Ravens left tackle Ronnie Stanley joins team insiders Ryan Mink and Garrett Downing to discuss why he wanted to stay in Baltimore this season, how he built himself back up from his injuries, the progress of young offensive linemen Daniel Faalele and Andrew Vorhees, and which co-host would have a better chance pass rushing against him.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:04):
Welcome into the lounge presented by DraftKings. I'm Ryan Mink
here with Garrett Downing, and we are thrilled to sit
down with offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, who's.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Wearing an appropriate sweatshirt.
Speaker 1 (00:13):
This was gonna be My first question is the Ravens
have turned into just a Notre Dame breeding ground?
Speaker 2 (00:19):
Here got a Lohie Gilman.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
Now you Kyle, obviously, I mean are you recruiting or something?
Speaker 2 (00:25):
What's going on here?
Speaker 1 (00:26):
You know?
Speaker 3 (00:27):
I just think they know the level of talent that
Notre Dame produces, you know, so smart franchise.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (00:33):
Now, I wrote a story about this about how Alo
he convinced Kyle to stay at Notre Dame when Kyle
was a freshman although he was a senior. And Kyle
went in and said, like, it was really hard, like
the camp. I guess that you have off at Culver
or something. He said, it was really really hard and
adjusting from Atlantic kid and all that. Did you have
a similar experience? What was your freshman year Notre Dame?
(00:54):
Was that an adjustment?
Speaker 3 (00:55):
Oh? Yeah, big adjustment? And yeah, just like Kyle said,
you know that camp is no joke. Definitely old school,
traditional style camp. I didn't contemplate leaving, but you know,
I'm glad he stayed.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
Yeah, there you go.
Speaker 4 (01:08):
I'm curious, Like with with Notre Dame, there is something
to be said, like this is that sounds cliche, but
I really feel it, Like it's true that you can
tell the Notre Dame guys smart, guys like you have
a level of attention to detail.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
You went to Ohio. We know you.
Speaker 4 (01:26):
Can tell them mile a way also smart, same adjectives
that we're gonna use here.
Speaker 5 (01:30):
But but what is it about.
Speaker 4 (01:32):
Notre Dame, the program, the school that that you think
is identifiable with NFL players.
Speaker 3 (01:38):
I think it's just you know, holding that level of
culture and tradition and playing for something bigger than yourself,
bigger than money, and you know, for the guys that
played before you, and understanding you know the history behind
you know, the helmets you wear, the jerseys you wear,
the campus you're walking on. And I think the same
thing just goes with football, you know the history behind
it and just understanding the portions of it.
Speaker 4 (02:00):
I think a lot of times some of the things
that you mentioned, they've probably become a little bit less
important at the college game, just the way the college
game has has grown nil and it seems much more
transactional to a certain degree. And I think in the
NFL that's probably always been the case, that it's a business,
and there's probably not I think as much pride necessarily
(02:20):
about the helmet that you wear, the jersey that's on
the front. You know, the name is on the front
of your jersey. But but you like, you have a
lot of pride about playing for the Ravens. And hearing
you talk about Notre Dame and knowing the pride that
you have about playing for the Ravens, it stands out
to me, like why do you have that pride and
why does that matter to you?
Speaker 3 (02:38):
You know, I just have a lot of respect for
you know, the history of the team and the culture
that the team has, you know, the players that have
come here before me and really set the tone of
you know, what playing like a raven really means. And
you know, I always try to just you know, carry
that forward and build on what players before me have done.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
Yeah, just to piggyback off that. I mean, you were
a free agent this passed off season. There's a lot
of talk about all right, Ronnie could really kind of
hit it big after the year that you had last season,
and you end up working out a deal with the
Ravens before you even hit the free agent market. Can
you talk about why that was important to you, why
you were like, you know what, I don't need to
wait and see what I could get out there.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
I want to be here in Baltimore.
Speaker 3 (03:19):
Yeah, I mean I knew I wanted to be in Baltimore,
but you know, I want I had to see how
the numbers will work out and what what the team
could do. And but I definitely was always going to
give Baltimore, you know, the best, you know, best price
or whatever you want to call it. Uh, just because
of the same things I was talking about before, you know,
just the loyalty to the team, the respect that for
(03:39):
the organization, for drafting me six overall, and you know,
those things they still mean something to me. And I'm
not just you know, trying to get you know, uh,
nit picking and trying to you know, get as many
millions as possible. You know, I still want to be
paid to what I feel like I'm valued, but you
know I'm not trying to you know, break the team
(03:59):
over right.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
You're like the longest tenured guy here at this point,
I'm sure the fire to kind of finish what you
all started. And you know, we all know how close
we've been to getting to the super Bowl. How much
did that kind of burn inside you that you want
to finish the job here?
Speaker 3 (04:15):
Yeah, I mean just us having a competitive team and
the type of players that we have. That was probably
the main driver of you know, me coming back is
you know, the winning culture, the winning mindset, and you know,
just the great vibes that we have in the locker
room as well. You know, we're a big family in there,
and we all have the same mindset and we're all
working towards a unified goal.
Speaker 4 (04:36):
Take me into the free agency process as much as
much as you can, Like, are you talking to your
agent every day? Are you talking to Hardball or DC
during the process? Like what was your process as you
navigated that that free agency? Well, pre free agency really
a negotiating period.
Speaker 3 (04:54):
Yeah, I was really just talking to my agent, you know,
I didn't talk to too much of the coaches or
DC per actually, like maybe just a little bit like
right after the season ended, you know, exit meetings type stuff,
But early on those negotiations, you know, even during the
season we're talking about that stuff. We're just kind of
focus and you know that's that was fine with me.
I just kind of focused on, you know, what's happening
(05:16):
right now.
Speaker 4 (05:17):
And then so you get to a point and then
you like, what's the phone call or the text or
whatever it is when you say, like, I'm good with this,
this is the deal that I wanted. That's just put
it in ink, Like what is that moment?
Speaker 3 (05:29):
Uh, It's just like a way lifted off your shoulders,
you know. I I and I don't mean that like,
you know, as it was like a burden or anything,
but you know, it's just something that I didn't have
to really think about anymore. And I knew where I
was going to be for the next couple of years.
You know, you don't have to think about if you
have to move or not, how this was just gonna
affect your family or things like that, so just all
those extra thoughts, you know. But when I did get
(05:51):
that call is you know, it's very relieving, very happy
and just grateful.
Speaker 4 (05:55):
You mentioned getting drafted six overall, Like if you go
back when I think about back to that and you're
we're all talking about who it's going to be and
what position it's going to be. And like whenever you
take an offensivelignement, that highe Like we all say the
same thing, which is, like the ideal scenario here is
that the Ravens of Foundler left tackle for the next decade.
Like that's what we all say, and like that's easier
(06:16):
said than done. It's easy to say it, it's hard
to do it.
Speaker 5 (06:19):
Though.
Speaker 4 (06:20):
How much pride do you take in like basically making
that come to fruition?
Speaker 3 (06:25):
Yeah, you know, I definitely take a lot of pride
in that. And that's that's, you know, part of the
reason why I want to stage because I do. I
take a lot of pride in being a left tackle
for the Baltimore Ravens and you know, only the Baltimore Ravens,
and you know, just kind of being the bookend that
that can be counted on. And you know, to be
able to play that long is you know, a blessing.
And it hasn't been all you know, great years. You know,
(06:47):
I had to miss some time, but to be able
to to get back to where I am now, I'm
very proud of, you know, everything I had to do.
Speaker 1 (06:53):
It would did last season prove to you mentally or
do for you mentally. After you dealt with the angle
that sidelined you for really mostly two seasons and then
the you know that bothered you the year prior, to
come back last year, be healthy and play at such
a high level.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
What did that do for you as a player?
Speaker 3 (07:13):
Uh? It just gave me another level of confidence really
that you know I had at once that just was
kind of lost. But and just belief in myself, you
know that I could come back from something like that
and still play at the level I had because you know,
I really haven't dealt with anything like that. I didn't
miss a game in college. So to be able to
you know, prove that to myself, uh, and play the
(07:36):
whole season was was happy for me.
Speaker 1 (07:38):
You talked about kind of questioning, you know that that
that confidence when you were coming back from the injuries
and you know whether you could come back and ever
be the player that you were before the injuries.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
How do you go about doing that?
Speaker 3 (07:51):
You know, it's just the I think it's the way
you deal with you know, the process and you know,
especially failure, you know, throughout the process and not getting
too down or yourself and understanding that that's just part
of it, and really just learning and growing from it
and not being your own worst set. I mean, really
just getting out of your own way, you know mentally.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
Yeah, how hard is that for you? You're a guy
that like you're a thoughtful dude.
