Mike Pouncey – June 8, 2016
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Wednesday, June 8, 2016
Center Mike Pouncey
(On what makes the offensive line different compared to past years) – “I do think we’re going to have a really good (offensive) line, but obviously, we got a lot of work ahead of us. We still have to go out there and play games, still have to play good. I think we got a lot of talent across the board, but obviously, we have a long way to go.”
(On working with Offensive Line Coach Chris Foerster compared to former Offensive Line Coach John Benton) – “Techniques are different. They’re different personalities. We really like (Offensive Line Coach) Chris (Foerster) a lot. We liked Coach (John) Benton a lot, too, but we’ve moved on from that. We’re glad to have Chris here. We think that he’s going to really help us out going forward, and we’re excited to work with him.”
(On how the technique is different working with Offensive Line Coach Chris Foerster) – “Just coaching things, stuff you guys wouldn’t know anything about. (laughter) But aiming points and the way we use our hands and stuff like that.”
(On Offensive Quality Control Chris Kuper assisting the offensive line) – “He’s great to have on our line. (As) a guy that’s played in this league, he understands how tough it is. We talk to him, pick his brain about what he used while he was playing. I’m excited to have him in our offensive line group.”
(On the offensive line’s potential with G/T Laremy Tunsil) – “We like (Laremy) Tunsil a lot. Obviously, his feet are really good. We think he was the best player in this year’s draft. We’re lucky to have a guy like that. We’re excited to see what he can do. Obviously, everyone looks good without pads on. We’ll put on the pads, but we’re sure that he’s going to come in and do what we expect him to do.”
(On whether G/T Laremy Tunsil still has to earn the respect of the veteran offensive line) – “(He’s) definitely got to still earn it, but we’re bringing him along as fast as possible. We know we need the guy. Obviously our biggest thing right now is making sure he knows the plays – the playbook in and out –so that he can play at the potential we think he has. We’re excited to work with him, though. He’s a good player. Good guy too.”
(On the challenge for defense from the offensive line) – “I think for when we’re facing the Wide 9, especially in our pass protection, when the tight ends help out, we got to make sure we help those guy out because it puts our tight ends in a lot of one-on-one situations. But as far as running goes, we feel confident about it. They want to spread their defensive ends out. We’ll run inside of them.”
(On if the key to attacking a spread out defensive line is to run on them) – “Well, when they play a Wide 9, what they’re telling you is that they don’t want you to run outside. So you got to do everything that you can to run the ball on the inside; which the outside zone plays will still be called, but it’s more of cut-back kind of play.”
(On if it is crucial to work up to the second level against a Wide 9 defense) – “Of course, yeah. I mean when you play defenses like that, that means that they got really good linebackers that can run really fast and cover the field sideline to sideline. You need linemen that can really run and are athletic.”
(On what makes him think the offense will be better this year) – “Well, we’ll see. Obviously we got a long way to go. We still got a training camp to go through, we got preseason games to be played; but we just like the attitude that the coaches have brought forward. We love the playbook, the play calling. It’s been great so far. We’ll see how it goes as the season gets along.”
(On how he would describe the playbook and if it is complex) – “In my head, it’s simpler. I think we got a lot of our plays are going to be … we use the same thing but they’re different plays. We’re doing a lot of the same stuff when the play is called but I feel like it’s going to give us an advantage instead of being in a lot of one-on-one blocking to create double teams and move guys off the ball.”
(On how Offensive Coordinator Clyde Christensen is on the field) – “He’s great. We love him. He’s been great so far. We think he’s a really smart coach. We’re excited to have him on our staff and he brings it at practice every day. When a guy’s not feeling it, he makes sure the guys are ready to go.”
(On the tempo of the offense) – “Well the tempo that we want to have, obviously our offensive line has to be in really good shape. But to our advantage, when we go up there sometimes we’re going to snap it fast (and) sometimes we’re not. That gives us the advantage on the offensive line. That means the defense is going to be playing on their toes, ready to jump off the ball. We should get a lot of offside penalties from the defense and keep the chains moving. We’re excited about this offense. We feel like our offensive line is going to be in great shape by the time the season gets here. Obviously we still have a long way to go but we like standing on the ball and putting the defense on their toes and kind of putting them on their heels when we get a chance.”
(On what makes the up-tempo talk different with this offense) – “I think with this offense that up-tempo is really going to be there. Before in past seasons, we tried to run up-tempo but we huddled first and it’s kind of hard to go in the huddle, rush to the line and be up-tempo. I think with us just being on their line of scrimmage the whole time and pushing the pace like that, it’s going to get the ball snapped a lot faster instead of wasting those seconds inside the huddle and then trying to get up there and do a fast tempo.”
(On what differences he sees in QB Ryan Tannehill this year) – “I think he’s been a lot more vocal this year as a leader. Obviously, he’s a good football player on the football field and he’s always been a leader on this team; but this year I feel like he’s bringing more – more to the table. More than he ever has before as far as pushing guys and getting guys ready to go. We’re just glad that he’s our quarterback, honestly. He’s a guy that comes in every day (and) busts his butt every day. He’s the first one in the building (and the) last one out and that’s something you got to appreciate from a guy that’s at that position.”
(On if he feels QB Ryan Tannehill is ready for more responsibility this year) – “Oh, yeah. Heck yeah. He’s a smart kid. He’s very intelligent. I think this is what he’s been waiting for his whole career, is to go out there and be the guy to kind of call the show. We’ll see how it goes but we think he’s going to do really, really (well) here.”
(On if he thinks they have the personnel to create mismatches and push the tempo more than past years) – “At the end of the day, we can have the best players on the roster in the whole league; but if we don’t play together than it (isn’t) going to work. So I feel like we got to go out there and prove ourselves during training camp. I think we have to have a great preseason to go out there and prove to ourselves that we can do it, and then we’ll see how the season goes.”
