Jerome Baker – June 12, 2018
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
LB Jerome Baker
(How pleased have you been with how you’ve done in your opportunities in team drills?) – “I feel really good. I’m just getting better every day. It’s a constant grind, but I’m definitely happy where I’m going.”
(What’s been your best play? We’ve only been able to watch five of the practices.) – “My best play is … I don’t know. Every day you just continue to learn and learn from your mistakes. Every day I get a new best play, I guess you could say, because I made up for the mistake I made the day before.”
(Have you forced a fumble? Have you done anything you would consider real notable?) – “Not really. Just constantly getting better.”
(Have they been working you mostly at Will or Sam?) – “I’ve been moving around a lot – in and out, from nickel to base. I’ve moved around pretty much.”
(Have they tried you at Mike or no?) – “No, they haven’t tried me at Mike.”
(I know LB Stephone Anthony said yesterday it’s been sort of a rotation with him and LB Terence Garvin. Have you gotten a little first-team work? A lot?) – “I’ve just been moving around pretty much everywhere. Sometimes you can be thrown in anywhere. When I’m in, I just try to make the best of the opportunity.”
(I like following your Twitter account. I get motivational messages on there sometimes. I guess I’ll ask you about the one you pinned here. Can you explain what this one means: “Please don’t fight my battles. I need these scars.” Can you tell me about that?) – “I made that one quite a long time ago. It’s pretty much I need that struggle. I don’t need anybody to take it for me. That pretty much was my whole college career. Coming in as a freshman, being behind some first rounders, Raekwon (McMillan) and all of those guys, they just sat me down and said, ‘You need all the pressure and all the hard times you go through. It’s going to pay off in the end.’ Honestly, it did and I kind of just stick to that. The hard times are going to come, but they’re not going to last.”
(How many scars do you got?) – “Quite a bit. Quite a bit.”
(Any one in particular that stands out?) – “I would say my freshman year at Ohio State. That was the biggest hard time in my life. Coming in as a senior in high school and a star player, you think I’m going to come in and pretty much do whatever I want to do, be behind Darron Lee, Christopher Worley, Josh Perry, Raekwon (McMillan). They humble you fast. They try to bring you along, but they understand that it’s a growing process and they definitely helped me.”
(Do you see any correlation between what’s going on then and now?) – “Yes, but it’s kind of a … I’ve been through it before, so I know it’s going to come and it’s going to go. So, just take advantage of it and try to learn as much as you can. The faster you learn, the faster it gets over with.”
(What kind of feedback have you gotten from the coaching staff about how you’ve played so far?) – “Pretty good. I’m learning the playbook pretty well; but now it’s just the focus on the little details. The little things I’m pretty much focusing on. The basic things are going well, but the little things is what’s going to separate me.”
(While you were going through the hard times as a freshman, what was going through your mind? Were you starting to wonder, “Am I ever going to get it?” or “Why is this tougher than I thought?”) – “The physical part, I really never really questioned. It was more the mental part of, ‘I keep making the same petty mistake.’ And after a while, three mistakes turned into two, those two mistakes turned into one and next thing you know, you’re not making as many mistakes anymore. The mental part is what’s – with any athlete – is what’s the hard part. Once I got that under control, the physical part just took care of itself.”
(Who has been your roommate?) – “’Q.’ Quentin Poling.”
(Is LB Quentin Poling a good sleeper? Does he snore?) – “Does he snore? (laughter)”
(Are you getting rest?) – “No, he doesn’t really snore. I go to bed before him and he’s gone before me. When I wake up, he’s pretty much gone already. He has his own car, so he’s gone.”
(Do you guys work out who’s the night shower and who’s the morning shower?) – “(laughter) It’s kind of just get it in when you fit in. (laughter) That’s pretty much what it is.”
(Is it difficult out there to restrain yourself to remember not to hit anybody and have you been reprimanded for maybe getting a little too close?) – “Sometimes it’s hard when you’re running full speed. It’s a regular play, you just run through them; but we’re pros now. You just got to take care of each other. It’s pretty cool.”