Speaker 3 (08:15):
Yeah, No, it's definitely hard for me. And I think
early in my career I was a lot more critical
of myself and maybe in a negative way. Then just
try to use that as motivation. But I think going
through that, you know, injury and trying to come back,
for me, it wasn't the best source of motivation, you know,
because it was a lot it was a lot different path,
you know, coming from that. There was a lot more
(08:37):
uh failures and negative things before I got to you know,
where I'm at today. So just being able to weather
those things and not let them get me down and
learn from the losses and you know, just keep building.
Speaker 4 (08:49):
You're a respected voice and leader on this team. Do
you do you have conversations with younger players about the
things that we're talking about, like how to harness whether
it's negative feedback and expectations and responsibility that you feel
for yourself, Like how do how you deal with all
of the things that come with being an NFL player.
Do you have those conversations, do you feel like you
(09:10):
need to have those conversations.
Speaker 5 (09:11):
What's your approach there?
Speaker 3 (09:13):
Yeah, I feel like those conversations happened, uh pretty organically, actually,
you know, I uh, we have some hangouts on my
house every week, and you know, those conversations come up.
They come up sometimes in the meeting rooms, you know,
when we're just talking to So I think it's important,
you know, to to speak about those things to those
guys because you may not know, you know, what they
might be going through.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
Are you still hosting the O Line Dinners?
Speaker 3 (09:35):
Yep, we have it tonight.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
Nice.
Speaker 5 (09:36):
What's on the megu tonight?
Speaker 3 (09:38):
Mexican.
Speaker 4 (09:39):
We keep saying every time we do the podcast with
Ronnie that we're going to get an invite and he's like, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 5 (09:44):
Yeah, it's in the mail. To keep checking. I'm gonna
keep checking. I should get it right to dress.
Speaker 4 (09:52):
One thing I want to know about with the offensive line.
Something I've noticed, and I don't know exactly when this started,
at the end of practice, like they gotta they gotta
dres you guys off the field, like you guys are
hanging out there working on extra stuff just as players
for a long time after practice ends, and like you're
one of the lead guys out there, and it's always
it's always interesting to kind of watch watch that, how
(10:14):
did that start and what exactly you guys working on
during that time.
Speaker 3 (10:18):
I mean, I just I like to get some drills
in after practice. You know, I'll keep some of the
young guys and to start off with just me and
Roger Rosengarden, and I would have him give me a
look because you know, he's a young guy, so I'd
have him stay back, and then I'd have some of
the other rookies come, and then eventually, you know, the
interior lineman, and we started, you know, just working on
(10:39):
drills and really just slowing things down and working on
the finer details of it all because you know, during
practice everything is so sped up. You know, people are
on timelines and want to get you know, get to
what they need to get, so at the end you
try to slow things down and really just hone in
on those little details.
Speaker 1 (10:56):
I'm curious is as one of the longest senior players here,
you know this the losing streak that we went through
earlier in the year, and you come into the season
and there's so much talk about Super Bowl expectations and
the hype and this is the most talented roster you know,
in the league and all that stuff, and then when
you go on a losing skid like that, how did you,
(11:18):
as a leader on this team see this this team respond.
Speaker 3 (11:22):
I saw us respond in a great way. I feel like,
just like I said before, a boy myself, like, it
be so easy to be negative and point fingers and
blaming people, But I thought throughout, you know, those losses,
all we did was work, and there's still good energy
out there. Guys are still believing, still had confidence, and
we knew how close we were to winning all those games.
(11:44):
And you know, it's really a lot of little things
that we really could have fixed ourselves. So it's really
just understanding that not trying to make it in something
that bigger than you know, what the record seems, and
really dived deep into why these things happened. And I
felt like that focus really kept us together.
Speaker 1 (12:06):
How much did you feel like, Okay, I am a
leader on this team, I need to say something, you know,
like is there a feeling of that or you know,
did other guys do that or feel that? How did
that kind of how did the leaders rise up during
that time?
Speaker 3 (12:21):
I think we just made sure that you know, our
groups individually, like me as offensive line and you know,
say ra Kwan has linebackers. I think just keeping our
groups kind of you know, focused and keeping everyone in
the right headspace and and you know, just focused on
the task in hand, which is winning the next game
and not worrying about, you know, our record. Now we
(12:44):
still know where we can win the super Bowl, we
win the next game. So I think that's just a focus.
Speaker 4 (12:49):
So now you're out of the hole, you've won three
straight games, how do you describe the mindset, the focus,
the energy around the team at this point?
Speaker 2 (12:58):
It's great.
Speaker 3 (12:59):
I think everyone's you know, in a great mindset and
I don't think you know, anyone's being complacent. I think
where we still have a lot of games that you know,
are a lot of parts of the games that we
feel like we need to be better at. And you know,
it's it's always good to win, but we still feel
like we need to get better.
Speaker 1 (13:13):
I want to talk about some of the young offensive linemen,
and you know, there's been a lot of talk about
the guards, you know, Andrew Worez and Daniel file Lele,
And they're young players that are are looking for that
consistency that you've found over your career, right and they
just they take a lot of heat online.
Speaker 2 (13:30):
I think a lot of it's unjustified.
Speaker 1 (13:32):
And I want your perspective on this, because this is
what I always tell people is like those two dudes,
Like nobody works like those two dudes, Like every day
you see it. I mean, I don't think they've missed
a single practice. I don't think they missed it one
since the seasons, like since practice has started. Can you
just talk about what you see with those young guys who,
(13:53):
of course they're looking to improve and keep get growing,
you know, but what you see from them, what's your perspective?
Speaker 3 (13:58):
Yeah, like you said, just a level of effort that
they put in every day and how much they want
to get it right. And you know, just like I
said about myself, you know, there's gonna be a lot
of losses and in bad times when you're trying to
get to that consistent, you know, way of playing. And
I feel like they're on their way right now, like
they're just going through that process that everyone has to
(14:19):
go through as a player, you know, to try to find,
you know, the right way to get things done. I
think they're doing a really good job, and they're still
growing as well, you know. So I'm very happy with
what they're doing, and I'm going to keep pushing them.
You know, they're going to keep pushing themselves and we're
just going to keep getting better.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
How about Carson Vincent.
Speaker 1 (14:39):
They drafted this big old, big old rookie with a
little bit of a fiery kind of streak, the way
he likes to play the games, and then they should
the coaching staff showed their faith in him. I mean,
he was active, he was on the game day roster
last week, and so he was you.
Speaker 2 (14:53):
Know, he could have gone in. Yeah, of course we
didn't want them to go in.
Speaker 3 (14:56):
The Carson can play. Carson can play. You know, he's
he's proven that he can play in this league. And
he's young and he's still figuring things out, but he
has all the tools and you know, the mindset, all
the physical traits to be a pro in this league
for a long time.
Speaker 1 (15:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (15:12):
So this week you got the Cleveland Browns and probably
no tougher assignment than Miles Garrett on the other side,
what's the challenge in going up against him specifically in
that defense?
Speaker 3 (15:21):
I mean just the mixture of speed and power and agility,
you know that he brings that that makes you just
be disciplined. You have to be extra focused and you know,
the speedier game has to be the sped up.
Speaker 2 (15:34):
Is he the toughest guy that you've ever had to Black?
Speaker 3 (15:36):
Yeah, I'd say so. I'd say, you know, has more
of a full, you know, array of moves, speed power
than probably anyone I've gone against.
Speaker 5 (15:46):
Runny.
Speaker 4 (15:46):
I one think I always stands out to me about
you is like you're you're such a kind of calm,
cool and collected guy, but like you take a lot
of pride in the things we talked about earlier, but
also like being one of the best, Like that matters
to you. And we've talked about this on this podcast before,
But when you have an assignment, you're going up against
one of the best guys in the game, like Miles Garrett. Like,
are these matchups that like you get excited about knowing
(16:07):
the challenge. It's not gonna be easy, but the challenge
of going up against one of the premier players at
his position.
Speaker 5 (16:12):
Yeah, for sure.
Speaker 3 (16:13):
I look at as an opportunity, you know, not only
to test myself, but to prove myself and to myself. Really,
I'm not really looking for any outside validation. I know,
you know that might sound bad, but I'm really just
trying to be the best that I know I can be,
and I think to do that you have to go
against people like this, you have to go against the best.
So I'm very excited for the opportunity.
Speaker 1 (16:35):
Are there any instances, games, moments Block and Miles Garrett
that stand out to you stare with us?
Speaker 3 (16:46):
I mean, I wouldn't say any of that stand out.
I mean there have been a lot of games we
played against each other, so but not really one moment
i'd say, yeah.
Speaker 1 (16:55):
I feel like, does he ever give you like the
respect that you deserve too?
Speaker 2 (16:58):
Yeah for sure.
Speaker 3 (16:59):
Yeah, Yeah, we have a great mutual respect.