(On if there’s something Head Coach Adam Gase has asked of him that no previous head coach had asked) – “No. Not at all. I mean just come out (and) be myself. Obviously I want to be a player that’s one of the best at my position in each year, so I push myself; but I’m more of a team kind of guy – a team-goal kind of guy. And we’ve yet to reach the playoffs in my six years so that’s our biggest goal this year is to get there, and then compete for a Super Bowl.”
Kenyan Drake – June 7, 2016
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Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Running Back Kenyan Drake
(On if pass protection here is different than college and how he is progressing in that area) – “It’s really about the speed of the game itself just trying to … Especially in this kind of offense, we run an up-tempo offense so you get the play, you have to analyze the d-line real fast, get the call from the offensive line, get the Mike point from the quarterback and kind of just get it (all) very fast. That’s been a little challenge for (me), personally; just trying to stay up on (the) game with the protections. When I first came in, we were getting protections that were simple enough and very similar to college; but as OTAs kind of advanced, they just started throwing a whole bunch of stuff in there and it starts blending in with each other. Like Coach (Offensive Coordinator Clyde Christensen) was saying, if you don’t get those reps on the field and get those reps in the film session at home (and) in your playbook, (then you need to) come back and make sure you have a better day the next day.”
(On if people who say that he is a receiving back are selling him short) – “I don’t know. People can say what they want to say, honestly; but I know my game and (I’m) coming in and just trying to help this team win games, point blank period. Being a receiving back or being an every-down back, which I know I have the capabilities of being, I just want to go ahead and prove that I can be a contributor to this team.”
(On if he feels as comfortable returning punts as he does returning kickoffs) – “I still haven’t gotten a ton of punt return reps. We haven’t really done a lot of punt return … I guess what you could say is that kind of team period. We would have more punt returners back there, like two or three people back there catching punts while I’m doing punt coverage drill or other drills that I need to work on. So it’s more my ability to learn the other things right now than the returning (part) of the special teams.”
(On if he stays in touch with former college teammates such as Tennessee Titans RB Derrick Henry and Buffalo Bills LB Reggie Ragland) – “Yeah, all the time. I talk to them, if not every day (then) every other day – especially on the weekends when we have a little down time – to just talk about our experience so far. It’s interesting just being in the position that we’re in because we were a tight-knit group, especially that junior class (and) senior class that went through the ranks over at Alabama, the things we went through. To just kind of lean back on each other when we have rookies here, but it’s always nice to keep in touch with old teammates and old friends. Like I said, we’re really close and we talk pretty much almost every day.”
(On who he specifically talks to from Alabama) – “Specifically, actually them (Tennessee Titans RB Derrick Henry and Buffalo Bills LB Reggie Ragland). I hit up (Jacksonville Jaguars RB) T.J. Yeldon. He was one of my good friends. I’m still close with him, just to see how he transitioned his rookie year going into the league. I keep in touch with other guys still back in college, just to see how they’re doing and how the team is progressing. I try to focus on what I have to do, obviously; but at the same time, I’m still curious about everybody else and trying to see how they’re progressing in everything they’re doing.”
(On the best piece of advice that Jacksonville Jaguars RB T.J. Yeldon has given him) – “Just stay composed, honestly. At the end of the day, the speed of the game is going to be faster. There are going to be a lot of plays that you’re going to have to learn and get used to; but, at the end of the day, you have to understand your abilities as a player. You wouldn’t be here if you didn’t have the ability to be here. So you just have to understand that there are going to be growing pains. When you make a mistake, just try not to make it constantly. Learn from that mistake and continue to improve as a player.”
(On if he’s ever sat down and had interaction with some of the veterans such as DT Ndamukong Suh, DE Cameron Wake, C Mike Pouncey or T Branden Albert) – “I haven’t personally had any set-aside conversations (with) them but they’re very cordial people and approachable people. I know if I had the chance to do so, they’d welcome me with open arms. At the end of the day, it’s more about me just watching their habits more so than talking with them one-on-one because watching those guys out on the practice field is pretty amazing to see how they work, how hard they work, just the professionals they are in their craft. I just try to mimic them in that sense because they are who they are for a reason because they come in and they’re the first people to be here and the last people to leave. I want to mimic that work ethic and apply that to my own game.”
(On if he is intimidated or ‘Wow’d’ by some of those guys) – “Of course. It’s very humbling to have this opportunity to be here (and) to sit in these seats on a daily basis. Understanding that moving forward, when you started off in little league to middle school ball to high school ball to even college ball, you kind of knew guaranteed that you had a few more years to play. But when you get into the league, nothing is guaranteed anymore. So to understand that these guys have established themselves to be the brand they are, the players they are and to have the longevity that they have. That’s something that you want to have is longevity and that’s the complete mystery that you have in the NFL. Just anything I can take from them from the standpoint of just watching them and just seeing how they work on a daily basis to keep my longevity up. At the same time, especially in a position that is notoriously known for not having longevity – running back – I want to do anything in my power to stay here as long as possible.”
(On what his specifically targeted goals are for him personally this season) – “You come in and you just want to help this team win games. That’s my No. 1 goal is coming in and helping this team win games. The depth chart is not any of my concern, especially right now in OTAs when we don’t even have pads on. Everybody is really just going through the same steps. I just look at it as a chance to get better every day (and) compete, in the sense that you’re competing to push each other to be the best that you can be. So depth chart isn’t really my concern.”
