Transcripts

Tua Tagovailoa – August 19, 2023 (Postgame) Download PDF version

Saturday, August 19, 2023
Postgame – Houston

QB Tua Tagovailoa (transcribed by Houston Texans)

“First off, great team effort, great team win. Any which way you can put that, proud of the guys. They went out there. They competed. Didn’t matter who was in. So that was really good to see.

Tua, let’s start with before the game. What was going through your mind before this ballgame knowing you’d be returning to the field for the first time in a long time?

“It was awesome. You get all the feelings that you normally feel of getting back out there again. Butterflies, anxious to get out there, all these thoughts going through your head. But I thought it felt really good being able to go out there, call plays with the guys, the camaraderie in the huddle. Things didn’t go our way, adversity hit, and it was cool to see the guys respond.”

What did you think of the interception on the first play?

“Yeah, it was just a bad play. That’s really all it was, just bad quarterback play right there. That’s not how you want to start out a drive any way you look at it. It was a bad play, but like I said, I’m glad with the way we responded because the next series, things were still jarred up with the first two plays and then we got into third down and things started to settle and we found our rhythm in the game.”

Was it good to get that one out of your system?

“It’s never good to do that. It doesn’t matter which way you look at that. It’s never good to turn the ball over. It’s never good to throw a pick. I’m not happy about that, but like I said, I’m really happy for the guys that were in there that were able to go out and showcase their skills and be able to perform at the level they did today.”

You took your first quarterback hit from the defender, I know one of the things you focused in the off season was making sure your head doesn’t snap back and it seemed like you avoided that. After the fact, did that come to your mind? That the Jiu-Jitsu was really working there?

“Yeah, I would say yeah. The thing with that, I mean, you just have to continue to rep it. We do some things at the facility that help keep up with that. But it’s football. There’s hits that you’re going to see that you know you can fall and then there’s others where you’re not going to be able to see, and it’s how you react to it. It’s a physical sport. It’s tough. But yeah, went out there and was expecting to get hit, was expecting to go to the ground, all of that.”

On the interception, my friend Dave pointed out that you spun towards the guy with the ball. In the future would you think about not getting involved in the tackle, or is that something you’re just not going to be able to avoid?

“I mean, as a quarterback, I understand the whole outlook of, okay, like he threw an interception, try not to get hurt while you’re trying to make a tackle. But on top of throwing the interception, what’s even worse than that is the guy scoring when he intercepts the ball. I think for me, I’m going to do the best that I can to make a play, and if not, then so be it.”

Would you feel that the operation and flow of the second drive is what led to converting those 3rd downs?

“Yeah. We definitely got into a good flow, and it was both the run game and the pass game. When we needed to run, I felt like we did the things necessary to gain some yards, and when we had to pass the ball, I thought we executed really well.”

As the game kept progressing and the offense kept scoring touchdowns, you always ran on to the field to celebrate with your teammates. What was going through your mind when the touchdowns just kept coming?

“Yeah, I don’t think people outside looking in understand the amount of work that these guys put in day in and day out. There’s a lot of guys that have the luxury to slough off because they are who they are. But the guys that don’t have that luxury and don’t have that opportunity, the amount of work that they put in day in and day out, it’s tough. So, to be able to see them go out and execute and execute at a high level regardless of who’s out there on the field, I mean, you’re just happy for them. You see the reward that is out there when they’ve worked so hard their entire lives. Guys are all competing for a job. Everyone is competing for a job. I thought that was something super, super cool, and I just wanted to be there to support those guys as much as I could, both offensively and defensively.”

What did you think of QB Skylar Thompson’s game?

“I enjoyed it. I enjoyed it. Three touchdowns? What do you mean? Any which way you call that, that’s awesome. He led those guys, and it was both the twos and the threes, due to some unfortunate circumstances. But I’m very happy for him. He got into a groove with the group that he was with, and he balled.”

If the team can run the ball the way it did today, what impact do you think that will have on the offense?

“I think it’ll have a big impact. You could see through the games last year when we were able to run the ball how efficient we were on first, second, third. It didn’t matter, because the defense didn’t know what to expect. When we’re able to do that, we’re able to play on our terms, and we’re able to play fast, physical, and play with elite type things, so it’s good.”

