Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh discussed the upcoming game against the Falcons with the Atlanta media on a conference call on Wednesday:
On the Ravens rushing attack. "We've gone to more of a running type offense with those two guys (Lamar Jackson and Gus Edwards). I think our offensive line and tight ends have done a great job of blocking. As well as those guys executing. It's been good."
On what he needs to see from Joe (Flacco) for him to have a chance of playing. "Yeah, we just need to see him practice. Go through the whole practice. Evaluate how he's moving, throwing. We want to make sure that he can protect himself and execute. Obviously, (the game) is going to played at a really high paced. Very fast defense and excellent pass rushers. That will be our main concern, to see that in practice. If we get a chance to see that as the week goes on we'll have a better handle on that."
On if he'd consider playing both quarterbacks in a rotation. "Sure. That would be an option. I've been asked about that up here as well. That's one of the options on the table."
On the Falcons ground game. "They do a great job with the system. The run the wide zone system that coach (Kyle) Shanahan brought it and coach (Steve) Sarkisian has built on. Coach (Dan) Quinn obviously believes in and it's been very, very effective. Historically in this league and they've done an excellent job of it over the years. I really like their backs. I think these two young guys are really doing a great job. Very athletic offensive line that can get up to the second level to get the linebackers. Cut you on the backside. Great space by stretch and cut. They've got some change ups with the flips, and crack plays and cut back plays. So they cause a lot of problems with the run. Then off of that, so much of that is the play-action part of it. …the numbers are one thing, but the play-action is what gives you the problems. You might be stopping the run, but they are hitting you with chunk play-action plays. That's the way they are built."
On the Falcons run defense if Deion Jones returns. "I would think so. He's a premier linebacker. We loved him coming out. Gosh, the guy is a high-motor, fast player. I feel like the young linebackers are doing a really good job anyway. He obviously is just a top level player.
On the Falcons offense which has posted big numbers, but had bogged down recently. "I think it starts with accuracy. He's one of the most accurate passers in all of football. He does it with great timing. He sees the field. He does it in drop back, he does it in play-action. He moves in the pocket well. He's got tremendous weapons. I think he utilizes them very well. So, Matt Ryan is Matt Ryan. That is something that we are very concerned about and trying to prepare for."
On UGA basketball coach Tom Crean (his brother-in-law): "Tom, I love talking to Tom. Obviously, he's my brother. We root for the Bulldogs now all of the time I love the way he's getting those guys to play fast and trying to tighten up the discipline in terms of defense and good tight efficient play, while they play fast. Tom is a deep thinker. He studies people. He studies ideas and leadership and motivation and all of those things. He's very much a man of faith. We talk about that part of it all of the time. As a matter of fact we had text conversation this morning about that…When I always talk to Tom Crean I always come out of it a better person for it."
More on the rotating quarterbacks. "We just have to cross those bridges when we get there….Just see what makes you the most effective offense."
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