Denzel Ward Media Availability November 9, 2023
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00:00 [INAUDIBLE]
00:06 >> Yeah, they got a good run guy.
00:08 I think they got the best one in the league right now.
00:10 But just dynamic from all phases, whether that's Lamar able to run it himself or
00:15 there are multiple running backs that they have and they're frontline.
00:20 So they do a good job of scheming those guys up and getting guys open,
00:23 running lanes and stuff like that.
00:24 So it's definitely gonna be a tough challenge and
00:27 on top of that just get they got their receivers and everything.
00:29 So it should be a good challenge for us.
00:31 >> So they're healthier this time around.
00:35 What has to change for you guys on your side?
00:38 For to get a better result with them having a full roster.
00:44 >> Yeah, I think we're healthier too this time around.
00:46 So I said it should be a good matchup.
00:48 They got, like I said, they are healthy on that side.
00:51 They got a great group of receivers and returning players on their side of the ball.
00:56 And we just got to all win our matchups and
00:59 it's gonna be a challenge for us but I think we're up for it.
01:01 >> When we talked to Juan Thornhill on Monday,
01:07 he said you're the best quarterback in the league.
01:11 I'll ask if you agree with that, but also are you having your best season?
01:16 >> I appreciate that statement from Juan.
01:19 I take a lot of pride in my game.
01:21 That's our goal in trying to be the best.
01:23 And to answer your question of this my best season, the season not over yet.
01:28 So I'm just trying to stay focused on games at a time and
01:31 focus on getting a win.
01:33 And that's really where my focus is.
01:35 So if I'm doing my part, doing my job, then cool.
01:39 But yeah, I'll look at all the accolades and everything at the end of the season.
01:43 >> MJ said that this may not only be the best division in football right now,
01:48 but the ball time.
01:48 What are your thoughts on this division?
01:51 >> I agree, it's a tough division.
01:52 I mean, you obviously see it with the records that we all have just being close
01:57 compared to other divisions.
01:59 And just the talent and the level of play that guys are playing in this division
02:03 has been tough.
02:04 And so it's gonna be a battle the entire season and
02:08 see where we are coming towards the end of the year and trying to make the playoffs.
02:11 >> And so it was really excited about the first ball park and
02:15 you guys started to bring out, bring out.
02:17 Mark, kind of change everything.
02:20 Do you guys review that game as motivation or
02:23 you just look at the last couple of Ravens games to prepare for this game?
02:28 >> Yeah, we watch the games and watch that to see what we could correct and fix.
02:32 There was a lot of things that we did and execute well in that first game against
02:37 the Ravens that we're looking to clean up for this next one.
02:41 And that could help change the game.
02:42 So we just had to be a lot cleaner.
02:44 We didn't play a real clean game in that first go around.
02:48 So hopefully this next time around we could get it done.
02:51 >> That was the defensive's worst game?
02:55 >> Potentially, I honestly didn't see the numbers and stuff like that.
02:57 But yeah, like I said, we didn't play the best game that game.
03:00 So looking to see how we could clean it up and fix it for
03:03 this next time around and focus to get a win.
03:05 >> I understand there's a lot of football you guys still have to play.
03:08 But because Baltimore's 7-2 and it's spot debate,
03:12 how big is this game that you guys wanna win?
03:15 >> Yeah, I mean, every game's a big game.
03:17 I mean, you need, we only got what, 17, 18, however many games it is.
03:21 Not many games, so every game is a huge big game.
03:24 So we gotta get a win, get as many wins as we can.
03:27 So I think that's the focus, just trying to find a way to get a win this week.
03:31 But to answer your question, every game's a big game.
03:34 >> So what are you working on?
03:35 What are you trying to get better at?
03:38 >> For me, I'm just trying to be the best me that I can be for this team.
03:43 Wherever that's at, that's me on special teams coming off the edge and
03:47 just trying to do everything I can to the best of my ability and go hard for
03:50 my team and just try to find a way to get a win.
03:53 I think the biggest thing is getting wins and that's where my focus is at.
03:57 And so out of practice, I work on my technique and as a DB and
04:01 corner trying to perfect that as best as I can.
04:03 And just wherever I'm at, just trying to be the best at what I can do.
04:07 >> With all respect to the other quarterbacks you guys face,
04:10 Lamar just, he seems to be his own guy here.
04:14 Just how challenging is it to face a guy that has the ability to just single
04:19 handedly beat you, whether it's with his arm or with his feet?
04:22 >> Yeah, it's tough.
04:23 Lamar, he's a dynamic player, able to make every throw on the field.
04:27 And whether that's on a run or in a pocket, it just presents a challenge.
04:32 You feel like you got guys covered, but he's still back there running around,
04:35 dodging guys.
04:36 And just kind of got a plaster drill and
04:38 then he's able to still throw it 40 yards deep or wherever it is and make the throw.
04:43 So he definitely presents a different challenge than a lot of quarterbacks
04:47 in a league and he's a great player.
04:49 >> How do you prepare for that?
04:51 Like during practice, how do you get ready to face a guy like that?
04:54 >> Yeah, I mean, it's just executing our assignments, I believe, and
04:57 hitting our spots, whether that's a D line, rushing, and
05:00 trying to contain them as good as best as possible.