Are you happy right now?

“Am I happy right now? Anytime we can get a win, I’m happy. Big shout-out, Annah, Ace, if you guys are watching, love you guys.”

Mike McDaniel – August 19, 2023 (Postgame) Download PDF version

Saturday, August 19, 2023
Postgame – Houston

Head Coach Mike McDaniel (transcribed by Houston Texans)

On what was going through is mind on QB Tua Tagovailoa’s first interception

“You know, I told him before the game, I did not expect him to play that long but if adversity comes our way, to seize it, and he took it extremely literal. To me, it’s like, ‘Alright, perfect. What are you going to do?’ I think it was so valuable because it was the first play, and he came back as I would expect, but the rep – he had already put himself there before. What happens when that happens? It was on a play that he’s had a lot of success with, and he threw a pick. We got behind the sticks, and I think we had like a 14 or 15-play drive that was critical with three or four third downs on it. That is exactly what preseason is for, that’s why you want somebody to play. I’m glad he got it out of the way. But more importantly, the team didn’t blink. The team had a pretty short field to defend, and what a momentum swing that is when your defense can come up and not bat an eye, hold a team to not have points and then progress from there. I was happy with the way the team responded to that.”

On his thoughts on QB Tua Tagovailoa’s performance and how he handled taking hits

“I mean, it was – it’s not if, but when. These are things that you prepare for. I didn’t feel anything except that it was a – I wasn’t imagining his first play that he was going to tackle somebody on it, but he’s as prepared as one can be. So, I’m not – if I was surprised that it happened and/or – if I was surprised, I would have my eyes blindfolded and earplugs in my ears. That happens as a part of football, and you have to prepare for that, which he does.:

On what led to the 200-yard rushing performance from the team

“You know, I think there’s a lot of individual effort. There’s inches in the game of football. Especially with a penetrating front like Houston has, you have to be on your P’s and Q’s, a lot of people have to execute things, and then people have to make plays when the opportunity is there. So, I think starting with the offensive line, the tight end group, and the receivers all blocked – and we had some ballcarriers make plays in tight windows. It’s cool for guys to get rewarded for all the work that goes on unseen.”

On how rewarding was it to see RB Salvon Ahmed do what he did

“It didn’t surprise me at all, but I’m very happy for him because he’s the consummate pro that focuses on the right things, which is when my opportunity is there, to make the most of it. When you have that type of mindset, that enables you to be the best version of yourself and take advantage of the opportunities when they do come. I was happy for him to just really seize the moment and do some good things running the ball and in the receiving game.”

On his thoughts on QB Skylar Thompson

“I thought Skylar [Thompson] did a great job handling everything. That’s what you want to see is you want to see from him how fast he was getting in and out of the huddle. You could tell it was an emphasis from him as well as it was for me, and he didn’t get bogged down with a play. There were some plays that he’d want back, but then he continued to press forward and try to make some plays, and I think he did a great job of that, some on-schedule, some off-schedule, and the key will be to go watch the tape and get better from that moving forward.”

On how he foresees the third preseason game with respect to snap counts for the quarterbacks

“Well, I just think you have to balance opportunities, and there’s so many compounding variables with opportunities. You get playing time, but who are the eligibles? Who’s the offensive line? You want it to be settled on the field, and it doesn’t just go into game performance. It’s game performance on things that – there’s a lot of times I’m calling plays for them less concerned about the defense, and like, ‘Hey, we rep this play, we talked about it at length, and I want to see what he does,’ those type of things. You just try to balance that stuff out across the board with every position.”

On the status of LT Terron Armstead

“He’s doing well. Optimistic. We avoided anything too substantial in terms of a timeline. I’m not really worried about it. I’m just worried about him getting right as fast as possible, which I know he’ll do.”

Have you been told anything about RB De’Von Achane or OL Rob Jones?

“I think (De’Von) Achane is a shoulder, we’ll find more out tomorrow. Rob Jones, we’ll find some more out tomorrow, too, I believe. It’s a lower extremity. But they’re going to find a lot more information with imaging.”