(Did you have any time where the coaches had to tell you, “That was a little too much?”) – “I have players be like, ‘Alright, calm down.’ Especially at walkthroughs. Walkthroughs – even in college – it was a full … We were going hard. You just weren’t hitting anybody. Here, the walkthroughs are a little toned down; but I was still in my college mind of going hard and sometimes it gets you in trouble a little bit. But it’s all good.”
(How bummed were you that the Cavs lost in the NBA Finals and how bummed will you be when LeBron James leaves?) – “Alright. Alright. Okay. (laughter)”
(I know you’re a big LeBron James guy.) – “It is what it is. Wherever LeBron goes, I’m still going to be his fan; but he’s still the greatest basketball player of all time. I’m happy for the Cavs. They had a great season, but it is what it is.”
(I know obviously any linebacker coming into the league, they’d eventually like to be a full-time player. You’re obviously known for being terrific in coverage. Have you thought about in your mind, “I’d like at least to show enough now and again in August to get on the field on traditional passing spots.” Is that a thought process you have?) – “Yes. Any player, they want to get in pretty much every play, and that’s me. I’m known for coverage, but I feel like I can do anything you tell me to do. That’s just one aspect of my game is just covering, but I have a whole arsenal of different things I can do.”
(How have you held up in coverage against backs and tight ends the last three weeks?) – “It’s been pretty good. Mike (Gesicki), he’s definitely a great tight end. It’s funny going up against him because we went against each other in college, so it’s pretty fun.”
(Maybe practicing against TE Mike Gesicki will get you ready for TE Rob Gronkowski. Have you watched any of that Gronk film yet? How familiar are you with that guy?) – “He’s a great player, but I’ll cross that path when it comes. He’s one of the best tight ends ever. It’s going to be a good honor, but I’m going to cross that when it’s time to cross that path.”
(How much have you leaned on LB Raekwon McMillan obviously with the friendship going back to Ohio State? Do you talk to him most days about things? Does he come to you with advice?) – “I talk to him pretty much every day. His locker is right next to mine. Weekends, I even ask to use his car. I pretty much use him as much as I can. He comes to me and he tells me things I need to work on. He’s a great leader. He’s the middle linebacker. He’s been a real middle linebacker his whole life. He’s good.”
(Let’s get to the root of this whole thing: Where’s your car? Do you have a license?) – “I have a license. So when I was training for the Combine, my dad ended up wrecking my car. He’s fine. It’s just I don’t have one now. So, that’s going to be my purchase I guess.”
Akeem Spence – June 12, 2018
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Tuesday, June 12, 2018
DT Akeem Spence
(I don’t think we’ve chatted with you since you’ve been a Miami Dolphin. How did all of that go down?) – “I just got a call from my agent. He told me that I was kind of going to Miami. I was excited to get back with (Defensive line) Coach Kris (Kocurek) and be back in this scheme, this attack scheme, which I’m accustomed to playing. I’ve been playing it since I’ve been in the NFL. I’ve been in a Tampa 2. It’s the same type of scheme. It just kind of worked out.”
(Did you get any warning signs that your days there we numbered?) – “No warning signs. I just went to work every day, did everything I was supposed to do. Just was being a pro and it just so happens Miami pulled the trigger to get me down there. The rest was history.”
(When they did the contract restructure, did your agent know at the time it was for trading you here?) – “Might’ve had a inkling or something like that.”
(Yes, because it all happened in like a one or two day period.) – “It was kind of weird to everybody, but we kind of had an inkling.”
(Any hard feelings?) – “No, no, no. No hard feelings. It’s a business at the end of the day. I love those guys in Detroit, my fellow d-lineman and everything like that. It’s just different strokes for different folks. They were going to a different scheme and it just so happens I didn’t fit well in there. It’s different strokes for different folks, that’s all.”
(How would you describe your strengths for somebody who’s never watched you?) – “In this type of scheme, it fits me. I’m a quick-twitch guy. I get off the ball and make plays in the backfield. I play my gap very well, just being fundamentally sound. Being here to help these guys know what (Defensive Line) Coach Kris (Kocurek) wants, because I’ve played for him. (I’m) just (trying to) help the d-line core, group, come along a lot better and learn how to be attack defensive tackles. That’s pretty much what we’ve been working on every day, just trying to get better and just keep progressing every day.”