Speaker 4 (17:01):
You know.
Speaker 3 (17:02):
It's always, you know, like an honor to play each other.
You know, it's like two two warriors, you know, going
at it. So and I feel like, oh, I know,
you know he feels the same way. You know, we
speak about it after every game.
Speaker 1 (17:13):
Yeah, all right, last one for me is one thing
I've always wondered, is like, what would happen if I
tried to pass rush you or any offensive line? Right,
So give me, give me, give me, give me twenty reps,
give me twenty reps. I'm lining up opposite you. Yeah,
what happens on? Do I get like any chance I
get by you on one proh? No?
Speaker 5 (17:36):
You know, I just get like you shoved them into
the dirt?
Speaker 1 (17:38):
Right?
Speaker 2 (17:38):
Do I just get dirted? Every time?
Speaker 3 (17:40):
It would just be like just not doing anything. You'd
just be standing still.
Speaker 2 (17:45):
You just locked me up. Yeah, as soon as you
got to me, you wouldn't move.
Speaker 1 (17:49):
If I started to like get anywhere, then you just
faceplant me?
Speaker 3 (17:53):
Is that?
Speaker 2 (17:53):
And then just just pancake on top of me?
Speaker 3 (17:55):
I mean, I wouldn't do that to you because I
know you so.
Speaker 4 (17:58):
Think actually to your point, like, I think one thing
that people don't have a true appreciation of with offensive
lineman uh at the NFL level is like you guys
are so big but fleet footed, and like, how much
do you work on footwork?
Speaker 3 (18:09):
Is that a big Is that a big focus? Especially
in the off season? You know, that's a big thing
I do in the off season, you know, and during
the season it's a little bit harder, but you try to.
You try to still get that work in you know,
an individual when you're doing you know, drills and also
in team when you have to, you know, make certain blocks,
you know, but definitely focus.
Speaker 5 (18:29):
You gotta work on that.
Speaker 2 (18:30):
And who has a better shot between me and Garrett?
Speaker 4 (18:32):
Come on this.
Speaker 3 (18:33):
I don't know gars Garris. He's a little taller, he's
got arms.
Speaker 4 (18:38):
But he's like, don't try, don't try to justify it.
He just gave me the answer. Take your l and
we'll wrap up the interview.
Speaker 2 (18:46):
Ronnie, thanks for sitting.
Speaker 4 (18:48):
The welcome back into the lounge. We are coming to
you from the Sea Geek Studio. We also want to
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(19:08):
and Spanish, educational videos that explain the home buying and
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Visit today to begin your next home journey. So thank
you to Ronnie for joining us. Obviously, he's a player,
he's been here a long time. Always like his perspective.
(19:28):
I think that he's just somebody who I think when
you talk about leaders he probably doesn't get mentioned enough,
and that's something where I really think that he's grown
into that role and embraces it, and younger players look
up to him. I think he does a lot of
things behind the scenes that people wouldn't know. The dinners
at his house are a good example of that, hosting
(19:50):
the offensive line dinners that we're still waiting on the
invitation for, like, those are a good example. Even like
he talked about doing the stuff after practice, it starts
with him and Roger Rosegarden, suddenly everybody's doing it. Like
those are the types of little leadership things that I
think really matter and carry weight, and Ronnie is a
good example of doing those things.
Speaker 1 (20:08):
Not to mention just being a really good player. You know,
of course, when the Ravens don't have Ronnie Stanley out there,
it's a it's a big deal. And so really glad
he's been able to stay healthier the past couple of years,
and he and this offensive line are a big part
of the equation for the Ravens moving forward, you know,
to to continue this surge that they're on. I think
(20:28):
they need to run the ball better, you know, they
need to be better in short yard of situations. The
offensive line is where it all starts, and I think
that they're I think they have gotten better and that's
been part of the three game winning streak.
Speaker 4 (20:41):
Yeah, the offensive line, I know, has been a source
of focus and criticism at times this year. And Ronnie
did miss some time. You know, he was dealing with
you know, dealing with an injury and was kind of
on and off the field and had a tough time
finishing some games. And so I think the buy was
helpful and really helpful for him. He was like one
of those guys at the top of my list, and
like who needs the he was one of the top guys.
Speaker 5 (21:02):
And so I think that that goes a long way.
Speaker 4 (21:05):
And I do I believe that this offensive line can
continue to get better. I think continuity matters and health matters,
and so it's good to have him more at full strength.
But look, they're gonna be tested this game, like this
game against the Browns is gonna be a real test.
We talked about Miles Garrett. He's the first guy you
(21:26):
circle on the board. But even the scheme and the
approach that they just bring to the equation, like there
they are an aggressive defensive front. They're gonna bring pressure,
They're gonna they're gonna shoot the gaps like they're gonna
try to live in the backfield. And the Ravens are
gonna have their hands full with that Jim Schwartze defense.
Speaker 1 (21:42):
Yeah, and just stepping back a little bit, they're gonna
have their hands full, period. And it does start with
the defense. But the Ravens have lost three of the
last four games in Cleveland, and so I think a
lot of people look at the Browns on paper and say,
all right, you know, it's you should be able to
beat the Browns. They've been at the bottom of the
AFC North here for a little bit, but it has
always been a slugfest with them. It almost always is,
(22:07):
and especially in Cleveland where they just they're a tough team,
and it starts with the defense. They're number two in
the in the league in total defense right now. It's
one of the best units in the NFL, there's no
doubt about it. And the fact that there's such a
downhill attacking defense to your point, with great talented players
led by Miles Garrett, means that they can make life
(22:29):
really hard on you. If they get going and if
they start hitting with that those blitzes and just hit
living in your backfield, it can totally disrupt an offense.
And so that's what the Ravens are fighting against.
Speaker 4 (22:40):
There was a game earlier this year when Miles Garrett
had five sacks in one game.
Speaker 5 (22:44):
Five sacks in one game.
Speaker 2 (22:46):
Ronnie Stanley does not plan on letting that happen.
Speaker 4 (22:48):
I don't think he's gonna have five in this game.
But like he whenever you're playing a team that I
think on paper you say you should beat a friends
of DraftKings, say the Ravens, right and a half point
favorites in that game. Like, whenever you're playing in that
kind of a game, A question to me is like
what would have to happen for you to drop the game? Yeah,
and the recipe there is that Miles Garrett wrecks the game,
(23:09):
forces turnovers, and like that's.
Speaker 5 (23:12):
That is what would be the case.
Speaker 4 (23:13):
I think if it doesn't go the way that the
Ravens want, So you have to keep you got to
keep a lid on him and prevent him from from
creating havoc in the backfield. I actually think like generally speaking,
when you go back through his career against the Ravens,
they've done a really good job of having a plan
for him and neutralizing him.
Speaker 1 (23:27):
Yeah, this isn't the first time they face Miles Garrett,
and so they they know that they've game planned against him.
Speaker 2 (23:33):
That doesn't mean it's always gonna work. You know, he's
a great player. He's gonna make some plays. But I
agree with you.
Speaker 1 (23:37):
I think generally they've done a good job. I mean,
just last season, the viral clip of Miles Garrett telling
Roger Rosengarten that he's not a nobody you know that
kind of blew up And uh, yeah, I think generally speaking,
they've done a good job. But it's kind of what
whenever you're playing against this Browns defense, it's like feast
or famine, you know, you because of how aggressive they are,
(23:59):
you can gash them, but you have to catch him
in that and that's easier said than that.
Speaker 4 (24:05):
Yeah, I think that we talked earlier this week about
Derek Hennery and having some big runs, long runs, and
it goes to what you're saying, like it could go
either way. If if you pick the right gap and
you get him in the backfield, like Derek Hennery can
get stopped for no yards or lost yarage, or if
they picked the wrong gap and he gets us to
the second level and finds green grass, he can just
(24:25):
he can take it to the house. And that you know,
there's also the added element in this game. And I
don't know how much this is a driving factor for
Derek Henry, but Grant delpe Hass has some things to
say about him over the past couple of years and
made the comments earlier this season about how he's not
hard to tackle and things like that, And so that's
just an added wrinkle to a game that has plenty
of plenty of motivation for the Ravens. But I think
(24:46):
that's just a that's an added piece of the equation
for for Henry in this running game.
Speaker 1 (24:50):
I'm gonna go out and last week I predicted a
Malachi Stark's intercession second straight to stay hot. I'm gonna
go with a fifty plus yard run by Derek y
plus fifty.
Speaker 5 (24:59):
Plus, Okay, I like the sound of that.
Speaker 2 (25:01):
Yeah, breaking a big one.
Speaker 5 (25:03):
Okay, I'm gonna big.
Speaker 2 (25:04):
He's due, he's due, I think, And this is kind
of the match, so, like.