(On what he thinks can separate him from the pack to make him an NFL starter) – “Hopefully, just consistency. If you come in and look around the league at any running back, (Alabama Associate Head Coach/Running Backs/Special Teams) Coach (Burton) Burns, my college coach, he always used to say after we come in on Mondays after a game, he’d (say) ‘Who gets 100 yards every game? Why do they get 100 yards every game and everybody else doesn’t get 100 yards every game?’ It’s the work they put in Monday through Saturday to get to that point. I think coming from Alabama, coming from a program like that, my work ethic (and) my versatility will give me the ability to put my stamp on this game and hopefully be one of those guys that Coach Burns goes back and tells those guys, ‘Every week, he gets 100 yards and he can be a 1,000-yard back every year.’ I feel like that’s everybody’s goal.”
(On if he still staying in the rookie hotel) – “The earliest we could move out was May 25th or 26th – something like that. I’m still in the hotel now because I’m currently in the middle of trying to get a new house. I could have moved out as early as then but I didn’t have my (new) place established yet so within the next few weeks I’ll be moving out.”
(On how much he has gotten to know G/T Laremy Tunsil and what has surprised him about Tunsil) – “He’s just a very down-to-earth guy, honestly. Very cool, very well-mannered in a sense. That doesn’t really surprise me but when you have a guy who comes in high-profile like that, you expect … not necessarily for them to have an ego but for them to understand … they know they’re good. But he understands that he’s coming in, just like everybody else, to put the work in and to earn whatever spot he needs to get. You can talk to him about anything or with anything and I think that’s what I admire about him the most – he’s very down to earth and you can talk to him about anything.”
(On if he played any late-night video games with G/T Laremy Tunsil) – “No. It was just a mutual respect, honestly. We’re here to do what we need to do. So we weren’t going to stay up too late or whatever, especially back in rookie minicamp. But every time I see him, he says ‘Hey,’ and I say ‘Hey,’ things like that. Just having people like that in the locker room who are very cordial and very well-mannered, it’s definitely a good root to have in a good locker room and a good team.”
(On how many challengers he’s had from his teammates since he won the Madden championship at the NFL Rookie Premiere) – “I’ve literally only played one game (since then) and ironically I lost that game. I got a lot of mess because of that but it’s a video game. I’m not going to win every game just because I won a little tournament up in L.A. (Los Angeles). I’m supposed to win every game now, so that’s a little unfair to me, but it is what it is. I haven’t played since because obviously we were focused on this; but it’s all fun and games.”
(On who he lost to in Madden) – “ (WR) Rashawn Scott.”
(On if he is excited to see his Madden rating) – “I already know my rating and it’s not good. I don’t want to talk about that.”
(On if he can point to anything specifically that he learned from Alabama Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Lane Kiffin that will help him in the NFL) – “Being a running back, but not just being a running back that has tunnel vision in the offensive scheme. Just knowing different formations and knowing the idiosyncrasies of being a football player, I guess in general. Especially those last couple years, I have more knowledge of those last two years than previous years of just knowing formations, knowing where I’m supposed to be lining up as a running back in the spread or even at other positions. Just knowing the offense around me, that’s going to give me the best chance to be a very versatile player.”
Laremy Tunsil – June 7, 2016
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Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Guard/Tackle Laremy Tunsil
(On the transition from tackle to guard and the biggest challenge) – “Man, it’s all a process. Coming from playing tackle to moving to guard, it’s not that different at all. You’re going against bigger guys, your set is kind of different; but hey, I’m here to help the team in any kind of way, like I said before. I’m happy to be playing guard (or) tackle. It really doesn’t matter to me.”
(On if he has had any ‘Welcome to the NFL’ type moments) – “Yeah, the game is pretty fast, but playing in the SEC, I feel like it prepared me to play in the NFL.”
(On what he is looking to do in these practices) –“Everything. I’m just trying to get better (and) going against the best. Our defensive line is pretty good, as you’ve seen before, I’m pretty sure. Going against them guys is pretty good.”
(On if he can get a full evaluation not being in pads) – “Yeah, because we’re going full speed out there. We’re working on our hands, we’re working on our feet, they’re working their moves. You really can. But training camp is around the corner so we’ll be getting good work then.”
(On how he thinks he is doing getting to the second level) – “I’m not satisfied with my play. I feel like I can get better with anything – blocking, getting up to the second level, pad sets, hands, anything.”
(On if getting to the second level has been a point of emphasis) – “Always. Always.”
(On if anything has surprised him so far) – “Has anything surprised me? Just how fast the game is. It’s a process. You have to adjust to it. But like I said, the rest of the stuff has been pretty good.”
(On if he has shaved recently) – “Yeah, the beard’s coming back in a little bit. (laughter) I just wanted to try something new. I was trying to grow out my beard and it didn’t come out right so I’m trying to do something new. I appreciate you for noticing it, though.”
(On why he has been asking so many questions and what he is trying to get out of that) – “I feel like there’s always room for improvement and there’s always room to learn different stuff. I’m always trying to stay above on the playbook because that playbook is thick. There’s a lot of plays.”
(On if he has heard from the league about his status going forward after what happened on draft night) – “No. Nothing.”
(On if there is any potential that he could be pulling at guard) – “We’ve got some plays. Playing at guard, on a gap scheme, they’ve got me pulling for the Sam (linebacker). That’s anybody though. You might see me at receiver or quarterback.” (laughter)
(On the best piece of advice he has gotten from a teammate so far) – “Play full speed, even when you mess up. Play full speed.”
(On who gave him that advice) – “BA (Branden Albert), (Mike) Pouncey, all of them boys.”
Jamil Douglas – June 7, 2016
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Tuesday, June 7, 2016
G Jamil Douglas
(On where he has been taking his reps) – “Yeah, I’ve been pretty much all over in the insides. (I’ve been) playing center (and) both guard positions. Yeah, like I said, (I’m) working both sides and center position.”