(You mentioned Defensive Line Coach Kris Kocurek. Up there do they expect to rotate as much as they expect to rotate here?) – “Yes, but last year we had a few injuries in Detroit. Haloti (Ngata) went down. Jordan Hill went down, so the load got kind of put on me and A’Shawn (Robinson). I felt like we did a good job playing 60-70 snaps a game. The idea for the way we play is you have about eight or nine starters and just continue to roll guys in. That’s what Kris believes in and that’s how we play – guys going all out for four or five plays and then get a fresh set in. (It’s a) hockey lineup type of deal.”
(How do you feel about wearing No. 93?) – “I feel funny about it because I’ve been #97 my whole career and then when I came into the league, Gerald McCoy was No. 93. I really didn’t want to be No. 93 but hey, it was the only number available, so I just took it.”
(How does your style compare to the last No. 93 – DT Ndamukong Suh?) – “We’re two different guys. I’m not a big flashy guy. I’m a do my job type of guy, control my gap and make plays when I can. (I’m) just trying to help the guys around me become better. I have my edge rushers. I have two great edge rushers now between Cam Wake, and Robert Quinn, so that’s going to help a lot. Just doing my job, being where I’m supposed to be and just making the play I’m supposed to make.”
(You just recently got here, but you’re not only the one who has familiarity with Defensive Line Coach Kris Kocurek but you’re also the oldest guy amongst the defensive tackles. With those two factors combined, do you see part of your role being a leader among the defensive tackle positon?) – “Yes. Like I tell the guys, if there is anything you want to know about me or Kris, just ask. I’m here to help. I’m here to help the guys progress. They’ve never played for Coach Kris. Sometimes Kris gets to hollering and they don’t know what he’s talking about, so I can pull them to the side (and say), ‘Hey, this is what he means.’ (I’m) just trying to get the group better. Yes, I am the veteran in the d-line room. So these guys, they do look to me like (Davon) Godchaux, J. (Jordan) Phillips, Gabe (Wright) and those guys. It’s just about getting better every day. Obviously we know we’re going to have to work hard to make up for some guys that we lost. That’s a challenge that we’re willing to take. Upfront, just continue to get better everyday.”
(Defensive Line Coach Kris Kocurek is a pretty intense guy. Give me his vocabulary today, how often do you hear from these guys about is he for real about what he’s saying?) – “Yes and I’ll tell them Coach Kris is all about ball. He loves ball. Next to his wife, and then it’s football. I tell them everything he says he means, and he means well. If he’s not yelling at you, cursing at you, then he doesn’t care. I tell them he’s just trying to get guys better when he’s dong all of that yelling, doing all of that hollering. He cares so much and he’s so passionate about the game that he wants guys to play well and get a whole bunch of sacks. I’m sure he talked about that with you guys.”
(We saw you guys have a little in-practice game, d-ends verses d-line? What happened there?) – “That’s just competition period. I think the ends, I think they came back and tied us at the end, so nobody had to do pushups today. That’s just a way to make individual fun. You have your d-tackles competing against your ends getting off the ball, seeing who can get off the rock fast. We’re just making individual fun because obviously it’s hot out there. You’ve got to make working fun and make this game fun. That’s what we’re trying to do every day.”
(Why was it important to you to participate in the social injustice protest last year?) – “It was important to me and it still is important to me. I’m not going to make a big thing about it. I’m just going to continue to do what I do off the field and just leave it at that; don’t try to make it magnify onto the team. Just keep it the way it is.”
(Then you made the decision that you will not be participating this year?) – “No. I’ll just be doing whatever I’m doing off the field, not to bring attention to the team or anything like that. Just keep it as is.”
(You made some national headlines last fall about your father. Have there been anymore ramifications since then?) – “No more ramifications. His business is doing well. He’s still building homes out there in Panama City and Destin and everything like that. That actually helped business pick up more so than anything, which I was glad to see. People stepping up to the plate. That was pretty cool. It is what it is.”
(So you speaking out about what happened to him helped?) – “Yes, it actually helped him get more jobs and stuff like that. People reached out. A bad thing turned into a great thing.”
(Why was fighting for social equality important?) – “It’s the world that we live in. Just like my kids, I want them to be treated equally as your kids and vice versa. This world we live in is crazy. We all say we’re equal so we all should be treated equal at the end of the day and just leave it at that.”
