Transcripts

Search Transcripts
Ryan Tannehill – November 23, 2016 Download PDF version

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill

(Thankful of the turnaround and you guys are in contention. I know you guys don’t want to use the ‘p’ word for playoffs but you guys are in a position to create some opportunities.) – “Yes. We have a lot of opportunities out in front of us. We just have to take it one game at a time and start with the big one this week.”

(If you’re ever faced with – you’ve had several fourth quarter comebacks, the team has – faced with late and down, can you draw on this last week and say, ‘Alright, we’ve been there. We know what that’s like. We’ve read this book before.’) – “Yes, we’ve had a lot of games and opportunities this year where we’ve been able to come from behind in the fourth quarter late in games – some double digit leads we’ve been able to overcome in the fourth quarter. I think this team has confidence no matter what happens, as long as there’s time on the clock, we’re going to find a way to win.”

(Where is this sense of calm coming from for you guys?) – “I think it all comes with preparation – in how you prepare, how you get yourself both mentally and physically ready to play. If you put that time in throughout the week, you know what to do, then you can call upon it in those critical situations.”

(You’ve been around here a little while now. Usually, the games don’t go the way they have been in the end. What’s been the biggest difference for you guys?) – “Just sticking together (and) playing for each other no matter what’s going on. In a lot of situations, one side or the other could get frustrated with the other side of the ball. Say like, last game. The defense could’ve gotten frustrated with the offense not scoring points. But they just kept doing their job. They kept going out there, coming up with big stops and giving us more opportunities. In the end, they kept us in the game and gave us the opportunity at the end of the game to go get the win.”

(How big was TE Dion Sims’ ability to go one-on-one with defensive ends, leaving him by himself to kind of block things up at times?) – “Yes. Dion is huge for us. Both in the run and pass game, he does a lot of things for us – blocking defensive ends, combo-ing with the tackles – so he has been a big factor for us this entire season.”

(To speak to the versatility of the team when the offense came back this time, the defense had four interceptions against San Diego, a kickoff return a week before. All three aspects of the team have been critical in the fourth quarter comebacks.) – “Yes. I think we’re leaning on each other right now. There’s a belief within the team and confidence within the team that we’re going to find a way. It’s not always going to be the same guy or the same group but as a team, we’re going to find a way, and that’s what you want.”

(Do you think the offense is better equipped now to handle playing with some of the backup offensive linemen than it was at the beginning of the season?) – “It’s always tough when you lose your starters. Obviously, you want to have your best five out there, but we’ve done it before. We learned through that situation. We had some guys step up last week. They played big in their opportunity. I think once they settled in – once Sam (Young) got settled in, and ‘Urby’ (Kraig Urbik) and Anthony Steen – they really did a good job. On that last drive, I didn’t really have hardly any pressure and we were able to march the ball down the field. So, I think they can build on that going into this week.”

(Are you and C Anthony Steen on the same page as far as identifying the Mike linebacker, the Mike point and all those things…) – “Yes. It’s a growing process. We played a little bit together earlier in the year, so it’s not like (these are) his first snaps getting game snaps. As a combo, we’re growing together and getting better each and every day.”

(You talked a few weeks ago about scratching the surface with WR DeVante Parker and what he can do. Can you update us on where you are with that?)  – “Yes, DeVante is still growing. I think we’ve seen kind of what he can be and can become. He’s growing and that’s what we want to see, just constant progress. Whether it’s DeVante or me or the o-line, whatever it is. We want to see guys progress and getting better throughout the season. As we get into this last stretch, this fourth quarter of football, we should be playing our best football. So, just keep going in that direction and we’ll be in a good spot.”

(Does a team that’s won five in a row have to guard against complacency going against a team that’s lost nine in a row?) – “No. I think this team is hungry and the record can fool you on these guys. I have a lot of respect for (the 49ers) and the way they play. Obviously, their record is what it is. But, at least the defensive side of the ball, they play hard. They play physical. They’re not just showing up and folding the tent. They’re coming to play and we’re going to have to take care of our business.”

Search Transcripts

Weekly Archives