Speaker 5 (25:08):
I give you credit for actually going out on a
limb here.
Speaker 4 (25:09):
You normally your a move and be like I'm gonna
go it's gonna be a big run twenty one yards.
It's like you would say something like that. So I
give you credit for going big.
Speaker 1 (25:17):
All right, Yeah, if he gets forty nine, I'm still
taking credit, you know that, right?
Speaker 5 (25:21):
Yeah, I know you'll try, You'll try.
Speaker 4 (25:24):
And then I think, like, so, yeah, I think that
this game it starts with the defense for the Browns,
and they're the ones that that's a really good unit.
The Browns offense has struggled this year. They're on their
second quarterback. Started the season with Joe Flacco. That game
earlier this year in Baltimore was kind of the Joe
Flacker reunion game. I feel like we're gonna have Dejavus
here in two weeks when when he comes back eventually,
(25:46):
uh with the Bengals, But now it's Dylan Gabriel, should
or Sanders is the backup the Browns have there's been
questions a quarterback really all year for them and they
are sticking with Dylan Gabriel is the starting quarterback, with
should Or Sanders as the number two. And so Gabriel
has been it's kind of what you expect as a rookie, uh,
you know, mid round pick who's had some up and
(26:06):
down moments and a struggle at times. And he's turned
the ball over.
Speaker 1 (26:10):
Not a lot though, you know, I think for a
rookie quarterback, he's managed the game.
Speaker 2 (26:14):
He's fairly well. He's thrown seven touchdowns to two interceptions. Yeah,
so that's on the service. That's pretty good.
Speaker 1 (26:21):
You know, he hasn't had any big games where he's
lit it up, and I think he's kind of in
manages the game, don't make mistakes, let our defense win games.
That's been and run the ball, you know. With then Judkins,
their their rookie. That is their formula and uh, you
know they've been in a lot of games with that formula.
And so Dylan Gabriel, I mean, Kyle Hamilton kind of
(26:42):
compared him to Tua Taga vloa left it's the lefty thing.
I think that's definitely influencing that. But you know, also
a quarterback is not known for really a huge arm,
no more for accuracy than like making every throw on
the on the field. And uh, the Ravens have a
challenge here against another young quarterback in this for the
(27:03):
second straight week. Had JJ McCarthy of the Vikings. I
think that Dylan gabriel is different from JJ, and that
JJ McCarthy kind of took some shots, Yeah, definitely, and
he paid for those shots, but he was he was
pretty aggressive in that game, and I don't expect Dylan
Gabriel to operate the same way.
Speaker 4 (27:22):
Well, the Browns schematically, just like from a philosophy standpoint,
they want to be a team on r Kevin Stefanski
that establishes the run. That's kind of who they are.
And you go back earlier this season, quich Shawn Junkins
played in that game against the Ravens, but it was
his first go round.
Speaker 2 (27:36):
He can he's still got a heavy dose.
Speaker 4 (27:38):
He did, but like he signed that week and he
was back on the practice He got like two days
of practice and then played in the game, and it
was kind of surprising that he even suited up in
the game. It's a different story now where he's the
clear number one running back there.
Speaker 5 (27:51):
He's looked really good.
Speaker 4 (27:52):
He's a hard running guy, he has big play potential
to and so it's more I think the ground game
is more of a challenge. They presents more of a
challenge in this game than he did earlier this season
when Judkins was really just like learn his way around
the building at that point when the Ravens faced him.
Speaker 2 (28:10):
Yep, I agree with that.
Speaker 1 (28:11):
They're an interesting team in Jerry Judy big play threat,
but their leader in receiving yards so far has been
rookie tight end Harold fannin junior who you know, he
made a few plays here in Baltimore too earlier in
the season. It's really their tight end duo. He and
David n Joku are the guys that you have to
watch for them as receivers along with Judy.
Speaker 4 (28:31):
Of course, David Njoku's gotten the Ravens at times in
his career. He's had some big plays and he's a problem.
I actually go with a tight end on the other
side of the ball you want to go. Since we're
making predictions, prediction bisins go okay, Mark Andrews. I think
that He's had some big moments against the Browns in Cleveland.
Speaker 5 (28:46):
Yes, I think that continues. Double dip for him.
Speaker 1 (28:48):
Two touchdowns, So does he be two touchdowns? Two tows?
Does he take the triple crown in this game? Most
career touchdowns as a Raven receiving yards and catches, Well, he's.
Speaker 4 (28:58):
Already a leader in touchdowns. I feel good about that one. Okay,
he's got that cover. He's four yards shy of breaking
the record for the most receiving yards in franchise history.
He needs seven catches to break the record for most
catches in franchise history.
Speaker 5 (29:11):
So yes, I think he will.
Speaker 4 (29:13):
I think he will set the triple crown, and I
think he will get two touchdowns in this game and
have a big day for this Ravens offense in Cleveland.
Like one of my lasting memories of Mark and Cleveland,
there was a crazy play right before halftime where the
Ravens had Ravens had no business honestly having the ball.
Brown's kind of mismanaged the possession, gave the ball back
to the Ravens, and then they marched quickly down the
(29:34):
field and and more through a ridiculous pass to Mark
in the back of the end zone that went up high,
snagged it, and like the game went from close like
two minutes before to all of a sudden. The Ravens
scored twice in like the final ninety seconds of the half,
and then it was basically game over at that point.
Speaker 5 (29:51):
So uh, I want let's do that again.
Speaker 4 (29:54):
I think Mark is gonna have two touchdowns and become
the Ravens triple crown leader in the receiving category.
Speaker 1 (29:59):
I like the sounds that the their area. I would
point to his special teams. The Browns gave up two
special teams touchdowns in New York Jets last week and
they're lost to the Jets. Gave up one on a
kick return and one on a punt return. The Ravens
special teams has quietly been very strong for them this year.
Speaker 2 (30:17):
They have not yet gotten the touchdowns.
Speaker 1 (30:20):
So how about, oh wait, a little little western, we
should make another nation?
Speaker 2 (30:25):
Should I go?
Speaker 4 (30:25):
Well? I mean, all of a sudden, this game has
putting up a lot of points. If if all these
things are coming to fruition, they already got two from
Mark Andrews. They got a fifty yarder first.
Speaker 2 (30:32):
I didn't say he was gonna score though.
Speaker 5 (30:33):
I mean, come on, I think I didn't say it
was gonna.
Speaker 4 (30:39):
I said it was a fifty plus yard He's got
a fifty plus yard touchdown and then Western that's a
lot of points. So I like the sound of that though.
Speaker 2 (30:46):
Yeah, sounds good to be sign me up.
Speaker 4 (30:49):
So we'll see if those things come to fruition Sunday
in Cleveland for twenty five game. Not many Ravens Browns
games and that that late afternoon time slot for two
East Coast teams.
Speaker 5 (30:58):
So that is the case this week, so make sure
you check that game out.
Speaker 4 (31:01):
As always, you can email us at the lounge at
Ravens dot NFL dot net. One other quick note I
want to mention coming up the Ravens. Of course, we're
playing on Thanksgiving, which is gonna be an exciting thing here.
It's our Purple Rising game and as part of that,
we announced this week some exciting elements of our game entertainment.
Speaker 5 (31:19):
Lil John is going to perform at half.
Speaker 2 (31:22):
That was okay, not Little John approved, it was.
Speaker 5 (31:27):
It was.
Speaker 4 (31:27):
It was a good effort. Okay, I give you a
good effort for that one. So really excited about having
Little John at halftime of that game. Also, Renee Elise Goldsberry,
who played Angelica in Hamilton. I know you're a Hamilton fan,
as am I. She was on the original cast of Hamilton.
She is going to sing the national anthem.
Speaker 2 (31:42):
I won't try to sing any of that.
Speaker 5 (31:43):
Yeah, don't even attempt that.
Speaker 4 (31:45):
I'm gonna say to you from yourself, I don't embarrass yourself.
But she is going to perform the national anthem for
that game. Also, we're gonna have the LED wristbands for
that game, which is adds such a cool element for
those night games, so really cool pieces.
Speaker 5 (31:59):
Of our game entertainment.
Speaker 4 (32:00):
Of that game coming up against the Cincinnati Bengals on
Thanksgiving Night, so you can get tickets to that, and
of course even before that, the Ravens played the Jets
the Sunday before, so you can get tickets to both
of those games at Baltimore Ravens dot com, slash tickets,
or on seat geek.
Speaker 5 (32:13):
Thank you so much for watching and for listening.
Speaker 4 (32:15):
We'll be back with you again after that game Sunday
against the Browns.
Welcome into the lounge presented by DraftKings. I'm Ryan Mink
here with Garrett Downing, and we are thrilled to sit
down with offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley, who's.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Wearing an appropriate sweatshirt.