On what he likes about the defensive unit

“I think it’s held true to what collectively the coaching staff headed by (Defensive Coordinator) Vic (Fangio) and the defense in general as a group of people, they want to continue to progress and get better. There’s a big part of playing defense that as a team we talk about a ton that is yards are cool, but they have to get in the end zone, and being that mindset is kind of very similar to that of the team’s mindset with adversity. Sometimes you’ll give stuff up – don’t worry about it. You finish, they don’t. That’s what you’re trying to get done. Yeah, it’s always fun when defensive units are getting better in a real way, not because of anything, but their details, their technique and their fundamentals.”

On if OL Lester Cotton is dealing with an injury

“Yeah, he had something minor. He probably – like if we were – he wanted to go, but I didn’t think it was fair to him to gut through something and the potential of having tape put out there that’s not a reflection of how he’s been playing. So we held him out. But he wants to get on the field in the worst way, and we’ll be excited for that.”

On what he thinks this win meant for QB Tua Tagovailoa

“I think you’re highlighting a great point. I think he’s finding himself as a man, and he is doing it alongside teammates. I think that when you’ve been doing something for that long, you’re just enjoying the process day-in, day-out. He is so comfortable in his skin and his zest for life is so strong, now as a father and a husband and a quarterback. He is enjoying – he’s worrying about the right stuff. Like you throw a pick first play, that’s not ideal, but you focus on ‘OK, well, most people might let that linger and have an effect on how you approach everything else. As a competitor, I’m going to try to not have that be the case.’ I think all of that fits within him and his development and where he’s at, and I’m excited to see him every day. He’s got a really cool new tattoo, so that’s cool, too.”

Do you approach this game as sort of a dress rehearsal of the preseason?

“No, I literally didn’t even decide who was going to play until, you guys will believe me at some point, like literally the day before because it made sense. Then I felt like the team – a lot of guys needed tape. They needed a game to do good or bad – doesn’t matter – but you’re practicing for so long, they were ready for that. There’s something we’re trying to get done every single time we’re able to go on the field, whether it’s practice or preseason game, whether or not certain guys play will be our educated best guess as to what helps and what hurts people moving forward. There may be less, there may be more. We’ll see how the week progresses, how we are health-wise and what guys need to do to best prepare for the regular season.”

Jaylen Waddle – August 19, 2023 (Third Quarter) Download PDF version

WR Jaylen Waddle on CBS Miami Broadcast

(We just saw you guys get in the end zone again, 28 points here so far. Impressions of the offense?) – “We look real good. We had a bad start but that comes with it getting all the rust and jitters out, coming out and playing the one’s for the first time. Got that out the way and we started moving the ball efficiently.”

(I did want to ask you about coming home this week. How much fun did you have? Did you get to visit any of your old stomping grounds, see friends and family?) – “Yeah, I got to see friends and family. It’s always good coming back to Houston. There’s a lot of love and support out here. I went back to my old high school and got to see them scrimmage. It was a good week.”

(I know a lot of them were probably asking, when are we going to see you back out there? How are you feeling? Are you close to coming back?) – “Yeah, definitely. You’ll see me back out there real soon. I’m feeling good, going to be back real soon.”

(You’ve had a heck of a start to your career here. Last year, you lead the Dolphins in receiving touchdowns. What were your goals coming in and how much do you get to play off of a guy like WR Tyreek Hill?) – “Yeah, man. Tyreek definitely, he kind of brings the energy not just in the room, but to the team. Him coming out there and being himself, you don’t have no choice but to follow him and try to match his energy.”

(When WR Tyreek Hill came out and said, “I want a 2,000-yard season,” did that get you thinking about maybe what you want to bring to the table here in 2023?) – “Not really. ‘Reek’ (Tyreek Hill) has the ability to do anything he wants to do in this league. So him saying he wants 2K is in his reach, and we’re all rooting for him to do that and make history.”

(I know I saw you out there during practice, still being engaged with practice even if you couldn’t be out there, saying hi to old Alabama teammates. How cool was the reunion this week?) – ”Man, it was good. Houston’s got a lot of Alabama guys over there. So it’s always good seeing my old teammates, seeing how they’re doing, catching up with them, talking about the ‘Bama days and all that good stuff.”

