1: wore the captain's patches. There was captains basically appointed for 146 00:07:12,880 --> 00:07:16,760 Speaker 1: the playoffs that season. Generally, it's just all being game 147 00:07:16,840 --> 00:07:19,040 Speaker 1: by game and they've never had the captain patches and 148 00:07:19,080 --> 00:07:21,720 Speaker 1: that's not been something that's been voted on, and Jesse 149 00:07:21,840 --> 00:07:24,040 Speaker 1: said that's something they're still talking about. 150 00:07:24,480 --> 00:07:25,280 Speaker 3: Just as an example. 151 00:07:25,320 --> 00:07:29,040 Speaker 1: Another example, joint practices indicated there's probably some appetite to 152 00:07:29,080 --> 00:07:33,160 Speaker 1: do joint practices and likes aspects of them, but nothing 153 00:07:33,240 --> 00:07:37,400 Speaker 1: set in stone on that practice times. Is it the afternoon, 154 00:07:37,440 --> 00:07:41,080 Speaker 1: is it the morning? Not set in stone yet, but 155 00:07:41,120 --> 00:07:42,920 Speaker 1: I thought it was kind of interesting. He said, they 156 00:07:42,960 --> 00:07:45,040 Speaker 1: might move it around a little bit. It's not like 157 00:07:45,080 --> 00:07:47,320 Speaker 1: every day we're practicing to ten, but they might have 158 00:07:47,360 --> 00:07:49,720 Speaker 1: a little bit of it might be a little fluid. 159 00:07:50,280 --> 00:07:52,320 Speaker 1: Made the point, Hey, you play games at different times, 160 00:07:52,360 --> 00:07:54,720 Speaker 1: so why not practice at different time? So all that 161 00:07:54,800 --> 00:07:58,080 Speaker 1: like type of it's not like the most exciting stuff 162 00:07:58,080 --> 00:08:00,480 Speaker 1: to talk about, but it's important and those are the 163 00:08:00,560 --> 00:08:02,200 Speaker 1: kinds of decisions you have to make as a head coach. 164 00:08:02,480 --> 00:08:03,640 Speaker 3: And they're working through all. 165 00:08:03,520 --> 00:08:06,360 Speaker 2: That absolutely, and it speaks to the point that, hey, 166 00:08:06,360 --> 00:08:09,200 Speaker 2: this is new. This is not how it's going to 167 00:08:09,280 --> 00:08:12,600 Speaker 2: be in all phases for eighteen years when you have 168 00:08:12,600 --> 00:08:16,280 Speaker 2: the same head coach. Although things change from year to year, 169 00:08:16,400 --> 00:08:19,920 Speaker 2: there are basic things that don't change because the coaching 170 00:08:19,960 --> 00:08:22,080 Speaker 2: staff feels that that's the best way to do things. 171 00:08:22,720 --> 00:08:27,320 Speaker 2: This is the slate has been wipe clean, and the 172 00:08:27,360 --> 00:08:30,560 Speaker 2: new head coach is coming in and putting his stamp 173 00:08:30,640 --> 00:08:33,080 Speaker 2: on how the Ravens are going to do things. So yes, 174 00:08:33,160 --> 00:08:35,520 Speaker 2: it will be interesting to see if practices do they 175 00:08:35,559 --> 00:08:38,240 Speaker 2: move from the afternoon, do they start at different times? 176 00:08:38,840 --> 00:08:43,480 Speaker 2: If he does joint practices, how many who with a 177 00:08:43,760 --> 00:08:48,400 Speaker 2: preseason how much do guys play the starters just putting 178 00:08:48,440 --> 00:08:50,240 Speaker 2: bubble wrap to week one or. 179 00:08:50,640 --> 00:08:51,960 Speaker 4: Is there flexibility with that. 180 00:08:52,200 --> 00:08:54,760 Speaker 2: There's a hundred different things you could go through, but 181 00:08:55,360 --> 00:09:00,800 Speaker 2: all of them will be different than what John Harball did. 182 00:09:01,120 --> 00:09:03,480 Speaker 2: Because Jesse Minder is his own head coach, he may 183 00:09:03,520 --> 00:09:06,080 Speaker 2: do some of the same things, but his stamp on 184 00:09:06,120 --> 00:09:08,840 Speaker 2: this team is going to be different than it has 185 00:09:08,960 --> 00:09:11,000 Speaker 2: been for the past few years. 186 00:09:11,240 --> 00:09:12,960 Speaker 1: Like I don't get the sense at all that his 187 00:09:13,640 --> 00:09:16,320 Speaker 1: way of operating is well, how'd you do it here before? 188 00:09:16,800 --> 00:09:18,080 Speaker 1: Like he's not just like, well, let's just do what 189 00:09:18,080 --> 00:09:19,959 Speaker 1: we've always done. That's not the way he's thinking about it. 190 00:09:20,080 --> 00:09:22,320 Speaker 1: He's thinking about, here's what I think are the best 191 00:09:22,320 --> 00:09:24,760 Speaker 1: ways to operate, and this is how we're going to 192 00:09:24,760 --> 00:09:27,120 Speaker 1: do it. Could be the same, could be different, And 193 00:09:27,200 --> 00:09:29,280 Speaker 1: that's the case for a million different decisions that a 194 00:09:29,320 --> 00:09:31,959 Speaker 1: head coach has to make. Something else that he said, 195 00:09:32,360 --> 00:09:35,200 Speaker 1: and he didn't run from this at all, but talked 196 00:09:35,200 --> 00:09:37,640 Speaker 1: about the importance of playing well at home Ravens just 197 00:09:37,640 --> 00:09:39,920 Speaker 1: didn't play well at home last year three and six. 198 00:09:40,200 --> 00:09:40,960 Speaker 3: Not used to that. 199 00:09:41,520 --> 00:09:44,079 Speaker 1: It's great game day atmosphere, the energy there is through 200 00:09:44,080 --> 00:09:46,959 Speaker 1: the roof, and the Ravens had some real letdowns at 201 00:09:46,960 --> 00:09:47,640 Speaker 1: home and. 202 00:09:47,559 --> 00:09:48,520 Speaker 3: You could go through the games. 203 00:09:48,520 --> 00:09:51,080 Speaker 1: I don't need to go, you know, down memory lane 204 00:09:51,080 --> 00:09:53,439 Speaker 1: here from last season, but there were some big disappointments 205 00:09:53,480 --> 00:09:56,360 Speaker 1: last year. And he talked about how playing well at 206 00:09:56,360 --> 00:09:59,360 Speaker 1: home is a huge priority for this team, and good 207 00:09:59,360 --> 00:10:01,079 Speaker 1: teams that's what they do. Good teams take care of 208 00:10:01,120 --> 00:10:03,360 Speaker 1: business at home, and that's what they're focused. 209 00:10:03,000 --> 00:10:04,720 Speaker 4: On, right and that's in all sports. 