Head Coach John Harbaugh
JOHN HARBAUGH: You guys are the guys that made it all the way through, right? Impressive. Okay, appreciate, really appreciate everybody that's here for being here. The guys that stuck it out from beginning to end, that's you guys. So, make sure you brag about that in your columns. You've earned it.
You've earned the right. What questions do you have?
Q: How did you feel about finishing that note with that last period?
JOHN HARBAUGH: It was good, it was good. Young guys, goal line period, live, tackling to the ground.
It was enthusiastic and fun, and I liked it.
Q: You talked about this as being a big week. Now that it's done, what did you get out of it?
JOHN HARBAUGH: Well, I think we got a lot better. That's probably what we got out of it. We improved tremendously. We're much further along than we were when we started. I think we can look back and say that we've come a long way. I mean, the competition is really tough in this league, and every team is doing the same thing. So, you're in a race every single day to be at least the best you can be. And everybody's trying to do the same thing in the NFL, so that's why it's so tough, but I thought our guys did a good job. I'm happy with where we're at. It's just a matter of keeping your head down and staying after it every day. Never taking a breath in terms of your mindset and determination to get better.
Q: On the injury front, JMS (offensive lineman John Michael Schmitz Jr.) in the protocol?
JOHN HARBAUGH: You know what? I don't know if he's officially in the protocol or not. I haven't heard yet. They were looking at him this morning for symptoms. It wasn't anything terrible. So, we'll just see how they classify him today.
Q: (Cornerback Greg) Newsome seemed like he avoided anything serious there?
JOHN HARBAUGH: I would say so, yes.
Q: Anquin Barnes?
JOHN HARBAUGH: Anquin Barnes, avoided anything serious. Yeah, he should be back in a couple days.
Q: John, it seems like (inside linebacker) Arvell (Reese), when he hits someone or lines them up, is just a different kind of sound. It seems like he had a really good camp these last two weeks. Do you think that he is adding a tone of violence to your defense that you guys were looking for when you drafted him?
JOHN HARBAUGH: Well, we will see. I don't think you say that until you start playing the games.
Hopefully, that's kind of across-the-board part of our defense. That's something that's important, obviously. It's a violent game. Do it within the rules with great technique and fundamentals and assignments and everything else that's required, but he's learning the defense. He's doing a great job every step of the way so far. And then the next steps will be the next steps, but I'm excited about those guys. I'm excited about all of our inside backers, but, those two guys in the middle, I think they're kind of getting chemistry. A lot of good communication, playing together, playing off each other, all those things and when we start playing games, it will be the next challenge.
Q: This entire run down here, it seemed like anytime you looked up and your first team defense was out there, (outside linebacker) Abdul (Carter) was making a play. I know it looked like you spent a lot of time at the end of practice. What are your impressions of him and maybe what you thought when you were getting here? It looks like he's raised his game completely.
JOHN HARBAUGH: I agree. I didn't know him as well because, honestly, in the draft, it wasn't a guy we were really looking at because we weren't going to have a chance to draft him. And so, I didn't know him at all. Then, I started talking to him and liked him right away and the things he had said that he wanted to do. And I would say this, I'd say everything he's spoken of in terms of what he wants to accomplish and his plans to do so, he's following through on. I think he's been a real leader and mostly by example, by the way he's playing and the energy he's giving. So, it looks good, you're right. I mean, he's had a really, really great camp so far.
Q: You had said coming away could be a good thing for the players, comradery, that kind of stuff. Now that you were here for 12 days, what do you make of that whole part of the experience?
JOHN HARBAUGH: I would agree. I would give it an A, A plus for that. It's been really everything. We've been able to focus on the task at hand. There's really no distractions out here. It's a beautiful setting. It's a beautiful resort. Everything has been excellent. And the guys have been able to lock in on the football. The fields have held up extremely well. I mean, every little thing has been good. It's not lavish by any stretch in terms of the facility, but it's everything we could want. Maybe that's even better.
We don't want it to be too nice. So, I feel like the guys responded well. I have asked them, I think the guys are happy too. But I'm sure you'll be asking them. So, that's good.
Q: John, as much as (cornerback) Deonte Banks has taken strides, how much do you need (cornerback) Paulson Adebo to play better than he has so far?
JOHN HARBAUGH: I think Paulson's played well. There's so many things that go into it. It's training camp. So, like I said before, I mean, I like all of our corners. I think the fact that you can even be talking about competition is great, especially at that position because there's not too many teams that can have that conversation, really. So, to me, it makes everybody better. I'm looking forward to next week, obviously. But then when the games come, I'm looking forward to seeing how guys look against another team and get a better feel for where you're at.
