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HEAD COACH JEFF FISHER, JAN. 6, 2009**
(On if this feels like a different week preparing for the first playoff game)
Of course it's a different week, it's a playoff week. But you take the same approach that we've taken all year long and that's just have a good practice, have fun doing it, prepare and I thought we had a very, very productive day today.
(On balancing rest without being rusty after going almost three weeks since their last meaningful game)
Well, we accomplished an awful lot last week with the practice sessions. That was the purpose and we had a full-speed, very competitive practice for three days last week. Now we're right in the middle of preparation week so we have no concern whatsoever just because we haven't played in a couple weeks. That's not an issue. This team is very ready to play and they know how to practice and prepare.
(On how the defense is different with Albert Haynesworth and Kyle Vanden Bosch)
Well, both players are very good against the run and then of course the two of them together can pressure the passer. We talk about inside push and outside speed and that's what we get from them and their presence has a tendency to free up the other players. I can't predict how much they're going to play or how long they're going to play but they got some quality work done today at practice.
(On the mental boost to the rest of the players when Haynesworth and Vanden Bosch are both in)
Yeah, of course there is, although the defense has confidence in the younger guys as well. Jason [Jones] played very well against Pittsburgh and William [Hayes] is playing well and the rest of the group is playing hard and playing well.
(On the status of Kevin Mawae)
Yeah, he did not work today and he'll be day-to-day.
(On if he feels an advantage because many pundits are picking Baltimore to win)
You know, everybody's entitled to their own opinions and their predictions and we're just going to practice and prepare and do our best. Our goal was to get to the playoffs and the secondary goal was to have a week off and home field here so we're just going to do the same thing that we've done. Prepare one day at a time and carry a respect level for your opponent and see what happens.
(On the Ravens using Le'Ron McClain differently than most fullbacks)
I would classify him maybe as a running back rather than a fullback. Either that or they're handing the ball off to the fullback 200 times a year. He's a real good player. He pushes the pile, he's a north-south runner, he's got good vision and he's tough. That's what you need if you're going to take the approach they take with their run game. They create a lot of third-and-ones and third-and-twos which makes it hard to get off the field.
(On how the Ravens running the Wildcat affects their preparation)
Well, we'll prepare for that against various opponents that have shown it on tape and I feel like we have a pretty good feel for it. They don't do it an awful lot and if they do, then we'll be prepared for it.
(On how important it is to get off to a good start against Baltimore's defense)
Well, any time you can get off to a good start it gives you the chance to carry some momentum but this game's not going to be determined in the first series or the second series. This game's going to be determined throughout the course of the game. Turnovers are going to be a key factor and the run game and stopping the run and who's making the plays down the field. A good start certainly at home would help but if that doesn't happen it doesn't mean the end is near. You have 60 minutes.
(On the physicality of the game on a scale from one to 10)
Well, it'll probably be the most physical game we've played and I'm expecting it to be the most physical game they've played. We'll see what happens. I'm sure they're talking about this is all about the last man standing. That's what the playoffs are all about. The intensity level increases. They have the experience of playing last week and we don't but we should be able to match their intensity.
(On if this is a week where coaches are spending the night at the team facility)
Our philosophy here is get your work done and go home. Some will stay, some will not. We don't make it a contest to see who gets in the earliest and who stays the latest. It's when you get your work done, you go home.
(On if he anticipates weather being an issue on Saturday)
A high of 42, a low of 28 and rain and snow flurries. Wind out of the north (laughter) at 10-15 mph. But that's subject to change.
(On if they'll be outside practicing this week)
Yeah, we're expecting good weather tomorrow and Thursday so we'll be outside.
(On if it's hard not to take this matchup personally considering the teams' history)
You know, I don't know that I've ever taken once personally. This is about our football team getting ready to play the next game. The history, the rivalry, the records, the matchups, they're all well and good. There's been some great battles between the two teams but none of that has a bearing on Saturday afternoon.
(On his expectations or message to the fans coming to the game)
Well, we've got a great fan base here. We sold single tickets out in three minutes. They're excited about having the opportunity, they're excited about having the road to the Super Bowl go through Nashville so they're going to do everything they possibly can to help us this week.