(The few questions we’ve asked you about Defensive Line Coach Kris Kocurek, every time you get a big smile on your face. How would you describe what it’s like to play for him?) – “It’s fun. You hear him in the meeting room, some of the jokes he says and then he goes out on the field and gives it his all. Just like this offseason, we’re out there running hills and he actually ran 20 hills with the d-line. He’s not just talking like most coaches. He’s going out there and living it, as well. I love to play for that guy. He’s intense. He wants you to do well. He cares about his players genuinely. Who wouldn’t want to play for a coach like that?”
(Why do you guys call him Coach Kris? You don’t just call him Kris or Coach Kocurek. It’s coach Kris all the time.) – “I mean that’s what he wants to be called. (laughter) He introduces himself as Coach Kocurek, but that’s a mouthful. Especially being down here in Miami, it’s so hot. Coach Kris is cool. That’s cool.”
(How much has having him here helped you with your transition personally?) – “It’s easy.
I came in whenever the trade happened. This defense is pretty much similar to what we ran in Detroit, minus the terminology here and there. I hit the ground running and picked up where I left off last season, just fine-tuning every day, getting ready for the season and getting ready for training camp.”
(You mentioned the two defensive ends you’re going to line up next to – DE Cameron Wake and DE Robert Quinn. How excited are you to play next to them?) – “Very excited. Cam, I forget how many career sacks he has, and then you have Rob on the other side. I think he leads the NFL in active strip sacks or whatever. When you get to play with those guys, it kind of makes it easier on Sundays because come third down, you’re going to see Rob and Cam flying off the rock. You’re going to get some production somewhere. They’re going to make the quarterback step up to me somewhere. I’m just excited to be there collect and clean up and do what I do.”
(We hear the word attacking with Defensive Line Coach Kris Kocurek. Can you explain to us a little bit more about his philosophy and what he wants his defensive tackles to do?) – “When you turn on the film, it speaks for itself. The defensive tackles next to the ends should be the first two guys off the ball, attacking the guards shoulders, knocking them back and creating penetration so that way your linebackers can play downhill. Everybody can be downhill. You’ve got your ends setting hard edges attacking the tackles at the tip of their pads, setting edges. That way our defense is one-gap sound, playing downhill. The defensive tackles are playing in the backfield and that should show on the film, guys getting knocked back. If not, then we’re playing read 3-4 and Kris is probably somewhere throwing his hat off screaming all types of obscenities. (laughter)”
(I’m dying to hear one of the jokes that Defensive Line Coach Kris Kocurek shares with you guys in the meeting room.) – “I probably couldn’t say it because there are so many F bombs in them. (laughter) I forgot what we did last year in Detroit. I think one of my teammates counted how many F bombs he said in a 45-minute meeting. I think it was over 130 or something like that. That should give you an idea that. That’s his favorite word.”
(When you broke into the league, a lot of people were comparing you to the famous DT Warren Sapp. Now that you’ve been in the league, have you had a chance to go back and look? Maybe some similarities?) – “Yes, but Sapp is Sapp. Sapp is great. Like I told people when I came in the league, no I’m not Sapp. No, I’m not whoever. I’m just me. I’m just every year trying to get better. I still haven’t hit my milestones in sacks. I thought I was going to get it last year. It’s about getting better every year and being a good football player in this league, just mentoring guys that are coming along and help them every day, day in and day out, working together and just … Right now, I have an opportunity to play with a great group of guys. I’m happy and just trying to get better.”
(What’s your milestone?) – “I want like eight (sacks) or something like that; but when I get to 5, then I’ll go from there. That’s always been a dream of mine, but I’m going to keep dreaming.”
(Eight sacks is a dream?) – “Yes, for an inside guy. I saw Gerald (McCoy) do it for like three-plus years.”
(If you’re only getting 35 snaps a game, that’s a lot of sacks.) – “Hey man, you’ve got to attack.”