Speaker 1 (00:13):
This was gonna be My first question is the Ravens
have turned into just a Notre Dame breeding ground?
Speaker 2 (00:19):
Here got a Lohie Gilman.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
Now you Kyle, obviously, I mean are you recruiting or something?
Speaker 2 (00:25):
What's going on here?
Speaker 1 (00:26):
You know?
Speaker 3 (00:27):
I just think they know the level of talent that
Notre Dame produces, you know, so smart franchise.
Speaker 2 (00:32):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (00:33):
Now, I wrote a story about this about how Alo
he convinced Kyle to stay at Notre Dame when Kyle
was a freshman although he was a senior. And Kyle
went in and said, like, it was really hard, like
the camp. I guess that you have off at Culver
or something. He said, it was really really hard and
adjusting from Atlantic kid and all that. Did you have
a similar experience? What was your freshman year Notre Dame?
(00:54):
Was that an adjustment?
Speaker 3 (00:55):
Oh? Yeah, big adjustment? And yeah, just like Kyle said,
you know that camp is no joke. Definitely old school,
traditional style camp. I didn't contemplate leaving, but you know,
I'm glad he stayed.
Speaker 2 (01:07):
Yeah, there you go.
Speaker 4 (01:08):
I'm curious, Like with with Notre Dame, there is something
to be said, like this is that sounds cliche, but
I really feel it, Like it's true that you can
tell the Notre Dame guys smart, guys like you have
a level of attention to detail.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
You went to Ohio. We know you.
Speaker 4 (01:26):
Can tell them mile a way also smart, same adjectives
that we're gonna use here.
Speaker 5 (01:30):
But but what is it about.
Speaker 4 (01:32):
Notre Dame, the program, the school that that you think
is identifiable with NFL players.
Speaker 3 (01:38):
I think it's just you know, holding that level of
culture and tradition and playing for something bigger than yourself,
bigger than money, and you know, for the guys that
played before you, and understanding you know the history behind
you know, the helmets you wear, the jerseys you wear,
the campus you're walking on. And I think the same
thing just goes with football, you know the history behind
it and just understanding the portions of it.
Speaker 4 (02:00):
I think a lot of times some of the things
that you mentioned, they've probably become a little bit less
important at the college game, just the way the college
game has has grown nil and it seems much more
transactional to a certain degree. And I think in the
NFL that's probably always been the case, that it's a business,
and there's probably not I think as much pride necessarily
(02:20):
about the helmet that you wear, the jersey that's on
the front. You know, the name is on the front
of your jersey. But but you like, you have a
lot of pride about playing for the Ravens. And hearing
you talk about Notre Dame and knowing the pride that
you have about playing for the Ravens, it stands out
to me, like why do you have that pride and
why does that matter to you?
Speaker 3 (02:38):
You know, I just have a lot of respect for
you know, the history of the team and the culture
that the team has, you know, the players that have
come here before me and really set the tone of
you know, what playing like a raven really means. And
you know, I always try to just you know, carry
that forward and build on what players before me have done.
Speaker 1 (02:55):
Yeah, just to piggyback off that. I mean, you were
a free agent this passed off season. There's a lot
of talk about all right, Ronnie could really kind of
hit it big after the year that you had last season,
and you end up working out a deal with the
Ravens before you even hit the free agent market. Can
you talk about why that was important to you, why
you were like, you know what, I don't need to
wait and see what I could get out there.
Speaker 2 (03:17):
I want to be here in Baltimore.
Speaker 3 (03:19):
Yeah, I mean I knew I wanted to be in Baltimore,
but you know, I want I had to see how
the numbers will work out and what what the team
could do. And but I definitely was always going to
give Baltimore, you know, the best, you know, best price
or whatever you want to call it. Uh, just because
of the same things I was talking about before, you know,
just the loyalty to the team, the respect that for
(03:39):
the organization, for drafting me six overall, and you know,
those things they still mean something to me. And I'm
not just you know, trying to get you know, uh,
nit picking and trying to you know, get as many
millions as possible. You know, I still want to be
paid to what I feel like I'm valued, but you
know I'm not trying to you know, break the team
(03:59):
over right.
Speaker 1 (04:00):
You're like the longest tenured guy here at this point,
I'm sure the fire to kind of finish what you
all started. And you know, we all know how close
we've been to getting to the super Bowl. How much
did that kind of burn inside you that you want
to finish the job here?
Speaker 3 (04:15):
Yeah, I mean just us having a competitive team and
the type of players that we have. That was probably
the main driver of you know, me coming back is
you know, the winning culture, the winning mindset, and you know,
just the great vibes that we have in the locker
room as well. You know, we're a big family in there,
and we all have the same mindset and we're all
working towards a unified goal.
Speaker 4 (04:36):
Take me into the free agency process as much as
much as you can, Like, are you talking to your
agent every day? Are you talking to Hardball or DC
during the process? Like what was your process as you
navigated that that free agency? Well, pre free agency really
a negotiating period.
Speaker 3 (04:54):
Yeah, I was really just talking to my agent, you know,
I didn't talk to too much of the coaches or
DC per actually, like maybe just a little bit like
right after the season ended, you know, exit meetings type stuff,
But early on those negotiations, you know, even during the
season we're talking about that stuff. We're just kind of
focus and you know that's that was fine with me.
I just kind of focused on, you know, what's happening
(05:16):
right now.
Speaker 4 (05:17):
And then so you get to a point and then
you like, what's the phone call or the text or
whatever it is when you say, like, I'm good with this,
this is the deal that I wanted. That's just put
it in ink, Like what is that moment?
Speaker 3 (05:29):
Uh, It's just like a way lifted off your shoulders,
you know. I I and I don't mean that like,
you know, as it was like a burden or anything,
but you know, it's just something that I didn't have
to really think about anymore. And I knew where I
was going to be for the next couple of years.
You know, you don't have to think about if you
have to move or not, how this was just gonna
affect your family or things like that, so just all
those extra thoughts, you know. But when I did get
(05:51):
that call is you know, it's very relieving, very happy
and just grateful.
Speaker 4 (05:55):
You mentioned getting drafted six overall, Like if you go
back when I think about back to that and you're
we're all talking about who it's going to be and
what position it's going to be. And like whenever you
take an offensivelignement, that highe Like we all say the
same thing, which is, like the ideal scenario here is
that the Ravens of Foundler left tackle for the next decade.
Like that's what we all say, and like that's easier
(06:16):
said than done. It's easy to say it, it's hard
to do it.
Speaker 5 (06:19):
Though.
Speaker 4 (06:20):
How much pride do you take in like basically making
that come to fruition?
Speaker 3 (06:25):
Yeah, you know, I definitely take a lot of pride
in that. And that's that's, you know, part of the
reason why I want to stage because I do. I
take a lot of pride in being a left tackle
for the Baltimore Ravens and you know, only the Baltimore Ravens,
and you know, just kind of being the bookend that
that can be counted on. And you know, to be
able to play that long is you know, a blessing.
And it hasn't been all you know, great years. You know,
(06:47):
I had to miss some time, but to be able
to to get back to where I am now, I'm
very proud of, you know, everything I had to do.
Speaker 1 (06:53):
It would did last season prove to you mentally or
do for you mentally. After you dealt with the angle
that sidelined you for really mostly two seasons and then
the you know that bothered you the year prior, to
come back last year, be healthy and play at such
a high level.
Speaker 2 (07:11):
What did that do for you as a player?
Speaker 3 (07:13):
Uh? It just gave me another level of confidence really
that you know I had at once that just was
kind of lost. But and just belief in myself, you
know that I could come back from something like that
and still play at the level I had because you know,
I really haven't dealt with anything like that. I didn't
miss a game in college. So to be able to
you know, prove that to myself, uh, and play the
(07:36):
whole season was was happy for me.
Speaker 1 (07:38):
You talked about kind of questioning, you know that that
that confidence when you were coming back from the injuries
and you know whether you could come back and ever
be the player that you were before the injuries.
Speaker 2 (07:48):
How do you go about doing that?
Speaker 3 (07:51):
You know, it's just the I think it's the way
you deal with you know, the process and you know,
especially failure, you know, throughout the process and not getting
too down or yourself and understanding that that's just part
of it, and really just learning and growing from it
and not being your own worst set. I mean, really
just getting out of your own way, you know mentally.
Speaker 1 (08:11):
Yeah, how hard is that for you? You're a guy
that like you're a thoughtful dude.
Speaker 3 (08:15):
Yeah, No, it's definitely hard for me. And I think
early in my career I was a lot more critical
of myself and maybe in a negative way. Then just
try to use that as motivation. But I think going
through that, you know, injury and trying to come back,
for me, it wasn't the best source of motivation, you know,
because it was a lot it was a lot different path,
you know, coming from that. There was a lot more
(08:37):
uh failures and negative things before I got to you know,
where I'm at today. So just being able to weather
those things and not let them get me down and
learn from the losses and you know, just keep building.
