Through a coach’s eyes: An interview with Todd Washington

Even though we could watch the big game on TV, most of us didn’t have the luxury of being on the field and in the locker room.

Thanks to Ravens Assistant Offensive Line Coach, Todd Washington, I am going to take you “Through the Coaches Eyes” and let coach tell you what it was like to be on the field during the biggest game of the year.

Joe Wedra: Let’s start in New England; can you describe what the locker room was like after beating the Patriots?

Todd Washington: The locker room in New England was euphoric!! Everybody was hugging everybody. We finally got the monkey off our back. We accomplished something that only few teams could do. Beat the Pats at home. We didn’t want it to end. But we also wanted to get back home ASAP. We had one more game to play

JW: Can you explain what your preparations were like the week before heading to New Orleans?

TW: Our prep was long, and well thought out. We approached this game like any other game this season. We focused on the details and it paid off. 

JW: Once in New Orleans, what was your favorite part about the week leading up to the big game?

TW: For me, watching the Offensive Line during Media Day. I had a blast watching them being interviewed by the entire world!

JW: You can’t go to New Orleans and not eat! What was your favorite meal while being there?

TW: I never met a bowl of gumbo that I didn’t like!!

JW: Were you able to hear Ray Lewis’ last speech? If so, can you describe what it was like?

TW: When Ray talks, you listen. It is something that you cannot describe. He is the ultimate competitor, the ultimate Raven.

JW: How much sleep did you and the players get the night before the Super Bowl?

TW: Not much. You’re on the biggest stage in our sport. The game ran through my mind so many times.

JW: What was the locker room like at halftime, up 21-6?

TW: We wanted more. We were not satisfied. 

JW: As a coach, how did you and the rest of the staff deal with the power outage, and what were you saying to the players?

TW: We had multiple plans in place. We kept our players calm. It was another chapter added to our Championship run.

JW: If you had to pick one person that was most excited about winning Super Bowl 47, who would it be and why?

TW: Sending Ray Lewis out on top was the best. But it was great to see Joe Flacco finally silence his critics as well. 

JW: You won a Super Bowl as a player; can you describe the differences between winning as a player and winning as a coach?

TW: The biggest difference is when you win one as a coach, it is much more satisfying. The amount of time and effort we invest in each game is staggering. We sacrifice a lot. The highs are higher and the lows are lower. I loved winning a ring as a player. But I am savoring this win as a coach. It makes me want to work harder. I want to go back and win another!