210 00:10:04,840 --> 00:10:08,240 Speaker 2: If you don't protect home turf, then that's not a 211 00:10:08,280 --> 00:10:11,320 Speaker 2: recipee for winning championships. That has been something the Ravens 212 00:10:11,360 --> 00:10:14,120 Speaker 2: have done very well in their history, but did not 213 00:10:14,200 --> 00:10:16,960 Speaker 2: do at all last year. And so I thought it 214 00:10:17,000 --> 00:10:20,480 Speaker 2: was also interesting that he's looking at the process of 215 00:10:20,559 --> 00:10:23,080 Speaker 2: leading up to home games. Is it you know, where 216 00:10:23,120 --> 00:10:26,800 Speaker 2: we stayed, how we went about things, the practice leading 217 00:10:26,840 --> 00:10:28,719 Speaker 2: up to the game, whatever it is. 218 00:10:29,400 --> 00:10:30,320 Speaker 4: He sounds like he's going to. 219 00:10:30,360 --> 00:10:32,840 Speaker 2: Take a look at all that because yeah, I mean, 220 00:10:32,840 --> 00:10:35,600 Speaker 2: the Ravens were really good on the road last year. 221 00:10:35,880 --> 00:10:38,520 Speaker 2: It's the same players, but it was a flip in 222 00:10:38,559 --> 00:10:40,840 Speaker 2: the history compared to how it has been in the past. 223 00:10:40,880 --> 00:10:44,160 Speaker 2: So yes, he very clearly has thought about that, is 224 00:10:44,160 --> 00:10:46,880 Speaker 2: looking at that, and there may be some changes there 225 00:10:46,920 --> 00:10:49,360 Speaker 2: as far as doing things a little bit differently to 226 00:10:49,400 --> 00:10:52,360 Speaker 2: help the Ravens perform at their best in front of 227 00:10:52,360 --> 00:10:54,200 Speaker 2: the great atmosphere at M ANDT Banks Stadium. 228 00:10:54,240 --> 00:10:56,079 Speaker 1: Again, it goes back to the point that it's not 229 00:10:56,200 --> 00:10:59,240 Speaker 1: just well, let's just do what we've always done. And 230 00:10:59,320 --> 00:11:02,600 Speaker 1: also it's not looking at it like it's it's more 231 00:11:02,640 --> 00:11:03,959 Speaker 1: specific than just hey, we. 232 00:11:03,920 --> 00:11:05,880 Speaker 3: Got to be good at home. It's not just saying it. 233 00:11:05,880 --> 00:11:08,520 Speaker 1: It's like, well, let's look at everything, Well, what were 234 00:11:08,520 --> 00:11:12,200 Speaker 1: the factors and was it just a flu Like there's 235 00:11:12,240 --> 00:11:16,080 Speaker 1: a process to look through all these different factors that 236 00:11:16,160 --> 00:11:18,600 Speaker 1: go into playing well, and that's what he and the 237 00:11:18,640 --> 00:11:21,880 Speaker 1: coaching staff are doing. And so I think that, like 238 00:11:22,160 --> 00:11:25,280 Speaker 1: there's an awareness of need to be better, let's start 239 00:11:25,320 --> 00:11:28,480 Speaker 1: there at home, and then what's the process to get 240 00:11:28,520 --> 00:11:30,400 Speaker 1: to that point. And it's not just as simple as 241 00:11:30,480 --> 00:11:33,560 Speaker 1: like lock in, you know, play better at home. It's 242 00:11:33,559 --> 00:11:34,920 Speaker 1: more it's more detailed than that. 243 00:11:35,640 --> 00:11:37,840 Speaker 4: Absolutely, So let's. 244 00:11:37,640 --> 00:11:38,240 Speaker 3: Take a quick break. 245 00:11:38,240 --> 00:11:39,720 Speaker 1: When we come back, we'll dive into some of the 246 00:11:39,720 --> 00:11:42,480 Speaker 1: specific players that he talked about and the vision that 247 00:11:42,559 --> 00:11:44,200 Speaker 1: he has for them, as well as some of the 248 00:11:44,200 --> 00:11:47,040 Speaker 1: competition for starting jobs that we're going to see over 249 00:11:47,080 --> 00:11:50,200 Speaker 1: the course of this summer. You're listening to the Lounge 250 00:11:50,200 --> 00:11:52,160 Speaker 1: podcast where you're coming to you from the Sea Geek Studio. 251 00:11:52,200 --> 00:11:54,120 Speaker 1: We want to mention our partners are Draftking sports Book. 252 00:11:54,120 --> 00:11:56,240 Speaker 1: They are an official sports betting partner of the Baltimore 253 00:11:56,280 --> 00:11:57,680 Speaker 1: Ravens Draftking Sports Book. 254 00:11:57,960 --> 00:11:59,400 Speaker 3: The Crown is yours. 255 00:11:59,760 --> 00:12:03,040 Speaker 1: So a big focus for this team from a rosterbility 256 00:12:03,040 --> 00:12:05,640 Speaker 1: standpoint is the offensive line. Obviously, the Raves lost Ty 257 00:12:05,640 --> 00:12:09,880 Speaker 1: of the Linenbaum to the Raiders, big loss. They also 258 00:12:10,000 --> 00:12:14,480 Speaker 1: are looking to replace potentially both starting guards. John Simpson 259 00:12:14,520 --> 00:12:16,040 Speaker 1: comes in. He's going to be the starting left guard 260 00:12:16,080 --> 00:12:19,480 Speaker 1: by all expectations. Right guard up for grabs, have their 261 00:12:19,480 --> 00:12:22,480 Speaker 1: starting tackles and Roger rose Garden and Ronnie Stanley, but 262 00:12:22,600 --> 00:12:25,760 Speaker 1: the line needs to play better than it did last year. 263 00:12:26,360 --> 00:12:31,400 Speaker 1: And he talked about the hiring of Dwayne Leadford, offensive 264 00:12:31,440 --> 00:12:33,600 Speaker 1: line coach, and said that, hey, look, that was one 265 00:12:33,640 --> 00:12:35,200 Speaker 1: of the first guys that I hired when I got 266 00:12:35,200 --> 00:12:38,520 Speaker 1: the job, even before the offensive coordinator like he started 267 00:12:38,520 --> 00:12:41,400 Speaker 1: there knowing the importance of building up that offensive line, 268 00:12:41,840 --> 00:12:45,160 Speaker 1: and so I think that he clearly is putting a 269 00:12:45,200 --> 00:12:48,760 Speaker 1: premium on getting really good line play and Ledford is 270 00:12:48,800 --> 00:12:50,240 Speaker 1: going to be critical in that equation. 271 00:12:50,679 --> 00:12:50,880 Speaker 4: Right. 