(Is there a vision you have? Obviously defensive snaps vary in a game. Do you have an understanding of how much you think you’re going to be playing? Is it 25 snaps a game, 30 a game?) – “I just know from my experience in Detroit, it’s pretty much 50/50. I know when me and Haloti (Ngata), when we were splitting snaps, it was dead even. If we had 60 for the game, it was like 30 and 30. That’s ideal, but you know how it gets during the game. Some guys might get nicked up so you never really know, and then everything gets thrown off.”
(Have you and DT Davon Godchaux basically rotated with the first group?) – “All of the defensive tackles are rotating. Me and Jordan will go out there first and then Godchaux comes in with the second group or sometimes me and Godchaux go out there first and it’s just a matter of what we’re doing and the periods because we’re always rotating. You never know who’s going to be on the field.”
(DT Ndamukong Suh had 84 percent of the snaps. What do you think when you hear that number? Suh played 84 percent of snaps.) – “That’s ridiculous. Some teams, that’s what they expect from a guy of his caliber. But to play 84 percent of NFL snaps and be productive at every one, that’s pretty hard to do. I kind of like it down in the 50 percent range, that way you can be more effective and you can be more productive like that. That’s how I feel. That’s a lot of snaps. And then trying to run to the ball and try to make plays as well? That’s tough in the interior. Trying to whip a guy, then run down the field, then run to the sideline. That’s a lot to do.”
(Which defensive player, non-defensive line, have you noticed or has made an impression on you?) – “Our secondary. You look at it, you’ve got Xavien Howard, you’ve got Reshad (Jones) in the back. It’s a really talented group. And then our linebacking core with young Raekwon (McMillan) and Kiko (Alonso) and those guys, they’re impressive. How fast they play, their anticipating, picking balls off. It’s a really great group to play with so far. They made an impression on me so far.”
Walt Aikens – June 12, 2018
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Tuesday, June 12, 2018
S Walt Aikens
National Association of Police Athletic/Activities League (National PAL) CEO Jeff Hood:
“Good afternoon. (I’m) Jeff Hood. I’m CEO of National PAL. I’m not sure if you guys are aware, PAL has a long standing history of engaging kids, cops and communities around this country. PAL started originally in 1914, over 100 years ago in New York City. Basically it’s kind of come full circle with a lot of what’s going on around the country right now between our young people and law enforcement. That’s originally why we were birthed and why we were started: to be able to engage young people, get them off the street and involved and engaged in positive enrichment opportunities in communities such as what we’re doing right now. The gentleman behind me, Walt Aikens, (is) someone that I’ve known since he was a little, little fella. His dad and I are also friends and I used to be over the Charlotte, North Carolina PAL. It’s great to see a young person such as this be able to work hard, put a lot of work into his craft and to be not just a great football player and athlete. I’ve said this in another setting actually, Walt was just as good in basketball. I thought that was the direction he was going to go and (he) wound up taking off with football. I couldn’t be more proud of him not just from the athletic side, but the type of person that he is. He’s so willing to give back. He actually texted me this week wanting to see about doing some things in Charlotte with young people while he’s off on a little break before he gets back going with the Dolphins. That’s the type of a person he is and that’s what PAL is about. We’re so excited to be able to have him being named one of our spokespersons, to be a good representation piece of who and what we are and what we aspire our young people to be. With that, I just want to again thank Walt for coming onboard and be willing to talk positively about who and what we are both here in Florida but also around the country.”
Walt Aikens:
“Like (Jeff Hood) said, I grew up a PAL kid in Charlotte, North Carolina. I started off playing football for PAL and ultimately finished up as late as I could in the system we had in North Carolina. Right now, Jeff had called me a few months back over the break and asked me if I wanted to become a part of the PAL system again. I felt like it was the best way to give back, me going back to these local communities and showing these kids that no matter where you are or where you’re from, you can always make it and there’s a positive way out of every situation. I just love the fact that I’m able to give back. Jeff put me in a positon where I can impact these kids’ lives and really be a positive influence in their life and that’s my ultimate goal.”
(What’s your best memory of PAL growing up?) – “Just being out there with the kids. You build true friendships. You build real relationships and you go out there and play football. Then, there’s no stretch. You just go out there and play and everything is real fun. That whole team environment, that’s what builds on and helps you get through your everyday life, not only on the field, but off the field. I still have relationships with kids I grew up with. They hit me up every now and then (and say), ‘Remember when we played PAL ball?’ This and that. So, it’s not just one, specific memory, it’s just the whole camaraderie of being in a group at that young age.”