Speaker 4 (08:49):
You're a respected voice and leader on this team. Do
you do you have conversations with younger players about the
things that we're talking about, like how to harness whether
it's negative feedback and expectations and responsibility that you feel
for yourself, Like how do how you deal with all
of the things that come with being an NFL player.
Do you have those conversations, do you feel like you
(09:10):
need to have those conversations.
Speaker 5 (09:11):
What's your approach there?
Speaker 3 (09:13):
Yeah, I feel like those conversations happened, uh pretty organically, actually,
you know, I uh, we have some hangouts on my
house every week, and you know, those conversations come up.
They come up sometimes in the meeting rooms, you know,
when we're just talking to So I think it's important,
you know, to to speak about those things to those
guys because you may not know, you know, what they
might be going through.
Speaker 2 (09:33):
Are you still hosting the O Line Dinners?
Speaker 3 (09:35):
Yep, we have it tonight.
Speaker 2 (09:36):
Nice.
Speaker 5 (09:36):
What's on the megu tonight?
Speaker 3 (09:38):
Mexican.
Speaker 4 (09:39):
We keep saying every time we do the podcast with
Ronnie that we're going to get an invite and he's like, yeah, yeah.
Speaker 5 (09:44):
Yeah, it's in the mail. To keep checking. I'm gonna
keep checking. I should get it right to dress.
Speaker 4 (09:52):
One thing I want to know about with the offensive line.
Something I've noticed, and I don't know exactly when this started,
at the end of practice, like they gotta they gotta
dres you guys off the field, like you guys are
hanging out there working on extra stuff just as players
for a long time after practice ends, and like you're
one of the lead guys out there, and it's always
it's always interesting to kind of watch watch that, how
(10:14):
did that start and what exactly you guys working on
during that time.
Speaker 3 (10:18):
I mean, I just I like to get some drills
in after practice. You know, I'll keep some of the
young guys and to start off with just me and
Roger Rosengarden, and I would have him give me a
look because you know, he's a young guy, so I'd
have him stay back, and then I'd have some of
the other rookies come, and then eventually, you know, the
interior lineman, and we started, you know, just working on
(10:39):
drills and really just slowing things down and working on
the finer details of it all because you know, during
practice everything is so sped up. You know, people are
on timelines and want to get you know, get to
what they need to get, so at the end you
try to slow things down and really just hone in
on those little details.
Speaker 1 (10:56):
I'm curious is as one of the longest senior players here,
you know this the losing streak that we went through
earlier in the year, and you come into the season
and there's so much talk about Super Bowl expectations and
the hype and this is the most talented roster you know,
in the league and all that stuff, and then when
you go on a losing skid like that, how did you,
(11:18):
as a leader on this team see this this team respond.
Speaker 3 (11:22):
I saw us respond in a great way. I feel like,
just like I said before, a boy myself, like, it
be so easy to be negative and point fingers and
blaming people, But I thought throughout, you know, those losses,
all we did was work, and there's still good energy
out there. Guys are still believing, still had confidence, and
we knew how close we were to winning all those games.
(11:44):
And you know, it's really a lot of little things
that we really could have fixed ourselves. So it's really
just understanding that not trying to make it in something
that bigger than you know, what the record seems, and
really dived deep into why these things happened. And I
felt like that focus really kept us together.
Speaker 1 (12:06):
How much did you feel like, Okay, I am a
leader on this team, I need to say something, you know,
like is there a feeling of that or you know,
did other guys do that or feel that? How did
that kind of how did the leaders rise up during
that time?
Speaker 3 (12:21):
I think we just made sure that you know, our
groups individually, like me as offensive line and you know,
say ra Kwan has linebackers. I think just keeping our
groups kind of you know, focused and keeping everyone in
the right headspace and and you know, just focused on
the task in hand, which is winning the next game
and not worrying about, you know, our record. Now we
(12:44):
still know where we can win the super Bowl, we
win the next game. So I think that's just a focus.
Speaker 4 (12:49):
So now you're out of the hole, you've won three
straight games, how do you describe the mindset, the focus,
the energy around the team at this point?
Speaker 2 (12:58):
It's great.
Speaker 3 (12:59):
I think everyone's you know, in a great mindset and
I don't think you know, anyone's being complacent. I think
where we still have a lot of games that you know,
are a lot of parts of the games that we
feel like we need to be better at. And you know,
it's it's always good to win, but we still feel
like we need to get better.
Speaker 1 (13:13):
I want to talk about some of the young offensive linemen,
and you know, there's been a lot of talk about
the guards, you know, Andrew Worez and Daniel file Lele,
And they're young players that are are looking for that
consistency that you've found over your career, right and they
just they take a lot of heat online.
Speaker 2 (13:30):
I think a lot of it's unjustified.
Speaker 1 (13:32):
And I want your perspective on this, because this is
what I always tell people is like those two dudes,
Like nobody works like those two dudes, Like every day
you see it. I mean, I don't think they've missed
a single practice. I don't think they missed it one
since the seasons, like since practice has started. Can you
just talk about what you see with those young guys who,
(13:53):
of course they're looking to improve and keep get growing,
you know, but what you see from them, what's your perspective?
Speaker 3 (13:58):
Yeah, like you said, just a level of effort that
they put in every day and how much they want
to get it right. And you know, just like I
said about myself, you know, there's gonna be a lot
of losses and in bad times when you're trying to
get to that consistent, you know, way of playing. And
I feel like they're on their way right now, like
they're just going through that process that everyone has to
(14:19):
go through as a player, you know, to try to find,
you know, the right way to get things done. I
think they're doing a really good job, and they're still
growing as well, you know. So I'm very happy with
what they're doing, and I'm going to keep pushing them.
You know, they're going to keep pushing themselves and we're
just going to keep getting better.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
How about Carson Vincent.
Speaker 1 (14:39):
They drafted this big old, big old rookie with a
little bit of a fiery kind of streak, the way
he likes to play the games, and then they should
the coaching staff showed their faith in him. I mean,
he was active, he was on the game day roster
last week, and so he was you.
Speaker 2 (14:53):
Know, he could have gone in. Yeah, of course we
didn't want them to go in.
Speaker 3 (14:56):
The Carson can play. Carson can play. You know, he's
he's proven that he can play in this league. And
he's young and he's still figuring things out, but he
has all the tools and you know, the mindset, all
the physical traits to be a pro in this league
for a long time.
Speaker 1 (15:11):
Yeah.
Speaker 4 (15:12):
So this week you got the Cleveland Browns and probably
no tougher assignment than Miles Garrett on the other side,
what's the challenge in going up against him specifically in
that defense?
Speaker 3 (15:21):
I mean just the mixture of speed and power and agility,
you know that he brings that that makes you just
be disciplined. You have to be extra focused and you know,
the speedier game has to be the sped up.
Speaker 2 (15:34):
Is he the toughest guy that you've ever had to Black?
Speaker 3 (15:36):
Yeah, I'd say so. I'd say, you know, has more
of a full, you know, array of moves, speed power
than probably anyone I've gone against.
Speaker 5 (15:46):
Runny.
Speaker 4 (15:46):
I one think I always stands out to me about
you is like you're you're such a kind of calm,
cool and collected guy, but like you take a lot
of pride in the things we talked about earlier, but
also like being one of the best, Like that matters
to you. And we've talked about this on this podcast before,
But when you have an assignment, you're going up against
one of the best guys in the game, like Miles Garrett. Like,
are these matchups that like you get excited about knowing
(16:07):
the challenge. It's not gonna be easy, but the challenge
of going up against one of the premier players at
his position.
Speaker 5 (16:12):
Yeah, for sure.
Speaker 3 (16:13):
I look at as an opportunity, you know, not only
to test myself, but to prove myself and to myself. Really,
I'm not really looking for any outside validation. I know,
you know that might sound bad, but I'm really just
trying to be the best that I know I can be,
and I think to do that you have to go
against people like this, you have to go against the best.
So I'm very excited for the opportunity.
Speaker 1 (16:35):
Are there any instances, games, moments Block and Miles Garrett
that stand out to you stare with us?
Speaker 3 (16:46):
I mean, I wouldn't say any of that stand out.
I mean there have been a lot of games we
played against each other, so but not really one moment
i'd say, yeah.
Speaker 1 (16:55):
I feel like, does he ever give you like the
respect that you deserve too?
Speaker 2 (16:58):
Yeah for sure.
Speaker 3 (16:59):
Yeah, Yeah, we have a great mutual respect.
Speaker 4 (17:01):
You know.
Speaker 3 (17:02):
It's always, you know, like an honor to play each other.