05:03 Back end guys covering and staying on our man's the entire time and making tackles.
05:08 We gotta be able to tackle and get guys on the ground.
05:10 >> So now that Odell's back, how's he looking to you?
05:14 >> He looks good.
05:15 Odell, he's a great receiver.
05:16 He's always been a great receiver and able to make a lot of plays for
05:20 those guys, great hands, great routes.
05:23 He's a great player.
05:25 So I mean, like I say, he's gonna present a challenge for us as well,
05:28 as well as all the receivers and their entire team.
05:30 They got a great team over there.
05:32 But I think we're up for the challenge though.
05:34 So looking forward to it.
05:36 >> Is there something specific you picked up from, I know you guys always talk
05:39 about the idea of making each other better, talking to each other.
05:43 >> Right. >> From his time here,
05:44 is there something you picked up going against the Knights?
05:47 >> Potentially, so I'm looking forward to the matchup.
05:51 And I think it's gonna be fun, so I'm looking forward to going against those guys.
05:55 >> Mark Emerson said that one thing he noticed about you,
05:59 you were the only guy in the US helmet that walked through.
06:01 How do you do it?
06:03 >> For me, I just like to stay locked in and be where I'm at.
06:07 So out there on the field, that's where I'm at.
06:10 I play the game with my helmet on.
06:12 And so I wear my helmet just to kind of stay locked in and focus on my job and
06:15 assignment and what I gotta do.
06:17 And just going through where I'm supposed to start at, just going through the calls,
06:21 going through what I'm seeing on the play calls and everything.
06:23 So I think it's just a representation of me just trying to lock in and
06:28 focus on the job at hand.
06:30 >> Where'd you pick that up from, coach somewhere down the line?
06:33 Jack or the player?
06:34 >> I mean, I think Ohio State definitely prepared me coming into the league and
06:40 just trying to be a pro and having a routine and everything.
06:43 And coming into the league, was just trying to find ways to be a pro and
06:47 have a great routine and everything.
06:49 And that's just one of the things that kind of stuck with me that maybe a lot of
06:54 guys didn't do or whatever, and something that helped me out where I could focus and
06:58 lock in and tell myself, if I'm on the football field,
07:00 then I'm here to play football and not be anywhere else.
07:03 >> MJ said he copied that.
07:05 Were you aware that he kind of took that idea from you?
07:07 >> Yeah, yeah, he told me.
07:09 >> Is that kind of flattering that a guy looks at that example and
07:13 says, hey, I'm gonna borrow this from you?
07:15 >> Yeah, I appreciate it.
07:16 I mean, I try to be a leader for those guys, whether that's us communicating,
07:19 me being able to give any tips or anything I'm seeing out there and
07:23 help those guys out, whether it's routine or anything out there on the field.
07:26 So I just try to be the best example that I can for those guys.
07:30 And so I'm glad he's able to take that and maybe help his game out.
07:34 I mean, he's obviously been playing great, so
07:36 he's doing something right over there, but yeah.
07:38 >> It sounds like a lot of these guys look to you.
07:41 Who did you look to?
07:43 >> When?
07:44 >> When you were coming up either in the league or in college as you were trying to
07:48 develop your craft, what habits, who did you look to?
07:54 >> That's a good question.
07:55 I think I kinda tried to, I feel like I'm my own player in a sense.
08:00 It's not really known, I really just watched, I know a lot of guys said they
08:04 might watch Deion Sanders or a lot of great players out there.
08:07 But I just felt like I kinda had my own game and don't really play like everyone.
08:12 So I just try to listen to my coaches and everything and
08:16 be the best player that I could be.
08:18 Cuz I mean, everybody's different, nobody's the same.
08:21 So just looking at everybody though, just trying to see guys routines and
08:25 what they do and what they're good at and how I can incorporate it into my game maybe.
08:29 But just trying to be myself, that's it.
08:31 >> That's surreal to you?
08:33 I mean, it feels like you were just a rookie just a short time ago and
08:35 now you have players kinda following you and kinda taking after you.
08:38 Is that a surreal feeling for you?
08:40 >> Yeah, it is crazy.
08:41 I feel like I just came into the league.
08:42 I remember my first day here and I'm going on year six now in the NFL.
08:47 So time definitely be flying.
08:49 I'll be telling everybody, time be flying by, but it's been fun.
08:52 I'm enjoying my time here, enjoying playing this game I've been playing since a kid.
08:57 >> Denzel, what are the challenges that kinda playing an opponent for
09:00 the second time brings?
09:01 Obviously, you guys played him earlier in the year.
09:03 What challenges that bring for both teams kinda playing each other again?
09:06 >> Yeah, just having that familiar, you're familiar with the teams and
09:11 what they're capable of, what they're good at, what they can do.
09:14 But they are healthier, like I said, and so
09:17 they're gonna present another challenge and covering those guys and
09:21 guys that has returned, but I think just being familiar with the teams.
09:25 >> Greg said yesterday that you guys wanna make teams that just you.
09:29 Does that be more like game plan stuff or
09:32 you're talking about just the way you're playing once you get out there?
09:35 >> Yeah, I think it's both.
09:36 I think it's game plan stuff and it's just how we're playing out there,
09:39 playing fast, playing hard, and making teams react to us.
09:42 I think it's both.