(On how much right guard work has he gotten so far) – “A lot. I think they split up the reps pretty evenly on certain days in which I’m going to take more at right guard or more at left guard. (I’m) taking a fair amount of reps there.”
(On if starting at that position is a goal for him) – “I mean starting for me is a goal, in general. Wherever that may be, I’m going to compete at every spot that they put me at.”
(On if he feels that’s going to be a good competition for the guard spots) – “I mean we have a lot of competition on the o-line this year. I think everyone is upping their level of how we’re playing right now. Like you said, the guard spot is going to be wide open so guys are just working – working and competing.”
(On dealing with his rookie season) – “It was a learning experience. I think a lot of people learn during their rookie season. Like I said earlier this year, with experience there’s growth. I’m proud of the experiences that I’ve had and I don’t take them for granted because I know it’s going to help me in the long run.”
(On if there was one moment last year that was particularly rough) – “Not one in particular. I made some mistakes just as any guy would; but my main focus was to keep fighting and whereever they put me at, just compete.”
(On what makes him better now than he was last year) – “Like I said, the experience. The experiences that I went through last year at different spots, the different situations I was in, and just having another year under your belt at this tempo and playing against these guys is helping with your technique and everything else.”
(On what part of his technique he thinks he has gotten better) – “Particularly just at different positions. The center position, which was new to me last year, as well as the right guard position. I feel a little more comfortable at both of those spots, whether it be passing or run blocking.”
(On how he interacted with the veterans when he was a rookie and if he was intimidated) – “No, I wasn’t intimidated; but at the same time, you’ve got to learn that you have to earn your respect with those type of guys – especially a guy like BA (T Branden Albert) who’s been in the league nine or 10 years. No, not at this time last year; but towards the end of the year, BA (T Branden Albert) particularly was a guy that kind of took me under his wing and started showing me how things were supposed to be done. So as the year goes on, those guys will get more comfortable.”
(On when he felt that he could approach veteran players) – “I think about mid-way through the season where different lineups were being used and guys had to be in the same page. It kind of brought us together and I don’t think they looked at me as that rookie anymore. So, yeah, I would say midway through the season.”
(On if there was a message Head Coach Adam Gase or Offensive Line Coach Chris Foerster conveyed on giving everybody an equal look) – “Not to us, specifically. We know the best five will play so (I’m) just trying to be one of those best five.”
(On how much his value to the team has increase being able to play backup center) – “I think it helps a lot. Any guy that can play three positions is helpful to a team. Of course you’ve got to go out there and prove it but I think that I’m able to play all three positions, especially with the year under my belt, and I’m getting more comfortable. So I’m excited.”
(On what he’s done to improve his snapping ability) – “That’s something I worked on all offseason. When we were gone away, I was snapping 25 times a day down where I was training at and it’s just repetition. Everybody’s different with how they snap the ball. I’m not gonna snap the ball like (C) Mike Pouncey does. My snaps are going to be different so I had to get comfortable enough to where I have confidence in moving off the ball and snapping at the same time.”
(On one thing about G/T Laremy Tunsil that has surprised him on or off the field) – “I mean I wouldn’t say he surprised me. I knew he was athletic but I think the guy is … it’s crazy how athletic he is. If you watch him play, how natural his movements are. He’s just an athletic guy. (He’s a) smart guy. He’s kind of quiet right now; I think he’s still trying to get comfortable, but he’s a guy that’s going to listen when you make a call and you can expect him to be there. I’m excited to see what he does.”
(On if he senses there’s a greater emphasis with this coaching staff on having guys prepared to play multiple positions on the offensive line) – “Definitely. (Offensive Line) Coach (Chris) Foerster mentioned that to me before we even started up. He’s going to have us play multiple positions so that during the year, when it happens, it’s not your first time lining up somewhere. So if you guys watch practice, you know guys are all over the place playing different tackle spots, guard spots and we got a bunch of guys repping at center so everyone’s going to be comfortable by the time the year comes to step into a role.”
(On if there is a dramatic difference between what Offensive Line Coach Chris Foerster teaches from former Offensive Line Coach John Benton) – “I wouldn’t say (there’s a) dramatic difference. Each coach has their way in how they teach. Coach (Chris) Foerster, he wants to get the job done. There’s no gray area. It’s just ‘Hey, block this guy in front of you.’ Know your stuff and he’s an easy guy to please. As long as you’re on top of your things, he’s an easy guy to please.”
(On how important is it for the offensive line to get up into the second level in the running game) – “Oh, it’s very important. I think that’s an emphasis we’ve been working on – our second-level blocking, as well in the run game. (It’s a) different type of scheme with our outside scheme and what not. So it’s very important and we have the offensive linemen to do it. We have very athletic offensive linemen so it should be fun this year.”
(On blocking RB Kenyan Drake and any impressions about him) – “I haven’t really … I never really know when he’s in because he’s behind me. I’ve heard nothing but good things about him from (RB) Jay (Ajayi) so I expect him to play a big role in it as well.
(On his desire to get better and if he has been tempted to practice snapping in his living room or other unusual places) – “Not really snapping. I’ll line up in my living room and put some hats down and whatnot and make my calls based off where my linebackers are and stuff like that. I don’t really have anyone to snap to at home so the best I can do is mirror what I’m going to be doing. That’s about it.”