You know, it's like two two warriors, you know, going
at it. So and I feel like, oh, I know,
you know he feels the same way. You know, we
speak about it after every game.
Speaker 1 (17:13):
Yeah, all right, last one for me is one thing
I've always wondered, is like, what would happen if I
tried to pass rush you or any offensive line? Right,
So give me, give me, give me, give me twenty reps,
give me twenty reps. I'm lining up opposite you. Yeah,
what happens on? Do I get like any chance I
get by you on one proh? No?
Speaker 5 (17:36):
You know, I just get like you shoved them into
the dirt?
Speaker 1 (17:38):
Right?
Speaker 2 (17:38):
Do I just get dirted? Every time?
Speaker 3 (17:40):
It would just be like just not doing anything. You'd
just be standing still.
Speaker 2 (17:45):
You just locked me up. Yeah, as soon as you
got to me, you wouldn't move.
Speaker 1 (17:49):
If I started to like get anywhere, then you just
faceplant me?
Speaker 3 (17:53):
Is that?
Speaker 2 (17:53):
And then just just pancake on top of me?
Speaker 3 (17:55):
I mean, I wouldn't do that to you because I
know you so.
Speaker 4 (17:58):
Think actually to your point, like, I think one thing
that people don't have a true appreciation of with offensive
lineman uh at the NFL level is like you guys
are so big but fleet footed, and like, how much
do you work on footwork?
Speaker 3 (18:09):
Is that a big Is that a big focus? Especially
in the off season? You know, that's a big thing
I do in the off season, you know, and during
the season it's a little bit harder, but you try to.
You try to still get that work in you know,
an individual when you're doing you know, drills and also
in team when you have to, you know, make certain blocks,
you know, but definitely focus.
Speaker 5 (18:29):
You gotta work on that.
Speaker 2 (18:30):
And who has a better shot between me and Garrett?
Speaker 4 (18:32):
Come on this.
Speaker 3 (18:33):
I don't know gars Garris. He's a little taller, he's
got arms.
Speaker 4 (18:38):
But he's like, don't try, don't try to justify it.
He just gave me the answer. Take your l and
we'll wrap up the interview.
Speaker 2 (18:46):
Ronnie, thanks for sitting.
Speaker 4 (18:48):
The welcome back into the lounge. We are coming to
you from the Sea Geek Studio. We also want to
mention our partners with Draftking sports Book. They are an
official sports betting partner of the Baltimore Ravens Draft King
Sports Book. The Crown is yours. Also, Maryland Homeownership dot
Com is the place to do your homework before buying
and selling a home. You'll find tool kits in English
(19:08):
and Spanish, educational videos that explain the home buying and
selling process, monthly webinars, and even local loan information by county.
Get in the game with Maryland home Ownership dot Com.
Visit today to begin your next home journey. So thank
you to Ronnie for joining us. Obviously, he's a player,
he's been here a long time. Always like his perspective.
(19:28):
I think that he's just somebody who I think when
you talk about leaders he probably doesn't get mentioned enough,
and that's something where I really think that he's grown
into that role and embraces it, and younger players look
up to him. I think he does a lot of
things behind the scenes that people wouldn't know. The dinners
at his house are a good example of that, hosting
(19:50):
the offensive line dinners that we're still waiting on the
invitation for, like, those are a good example. Even like
he talked about doing the stuff after practice, it starts
with him and Roger Rosegarden, suddenly everybody's doing it. Like
those are the types of little leadership things that I
think really matter and carry weight, and Ronnie is a
good example of doing those things.
Speaker 1 (20:08):
Not to mention just being a really good player. You know,
of course, when the Ravens don't have Ronnie Stanley out there,
it's a it's a big deal. And so really glad
he's been able to stay healthier the past couple of years,
and he and this offensive line are a big part
of the equation for the Ravens moving forward, you know,
to to continue this surge that they're on. I think
(20:28):
they need to run the ball better, you know, they
need to be better in short yard of situations. The
offensive line is where it all starts, and I think
that they're I think they have gotten better and that's
been part of the three game winning streak.
Speaker 4 (20:41):
Yeah, the offensive line, I know, has been a source
of focus and criticism at times this year. And Ronnie
did miss some time. You know, he was dealing with
you know, dealing with an injury and was kind of
on and off the field and had a tough time
finishing some games. And so I think the buy was
helpful and really helpful for him. He was like one
of those guys at the top of my list, and
like who needs the he was one of the top guys.
Speaker 5 (21:02):
And so I think that that goes a long way.
Speaker 4 (21:05):
And I do I believe that this offensive line can
continue to get better. I think continuity matters and health matters,
and so it's good to have him more at full strength.
But look, they're gonna be tested this game, like this
game against the Browns is gonna be a real test.
We talked about Miles Garrett. He's the first guy you
(21:26):
circle on the board. But even the scheme and the
approach that they just bring to the equation, like there
they are an aggressive defensive front. They're gonna bring pressure,
They're gonna they're gonna shoot the gaps like they're gonna
try to live in the backfield. And the Ravens are
gonna have their hands full with that Jim Schwartze defense.
Speaker 1 (21:42):
Yeah, and just stepping back a little bit, they're gonna
have their hands full, period. And it does start with
the defense. But the Ravens have lost three of the
last four games in Cleveland, and so I think a
lot of people look at the Browns on paper and say,
all right, you know, it's you should be able to
beat the Browns. They've been at the bottom of the
AFC North here for a little bit, but it has
always been a slugfest with them. It almost always is,
(22:07):
and especially in Cleveland where they just they're a tough team,
and it starts with the defense. They're number two in
the in the league in total defense right now. It's
one of the best units in the NFL, there's no
doubt about it. And the fact that there's such a
downhill attacking defense to your point, with great talented players
led by Miles Garrett, means that they can make life
(22:29):
really hard on you. If they get going and if
they start hitting with that those blitzes and just hit
living in your backfield, it can totally disrupt an offense.
And so that's what the Ravens are fighting against.
Speaker 4 (22:40):
There was a game earlier this year when Miles Garrett
had five sacks in one game.
Speaker 5 (22:44):
Five sacks in one game.
Speaker 2 (22:46):
Ronnie Stanley does not plan on letting that happen.
Speaker 4 (22:48):
I don't think he's gonna have five in this game.
But like he whenever you're playing a team that I
think on paper you say you should beat a friends
of DraftKings, say the Ravens, right and a half point
favorites in that game. Like, whenever you're playing in that
kind of a game, A question to me is like
what would have to happen for you to drop the game? Yeah,
and the recipe there is that Miles Garrett wrecks the game,
(23:09):
forces turnovers, and like that's.
Speaker 5 (23:12):
That is what would be the case.
Speaker 4 (23:13):
I think if it doesn't go the way that the
Ravens want, So you have to keep you got to
keep a lid on him and prevent him from from
creating havoc in the backfield. I actually think like generally speaking,
when you go back through his career against the Ravens,
they've done a really good job of having a plan
for him and neutralizing him.
Speaker 1 (23:27):
Yeah, this isn't the first time they face Miles Garrett,
and so they they know that they've game planned against him.
Speaker 2 (23:33):
That doesn't mean it's always gonna work. You know, he's
a great player. He's gonna make some plays. But I
agree with you.
Speaker 1 (23:37):
I think generally they've done a good job. I mean,
just last season, the viral clip of Miles Garrett telling
Roger Rosengarten that he's not a nobody you know that
kind of blew up And uh, yeah, I think generally speaking,
they've done a good job. But it's kind of what
whenever you're playing against this Browns defense, it's like feast
or famine, you know, you because of how aggressive they are,
(23:59):
you can gash them, but you have to catch him
in that and that's easier said than that.
Speaker 4 (24:05):
Yeah, I think that we talked earlier this week about
Derek Hennery and having some big runs, long runs, and
it goes to what you're saying, like it could go
either way. If if you pick the right gap and
you get him in the backfield, like Derek Hennery can
get stopped for no yards or lost yarage, or if
they picked the wrong gap and he gets us to
the second level and finds green grass, he can just
(24:25):
he can take it to the house. And that you know,
there's also the added element in this game. And I
don't know how much this is a driving factor for
Derek Henry, but Grant delpe Hass has some things to
say about him over the past couple of years and
made the comments earlier this season about how he's not
hard to tackle and things like that, And so that's
just an added wrinkle to a game that has plenty
of plenty of motivation for the Ravens. But I think
(24:46):
that's just a that's an added piece of the equation
for for Henry in this running game.
Speaker 1 (24:50):
I'm gonna go out and last week I predicted a
Malachi Stark's intercession second straight to stay hot. I'm gonna
go with a fifty plus yard run by Derek y
plus fifty.
Speaker 5 (24:59):
Plus, Okay, I like the sound of that.
Speaker 2 (25:01):
Yeah, breaking a big one.