Mike McDaniel – August 19, 2023 (Halftime) Download PDF version

Head Coach Mike McDaniel on CBS Miami Broadcast

(You mentioned yesterday you wanted to get some of the butterflies out. The team had a little bit of a rough start there out of the gate. How did you like the response?) – “Well, that’s everything you’re looking for. I was obviously not happy with an extreme commitment to coaching points and adversity was an opportunity, but first play since December (Tua Tagovailoa) throws a pick, defense gets the team back. We start second-and-long next series (and) have a 15-play drive. Defense, I thought, gave up some yardage they didn’t want to, but when push came to shove, they kept them out of the end zone which is what they do. We’re getting better which is the point, but we have a whole half left to continue that process and that’s what I’m looking forward to.”

(I know you emphasize the run game a lot. What did you like out of that group? 140 yards on the ground there in that first half.) – “I think a lot of guys make plays in the run game. It’s something – Year 2 for us is a big difference. I think there’s been a substantial commitment by all coaches and players, so it’s cool to see them be rewarded for a half.”

Robert Hunt – August 17, 2023 Download PDF version

Thursday, August 17, 2023

OL Robert Hunt

(What have these joint practices been like for you guys physically and trying to develop some chemistry as a unit?) – “They’ve been pretty important. I think as an offense, we have a high standard and we want to roll. We’ve seen what it looks like when it’s good. When it’s not looking that way, it feels like it’s not going good but you watch film and the film tells a different story. Work still needs to be done but the good thing is we don’t play until – I don’t know how many weeks, maybe three? We’ve still got some work to do. We’re not far but we’ve got some work to do.”

(How antsy are you to go in and see how T Terron Armstead is doing?) – “I didn’t see what happened but definitely when I get up to my phone, I’m going to text him and check on him and see how he’s doing. Hopefully he’s okay. We all know how important he is to this team, to this offensive line. Hopefully it’s nothing too serious.”

(Where are you guys in terms of building chemistry as an offensive line? Obviously, there’s some competition at the left guard spot. Does that impact everybody’s continuity or just really that side?) – “I don’t know. I don’t think it affects anyone negatively. I mean we all know, as a human, competing at your job is something you feel some type of way about. But this is a business. We’re all fighting for a job. We’re all going to make the best of this short time that we have in the NFL and that’s that. I think as an offensive line though, I think we’re a lot further along than we have been. I think we’ve got the right stuff brewing. I think we’re playing well. Not by any means is it perfect but I think we’re doing a lot of really good stuff. I think we’re headed in the right direction.”

(How would you measure the growth of the run game from Day 1 of camp to where it is right now?) – “Run game, I don’t know, man. You see it and it hits and then sometimes you see it and it doesn’t hit. It’s hard to tell. But like I said, watching film, it looks pretty good. It looks good when you watch film and you actually see what’s actually going on. Me when I’m playing, I’m focused on me and what I can do and what I affect in that run. But as I watch it as a whole in film, it looks good. I think a lot of guys are playing hard. I think we’re running off the football. I think there’s a lot of good stuff happening. You can see that even with guys that aren’t typically Day 1 starters right now at this point. Last week in the preseason game, you still can see that. You see guys running off the ball. It’s a testament to us. I was talking to a couple of those guys yesterday and they were like ‘damn, y’all are so far off the ball. I thought y’all would be running off the ball today.’ It’s talked about and it’s seen so I think it’s going well.”

(Let me ask you about the second year in this system with the wide-zone scheme. What is the difference in your mindset in terms of aiming points and angles and turning players?) – “In this second year, for me, I feel more comfortable in going to my landmark and to my spots and I know the plays. So for me, I’m just playing football. I’m just going and I hit the spot. Sometimes I don’t hit the spot and I’ve just got to play football. At the end of the day, it’s about winning. For me, I think this second year has been really good because you do kind of have an idea of what you want. But also, you understand we have a new coach so the coaching may be a little different than it was last year. Same system, same plays, but the coaching and some little details may be a little different and I think Butch (Barry) is doing a hell of a job.”