Clyde Christensen – June 7, 2016
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Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Offensive Coordinator Clyde Christensen
(On whether he has been surprised by any of the players’ talents) – “I’d preface it with saying that saying, again, it’s a teach mode. When you put in this new offense, we’re resisting evaluating (players) quite yet. Evaluation will come in training camp (when) we put on pads. We’ll expect them to know what they’re doing. Right now, it’s still a teach mode. I don’t think (there have been) any real surprises. I think the offensive line … I think (with) the center (Mike Pouncey), (it was the) first chance for me to see him work. (I have) been impressed with what a pro he is and how he comes out there and works. For a veteran, Pro Bowl player to come out there … That give us a chance (when) your center comes out there and works every single day at his craft. That has been really impressive – him and Ryan (Tannehill) both, to me, are veteran guys who work like rookies … That has always been our thing: that we want to treat people like men, but coach them like rookies. And they practice like rookies. They practice like little things are important and every day is important, and that’s what we’re looking for. We need that to be contagious and run throughout the whole unit.”
(On how the players have picked up the offensive system) – “I think it has been okay. We’ve thrown a lot at them. (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase goes fast. He goes fast. He gets bored quickly. But I think they’re picking it up. We’ve thrown a ton (at the players). This week has been the best by far, but there has been less install. Those other days have been install (days). Right when you think you’ve got it, here comes another 35 concepts (thrown) at you, or Gase has a creative night and comes in there with a couple new things. But I think this week starting … I think this week and next week ought be the two best by far, because there’s not a bunch of new stuff. (There will be) a few new formations, a few new applications, but the same basic concepts. So, this week has been better by far, and I would expect that the minicamp would be the best of them all. We did throw them all in there, now it’s more catching up. Now stuff is starting to click. (We are) starting to do some of the little things – seeing some of the little things get done this week – that hadn’t been done the first couple weeks, because they understand it now. We would expect the speed to get faster and faster and faster. One thing about this offense (is) it’s hard to prepare for defensively. It’s hard to prepare for offensively if you’re not used to it (going) no huddle, the heat – all those things. There’s no willing yourself into doing that. You’ve got to play your way into shape. I think that they’re getting a feel for, ‘Hey, this is rapid fire. We’re going to have to be in the best shape, and we’ll demand defenses to be in the best shape also when we play them, and there’s no shortcut on that. There’s no shortcut on that.’ We’re not where we need to be, but I think that everyone has got a vision of what that’s got to be. When we really get this thing right, we ought to be able to run all day and keep coming at you, and that’s part of what we’re trying to sell.”
(On G/T Laremy Tunsil’s transition to the NFL) – “He has been really, really impressive. I’ve been really impressed with him. He just has one of those demeanors (where) he doesn’t get out of whack easily. He’s kind of steady – slow and steady – and it has been really good. We’ve been getting him reps at a couple different positions. He has been very, very, very impressive. I think he’s every bit what we thought he was, which is (that he) has a chance to be exceptional. He works. He pays attention. He doesn’t make the same mistake over and over again, which (is) what you look for in a rookie. He leaves those meetings, (and) he looks at it and comes on the field, and it shows. (I have) been really impressed with him. Again, it’s still teach mode. It’s still a new position for him. I know you guys have written a bunch about it. We are working a lot of different combinations. Again, I said last time that that’ll prepare us. Usually, you need a lot of combinations to make it through the NFL season. Hopefully, not, but you usually do.”
(On whether WR DeVante Parker’s previous foot injury has attributed to his absence at practice) – “I don’t know anything on the medical part of it. It’s never good to miss practice. It’s never ever good to miss practice – I know that – and for all the reasons we just talked about, because it’s new stuff, it’s speed, it’s getting in shape to do this – it’s all those things. He’s paying attention and getting everything he can. But again, we need people practicing, and that’s a theme – that we got to have guys that practice. So, we got to get him back out there as quick as possible. I don’t know anything on the foot. You got to check with the medical guys or (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase. But, we need him out there.”
(On what he is looking for from G/T Laremy Tunsil) – “I think knowledge of the plays, knowledge of calls, understanding what we’re trying to get done, who’s helping him, which way is the center going, are we putting ourselves in position to be successful. (It is) all of those things for those offensive lineman (like) which way is the slide going, anticipation of games (like) the linebacker is a little tighter or is something up. Those kind of things that we can get this time of year … We’re getting a lot of looks. Today, it was a huge blitz day. We saw a ton of looks. Just his recognition and his comfortability with those looks – with so many different looks – that you don’t panic and get your body all out of position. He has been really impressive that way. I think he’s an impressive, impressive rookie for this teach mode. Again, we don’t need to start making a (Pro Football Hall of Fame) bust yet or anything – because we haven’t put pads on – but as far as this phase (goes), he has been exceptional.”
(On his expectation for the team in the red zone) – “I think that’s the fastest, quickest way for us to improve is third down and red zone. So many of those games … The difference (between) a field goal and a touchdown is four points. Most of these games come down to four points. We’re planning on being in a lot of close games and being in some close games that second half of the season. Those red zone snaps are a huge deposit we want to make right from the get go. I think the other thing is there’s extra teaching on that. There’s extra understanding on that. The more we can invest in that … I think through the years, (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase and I found out the same thing: when you’re up tempo like this, you have a lot more red zone snaps. There are some times when our red zone snaps have been up near 350. That’s a chunk, so we took and made it a little more quantity of red zone snaps in our practice. The percentage, get that up, because when you do hurry up, the ball tends to move and all of a sudden, bang, you’re in the red zone quickly, and there tends to be more snaps in there. I think we have intentionally increased that percentage of red zone practice snaps surely anticipating moving the football and being in the red zone a bunch.”