(Tell us about your basketball skills.) – “I was a hooper now. I was a hooper. (laughter) I thought I was going to … I really thought I was going to play basketball up until around 11th, 12th grade and it was still a tough decision after that, because I ended up playing basketball at Liberty (University) and ran track there, too. But early on, I was straight basketball and football was something I could do and then I just fell in love with the game and I realized where I wanted to be in life and what I wanted to do, so I had to go with football.”
(What was it about the game that helped you make that decision?) – “Being angry a lot. (laughter) I’m never really an angry person, but on the football field, it’s where you can release all of your senses, all of your emotions. You can go and hit people, you can go and run as fast as you can. Basketball is more of a finesse-type game, low contact. And you know how people flop in basketball. There isn’t any of that in football. You’ve got to be real when it comes to that gridiron.”
(Did you ever meet an NFL player when you were in PAL and what is the reaction you see in kids’ faces when they see you out there?) – “I was just talking about this the other day. I feel bad for myself. I feel like these kids are so lucky, because now you see a football – like for me – you see a football play (and say), ‘Oh, it’s just another football player.’ But they still have the joy of, ‘This is my first time meeting such and such. This is my first time seeing an actual football player,’ and I get jealous sometimes just looking at them and how excited they are. I wish I could have that feeling all over again.”
(We haven’t had a chance to chat with you since you decided to re-sign here. What was you thinking and how did that all come together?) – “This is home. Any other team was just a second option at that point. Me and my agent sat down, made some decisions and this was the best place for me.”
(Do you hope that your role will continue to grow here?) – “Yes, definitely. Definitely. That was a big part of my staying too, just talking with (Head Coach Adam) Gase and (Defensive Backs) Coach ‘O’ – Tony Oden – and just trying to find a home. I’m willing to do whatever, going out there day in and day out, just grinding and everything will fall into place.”
(Do you speak to kids? Do you give like a talk when you’re involved in these things?) – “Yes.”
(What is your message to them as far as relating to law enforcement?) – “The whole aspect of PAL is to keep kids – at-risk kids or just kids in general – out of trouble. So, the police aspect is taking these kids from off the streets or off of doing bad things in the neighborhood or community and bringing them into one place where they can have a constructive atmosphere, whether it’s football, boxing. They have classrooms and everything. We do tutors, after school programs, everything like that just to keep kids in a good environment and out of trouble’s way.”
(Do they every ask you tough questions given some of the issues that have popped up between police and youth?) – “Who is, ‘they?’”
(Do the kids ask tough questions?) – “No. They’re kids. And if they do know about it, I’m pretty open with my situation. I would just tell them we all make mistakes. I made a mistake my first ever time getting in trouble and it was my last. (I) didn’t make it a habit. Even me, I was in a nice, two-parent home and I made mistakes. I was young. I was a kid; but that didn’t describe my life. I didn’t let that define who I was as a person. So, when that happened, I just kept it moving. My pops told me when I initially got in trouble, he said, ‘What’s done is done.’ We’ve got to learn from it and move on. And I feel like that was the most impactful thing that you could say to me, because he wasn’t mad, he wasn’t yelling. He said, ‘I’m not mad or nothing. I’m more upset,’ and that really hit home like if you’re mad you can get over it, but if you’re upset, I felt like I let him down. I let my parents down. I just kept it moving. Like I said, I was hurt by it. I ultimately made the best out of my situation and I tell these kids that they can do the same in whatever situation they come from.”
(Do you think that your interactions with police officers at a very early, young age impacted your viewpoint of police?) – “Up until more recently, I’ve had a pretty good viewpoint of police. I’ve never been in any situation where it was just wrongfully an outburst, or something that was drastically crazy. My viewpoint was always good. Back in Charlotte, we have a nice group of police officers that a lot of them were my friends’ parents, so we grew up in that environment where I know his dad is a cop, but at the end of the day, that’s my friend’s pops. So, we always had a good relationship. When I said up until recently, I still don’t have a bad viewpoint; but we’ve seen what’s been going on in the media with police and people going on, beatings and all that stuff right now. It affects me. It affects me because I have police friends. Even a few years ago, with the Brent Vinson situation in Charlotte, North Carolina, he’s a police officer that shot an unarmed man supposedly; but he went to my college. I know he’s a good dude and I know that he was doing what he needed to do in the line of duty; but it was kind of hard having mixed emotions coming from patrons and then coming from the police officers. It’s kind of hard when you have friends or family involved in that; but my viewpoint is still the same until otherwise. There are a lot of things you have to watch out for nowadays, especially being a young, black male in today’s society. It’s kind of tough; but at the same time, I just try to keep my nose clean, do what I need to do and get out of the way.”