272 00:12:51,240 --> 00:12:54,600 Speaker 2: Both coach Menzer and Eric de Consta have spoken very 273 00:12:54,679 --> 00:12:57,559 Speaker 2: highly about coach Leadford that he's going to be a 274 00:12:57,640 --> 00:13:00,840 Speaker 2: key piece to what they're tr trying to build as 275 00:13:00,840 --> 00:13:03,960 Speaker 2: far as the offensive line, not just this year but 276 00:13:04,040 --> 00:13:08,360 Speaker 2: long term. And definitely the Ravens with their young offensive linemen, 277 00:13:09,160 --> 00:13:11,400 Speaker 2: where the Henry Jones, Corey Bulloch or we go down 278 00:13:11,480 --> 00:13:14,679 Speaker 2: the line or have young pieces they believe had a 279 00:13:14,720 --> 00:13:17,920 Speaker 2: potential to develop into good players. We've seen the Ravens 280 00:13:17,920 --> 00:13:21,600 Speaker 2: in the past develop offensive linemen and turn them into 281 00:13:21,640 --> 00:13:24,000 Speaker 2: good players, and they've gone on to other players places 282 00:13:24,000 --> 00:13:26,160 Speaker 2: and done well. And now John Simpson is one of 283 00:13:26,200 --> 00:13:29,640 Speaker 2: those guys. He's come back. So yes, the offensive line 284 00:13:29,679 --> 00:13:33,920 Speaker 2: to me is crucial because you've got a quarterback in 285 00:13:34,000 --> 00:13:36,960 Speaker 2: Lamar and Jackson, you've got a running back like Derrick Henry. 286 00:13:37,480 --> 00:13:41,040 Speaker 2: If you know, if Lamar has time to throw and 287 00:13:41,040 --> 00:13:44,920 Speaker 2: if Derrick Henry has running lanes to run through, they'll 288 00:13:44,920 --> 00:13:47,560 Speaker 2: take care of the rest. And the offensive percolate. So 289 00:13:48,520 --> 00:13:51,280 Speaker 2: also it's always interesting as we all know that there 290 00:13:51,280 --> 00:13:53,680 Speaker 2: could be other pieces added to the offensive line. They 291 00:13:53,720 --> 00:13:56,320 Speaker 2: could take an offensive lineman in the first round. We've 292 00:13:56,320 --> 00:13:59,360 Speaker 2: seen that in potential mind drafts of drafts of Ravens 293 00:13:59,400 --> 00:14:00,560 Speaker 2: being linked off of lineman. 294 00:14:00,920 --> 00:14:01,960 Speaker 4: So Ledford may. 295 00:14:01,840 --> 00:14:05,679 Speaker 2: Have probably will have even more young office lineman to 296 00:14:05,720 --> 00:14:09,440 Speaker 2: work with later than he does. Now, how quickly those 297 00:14:09,480 --> 00:14:12,520 Speaker 2: guys developed is going to be key to how well 298 00:14:12,520 --> 00:14:13,520 Speaker 2: the Ravens do this year. 299 00:14:13,600 --> 00:14:14,240 Speaker 3: Yeah, no doubt. 300 00:14:14,280 --> 00:14:17,360 Speaker 1: I think you talk about the center position. Ravens are 301 00:14:17,360 --> 00:14:19,600 Speaker 1: looking for a new starting center. They've added a couple 302 00:14:19,640 --> 00:14:22,920 Speaker 1: of guys. They added Danny Pincer. They added Javon Win 303 00:14:22,960 --> 00:14:25,680 Speaker 1: who was previously with the Falcons. Square coach Ledford was 304 00:14:25,760 --> 00:14:28,920 Speaker 1: previously and so certainly you believe he would vouch for him. 305 00:14:28,960 --> 00:14:31,440 Speaker 1: He was a backup there primarily, but had a chance 306 00:14:31,440 --> 00:14:33,920 Speaker 1: to see him everyday in practice, saw potential, saw potential, 307 00:14:34,000 --> 00:14:36,360 Speaker 1: so they brought him in to be part of that competition. 308 00:14:36,720 --> 00:14:41,520 Speaker 1: Corey Bullock, you mentioned former undrafted prospect Maryland player who's 309 00:14:41,560 --> 00:14:42,600 Speaker 1: who earned his spot on. 310 00:14:42,560 --> 00:14:44,880 Speaker 3: The fifty three last year. He's in the mix. 311 00:14:44,920 --> 00:14:47,240 Speaker 1: And then jesse Mincher did not rule out adding to 312 00:14:47,280 --> 00:14:51,240 Speaker 1: the equation, so he didn't commit to the fact that, hey, 313 00:14:51,240 --> 00:14:54,240 Speaker 1: our starting centers on the team right now, But he 314 00:14:54,280 --> 00:14:56,880 Speaker 1: also didn't say that he's not, you know, so it 315 00:14:56,920 --> 00:14:58,800 Speaker 1: could be either way. One of those guys could win 316 00:14:58,840 --> 00:15:03,320 Speaker 1: the competition. He's stressed, like that competition is decided. That 317 00:15:03,360 --> 00:15:06,560 Speaker 1: battle is decided once you get to training camp. Right now, 318 00:15:06,640 --> 00:15:08,760 Speaker 1: it's more about learning and teaching and getting a feel 319 00:15:08,800 --> 00:15:12,120 Speaker 1: for the guys, and then that battle gets played out 320 00:15:12,520 --> 00:15:13,080 Speaker 1: this summer. 321 00:15:13,920 --> 00:15:15,880 Speaker 3: And then at right guard too. 322 00:15:16,320 --> 00:15:18,480 Speaker 1: The thing that's interesting about the offensive line is like, 323 00:15:19,480 --> 00:15:22,400 Speaker 1: you need better play there. Overall, you have to replace 324 00:15:22,440 --> 00:15:26,120 Speaker 1: Linda Baum, but there's also these intriguing prospects who are 325 00:15:26,280 --> 00:15:31,000 Speaker 1: developing that you have confidence in. Emory Jones is an 326 00:15:31,040 --> 00:15:35,560 Speaker 1: example of this, and this like it speaks to the 327 00:15:35,560 --> 00:15:38,240 Speaker 1: importance of Dwayne Leedford and developing him. He's going from 328 00:15:38,320 --> 00:15:40,520 Speaker 1: year one to year two. Showed some flashes last year, 329 00:15:40,560 --> 00:15:43,120 Speaker 1: played a little bit, not a ton, but the Ravens 330 00:15:43,200 --> 00:15:45,200 Speaker 1: drafted him in the third round with the belief that 331 00:15:45,240 --> 00:15:46,040 Speaker 1: he could come in and be a. 332 00:15:46,280 --> 00:15:47,720 Speaker 3: Highly productive player for this team. 333 00:15:47,880 --> 00:15:50,280 Speaker 1: And so Ledford is going to be tasked with helping 334 00:15:50,320 --> 00:15:53,600 Speaker 1: to elevate his game as well as the entire offensive line. 335 00:15:53,840 --> 00:15:56,920 Speaker 1: But in hearing Jesse talk about Emory Jones just to 336 00:15:56,920 --> 00:15:59,440 Speaker 1: move to right guard, it seems like they are really 337 00:15:59,480 --> 00:16:02,720 Speaker 1: excited about his potential to step into that spot potentially 338 00:16:03,160 --> 00:16:04,400 Speaker 1: and play at a high level. 339 00:16:04,640 --> 00:16:05,640 Speaker 4: Yeah, and who knows. 340 00:16:05,960 --> 00:16:09,480 Speaker 2: Part of the reason why he seemed warm to the 341 00:16:09,520 --> 00:16:12,840 Speaker 2: idea of joint practices is that you know, these pads 342 00:16:12,920 --> 00:16:17,800 Speaker 2: on competitions will help them determine who's going to be 343 00:16:17,880 --> 00:16:20,520 Speaker 2: the starting offensive lineman and how the rotation is going 344 00:16:20,560 --> 00:16:24,280 Speaker 2: to go. It's really hard sometimes to totally see how 345 00:16:24,360 --> 00:16:27,240 Speaker 2: much offensive lineman is developing until you put the pands on. 346 00:16:27,680 --> 00:16:29,960 Speaker 2: So the preseason games are going to be important, but 347 00:16:30,000 --> 00:16:34,680 Speaker 2: also the padded practices and joint practices against other competition. 