(On whether complementary football on offense and defense becomes a concern) – “Sure it does. It always is a concern. That’s why it’s important. If you’re going to go up tempo, we got to convert first downs, and the time of possession has tended to be high with what we’ve done both in Chicago and in Denver and in Indianapolis. We’ve tended to be good at it and possess the football. There is no offense that’s good three-and-out, three-and-out. It doesn’t matter what tempo you are, that would be problematic. I do think that (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase will tie this thing together as far as the three phases, and they have to complement each other. There’ll be times that you don’t want to be up tempo. There’s going to be all those different times, but overall, we want to be up tempo. We want to keep attacking, and I think it’ll be the same on defense, also, and special teams. I think they will complement each other. But sure, it’s always a concern. We don’t intend to go a bunch of three-and-outs.”
(On whether up tempo means a no-huddle offense or shorter huddles) – “Both. All of the above. Even in the up tempo, there’s still different levels of up tempo. Some of them will be extremely fast paced. Some of them will be a huddle at the line of scrimmage where we got plenty of time. I think one of the big things is that you do want to change pitches. You do want to have your fast ball. You want to have a changeup. You want to have all the different pitches in your tempo. And we can always get in the huddle and do it that way also. All of the above would be the answer.”
(On whether the offense will be up tempo a majority of the time) – “I think so. I think it is, yes. Just keep pushing the pace. A lot of it is (to) give our quarterback some time at the line of scrimmage. All of them don’t get snapped at 22 seconds left on the clock. That’s not necessarily the intention. That’s the changeup pitch, and you want them to keep them off … You want them to have to defend right from the get go, and now your quarterback may have a chance to get us in the right play. Again, this would be an advantage-based offense that we’re looking for. One of the reasons we’re at the line of scrimmage is for the tempo, for the conditioning and for the advantage based part of it. (If) we can get up there, and it looks like it’s going to be fast, then all of a sudden we can get into a play that we want to get into. That has always been a part of it, also.”
(On how QB Ryan Tannehill fits the up-tempo scheme) – “We’ll see. He’s learning. He’s an extremely bright guy. He’s extremely bright. He has picked it up extremely quickly, faster than I would’ve said that the guy could. He has worked his tail off. I’ve had to tell my wife a couple (times that) I’m coming home later. A couple nights, I feel guilty that I’m leaving, and he’s still here. I’ve had to change our dinner hour back a little bit. I felt kind of guilty leaving before the quarterback. But, he’s working, and that’s all you can ask. He’s a fast-minded guy. As far as this learning stuff … When we put on pads – and you start getting whacked around and all those things – then we’ll see. But again, it’s a teach time of year, and he is working his tail off.”
(On whether the up-tempo offense is all for naught if you’re unable to execute on crucial downs) – “Any sport, any offense, any tempo – that would be the case. Absolutely right.”
(On how QB Ryan Tannehill has been at putting throws on the spot) – “He’s adopted (the process). We’re stressing accuracy. This game is about accuracy. This game is about your misses being on the correct side, a little golf-ish if you will. You got to know where to miss and when to miss. We put a huge emphasis … (Quarterbacks) Coach Bo (Hardegree) has done a good job emphasizing the small targets. ‘Aim small, miss small,’ would be our theme in there from The Patriot. You remember that one? The guy is teaching his son who’s never shot. We need the ball in spots. Those things are really important. Those are the things the average person doesn’t see, (like) a ball that’s thrown on the back hip for a five-yard gain when it should have been thrown on the front tip of the shoulder for a 15-yard gain, because it turns up. Those are huge. That’s a huge emphasis. If you’re going to throw the ball as much as we’re going to throw it and do the things (we’re going to do), that has been a huge emphasis. (Ryan Tannehill) has been really good. I’ve seen it improve. He has worked hard in his technique. You guys see that we believe in drill work. We believe individual (drills) being as important as anything we do during the day and accuracy is a large part of that. Our feet, our body, our technique, our accuracy is huge. It’s huge. It’s the deal. You guys see that we spend an inordinate amount of time – during those special teams periods, pre-practice, all those things – working on those and emphasizing those. If you can’t throw it accurate in this league, then it’s going to be short lived. It’s going to be hard to be successful.”
(On the running back group besides RB Jay Ajayi and RB Kenyan Drake) – “Damien (Williams) would fall in the category (of) we just haven’t seen that much. He missed some practice, which was really unfortunate for him and us. We need these reps. Those other guys (I have) been impressed with, and I think they’re learning. Again, it’s hard to judge a running back until you get whacked and have to run with some pads on. But, they’ve been attentive. I think it’s a little bit of a change for some of them being as involved in the passing game and lining up split outside the numbers and doing some of those things. The protection issues are huge. We’re learning it. We’re not there yet. I’m glad opening day isn’t this weekend. We’re not ready for that, but we don’t need to be ready for that.”
(On RB Kenyan Drake) – “(Kenyan) Drake has been excellent. I’ve been really impressed with the rookie class. Not me, (but) we’ve been really impressed with the rookie class as professionals, as learners, as going home and studying and coming in and fitting in. They haven’t looked like rookies. I really think this class will be a huge part of the foundation of this thing. I’ve really been impressed and Kenyan, certainly, being one of those guys. He has won a bunch of football games. He understands how fine a line it is to win football games. What they did personnel-wise in this draft class is finding guys who understood that and could do that – could concentrate long enough to do the little things. (I have) really been impressed with this rookie class as far as being pros. Jakeem (Grant) – same thing. These guys have gotten in their books. They’ve done a great job. It’s good for everybody, because you get more competition. You got young guys competing with old guys and everybody has a … Nothing’s for sure.”
(On his impressions of QB Brandon Doughty and QB Logan Thomas) – “(With) Brandon (Doughty), I’ve been impressed again – like that rookie class – (with) how quick he has picked it up, that he doesn’t get rattled, doesn’t run around in there like a chicken with its head cut off. He looks like he knows what’s going on. He may not do everything perfectly, but he has a grasp of what’s taking place. Logan (Thomas), of course, is such a physical specimen. I think his accuracy is starting to come. It has still got to keep coming. One of the problems we do have right now is we got five of those guys, and you don’t get a ton of reps and you got to get those reps through film and through extra study and through getting the mental reps when you’re not in there. But they don’t get a ton of reps. I’ve been impressed with Brandon being able to stay up with things.”
