STEELERS VS. RAVENS
Sunday, December 30,  2007
at M&T Bank Stadium

RAVENS CONFERENCE CALLS

 

BRIAN BILLICK

What do you expect from the Steelers – who will start?

I have no idea. We will play whoever shows up. The league is in that flex right now where teams going to the playoffs have certain priorities and those of that aren’t are dealing with whatever issues we are dealing with. So whoever shows up, we’ll play them.

What significance does this game have for you?

Anytime you step on a football field it has got to be significant. It’s a chance for us to win a game. Evaluate players. Feel good about yourself that you finished the season. Anytime you step on a football field you take the opportunity to compete.

How surprised are you about the way the season has gone for you?

Well anytime you go through what we have gone through, nobody goes into a season figuring that this is the way it is going to go. But given the progression of injuries and who we have played and when we played them. Its just one challenge after the next and that is what we try to embrace.

What are the Steelers chances for the postseason?

Very good. Very good football team. You know obviously they are dealing with injuries, as any team that gets into the playoffs, that’s going to be critical for them. Then they have had a couple of setbacks this last week that they are going to have to deal with. They are an outstanding football team that is as capable as any that we have seen.

Without Aaron Smith, how does their run defense look to you?

He is an outstanding player. You can’t just take someone of that caliber out and just keep going. But that is exactly what you’ve got to do. They’ve got a lot of good football players. They are very well schemed and I’m sure they’ll account for that.

After some of the things Bart Scott said after the game – did you talk to him about it?

I think both parties need to make sure they conduct themselves professionally. Bart has had another experience since then to know how to conduct himself.

Is that just the emotion of the game?

Sure it is. But you can’t let that be the excuse and you can’t let them get the best of you. All parties involved have to make sure they conduct themselves professionally.

Do you feel those hits were dirty at all from Hines?

I don’t know. I wouldn’t begin to try to get into that.

What did you see from Troy Smith?

It’s a tough place to play. Its loud and the weather and everything about it. He orchestrated the game, he got the calls out, which is not easy to do given the crowd they have there, the noise and the excitement that they have. Made a couple of plays. Made a big play at the end obviously to get a score. Obviously a lot of things that he has to improve on.

Do you expect Kyle to be available at all?

I’m not sure. The headaches are still lingering a little bit, especially when he exerts himself.

Have you ever experienced injuries of this volume?

No. Not combined. It feels like we have had more injuries this year that we have had in previous years combined. It is what it is. The good side of it is that we have had the chance to look at a lot of young players and there has been a lot of growth by a lot of young players. So hopefully that will pay off next year.

 

BART SCOTT

Are you going to kill Hines Ward this Sunday?

No, we are best friends.

Can you talk about what was said during and after the last meeting and why?

I said he was a great guy in the community and I loved what he did for those kids he brought over

from Asia and brought to the game. That was a great class act and he is a great guy.

Is there any bad blood from the last game?

Not at all. Let bygones be bygones. There is too much going on in the world to hold a grudge. I love Hines Ward. He is my favorite guy.

What goes into the last game of the season, when you know you aren’t playing anymore?

I have nothing to lose. I just play all out. If I get hurt, I have all year to rest up. There is no need to save anything for the reserve tank.

Does playing the Steelers increase or help you get into that mentality?

I like playing the Steelers because they play real man’s football. It’s about who is playing the toughest and who plays the hardest. That is who wins the game; the one who’s willing to take the punishment for the longer period of time.

Did you have a change of heart about Hines Ward?

We all say things when we are angry. I’m sure you have argued with your girlfriend before and told her you hate her and then you go back and analyze it and realize you love her. That’s what it was. I think he is a great guy. Once I went back and looked at it, I realized maybe I was a little bit brash, so I needed to take it back and retract my statements. I might send him a box of chocolates or something. We’re going to let bygones be bygones.

Was Hines Ward’s hit clean in retrospect?

I don’t remember the play. What play are you talking about? That was about eight weeks ago. I don’t have long-term memory. That is a defect I was born with; only short-term. You never noticed I wear a wristband on my hand? That is so I can remember the plays.

Is any of this sincere or are you just messing with us?

This is very sincere. I would never try to hoodwink or trick you guys at all. This is from the heart. Cross heart, hope to die, stick a needle in my eye.

How difficult has this season been in Baltimore?

It is tough, because I had already spent my playoff checks. I expected to go through at least the first two rounds of the playoffs, so I went out and bought a lot of stuff. Now I have to try to get a part-time job. Do you guys need any help in the mailroom? I am trying to make that money back.

It would have to be a cheap box of chocolates you send him.

They were going to be Hershey Kisses. I was going to get them from Wal-Mart. They are all the same thing. They have the same ingredients. Some just have a prettier wrapper.  
Are you guys laughing with me or at me? I am crying inside. You are guys are making fun of that. I am crying inside.

Will you be looking for Hines Ward and do you think he will be looking for you?

No, I am looking for Larry Foote. He is my best friend. I want to wish him much success in the playoffs. I have known him for a long time and we have been competing against each other for a long time. If I can’t win, I want to see him win. I want to give him some tips on how to beat the Patriots.