348 00:16:34,760 --> 00:16:37,320 Speaker 2: That's really sometimes where you can see gods step up 349 00:16:37,320 --> 00:16:41,080 Speaker 2: and shine. So I think the competition offensive line obviously 350 00:16:41,240 --> 00:16:42,360 Speaker 2: is going to be one that we're going to be 351 00:16:42,400 --> 00:16:46,360 Speaker 2: watching all summer to see who's playing well, to see 352 00:16:46,360 --> 00:16:50,120 Speaker 2: who's growing, to see how particularly at right guard, who's 353 00:16:50,160 --> 00:16:54,000 Speaker 2: winning the competition. Because yes, at some point decisions are 354 00:16:54,040 --> 00:16:56,320 Speaker 2: going to have to be made, and it appears to 355 00:16:56,360 --> 00:16:59,600 Speaker 2: be a job along with the starting center, two jobs 356 00:16:59,600 --> 00:17:00,160 Speaker 2: that are while. 357 00:17:00,480 --> 00:17:02,360 Speaker 1: Yeah, no doubt those two spots are going to be 358 00:17:02,720 --> 00:17:05,960 Speaker 1: like must see it, must see TV this summer in 359 00:17:06,000 --> 00:17:07,119 Speaker 1: terms of how they're coming together. 360 00:17:08,359 --> 00:17:10,480 Speaker 3: A couple other guys that he mentioned that I want 361 00:17:10,520 --> 00:17:11,200 Speaker 3: to talk about. 362 00:17:11,359 --> 00:17:15,200 Speaker 1: One is Rashad Bateman and disappointing year for Bateman last 363 00:17:15,240 --> 00:17:17,439 Speaker 1: year didn't have a kind of production that he had 364 00:17:17,480 --> 00:17:20,520 Speaker 1: the previous season and that he and the Ravens hope for, 365 00:17:21,000 --> 00:17:24,520 Speaker 1: and Jesse's stressed, I've got a lot of confidence in 366 00:17:24,880 --> 00:17:27,560 Speaker 1: Rashat Bateman and he believes that he can get back 367 00:17:27,560 --> 00:17:31,120 Speaker 1: to the player that he is and that's what that's 368 00:17:31,119 --> 00:17:34,479 Speaker 1: what Jesse talked about, is him having a bounce back season, 369 00:17:34,880 --> 00:17:39,200 Speaker 1: playing at a high level and really being a difference 370 00:17:39,200 --> 00:17:42,240 Speaker 1: maker for this offense. So I think with the way 371 00:17:42,240 --> 00:17:44,360 Speaker 1: the Ravens are looking at the receiving corps, look, Zay 372 00:17:44,359 --> 00:17:48,520 Speaker 1: Flowers is one of the best receivers in football. And 373 00:17:48,560 --> 00:17:51,560 Speaker 1: now the belief is there that Bateman is going to 374 00:17:51,600 --> 00:17:53,439 Speaker 1: be able to bounce back kind of get back to 375 00:17:53,440 --> 00:17:55,479 Speaker 1: the player that he was back in that twenty four season. 376 00:17:56,240 --> 00:18:00,440 Speaker 1: And and with those guys leading the way, the Ravens 377 00:18:00,680 --> 00:18:02,400 Speaker 1: believe in this receiving corps, right. 378 00:18:02,440 --> 00:18:04,600 Speaker 2: I mean, you look at Rashon Bateman in twenty twenty four. 379 00:18:05,520 --> 00:18:08,560 Speaker 2: You saw what he can do. It's not a belief 380 00:18:08,600 --> 00:18:11,760 Speaker 2: that he can do it. He's done it. So the 381 00:18:11,840 --> 00:18:14,440 Speaker 2: Ravens want to get him back to that level of 382 00:18:14,440 --> 00:18:18,880 Speaker 2: production and beyond in this year, knowing that he's capable 383 00:18:18,920 --> 00:18:22,280 Speaker 2: of doing that. So, Yes, the wide receiver. It'd interesting 384 00:18:22,280 --> 00:18:25,200 Speaker 2: too to see what the Ravens do in the draft. 385 00:18:25,680 --> 00:18:29,080 Speaker 2: Do they go wide receiver high. There's a possibility made. 386 00:18:30,000 --> 00:18:31,879 Speaker 1: In hearing from him, it did not seem like I 387 00:18:31,920 --> 00:18:33,520 Speaker 1: did not come away from it being like, oh man, 388 00:18:33,520 --> 00:18:35,000 Speaker 1: the Ravens need to add a receiver hot. 389 00:18:35,119 --> 00:18:36,439 Speaker 3: No, like, that's not what like. 390 00:18:36,440 --> 00:18:38,520 Speaker 1: When I heard from him talk about how his confidence 391 00:18:38,560 --> 00:18:42,200 Speaker 1: of Bateman, of course a belief in Zay likes Devontese Walker, 392 00:18:42,240 --> 00:18:44,680 Speaker 1: I wasn't like, Okay, the Ravens are taking a receiver 393 00:18:44,720 --> 00:18:46,560 Speaker 1: first round. I kind of felt like, maybe I cross 394 00:18:46,600 --> 00:18:47,320 Speaker 1: receiver off. 395 00:18:47,359 --> 00:18:51,480 Speaker 2: I don't like, Well, maybe you're right, but don't put 396 00:18:51,520 --> 00:18:52,399 Speaker 2: you too much into it. 397 00:18:53,119 --> 00:18:55,680 Speaker 4: Not to that draft night. That might be what they 398 00:18:55,720 --> 00:18:56,399 Speaker 4: want you to believe. 399 00:18:57,359 --> 00:19:00,480 Speaker 2: Of course, it's all part of the game of the 400 00:19:00,480 --> 00:19:03,560 Speaker 2: players that they have. Yes, they certainly believe and know 401 00:19:03,640 --> 00:19:05,800 Speaker 2: that Richard Bateman can be a big piece of the bubbling. 402 00:19:05,960 --> 00:19:07,160 Speaker 4: Also thought it was interesting too. 403 00:19:07,560 --> 00:19:09,960 Speaker 2: Jesse mentored, Look, we know he's defensive guys, been a 404 00:19:10,000 --> 00:19:13,320 Speaker 2: defensive coordinator, but now as the head coach, he is 405 00:19:13,440 --> 00:19:16,760 Speaker 2: really more involved in evaluating offensive players than he's ever 406 00:19:16,800 --> 00:19:19,760 Speaker 2: been before, and he comes at it and with a 407 00:19:19,800 --> 00:19:22,880 Speaker 2: defensive perspective, and hey, I've had to try and stop 408 00:19:23,080 --> 00:19:25,439 Speaker 2: all these guys. And when I think he looks at 409 00:19:25,520 --> 00:19:28,240 Speaker 2: Rashid Bateman, you know when he looks at Zay Flowers, 410 00:19:28,520 --> 00:19:30,440 Speaker 2: he's looking at them, it's like, you know what, these 411 00:19:30,440 --> 00:19:32,760 Speaker 2: guys are hard to stop. I've had to try and 412 00:19:32,800 --> 00:19:36,800 Speaker 2: stop these guys and they present problems. So even though 413 00:19:36,920 --> 00:19:40,439 Speaker 2: you're a defensive coach, as someone who needs to stop 414 00:19:40,480 --> 00:19:43,760 Speaker 2: offensive players, it can give you a lot of insight 415 00:19:43,960 --> 00:19:47,440 Speaker 2: into what you're looking for in an offensive player from 416 00:19:47,440 --> 00:19:50,879 Speaker 2: a defensive perspective, so that those are the tools that 417 00:19:50,920 --> 00:19:54,320 Speaker 2: he's putting into play. And yes, when he talked about 418 00:19:54,400 --> 00:19:57,040 Speaker 2: Rashid Bateman, whether the Regumans are going to draft a 419 00:19:57,080 --> 00:20:00,840 Speaker 2: wide receiver high or not, you did get the that, Yes, 420 00:20:01,240 --> 00:20:03,639 Speaker 2: I have every confidence that he can be a player 421 00:20:03,640 --> 00:20:05,560 Speaker 2: who's a big piece of offensive puzzle. 422 00:20:05,760 --> 00:20:09,040 Speaker 1: Yeah, I think that it's going to be interesting to 423 00:20:09,040 --> 00:20:11,760 Speaker 1: see how he puts his fingerprints on the evaluation process. 424 00:20:11,800 --> 00:20:15,080 Speaker 1: Like Eric Tacosta controls the draft and he's the one 425 00:20:15,119 --> 00:20:18,920 Speaker 1: that ultimately is going to make the pick, but Jesse's voice, 426 00:20:19,560 --> 00:20:22,479 Speaker 1: without question carries weight. And I remember at the combine, 427 00:20:22,520 --> 00:20:26,199 Speaker 1: actually Joe Ortiz talked about Jesse, the GM of the Chargers, 428 00:20:26,200 --> 00:20:28,120 Speaker 1: of course was with the Ravens for a long time, 429 00:20:28,400 --> 00:20:30,560 Speaker 1: and he talked about Jesse being a really good evaluator, 430 00:20:30,960 --> 00:20:33,000 Speaker 1: and so, in addition to what he is as a 431 00:20:33,040 --> 00:20:35,440 Speaker 1: coach in building up scheme and connecting with players, also 432 00:20:35,440 --> 00:20:36,520 Speaker 1: a really good evaluator. 433 00:20:36,600 --> 00:20:37,440 Speaker 3: So I think the Ravens are. 434 00:20:37,400 --> 00:20:41,520 Speaker 1: Going to trust his instincts and thoughts on what he 435 00:20:41,520 --> 00:20:45,560 Speaker 1: thinks in players, certainly from a defensive standpoint, but also 436 00:20:46,359 --> 00:20:50,720 Speaker 1: just from an identity standpoint, what he wants in players, and. 437 00:20:51,160 --> 00:20:53,240 Speaker 3: That'll be that'll be important. 438 00:20:53,560 --> 00:20:56,760 Speaker 1: And I think that he's enjoying that process of looking 439 00:20:56,760 --> 00:20:59,199 Speaker 1: at these guys and helping. He actually said that when 440 00:20:59,200 --> 00:21:01,080 Speaker 1: he was here the first time, that's where he really 441 00:21:01,119 --> 00:21:04,359 Speaker 1: learned to evaluate. That was pretty formative for him and 442 00:21:04,480 --> 00:21:06,280 Speaker 1: learning what it takes to be an evaluator. That was 443 00:21:06,320 --> 00:21:08,120 Speaker 1: part of his that was part of his job here 444 00:21:08,160 --> 00:21:10,240 Speaker 1: as a young coach the first go round. 445 00:21:10,440 --> 00:21:11,520 Speaker 3: Another guy that he talked about. 446 00:21:11,640 --> 00:21:13,760 Speaker 1: Not really a question of the role that he's going 447 00:21:13,840 --> 00:21:16,640 Speaker 1: to have, But as Derek Henry, we know what he's 448 00:21:16,680 --> 00:21:19,240 Speaker 1: going to do for this offense. He's been awesome in 449 00:21:19,240 --> 00:21:22,760 Speaker 1: the last two seasons. Nineteen hundred yards two years ago, 450 00:21:23,200 --> 00:21:26,000 Speaker 1: nearly led the league in rushing last year. He just 451 00:21:26,119 --> 00:21:30,359 Speaker 1: keeps rolling and I expect the same and hearing from Jesse, 452 00:21:30,480 --> 00:21:32,720 Speaker 1: I think from an identity standpoint for what they want 453 00:21:32,760 --> 00:21:36,040 Speaker 1: to be offensively, there's going to be a heavy workload 454 00:21:36,359 --> 00:21:39,959 Speaker 1: on twenty two and he is going to be a 455 00:21:40,600 --> 00:21:42,320 Speaker 1: like they want to be a team like they want 456 00:21:42,359 --> 00:21:44,680 Speaker 1: to be a team that can, from an identity standpoint, 457 00:21:44,920 --> 00:21:49,159 Speaker 1: run the ball, control the clock, wear teams down. That 458 00:21:49,280 --> 00:21:51,400 Speaker 1: is who they are and that is what they want. 459 00:21:51,200 --> 00:21:54,840 Speaker 2: To be right close and close games out, you know, 460 00:21:55,119 --> 00:21:58,440 Speaker 2: finish the job, turn the lights out on teams. Derek 461 00:21:58,480 --> 00:22:00,399 Speaker 2: Hennby is the type of guy. He can turn lights 462 00:22:00,400 --> 00:22:03,880 Speaker 2: out on the opponent. And yes, the two years he's 463 00:22:03,920 --> 00:22:06,919 Speaker 2: had with the Ravens, I think, even though he's a 464 00:22:06,920 --> 00:22:11,520 Speaker 2: great player, have exceeded what people thought when the Ravens 465 00:22:11,880 --> 00:22:14,119 Speaker 2: acquired him. It was like, yeah, everyone knows Dereck Henry 466 00:22:14,200 --> 00:22:16,480 Speaker 2: is great. It's like, how long will he be great? 467 00:22:16,560 --> 00:22:19,639 Speaker 2: Is he going to start going downhill? You know, running 468 00:22:19,640 --> 00:22:23,800 Speaker 2: backs turning thirty? Blase Blase. We haven't seen any of that, Yeah, 469 00:22:23,920 --> 00:22:27,640 Speaker 2: from Derrick Henry. And it's a lot more fun as 470 00:22:27,680 --> 00:22:29,760 Speaker 2: a coach to coach Dereck Hermy than it is to 471 00:22:29,800 --> 00:22:32,040 Speaker 2: try and figure out how to stop them. And again, 472 00:22:32,240 --> 00:22:36,679 Speaker 2: as a defensive coach, jesse Mentor knows how difficult it 473 00:22:36,720 --> 00:22:39,920 Speaker 2: can be when you're facing a guy like Derrick Henry 474 00:22:40,520 --> 00:22:42,400 Speaker 2: lad in games in the fourth quarter and you're trying 475 00:22:42,440 --> 00:22:44,119 Speaker 2: to get the ball back and even though you know 476 00:22:44,200 --> 00:22:47,080 Speaker 2: he's going to get it, the players on your team 477 00:22:47,240 --> 00:22:48,440 Speaker 2: aren't really looking forward. 