Jermon Bushrod – June 6, 2016
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Monday, June 6, 2016
Guard/Tackle Jermon Bushrod
(On if today is the most he has done) – “Yeah. Every week, every month, we’ve just been steadily going up. Today was the first day I was able to get out there and participate in a little bit of walkthrough (and) do a little bit of individual. It felt good to be out there with the guys and kind of get the pace of how practice is going to go.”
(On where he is at physically right now) – “I don’t know. I’m getting there. I can’t really put a number on it, but I know that I’m feeling a lot better than I did last week. I’m feeling a lot better than I did last month. Every week I’m feeling better. It’s exactly where I want to be. This wasn’t going to be an easy road for me. I’m just fighting to embrace that process.”
(On if he feels comfortable playing guard) – “(I’ll play) however I can get on the field. My first nine years, I played left tackle. At the end of the day, I was open to coming here. I understand the positions that we have and the guys that we have here. Wherever I can make my mark and be comfortable, that’s what I’m fighting to do.”
(On if there will be a bigger adjustment moving to right guard because it’s one the other side of the line) – “It’s going to be an adjustment, regardless, wherever. Last year, when I was coming off the shoulder deal in Chicago, circumstances being what (they were), (Head Coach Adam) Gase had me out there at tight end. That was an adjustment for me. You’re one gap away; you’re one man away from the center. It’s just a little different. That’s kind of what I’ve been grinding towards. I haven’t just been focusing on tackle. I’ve been fighting to do a little bit of guard stuff as well so wherever I’m needed, I’m fighting to be ready.”
(On how exciting he is about the possibility of starting on a line that features four former first-round picks) – “Any time you get a chance to start, it’s exciting. Any time you’re on the team, you’re excited. Being out there and contributing is something I’ve look forward to doing. I’ve started for the last seven years. That’s just something that really drives me. That’s something I’m looking forward to doing, just contributing however I can.”
(On how tough this process has been) – “Mentally is always the hardest part of getting through things. Physically, we’re always beat up, we’re always tired, we’re always not feeling how we are in the offseason. At the end of the day, once you get over that hill in your mind, it’s just a fight every single day. That’s one thing I’ve been working on, especially last year, coming off some things that I wasn’t happy with. Mentally, I had to get over that hump, and when I did it changed the way I looked at things.”
(On what it’s like not to be young and spry anymore) – “You have to put a lot more work in. I tell a couple of young guys and people who ask me, when I was in my first two, three, four years, I could come into the weight room, bang a lift out, leave and go home. I’d be good to go. Now, you have to warm that car up a little bit. You have to get activated. You have to do a little certain things for your body. And once your lift is over, sometimes you have to go get a massage, ice, go in the training room. (You just have to) take a lot more care of your body. You’re just a professional. You have to be ready to go.”
(On if he thought about retiring) – “Yeah, I did. But (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase gave me an opportunity. He helped me out along the way. Like I said, last year, mentally, it was tough for me. But the fact that I was able to contribute … I got hungry again after things didn’t really go my way. Mentally and physically, I had the urge to keep going. Having talks with my wife and my parents this offseason, I felt like I had more in the tank – especially last year, after I got better, (after) I got the shoulder feeling better. It wasn’t 100 percent, but at the end of the day, I felt motivated because of where I was at and the fact that I did do the correct steps this offseason. I feel good. I feel good mentally. I feel good physically. I’m in a good place. Whatever happens, happens. I want to win. That’s the only reason I’m here. I’m going into my 10th year (and) I’m just trying to win again.”
(On if his injury was the labrum) – “Yeah, (it was) a little bit of labrum and a little bit of bicep tendon.”
(On if he played through his injury) – “Yes.”
(On when he had his surgery) – “(The) middle of February.”
(On when he felt like he had a breakthrough during the recovery process) – “(It was) when I got out of the sling. When I got out of the sling, I just felt a lot better about myself. It was still tough. The range wasn’t there, but every week I got a little better. The range got a little better. I got a little bit stronger. The light at the end of the tunnel was a little closer, but it’s not anywhere where I need to be. But we’re close. We’re close.”
(On when he got out of the sling) – “A week after I signed.”
(On if his retirement thoughts were a passing thought) – “It’s a passing thought. When you’re in your ninth year and your starting job is … when they go in a different direction and you’re not feeling good physically and mentally you’re not in a good place, yeah, it runs through your mind. But in the last few months, I haven’t thought about it. The only thing I think about is getting this thing (shoulder) ready and getting around these guys and getting myself ready to play some ball here.”
(On how good the offensive line can be) — “We can be good. In this offense, under the offensive line coach we have, Coach (Chris) Foerster, as long as we can jell together up front, we can get the job done. But we all have to be hitting on all cylinders. It just trickles down — head coach, coordinator, our positions coaches and then to us. They’re going to leave it up to us to get the job done. Our quarterback (Ryan Tannehill) is going to fight to put us in the right position and we have to make sure that we’re on top of our game. We have to get after it. We have to ID who we have to ID and we just have to go. We have to get him a few seconds back there and we have to open these holes.”
(On what the transition is like to go from tackle to guard) – “Last year I was strictly a tackle and I played a little bit of tight end. I never really did any competitive inside work. I really didn’t do too much of that. Like I said, I played strictly left tackle for nine years. It is technique stuff; it is technical stuff. When you’re out there at tackle, you have a little bit more time, as far as footwork and hands, but the guys are a little smaller, but they’re faster. Inside, these dudes are strong and your technique has to be faster, feet have to be faster, hands have to be more precise. It’s a work in progress, but I’m embracing this process.”