(Back to football for a second, what do you think of the new kickoff rule and how does that change what you do?) – “New kickoff rules are pretty decent. We’ll see how it plays out more in preseason; but as far as right now, it’s made to protect players and make it a safer play, because there’s a lot that goes on in a five, six second play. People are running down with a long head start. Now they’re shortening that up, trying to make the blocks easier or safer. We’ll just have to see how that works out in preseason.”
(I asked Head Coach Adam Gase about how he considers you, whether a special teams player or a special teams DB. What do you consider yourself? Do you think you’re like a Matthew Slater type or are you special teams DB as a football player?) – “I feel like if you put me out there on the field, I can play wherever. I don’t try to limit myself with a title, especially as a special teams player, because I’m a DB before anything. My ultimate goal is to get out on the field and ball out and show them what I’ve really got. It’s been a long journey these past four, going on five (years) now. I’m just trying to do whatever I can to help this team win.”
(Prior to re-signing here when you sat down and talked to either Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke or Head Coach Adam Gase or Executive Vice President of Football Operations Mike Tannenbaum or whoever about a defensive role potentially, where did they tell you they saw you having a chance to compete – safety, corner? What sort of role?) – “Safety, but be alert for anytime we need corners. I’m at a good way where I feel like I can move as a safety or a corner. The main thing is just knowing everything and being ready when the time comes.”
(How much do they cross-train you? Do you play both in practice?) – “I’m just playing safety right now, but I know both. I know everything.”
(We mentioned Matthew Slater, who’s kind of the guy when you mention special teams players, he’s the guy. How much of a goal is it for you to get to that point where it’s not just Matthew Slater, it’s Matthew Slater and Walt Aikens?) – “I try to make my presence be known whenever we play a tough opponent like the Patriots and you’ve got great special teams guys like Slater and Danny (Amendola). When Danny was there, we had to look out for them, but I wanted them to feel me and look out for me, too. Just hearing those guys come up and talk to me after the game or before the game knowing we’re going to battle it out, that’s a big confidence, big momentum booster for me.”
(Why do you think this year is going to be different for this team?) – “Really, we have a whole new team; but I feel like we’re buying into the system right now. We’re gelling. We’re bonding together. Just with the pieces we’ve brought in this year and the guys we’ve already had, I feel like it’s about that time we start making some noise.”
(What has your impressions been on S Minkah Fitzpatrick so far through minicamp and OTAs?) – “Minkah is a nice safety. Young dude, high energy, big motor. He’s coming along good in these offseason programs and we hope to see a lot out of him.”
(A minute ago you mentioned you wanted to show the coaches what you’ve really got. How big of a gap do you think there is between what you’ve shown and what you can give this team?) – “It’s a lot. There’s a lot I haven’t shown you yet just with the limited snaps I did get. I’ve gained more confidence in myself. I feel like I kind of fell off confidence-wise the past couple years, but I’m coming back in refocused, refreshed, full of confidence, full of energy and just ready to ball out.”
(What made you lose confidence?) – “I would say just not being on the field as much as I would want to and just being labeled as a special teams player for so long. I kind of got down on myself; but I know I can ball. I know I can go out there and play. (It is) just about getting on the field now. When the opportunity comes, show out.”
(A business of football question: you know now that WR Jarvis Landry is gone, you and T Ja’Wuan James are the only players from your draft class on the team. Does that surprise you when you think about it or is it kind of “I’ve been in the league. I know that’s how it goes” type deal?) – “Me and Ja’Wuan were actually talking about that yesterday. A few years ago, anybody that left was a shocker to me like, ‘Gosh, we’re really letting these people go.’ But now, I’ve seen it so much, it’s just the league thing. It happens. So, it’s not really a big deal. We’re holding on, me and Ja’Wuan. (laughter) But it’s not really a big deal. Seeing people come and go, it’s part of the league. NFL stands for Not For Long, so you have to make the most of your opportunities now.”
