If you scroll down to the second graphic below, you’ll notice that the Ravens haven’t won in Jacksonville since 2001, which seems insane. Upon further inspection, you’ll see that they’ve only played there twice in that span though, losing in both 2005 and 2011 (ughhhh) – also kinda crazy. How about the other AFC South cities?
Since 2001, they’ve played in Indianapolis five times (four regular season), Tennessee five times (four regular season), and Houston five times (all regular season). So yeah, Jacksonville is a bit of an outlier. Hopefully Baltimore can exorcise some demons, both those that seem to haunt Everbank Field, but also those lurking in Blake Bortles’ facemask.
Let’s check out this week’s stats, quotes, and more in our CRAB BAG.
KNOW THY ENEMY
SERIES HISTORY
QUOTES OF THE WEEK
QB Joe Flacco on the Ravens overcoming a 20-point deficit in Week 2 at Cleveland:
“I told those guys that I couldn’t be more proud. It wasn’t pretty; it wasn’t great. Do you want to play that kind of game in September? Not necessarily, but every single game in January and, come February, where we hope to be, is going to be like that. There are going to be tough situations. Over the years, these games have just taken us to that next level and really made us mentally tough so when we get into those games, we don’t blink. We’ve already been through it four, five, six times in September, October and November. That’s why we can be so good late in the year. I think this was one of those games that helps some of our young guys out with confidence and toughness, to help you win late in the year.”
WR Steve Smith Sr. on playing with QB Joe Flacco:
“Every quarterback and wide receiver has some dialogue, but not every quarterback that I played with is a Super Bowl champ or a Super Bowl MVP. Not every quarterback is his height and can throw 60 or 70 yards off his back foot. There are things that Joe can uniquely do that some of the other guys I’ve played with cannot.”
QB Joe Flacco on what WR Steve Smith Sr. has meant to him:
“He’s one of the best that’s ever played, there’s no doubt about it. Just getting the chance to be around him, to see what he’s about and to develop a true, honest opinion about who he is as a player and as a person, I’ve just been very fortunate. He’s been huge for me and my career. You can listen to all the bad things you hear about people and form an opinion. I didn’t know what to think of him [when he first arrived in 2014], but since he’s been here, he’s been nothing but great.”
WR Mike Wallace on the Ravens wideout group:
“We work hard every single day. There’s not one day I come in the building with a down attitude, because when I see those guys, I get happy. I know the type of players, the type of workers, that they are. Just being around Steve [Smith Sr.], that’s a guy who just gets me motivated, fired up every day. Breshad [Perriman], all the stuff he overcame, that just makes me happy to see those guys doing well. That just makes me want to do well. That’s just what it is – we work for each other every single day, every single play.”
John Harbaugh on ILB Zachary Orr, who became a starter this season after being undrafted in 2014:
“He knows what he is doing – man, zone coverage, run game – and he runs to the ball. He is like a lightning bolt out there. That is really valuable to the defense.”
GETTING TO KNOW YOU ~ Q&A with Timmy Jernigan
How excited are you for this game, considering you are from Florida?
“I always love being able to go home and play. Jacksonville is a little closer to where I am originally from. I actually lived in Jacksonville for a couple years as a kid. It is going to mean a lot to play there. I remember days as a kid when I was living in Jacksonville just wishing that I would be in the position that I am in now.”
How important is the Ravens’ tradition to you?
“It is very important. From the day that I got the [draft] phone call from Ozzie [Newsome], that was the only thing really on my mind. I was excited to get to work for a team like this. Being able to play beside guys like ‘Sizz’ [Terrell Suggs], and [Elvis] Dumervil and with C.J. Mosley is an honor.”
What has stood out about the Ravens organization in your three years?
“I love the standard that is set here. Every day is a grind. All of our coaches challenge us in ways you couldn’t even imagine. It is a joy every morning coming in here and being able to work with our coaches. We have great coaches pushing us, and we as players really want to live up to that standard that has already been set.”
What is the best feeling in football for a defensive lineman?
“Getting a sack – no question. It is not even close. Tackles for loss are nice, but nothing will ever beat that feeling of getting to the quarterback. You may only get 20 opportunities to rush the passer in a game, and you might only be able to hit him one time.”
What is something most fans wouldn’t guess about you?
“I’m a very calm person off the field. What you see on Sundays is another person. I don’t even know who that guy is. (laughter) Monday through Saturday, I’m a pretty calm guy. But on Sunday, once you lace those cleats up, it is either going to be you or the person across from you. You have to handle your business, or you are going to get embarrassed.”
What has OLB Terrell Suggs taught you?
“He is one of those guys who leads by example. Of course, he is a vocal leader, but just watching him – he is professional day-in and day-out. His wisdom of the game is great, and for him to be at his age and still practicing as hard as he does, I think that really says a lot about him.”
What do you like most about John Harbaugh?
“I love his enthusiasm and what he brings every day. It doesn’t matter win, lose or draw. You are going to get the same guy every day. I really love that you never have to guess what his expectations are of you or what he thinks of you. He will let you know what is on his mind, and he is very straight up with his players. That’s a great thing; not everybody is like that.”
HEY, YOU LOOK FAMILIAR! ~ Key Connections
Ravens RB Justin Forsett spent the 2013 season with the Jaguars. He appeared in nine games, rushing 6 times for 31 yards and catching 15 passes for 82 yards.
Ravens tight ends coach Richard Angulo played TE for Jacksonville from 2007-08 and saw action in 20 games (six starts).
Ravens strength and conditioning coach Bob Rogucki served as the Jaguars’ assistant strength and conditioning coach in 2004.
Ravens coaching assistant/opponent analysis Scott Cohen served as the Jaguars’ asst. director of pro scouting (1999-2000).
Ravens defensive line coach Joe Cullen spent three seasons (2010-12) as the Jaguars’ defensive line coach, developing talented players such DT Tyson Alualu, the 10th-overall pick of the 2010 draft. Under Cullen, Alualu started all 16 games each season and tallied 123 solo tackles (84 solo) during that span.
Jaguars assistant wide receivers coach Tony Sorrentino was a coaching intern with the Ravens in 2007.
Jaguars LB Arthur Brown was the Ravens’ second-round draft choice in 2013 and appeared in 34 games for the team.
LAUGH OF THE WEEK AT EXPENSE OF RAVENS’ OPPONENT
Seriously…why is his tongue blue?