(On how often his first name gets mispronounced) – “I’m used to it. Since high school, my name has been butchered so many times, if you say something that sounds like my name, I’m probably going to turn my head.”
(On what people have called him) — “I get German, I get Jeremy. I don’t understand how I get Jeremy because there’s no ‘y’ anywhere in there, but … Most people in the league and since college and high school, they usually just call me by my last name.”
Xavien Howard – June 6, 2016
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Monday, June 6, 2016
Cornerback Xavien Howard
(On what he thinks about the situation at Baylor) – “Not really. Right now, my focus is on the Dolphins right now (and) just learning the defense.”
(On whether he saw the behavior detailed in a report about Baylor) – “No, sir.”
(On whether he is up to speed with learning the defense) – “I’m in there getting reps from the other guys like (Byron) Maxwell and Tony Lippett. (I am) watching them and really just catching on and learning the defense.”
(On whether he and CB Tony Lippett have shared an equal amount of first-team snaps) – “I think we’re getting the same reps. We’re just going to compete – Tony (Lippett and I) – on the other side of (Byron) Maxwell. But (I am) learning from him – learning from Tony and Maxwell.”
(On improving his patience and footwork and whether there are other areas of his game that are coming along) – “Really, my technique coming out of college – like my eye discipline and stuff like that – my technique is different. But I have to get adjusted to it (and) see what the coaches want me to do and improve every day.”
(On what he has learned so far about the NFL) – “The tempo is way fast. I thought it was fast at Baylor, but here, it’s fast. So, (I am) getting in the right position and (being) there to make a play and trying to adapt to the defense and learning everything that the coaches want me to do.”
(On what he enjoys about this defense so far) – “Right now, (we are) pressing. I love to press. We do a lot of different stuff that (Defensive Coordinator) Coach Vance Joseph (has) us doing. Really, (I enjoy) just being an all-around corner(back) and competing out there.”
(On how he would rate his performance in OTAs so far) – “I feel like I’m getting better each day and learning something different and trying to adapt to it.”
(On what he has learned about Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph) – “Vance Joseph leans on me hard, so he’s expecting a lot from me. I have to work hard every day and listen to him.”
(On whether he feels as if he should be a starter by training camp or opening day) – “I’m tough on myself about it, but (it is) really (about) learning – learning new stuff that’s going on and taking one day at a time and learning from the other guys, like I said.”
Jordan Lucas – June 6, 2016
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Monday, June 6, 2016
Cornerback Jordan Lucas
(On if he is feeling more comfortable) – “A lot more comfortable. Each day, coming in, learning the system, going home, studying … Right now, it’s actually a lot of studying. The more reps that I get, the more comfortable I am out there on the field.”
(On if it is different for him to hear a head coach talk trash to his unit) – “No, that’s not different for me. Coach (Bill) O’Brien did that when I was at Penn State. It was fun. It made practice fun. We competed and that’s what we do here. (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase is an offensive guy so that makes it fun for us.”
(On if he feels like Head Coach Adam Gase has it out for the defense because he is an offensive guy) – “No, no. Not at all. It’s actually, I think, better for the team, honestly. One, he’s an offensive guy (and) that’s great for the offense. Two, he’s able to come into our defensive meeting room and our d-backs room and tell us exactly how they are trying to attack us (and) exactly … when we’re in a certain look, what he thinks and how he is going to try to attack us. So I think it’s great for our defense and our d-backs.”
(On how much he played in the slot as opposed to the boundary at Penn State) – “I played three years in the slot (at Penn State) so I am very comfortable.”
(On if he has a high comfort level in the slot) – “Yes, sir.”
(On what he thinks it takes to be an NFL slot corner) – “Patience. It takes a lot of patience and just knowing where your help is. That’s the best advice that I’ve gotten from (Defensive Coordinator) Coach (Vance) Joseph so far, just knowing where your help is. You don’t have to cover everything but you will always have help somewhere when you’re in the slot.”
(On if he knows if they are looking at him more as a slot or boundary corner) – “Well, there is no boundary or field corner now, here in the NFL. Right now I’m working a lot at the nickel and I’m just trying to make sure that I know everything that I’m supposed to know and just keep getting more comfortable with the defense.”
(On if he feels that traffic is one of the more challenging aspects to playing in the slot) – “There’s different techniques to (play nickel). You have to know your leverage. You have to know where your help is. That will help you alone getting through the traffic.”
(On if playing in a young secondary has helped him adapt) – “Just being here, period, (has helped). That’s a great feeling. Learning the defense, that’s something on its own. Everybody is still learning. We’re all getting used to the coaching staff. It’s a great feeling to know that everybody is on the same page, everybody is right here with each other. Now in this last bit of OTA practices, we’re just trying to ramp it up.”
(On his experience with former Penn State Head Coach Bill O’Brien and how it helped him get to where he is now) – “First off, he gave me a shot to play Division I football at a high level. I’m forever thankful for that. One thing he did (was) he trusted me. He believed in me, he trusted me and he just told me to go out there. I knew what I was supposed to do. I knew what I had to do and he said ‘Go play ball.’ And that’s what I did for him. He treated us at Penn State like men and we went out there on the field and battled for him.”
(On if former Penn State Head Coach Bill O’Brien’s trash talk had more four-letter words than Head Coach Adam Gase’s trash talk) – “That’s just him (Coach O’Brien). Whatever you saw, it wasn’t staged. That’s how he is, 24/7. He’s a great guy but he really cares about football. He loves football.”