(Why is Offensive Line Coach Butch Barry doing a hell of a job?) – “He knows what he wants. He’s coaching it. We’re buying into it and I think it looks good. It’s early on and there’s a lot of work that’s not finished. It’s not a finished product. We’ve got 17 weeks, but I think we’re headed in the right direction.”

Emmanuel Ogbah – August 17, 2023 Download PDF version

Thursday, August 17, 2023

DE Emmanuel Ogbah

(If I’m not mistaken, you’re normally in a three-point stance guy for most of your career?) – “Yes, sir.”

(How’s it converting to a two-point stance?) – “It’s new for me but I have the option to go three point or two point, if I want to. Right now, I’m just practicing my two point because I’m not familiar with it. But yeah, I’m getting better every day.”

(So you can put your hand in the ground, if you choose to?) – “Yeah, I can. I have the option. Sometimes I have to drop too. It’s hard to drop from a three-point stance, so I have to rush from a two-point and drop.”

(This scheme obviously goes back to your rookie season. How much overlap do you feel like there is?) – “Just a little bit, but I know in Cleveland, I was primarily with the rush guys. So even though we had drops, you rush. I’m still getting used to dropping in coverages and all that but like I said, I’m getting better every day.”

(I wondered this, why don’t you work inside?) – “I do work inside. We’re just trying to master the outside because this is something new to me. It’s still new for me. So I’m trying to master outside first.”

(What was your reaction when they let you know that they’d like you to play in the previous game?) – “I was kind of surprised but then again, I was okay with it because I needed that. I needed that little warm up game. The last time I played on that field, I tore my triceps. I needed that experience. And I didn’t really play much either.”

(Are you getting some home cooking down here?) – “Oh, yeah, come on now. My mom’s down the street. I had some good Nigerian food. Might go back tonight, grab a little bit and come back to the hotel.”

Jaelan Phillips – August 17, 2023 Download PDF version

Thursday, August 17, 2023

LB Jaelan Phillips

(I asked Head Coach  Mike McDaniel about how you were doing today and one of the things he said is that he thinks you’ve taken a step forward in your game. In what ways do you agree and can you identify that you’ve taken a step forward?) – “I just think my confidence as a pass-rusher has increased a lot. Obviously every down, but especially as a pass-rusher. This week I was going against George Fant. I faced George Fant my rookie year when he played for the Jets and I had no answers for him at all. That boy was doing me all game. This week I felt a lot more competitive against him. So little things like that. I’m big on the process and not being result-oriented. I’ve been putting in the work for the last three years and for it to show a little bit, it means a lot to me. I just continue to try to get better every day and do my thing.”

(Louis Riddick identified you as a breakout player in the NFL this year. But he also said that one of the reasons is, he thinks you’re the ideal fit for Vic Fangio’s scheme. In what ways do you think your skillset is meshing with the scheme?) – “I think, obviously, my tenacity, my speed and ability to be explosive and things like that. His defense gives us a lot of freedom and a lot of room for us to use our athleticism and things like that to be disruptive. I think that’s one thing I’m really good at is being disruptive and having some production. I hope I’m a good fit for his defense. I hope he thinks that. But like I said, I’m continuously trying to build trust with my teammates so that they know exactly I’m going to be doing day in and day out on that field. It’s been great so far. We’ve been getting a lot closer, for sure.”

(Where are you in your ramp up for the regular season? Are you still trying technique stuff? Or do you feel like hey, if the season started tomorrow, I’d be ready to go?) – “I feel mentally ready to go for sure. I’m still working on my conditioning. Obviously I run to the ball a lot. Especially when it’s as humid as it was out there and in Miami, sometimes it gets harder. So for me to be able to have incredible shape and incredible conditioning is really a goal of mine. I’m continuing to work on that, for sure. But I’m ready to go whenever, man. Like you said, we can step out on the field first regular season game on Saturday and I’ll be ready to go. But definitely still fine-tuning things, being very critical of myself when I’m watching film and everything like that just to take it from good to great.”