478 00:22:48,240 --> 00:22:48,960 Speaker 4: To tackling him. 479 00:22:49,240 --> 00:22:52,879 Speaker 2: And so that's another thing that obviously the Ravens have 480 00:22:52,920 --> 00:22:56,160 Speaker 2: thought about in their desire to be a team that's 481 00:22:56,240 --> 00:22:58,760 Speaker 2: better in the fourth quarter and finishing out games. Those 482 00:22:58,760 --> 00:23:01,240 Speaker 2: are two of the things I already talked about playing better 483 00:23:01,280 --> 00:23:04,399 Speaker 2: at home. Now I'm talking about finishing games. Did the 484 00:23:04,480 --> 00:23:07,080 Speaker 2: Ravens get if they're a good team at home and 485 00:23:07,080 --> 00:23:09,560 Speaker 2: they're a good team closing teams out, then they're going 486 00:23:09,600 --> 00:23:13,120 Speaker 2: to be playing into January and maybe into February. That's 487 00:23:13,160 --> 00:23:16,359 Speaker 2: really two of the biggest things. And so they have 488 00:23:16,480 --> 00:23:19,600 Speaker 2: the ability to do that, and Jesse Minder is already 489 00:23:19,600 --> 00:23:23,040 Speaker 2: thinking about, Okay, how do I best utilize these pieces 490 00:23:23,240 --> 00:23:24,119 Speaker 2: to make that happen. 491 00:23:24,280 --> 00:23:25,960 Speaker 3: Yeah, completely agree. 492 00:23:26,600 --> 00:23:29,120 Speaker 1: Another guy that we haven't talked about much really at all, 493 00:23:29,160 --> 00:23:31,560 Speaker 1: that the Ravens ended up adding this offseason, but I 494 00:23:31,600 --> 00:23:33,240 Speaker 1: think it's going to be an important piece on the 495 00:23:33,280 --> 00:23:35,640 Speaker 1: defensive side of the ball as safety. Jalen Hawkins came 496 00:23:35,640 --> 00:23:37,600 Speaker 1: from the New England Patriots, was the starter last year 497 00:23:37,640 --> 00:23:39,719 Speaker 1: for them. They had a decent season and they went 498 00:23:39,760 --> 00:23:41,639 Speaker 1: to the Super Bowl, not bad, and he was a 499 00:23:41,680 --> 00:23:46,560 Speaker 1: starter on that defense and he's coming to Baltimore and 500 00:23:47,640 --> 00:23:49,760 Speaker 1: we're going to see a lot, like I don't know 501 00:23:49,760 --> 00:23:51,280 Speaker 1: if he's going to play on hundred percent of the snaps, 502 00:23:51,280 --> 00:23:54,080 Speaker 1: but he's gonna play a lot, and him and Malachi 503 00:23:54,160 --> 00:23:56,760 Speaker 1: Stars are going to be playing being on the field 504 00:23:56,800 --> 00:23:58,800 Speaker 1: of time, and that's going to give them the flexibility 505 00:23:58,840 --> 00:24:02,399 Speaker 1: to move Kyle Hamilton around. And Jesse has said many times, 506 00:24:02,400 --> 00:24:05,320 Speaker 1: said it again today that look at what I did 507 00:24:05,400 --> 00:24:07,920 Speaker 1: last year, the last couple of years with Derwyn James. 508 00:24:08,119 --> 00:24:11,240 Speaker 1: That's kind of the blueprint for how he's going to 509 00:24:11,359 --> 00:24:16,520 Speaker 1: operate defensively with Kyle Hamilton, similar players, total chess pieces, 510 00:24:17,040 --> 00:24:19,879 Speaker 1: and I think that Hawkins is going to allow the 511 00:24:19,960 --> 00:24:21,640 Speaker 1: Ravens to do that will also being a really good 512 00:24:21,640 --> 00:24:23,240 Speaker 1: player in his own right, right. 513 00:24:23,080 --> 00:24:24,359 Speaker 4: I mean he was. 514 00:24:24,400 --> 00:24:26,600 Speaker 2: I thought he was pretty specific about that that, Hey, 515 00:24:26,640 --> 00:24:29,399 Speaker 2: this is what I do is it has worked in 516 00:24:29,440 --> 00:24:31,920 Speaker 2: the past. One of the reasons they want to acquire 517 00:24:32,040 --> 00:24:35,320 Speaker 2: Jalen is because he fit the scheme that Jesse wants 518 00:24:35,359 --> 00:24:37,920 Speaker 2: to play and he's good at it. So right, when 519 00:24:37,960 --> 00:24:42,920 Speaker 2: you have him with Malaki and then Kyle doing Kyle 520 00:24:42,960 --> 00:24:47,000 Speaker 2: Hamilton things, that is a blueprint for a disruptive offense. 521 00:24:47,040 --> 00:24:49,960 Speaker 2: And that's the way Jesse has operated in the past. 522 00:24:50,040 --> 00:24:53,040 Speaker 2: So yes, even though there's always going to be tweaks 523 00:24:53,080 --> 00:24:56,560 Speaker 2: to what he did with the Chargers defense, that's his 524 00:24:56,720 --> 00:24:59,119 Speaker 2: calling card. Just like he's calling the plays. He's not 525 00:24:59,240 --> 00:25:01,840 Speaker 2: going to get away from calling the plays on defense 526 00:25:02,119 --> 00:25:05,040 Speaker 2: because he's a head coach. Jesse's like a guy who, yeah, 527 00:25:05,119 --> 00:25:08,240 Speaker 2: he knows, but he looks good in the suit. He knows, Hey, 528 00:25:08,400 --> 00:25:10,960 Speaker 2: this is the suit that fits me. I'm not taking 529 00:25:10,960 --> 00:25:14,440 Speaker 2: it off. I'm going to wear it. So he's embracing 530 00:25:14,480 --> 00:25:17,280 Speaker 2: what he's always done and Jalen definitely fits into that. 531 00:25:17,440 --> 00:25:20,040 Speaker 1: Another important player on defense Mike Green going in his 532 00:25:20,080 --> 00:25:22,800 Speaker 1: second season. Jesse said that he really liked him coming 533 00:25:22,800 --> 00:25:26,200 Speaker 1: out of the draft, evaluated him, thought that the potential 534 00:25:26,280 --> 00:25:28,760 Speaker 1: was certainly there for him. I thought Mike had a 535 00:25:28,880 --> 00:25:33,080 Speaker 1: solid rookie season, but there's clearly more room to grow there. 536 00:25:33,480 --> 00:25:36,000 Speaker 1: And Jesse pointed out that with the addition to Trey Hendrickson, 537 00:25:36,280 --> 00:25:38,200 Speaker 1: He's going to take a lot of eyeballs and focus 538 00:25:38,280 --> 00:25:42,000 Speaker 1: on that side of the ball and that side of 539 00:25:41,359 --> 00:25:45,040 Speaker 1: the lineup, and so then that is going to open 540 00:25:45,080 --> 00:25:48,680 Speaker 1: up more opportunities, more one on one opportunities for Mike Green. 541 00:25:49,160 --> 00:25:51,280 Speaker 1: And he's saying he said that he thinks that he 542 00:25:51,320 --> 00:25:54,520 Speaker 1: can really take a big jump this year, right. 