Ed Thompson: Okay, so you know what we've got to talk about first
... that big hit on Dante Hall last weekend.
Tyjuan Hagler: (laughs) ... Yeah, that was the highlight of my year so far. I
was getting double-teamed a lot on coverage up to that point in the game, but I
kept pushing looking for my opportunity to contribute with at least one big
play. So when I saw it, I took it.
ET: What do you remember about that play from the time the ball was
snapped?
TJ: I remember I was blocking my guy, and then he was trying to hold
onto me. I just kind of threw him off of me and was running down the field. And
I saw him [Dante Hall] and I was surprised because I thought by the way he was
looking at me that he was going to try to cut back. But he kept running so I
said, 'Okay, he's probably going to wait to make his move until I got closer'.
But we got closer and I realized he wasn't going to try to make any moves, so I
just lowered my shoulder and ran through him."
ET: That got everybody on the team going, didn't it?
TJ: Oh yeah, they were all fired up. They were still talking about it
this week.
ET: How are the special teams looking this week?
TJ: Really good. Special teams helped set the tone last week. And this
week, I think special teams will be the "X factor" because you've got
our great offense going against their great defense, so field position
throughout the game is going to be important.
ET: What are you noticing about their returns teams?
TJ: They like to bring the ball back to the outside. So we've got to be
sure that we keep their guys on our inside shoulders and force them inside where
we've got more tacklers.
ET: What's most impressive about the Ravens as you watched film on
them this week?
TJ: Probably just how physical they are. They talk a lot and they
really go out and bang it up. So it's going to be a tough game for us.
ET: Are you a talker out there when guys start jawing at you like
that?
TJ: Sometimes. It depends on what kind of mood I'm in. If I'm in the
mood I'm in right now, I'll probably be doing some talking back on Saturday
afternoon (laughs).
ET: What's the pace of the week been like for you guys. Does it feel
pretty much the same or are guys really energized?
TJ: Oh, the energy level is beyond belief. It rises so much the closer
you get to a game like this. It's way more intense than it was during the
regular season.
ET: This is your first time going through the playoffs. What's it
like for you personally?
TJ: It's a dream come true, really. It's almost like I'm can't believe
I'm here, but I am. It almost feels like I'm watching a guy on TV, but it's me.
It's hard to describe, but I can definitely say it's a blessing. It's something
I've wanted since I was a little kid, and now I'm actually doing it.
ET: Anything else you'd like to share with the fans?
TJ: Just let them know we are ready. And we'll go into Baltimore and
will take care of business and will be doing all we can to come home with a
victory.