(We’ve seen your motor go and go and go. Do you feel like you’re in better shape now than you’ve ever been? Or are you close to that point?) – “I think I’m getting close. I think there’s been time periods where I’ve been in great shape, where I feel like I’m just running around all day without getting tired. Today was not one of those days. (laughter) But yeah, like you said, I think I’m getting there and really striving to get to that point, just so I can do it for my team. The reason I run so hard, is so I can make plays and do all that for my team. For me to be able to do that is going to be important. So yeah, it’s something I’m working on for sure.”

(A big part of your production is the coverage on the back end as well. We’ve had a chance to watch three weeks of practice. What have you seen from those guys in the back end and how they communicate and get things covered up?) – “Yeah, they’ve been doing an incredible job. They put so much work in, extra work, extra walkthroughs, extra meetings, things like that. Just because, our defense obviously involves a lot of communication. For them to be able to master that is going to be huge for our defense and huge for us in the front seven as well. Just split seconds in difference, it makes all the world. So for them to be able to communicate effectively and play the defense how it’s supposed to be played is going to be a huge advantage for us.”

(You were on the back page of the New York Post sports section. It’s kind of random, but the folks in New York were talking about the fearsome pass rushers that the Jets have to face this year and you were right in the middle on the back page. I thought it was cool because I don’t know to what extent you’re nationally known. You know what I mean, household names. How far away do you think you would be to become a JJ Watt kind of known name, a Terrell Suggs known name? I’m looking at the list, Demarcus Ware, known name.) – “I mean, to me, it doesn’t even sound real to think of myself being in a position like that. I’m just Jaelan Phillips. I’m just me.  To even have the amount of popularity or fans or whatever that I have now is absolutely surreal. Obviously, that’s not the goal. I’m not chasing stardom and fandom and stuff like that. I have a long, long way to go to be on that level of consistency and greatness. But I think I’m trying to do it. That’s what I do day in and day out is try to get to that point. I think a lot of it has to do with my confidence, like you said, and being consistent and just knowing that good performance, bad performance, being true to who I am and knowing who I am, that’s what I’m continuously trying to do.”

(Do you have 12 or 14 or 15 written down on a piece of paper folded over seven times and stuck in a drawer or you don’t do that?) – “Whatever happens, happens.

(There’s no piece of paper?) – “No paper, no goals or anything like that. I try not to put an exact number out there because, honestly, success isn’t determined just based on numbers, especially not just based on sack numbers. For me, what I deem successful is me going out there and being productive and making plays for my team. Whatever that looks like, if it’s a bunch of run stops in a game with no sacks, I’m just as happy as if it was three sacks. That’s kind of how I look at it.”

(Were you able to see Houston Texans TE Brevin Jordan?) – “Yeah, I talked to Brevin for a while. I love that guy, man. Him and I go way back. I’ve known him since high school for real so it was good to see him.”

Tyreek Hill – August 17, 2023 Download PDF version

Thursday, August 17, 2023

WR Tyreek Hill

(I was just asking LB Jaelan Phillips how he felt his ramp up is towards the regular season. Where are you at right now? If the season started tomorrow, would you be ready to go? Or do you still need to work on some things?) – “I don’t know, I should ask you that. How have I been looking? (laughter) I feel I’ve been doing a great job, but for me to be able to succeed, obviously it depends on other guys, whether it’s the offensive line, whether it’s Tua (Tagovailoa) getting me the rock. So everything right now is a process. So right now, we’re just building up to that. I feel like the last two practices that we’ve had have been good. Obviously, you’re going to have ups and downs in football, but it’s part of the game. You go to the film room, you learn from it, and you get better from it. And you don’t let the same thing happen over again the next day. So that’s one thing I learned throughout my career.”

(Head Coach Mike McDaniel mentioned this morning the two interceptions that QB Tua Tagovailoa threw yesterday was him trying to maximize his abilities. How much do you urge Tua to be aggressive in these practices?) – “Hey, look, I’m telling Tua, ‘I’m glad you made that throw’ because to me, this is what practice is for. You use these moments right here to create scenarios, try to throw a guy a ball in certain situations. I believe his first pick was Tua was trying to look off the left side linebacker, and he messed around and looked the other linebacker into the window trying to get me to ball. So it’s just learning things. That way whenever the season comes, he knows he can’t do that. Like he knows exactly where he has to put his eyes. In the two minute one, the score was seven to nine, we don’t have to be aggressive down here. We’ve already got two big chunk plays. First one to Durham (Smythe), second one to myself. And we are inside the 20-yard line. And Tua already knows that. But for him to stay aggressive and stay in that aggressive mindset, I love it.”