543 00:25:54,359 --> 00:25:56,760 Speaker 2: And Jesse has a track record with that as we 544 00:25:56,840 --> 00:25:59,199 Speaker 2: know a da Feoway when he went out there and 545 00:25:59,240 --> 00:26:04,240 Speaker 2: the way he became immediately a productive player. Yes, Jesse, 546 00:26:04,840 --> 00:26:07,320 Speaker 2: Mike Green, he knows his potential and has a track 547 00:26:07,400 --> 00:26:10,840 Speaker 2: record of getting those type of players to blossom. And 548 00:26:11,080 --> 00:26:15,320 Speaker 2: definitely having Trey Hendrickson a taking eyeballs, as you said, 549 00:26:15,359 --> 00:26:18,320 Speaker 2: but b the experience that Trey has, So when they're 550 00:26:18,359 --> 00:26:20,280 Speaker 2: in the room together and when they're on the Precie 551 00:26:20,320 --> 00:26:23,359 Speaker 2: field together, he can If I'm Mike Green, I'm a 552 00:26:23,359 --> 00:26:26,160 Speaker 2: sponge listening to Trey Hendrickson. He's a guy who not 553 00:26:26,240 --> 00:26:29,359 Speaker 2: only has physical ability, but he's technically sound and has 554 00:26:29,400 --> 00:26:31,960 Speaker 2: a lot of tools in his back. He and Trey 555 00:26:32,000 --> 00:26:34,800 Speaker 2: Hendrickson has already sounded willing. That's part of the role 556 00:26:34,880 --> 00:26:38,200 Speaker 2: that he sees for himself as a mentor. He mentioned 557 00:26:38,200 --> 00:26:42,000 Speaker 2: Mike Green specifically, So yes, I think that Mike Green 558 00:26:42,080 --> 00:26:44,960 Speaker 2: will benefit from being around Trey Henderson. I think that 559 00:26:45,000 --> 00:26:48,080 Speaker 2: Mike Green will benefit being in year two. I think 560 00:26:48,119 --> 00:26:50,960 Speaker 2: that Mike Green will benefit from Jesse Minner's system. So 561 00:26:51,600 --> 00:26:54,920 Speaker 2: Mike Green, he's a really high motor guy. He plays 562 00:26:54,960 --> 00:26:58,400 Speaker 2: hard every snap. He's not just a pass rusher. He's 563 00:26:58,480 --> 00:27:02,480 Speaker 2: also can defend the run. And I do think that, yeah, 564 00:27:02,520 --> 00:27:05,879 Speaker 2: he is hungry with more experience that year one for 565 00:27:05,960 --> 00:27:08,159 Speaker 2: pants rusher. I think it's really hard, unless you're an elite, 566 00:27:08,200 --> 00:27:11,159 Speaker 2: elite pants wrestler to just come into the NFL. 567 00:27:11,480 --> 00:27:12,840 Speaker 4: And start getting double to the sacks. 568 00:27:12,880 --> 00:27:14,520 Speaker 2: It usually doesn't work that way, and we've had a 569 00:27:14,520 --> 00:27:17,640 Speaker 2: lot of guys here with the Ravens who have slowly 570 00:27:17,840 --> 00:27:20,240 Speaker 2: blossomed into becoming good pants rushers. 571 00:27:20,520 --> 00:27:22,160 Speaker 4: I think Mike Green could take. 572 00:27:22,000 --> 00:27:25,280 Speaker 2: That path, but it really might happen next year, and 573 00:27:25,320 --> 00:27:27,160 Speaker 2: if that does, it would be great for. 574 00:27:27,080 --> 00:27:27,760 Speaker 4: The Ravens defense. 575 00:27:27,800 --> 00:27:29,080 Speaker 3: I think he's going to take a big jump. That's 576 00:27:29,119 --> 00:27:29,560 Speaker 3: my thought. 577 00:27:29,720 --> 00:27:31,760 Speaker 1: Like I just think that with Jesse as the head coach, 578 00:27:32,200 --> 00:27:35,840 Speaker 1: with Anthony Weavers defensive coordinator, with Trey Hendrickson on the 579 00:27:35,840 --> 00:27:39,840 Speaker 1: other side, going into year two, I just think he's 580 00:27:39,840 --> 00:27:42,679 Speaker 1: going to take a big jump. And last year he 581 00:27:42,720 --> 00:27:46,240 Speaker 1: played he he played probably even more than a lot 582 00:27:46,280 --> 00:27:49,720 Speaker 1: of people expected when he was drafted, in part because 583 00:27:49,720 --> 00:27:52,399 Speaker 1: the Ravens ended up trading no way and so he 584 00:27:52,520 --> 00:27:55,439 Speaker 1: ends up playing really a three down role. He was 585 00:27:55,480 --> 00:27:57,440 Speaker 1: not like a situational pass rusher. He was an all 586 00:27:57,480 --> 00:28:01,600 Speaker 1: around outside linebacker. And I think that that experience and 587 00:28:01,760 --> 00:28:03,199 Speaker 1: all the things that we just talked about is going 588 00:28:03,240 --> 00:28:06,040 Speaker 1: to allow him to flourish this season and take a 589 00:28:06,040 --> 00:28:08,719 Speaker 1: big step, which I know Ravens Stams would be excited 590 00:28:08,760 --> 00:28:11,000 Speaker 1: if that comes to fruition. Two other quick points I 591 00:28:11,000 --> 00:28:14,480 Speaker 1: want to mention again asked about nomine ADVK no update 592 00:28:14,480 --> 00:28:16,639 Speaker 1: there to say he's in a great place mentally, but 593 00:28:16,760 --> 00:28:19,360 Speaker 1: also that the Ravens will have contingency plans. He said, 594 00:28:19,359 --> 00:28:21,920 Speaker 1: you have contingency plans basically at every position. So we'll 595 00:28:21,920 --> 00:28:24,760 Speaker 1: have Plan A, Plan B, Plan C, Plan D. Not 596 00:28:24,880 --> 00:28:28,560 Speaker 1: all that different there, But you know, we I feel 597 00:28:28,560 --> 00:28:30,400 Speaker 1: like every time we talk about this we say essentially 598 00:28:30,400 --> 00:28:33,200 Speaker 1: the same thing. No real update, no real timetable for 599 00:28:33,240 --> 00:28:38,360 Speaker 1: an update, not much clarity on what exactly is the situation, 600 00:28:39,200 --> 00:28:42,440 Speaker 1: but the Ravens have contingency plans in place there. 601 00:28:42,800 --> 00:28:44,440 Speaker 3: And then lastly, I thought. 