Speaker 5 (25:03):
Okay, I'm gonna big.
Speaker 2 (25:04):
He's due, he's due, I think, And this is kind
of the match, so, like.
Speaker 5 (25:08):
I give you credit for actually going out on a
limb here.
Speaker 4 (25:09):
You normally your a move and be like I'm gonna
go it's gonna be a big run twenty one yards.
It's like you would say something like that. So I
give you credit for going big.
Speaker 1 (25:17):
All right, Yeah, if he gets forty nine, I'm still
taking credit, you know that, right?
Speaker 5 (25:21):
Yeah, I know you'll try, You'll try.
Speaker 4 (25:24):
And then I think, like, so, yeah, I think that
this game it starts with the defense for the Browns,
and they're the ones that that's a really good unit.
The Browns offense has struggled this year. They're on their
second quarterback. Started the season with Joe Flacco. That game
earlier this year in Baltimore was kind of the Joe
Flacker reunion game. I feel like we're gonna have Dejavus
here in two weeks when when he comes back eventually,
(25:46):
uh with the Bengals, But now it's Dylan Gabriel, should
or Sanders is the backup the Browns have there's been
questions a quarterback really all year for them and they
are sticking with Dylan Gabriel is the starting quarterback, with
should Or Sanders as the number two. And so Gabriel
has been it's kind of what you expect as a rookie, uh,
you know, mid round pick who's had some up and
(26:06):
down moments and a struggle at times. And he's turned
the ball over.
Speaker 1 (26:10):
Not a lot though, you know, I think for a
rookie quarterback, he's managed the game.
Speaker 2 (26:14):
He's fairly well. He's thrown seven touchdowns to two interceptions. Yeah,
so that's on the service. That's pretty good.
Speaker 1 (26:21):
You know, he hasn't had any big games where he's
lit it up, and I think he's kind of in
manages the game, don't make mistakes, let our defense win games.
That's been and run the ball, you know. With then Judkins,
their their rookie. That is their formula and uh, you
know they've been in a lot of games with that formula.
And so Dylan Gabriel, I mean, Kyle Hamilton kind of
(26:42):
compared him to Tua Taga vloa left it's the lefty thing.
I think that's definitely influencing that. But you know, also
a quarterback is not known for really a huge arm,
no more for accuracy than like making every throw on
the on the field. And uh, the Ravens have a
challenge here against another young quarterback in this for the
(27:03):
second straight week. Had JJ McCarthy of the Vikings. I
think that Dylan gabriel is different from JJ, and that
JJ McCarthy kind of took some shots, Yeah, definitely, and
he paid for those shots, but he was he was
pretty aggressive in that game, and I don't expect Dylan
Gabriel to operate the same way.
Speaker 4 (27:22):
Well, the Browns schematically, just like from a philosophy standpoint,
they want to be a team on r Kevin Stefanski
that establishes the run. That's kind of who they are.
And you go back earlier this season, quich Shawn Junkins
played in that game against the Ravens, but it was
his first go round.
Speaker 2 (27:36):
He can he's still got a heavy dose.
Speaker 4 (27:38):
He did, but like he signed that week and he
was back on the practice He got like two days
of practice and then played in the game, and it
was kind of surprising that he even suited up in
the game. It's a different story now where he's the
clear number one running back there.
Speaker 5 (27:51):
He's looked really good.
Speaker 4 (27:52):
He's a hard running guy, he has big play potential
to and so it's more I think the ground game
is more of a challenge. They presents more of a
challenge in this game than he did earlier this season
when Judkins was really just like learn his way around
the building at that point when the Ravens faced him.
Speaker 2 (28:10):
Yep, I agree with that.
Speaker 1 (28:11):
They're an interesting team in Jerry Judy big play threat,
but their leader in receiving yards so far has been
rookie tight end Harold fannin junior who you know, he
made a few plays here in Baltimore too earlier in
the season. It's really their tight end duo. He and
David n Joku are the guys that you have to
watch for them as receivers along with Judy.
Speaker 4 (28:31):
Of course, David Njoku's gotten the Ravens at times in
his career. He's had some big plays and he's a problem.
I actually go with a tight end on the other
side of the ball you want to go. Since we're
making predictions, prediction bisins go okay, Mark Andrews. I think
that He's had some big moments against the Browns in Cleveland.
Speaker 5 (28:46):
Yes, I think that continues. Double dip for him.
Speaker 1 (28:48):
Two touchdowns, So does he be two touchdowns? Two tows?
Does he take the triple crown in this game? Most
career touchdowns as a Raven receiving yards and catches, Well, he's.
Speaker 4 (28:58):
Already a leader in touchdowns. I feel good about that one. Okay,
he's got that cover. He's four yards shy of breaking
the record for the most receiving yards in franchise history.
He needs seven catches to break the record for most
catches in franchise history.
Speaker 5 (29:11):
So yes, I think he will.
Speaker 4 (29:13):
I think he will set the triple crown, and I
think he will get two touchdowns in this game and
have a big day for this Ravens offense in Cleveland.
Like one of my lasting memories of Mark and Cleveland,
there was a crazy play right before halftime where the
Ravens had Ravens had no business honestly having the ball.
Brown's kind of mismanaged the possession, gave the ball back
to the Ravens, and then they marched quickly down the
(29:34):
field and and more through a ridiculous pass to Mark
in the back of the end zone that went up high,
snagged it, and like the game went from close like
two minutes before to all of a sudden. The Ravens
scored twice in like the final ninety seconds of the half,
and then it was basically game over at that point.
Speaker 5 (29:51):
So uh, I want let's do that again.
Speaker 4 (29:54):
I think Mark is gonna have two touchdowns and become
the Ravens triple crown leader in the receiving category.
Speaker 1 (29:59):
I like the sounds that the their area. I would
point to his special teams. The Browns gave up two
special teams touchdowns in New York Jets last week and
they're lost to the Jets. Gave up one on a
kick return and one on a punt return. The Ravens
special teams has quietly been very strong for them this year.
Speaker 2 (30:17):
They have not yet gotten the touchdowns.
Speaker 1 (30:20):
So how about, oh wait, a little little western, we
should make another nation?
Speaker 2 (30:25):
Should I go?
Speaker 4 (30:25):
Well? I mean, all of a sudden, this game has
putting up a lot of points. If if all these
things are coming to fruition, they already got two from
Mark Andrews. They got a fifty yarder first.
Speaker 2 (30:32):
I didn't say he was gonna score though.
Speaker 5 (30:33):
I mean, come on, I think I didn't say it
was gonna.
Speaker 4 (30:39):
I said it was a fifty plus yard He's got
a fifty plus yard touchdown and then Western that's a
lot of points. So I like the sound of that though.
Speaker 2 (30:46):
Yeah, sounds good to be sign me up.
Speaker 4 (30:49):
So we'll see if those things come to fruition Sunday
in Cleveland for twenty five game. Not many Ravens Browns
games and that that late afternoon time slot for two
East Coast teams.
Speaker 5 (30:58):
So that is the case this week, so make sure
you check that game out.
Speaker 4 (31:01):
As always, you can email us at the lounge at
Ravens dot NFL dot net. One other quick note I
want to mention coming up the Ravens. Of course, we're
playing on Thanksgiving, which is gonna be an exciting thing here.
It's our Purple Rising game and as part of that,
we announced this week some exciting elements of our game entertainment.
Speaker 5 (31:19):
Lil John is going to perform at half.
Speaker 2 (31:22):
That was okay, not Little John approved, it was.
Speaker 5 (31:27):
It was.
Speaker 4 (31:27):
It was a good effort. Okay, I give you a
good effort for that one. So really excited about having
Little John at halftime of that game. Also, Renee Elise Goldsberry,
who played Angelica in Hamilton. I know you're a Hamilton fan,
as am I. She was on the original cast of Hamilton.
She is going to sing the national anthem.
Speaker 2 (31:42):
I won't try to sing any of that.
Speaker 5 (31:43):
Yeah, don't even attempt that.
Speaker 4 (31:45):
I'm gonna say to you from yourself, I don't embarrass yourself.
But she is going to perform the national anthem for
that game. Also, we're gonna have the LED wristbands for
that game, which is adds such a cool element for
those night games, so really cool pieces.
Speaker 5 (31:59):
Of our game entertainment.
Speaker 4 (32:00):
Of that game coming up against the Cincinnati Bengals on
Thanksgiving Night, so you can get tickets to that, and
of course even before that, the Ravens played the Jets
the Sunday before, so you can get tickets to both
of those games at Baltimore Ravens dot com, slash tickets,
or on seat geek.
Speaker 5 (32:13):
Thank you so much for watching and for listening.
Speaker 4 (32:15):
We'll be back with you again after that game Sunday
against the Browns.
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