(Did you feel like you scored on the one before that?) – “Oh, it’s going to be a bang bang (play). Jimmie Ward is a great player. It’s going to be a bang bang (play). But I like myself over anybody.”

(We focus on the physical aspect of the game, but you’re a very smart player. In terms of honing in on the mental side, has that something that’s always been a key for you? Or was there a point in your career where you really started to focus on film study or anything like that?) – “Believe this or not, I don’t watch no film. I just know the game of football inside out. I’ve been playing this game since I was a kid, since I was like, five, six, and I grew up in a football household. Plus, my dad was a coach. So I know every defense. I know every defensive line, what they doing. I know everything. The safety is going to tell the story. I know all of it. And when I when I first came into the league, obviously, I was athletic. Obviously I had the ability to make plays. But the next step is being able to recognize coverages, being able to understand the DB’s leverage and what certain releases you need to use. So I’ve been all about that and I’m getting the young guys on that too, though. Whether it’s (Jaylen) Waddle, whether it’s other guys in our room.”

(How tough is it to keep you off the field? We talk about load management. I noticed even on one-on-ones, you kind of sat that one out. But when it was a team competition, you’re right back in there.) – “I wasn’t even supposed to practice today, but I just had to find a way to get the guys going. One-on-ones were kind of slow for us. We began to pick it up. But no, I just love competition so much. I feel like I just can’t get away from it. The trainer, he told me we’re going to ramp you down a little bit. You can just chill today. You can relax. I only get one chance to play this game that I love because I know it’s going to go by fast. I can remember yesterday when I first got drafted and came into the league. And here I am in year eight, doing what I love. So there’s not many jobs where you get to work outside and have fun and run fast and run by people and score and you get a crowd reaction. So, I’m just enjoying every moment of it, and then I got my kids out here with me so that’s even better for me. So, I’m enjoying it.”

(Which son is faster out of RB Raheem Mostert’s and yours as well?) – “Well, both our sons lined up and my son had the edge on his son by like three yards. He even threw up the peace sign on him, which was which is very bad.”

(Is there a technique that you could teach Raheem’s son? I know the start is a little slower, but is there something that you can give for fans out there that want to be faster?) – “For the fans that want to be faster? Number one don’t eat like cheetah because cheetah eats like crap. I’m going to  eat some (Raising) Canes right after this. Number two, make sure you hydrate. Cheetah doesn’t hydrate, that’s why I cramp a lot. Make sure you hydrate. So don’t do the things that I do. And number three, just got to believe in yourself. Confidence is everything.”

(We saw OL Terron Armstead got hurt today. How important is he to this offense?) – “We all know. I just said it. I need those other guys for me to be able to make plays. I feel that the offensive line and defensive line are the most important people on the field. Obviously, receivers, we get the success, we get the glory, the Instagram followers and all that. But Terron is a huge part of this team. I feel like he’s more important than I am because the left side, we need someone to really hold that side down. Just to see him go down, which I think is not serious – I’m sure he’ll shake back, he’ll be straight. As soon as it happened I went up to him and said ‘You straight?’ and he said ‘I’m straight man, I’m just old.’ (laughter)

(You mentioned earlier that you don’t watch film. So especially if you’re going against a corner who hasn’t been established in the league, how do you get a read on him? Do you use the first few plays of the game to get used to what he’s doing?) – “So Madden has a good tell of how good players are. So, I just played Madden the night before and I go look at all the ratings. So let’s say for instance, they had Steve Nelson and Derek Stingley over there. Two phenomenal players by the way. I just go get on Madden, I go to the EA rosters then I scroll down and see what their awareness is, their speed he is and their strength, and that’s how I get a good tell on them.”

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