602 00:28:44,240 --> 00:28:47,560 Speaker 1: It was interesting hearing him talk about special teams and 603 00:28:48,320 --> 00:28:50,680 Speaker 1: we're used to quality special teams playing Baltimore. That's been 604 00:28:50,720 --> 00:28:52,960 Speaker 1: part of that was part of John Harball's identity coming 605 00:28:52,960 --> 00:28:54,880 Speaker 1: to Baltimore's a special teams coach. And I think that's 606 00:28:54,960 --> 00:28:58,520 Speaker 1: rooted in the fabric of the organization, factory kicking units 607 00:28:58,520 --> 00:29:02,240 Speaker 1: over the history of the organizeation just overall, strong special 608 00:29:02,240 --> 00:29:03,800 Speaker 1: teams play, So I think that's part of who the 609 00:29:03,880 --> 00:29:06,760 Speaker 1: Ravens are. But it was interesting hearing him talk about 610 00:29:06,800 --> 00:29:08,760 Speaker 1: how he wants he wants special teams to be a 611 00:29:08,800 --> 00:29:10,440 Speaker 1: weapon for this team. 612 00:29:10,720 --> 00:29:13,760 Speaker 2: I like that yeah, of course, and special teams can 613 00:29:13,840 --> 00:29:19,280 Speaker 2: be a weapon. You know, think about you know, blocking ponnds, kigs, runbacks, 614 00:29:19,280 --> 00:29:22,080 Speaker 2: When you block a punt, when you have a return 615 00:29:22,200 --> 00:29:24,960 Speaker 2: for a touchdown, you usually win the game, doesn't even 616 00:29:24,960 --> 00:29:27,480 Speaker 2: matter which team you're talking about. Those are the toes 617 00:29:27,480 --> 00:29:30,440 Speaker 2: of the type of game changing plays he's looking for 618 00:29:30,600 --> 00:29:33,280 Speaker 2: and the type of plays it can change a game 619 00:29:33,440 --> 00:29:34,480 Speaker 2: like that on one play. 620 00:29:34,600 --> 00:29:37,520 Speaker 1: Well, look, let's look at the Ravens two Super Bowls. 621 00:29:37,520 --> 00:29:39,600 Speaker 1: They had a kickoff return for a touchdown in the 622 00:29:39,600 --> 00:29:42,480 Speaker 1: two thousand Super Bowl. Then they had another kickoff return 623 00:29:42,520 --> 00:29:44,800 Speaker 1: for a touchdown in the twenty twelve Super Bowl with 624 00:29:44,960 --> 00:29:47,640 Speaker 1: Kobe Jones, And I think about like that twenty twelve 625 00:29:47,680 --> 00:29:52,200 Speaker 1: special teams unit. Jacoby was incredible that season. So many 626 00:29:52,280 --> 00:29:54,800 Speaker 1: runbacks both from a kickos standpoint and punk return that 627 00:29:54,840 --> 00:29:56,280 Speaker 1: were game changing kind of plays. 628 00:29:56,560 --> 00:29:58,160 Speaker 3: That was justin Talker's rookie season. 629 00:29:58,400 --> 00:30:00,880 Speaker 1: He delivered some clutch kicks, none bigger than the kick 630 00:30:00,880 --> 00:30:04,040 Speaker 1: in Denver and double overtime to win that game. And 631 00:30:04,120 --> 00:30:08,600 Speaker 1: so like, the Ravens don't win that Super Bowl without 632 00:30:08,640 --> 00:30:12,280 Speaker 1: those big special teams plays. And I know it's not 633 00:30:12,320 --> 00:30:14,840 Speaker 1: like the most exciting thing to talk about, but it's 634 00:30:14,840 --> 00:30:18,880 Speaker 1: an incredibly important piece and Jesse views that as a 635 00:30:19,480 --> 00:30:21,400 Speaker 1: core element of who this team is going to be 636 00:30:21,800 --> 00:30:23,920 Speaker 1: and an important piece of helping the Raves be at 637 00:30:23,920 --> 00:30:24,320 Speaker 1: their best. 638 00:30:24,520 --> 00:30:27,280 Speaker 2: Yeah, and just like you know, you mentioned we've talked 639 00:30:27,280 --> 00:30:30,080 Speaker 2: about the coaching staff and Anthony Weaver, you know, being 640 00:30:30,120 --> 00:30:33,200 Speaker 2: a great addition as far as defensive coordinator for the defense. 641 00:30:33,560 --> 00:30:35,840 Speaker 2: Then Anthony Levine is a new special team because he's 642 00:30:35,840 --> 00:30:39,560 Speaker 2: a guy who's been a special teams player in Baltimore. 643 00:30:40,040 --> 00:30:43,200 Speaker 2: Knows how impactful that unit can be. Was a leader 644 00:30:43,560 --> 00:30:45,440 Speaker 2: as a player, now he's a leader as a coach 645 00:30:45,440 --> 00:30:48,280 Speaker 2: of that unit. I'm sure he is in lockstep with 646 00:30:48,400 --> 00:30:50,800 Speaker 2: Jesse Mentor as far as like, hey, we can make 647 00:30:50,840 --> 00:30:54,200 Speaker 2: splash plays on special teams, that's what we're hunting for 648 00:30:54,760 --> 00:30:57,680 Speaker 2: and if that happens, that's going to help us become 649 00:30:58,040 --> 00:31:01,200 Speaker 2: a super Bowl caliber team. So so yeah, all three 650 00:31:01,280 --> 00:31:05,160 Speaker 2: phases of the Ravens are new this year, led by 651 00:31:05,440 --> 00:31:08,120 Speaker 2: new people. A lot of some of the players are 652 00:31:08,160 --> 00:31:09,640 Speaker 2: going to be the same, but the systems are going 653 00:31:09,720 --> 00:31:12,320 Speaker 2: to be different, and so it's really going to be 654 00:31:12,360 --> 00:31:14,920 Speaker 2: interesting to see it all come together. But that's part 655 00:31:14,960 --> 00:31:19,040 Speaker 2: of the process from now leading up to Week one 656 00:31:19,160 --> 00:31:22,400 Speaker 2: to make sure that when the Ravens do open the season, 657 00:31:23,000 --> 00:31:26,480 Speaker 2: they'll look like a team that's been coached by the 658 00:31:26,480 --> 00:31:29,320 Speaker 2: same staff for a long time, even though it's their 659 00:31:29,360 --> 00:31:30,720 Speaker 2: first year as a unit together. 660 00:31:30,920 --> 00:31:33,880 Speaker 3: Yeah, no doubt about it. So great to hear from him. 661 00:31:33,880 --> 00:31:36,240 Speaker 1: We got me excited for the offseason program coming up 662 00:31:36,320 --> 00:31:38,880 Speaker 1: next week, which is hard to believe. Also, just got 663 00:31:38,880 --> 00:31:42,160 Speaker 1: me excited about the upcoming season, So appreciate the time, Cliff. 664 00:31:42,200 --> 00:31:43,880 Speaker 1: As always, you can email us at the lounge at 665 00:31:43,960 --> 00:31:47,200 Speaker 1: Ravens dot NFL dot net let us know your thoughts, 666 00:31:47,320 --> 00:31:49,840 Speaker 1: your questions, and tomorrow coming up, we're going to have 667 00:31:49,840 --> 00:31:52,040 Speaker 1: an episode with Ravens team president Sasha Brown. Had a 668 00:31:52,120 --> 00:31:54,840 Speaker 1: chance to talk with him here at league meetings about 669 00:31:54,960 --> 00:31:57,760 Speaker 1: business both on and off the field, his expectations for 670 00:31:57,800 --> 00:32:00,280 Speaker 1: the upcoming season, and what the team is in working 671 00:32:00,280 --> 00:32:03,240 Speaker 1: on behind the scenes. So excited for that conversation. Again, 672 00:32:03,280 --> 00:32:06,000 Speaker 1: that's going to drop tomorrow, so stay tuned for that. 673 00:32:06,240 --> 00:32:07,960 Speaker 1: Thank you so much for listening, and we'll see you 674 00:32:08,000 --> 00:32:08,560 Speaker 1: again tomorrow.