(You mentioned WR Danny Amendola. CB Bobby McCain had said a couple weeks ago that was his second most hated player in the league prior to now. Did you have similar affection for Danny prior to this?) – “Something like that; but it wasn’t as personal as Bobby and Danny. (laughter) Me and Amendola had some words every few punts or a KOR might get him. We actually ran into each other, it was like three years back. I think it was in New England. He tried to block me and I made my presence be known. I like to joke with him about that one. But no, he’s a good dude. He’s a nice asset to this team – a hard worker, goes out. You’re going to get the same person every day. Ultimately, he’s going to make this defense better being that he came from a system that can score and (a) high-powered offense. He’s here now. We’re going to see what he’s got.”
Kalen Ballage – June 12, 2018
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Tuesday, June 12, 2018
RB Kalen Ballage
(How much have you thought about … It’s clear obviously that RB Kenyan Drake and RB Frank Gore are going to play. How much have you had in your mind of “I’ve got to give this staff a reason to play a third running back this season?” I know learning has been a priority but has that thought come into your mind?) – “Yes. I mean I feel like I’ve always been a playmaker so those things come into my mind automatically. But I definitely want to be a guy that stands out (and is a) hard worker – everything that I do on and off the field. There’s probably not a guy in here that doesn’t want to be noticed for doing good things.”
(I know there is the usual crash course of trying to get into the playbook and practice and everything like that but you also have a lot of veterans around you. What have you picked up from the guys in your room?) – “It’s funny because Frank (Gore) is a vet but he’s new to the offense, as well. And Kenyan (Drake) is a vet but still really young so it’s been a nice mixture. It’s allowed me to really get into the playbook and learn and different aspects of it, and learn differently. Not everyone learns the same but it’s helped me a lot.”
(Have you asked RB Frank Gore for his autograph while he’s been here?) – “(laughter) I haven’t had to. I’ve got his number.”
(What kind of feedback have you gotten from the coaching staff so far?) – “I’m not a guy that makes a lot of mental errors. There’s going to be stuff here and there because I’m learning a completely new playbook. It’s a lot of information to learn but I’m just trying to be the most consistent football player I can be right now.”
(What do you like about the offense so far?) – “There’s nothing that I don’t like about it. Everything the defense gives us, we’ve got something to give them back so it’s a nice offense to play in, for sure.”
(I saw a cool social media video on the Miami Dolphins account where RB Kenyan Drake was giving you some extra time, maybe after practice or something. What specifically has he said about what he remembers about his rookie season that he’s shared with you?) – “Kind of what you heard on the video. Somebody put their arm around him and kind of did the same thing, so I appreciate him not only being a teammate but kind of like a big brother.”
(How much Arizona State reminiscing have you been doing with QB Brock Osweiler? Had you met him before you came here?) – “We’ve always been around each other kind of in the same vicinity but I actually never met him until I got here. We knew about each other so when I got here, I had the opportunity to speak to him. He went to a completely different Arizona State than what I went to. He had Coach (Dennis) Erickson and it was a little bit different over there. We’re still Sun Devils.”
(You’re obviously more known as a guy who had success catching the ball out of the backfield. Do you have a mentality of when you catch the ball, after you do it, to sort of become a running back? There seems to be a second gear you have at times after catching.) – “Absolutely. I don’t have one specific mentality though in anything that I do. I try to do everything. I want to score every time I touch the ball. That’s kind of how I am. Definitely though, when I catch the ball, I want to make a difference in the passing game.”
(What was the most humbling moment for you so far out on the field?) – “I think practice one day we just started going super fast. I’m from a no-huddle offense at Arizona State or whatever. I’ve been in the no-huddle stuff and going really fast but going really fast and not knowing all of the plays is completely different. There were a few times where my mind is running 100 miles per hour trying to figure things out.”
(How does it feel when you are out there trying to do that and you know that you don’t know?) – “It’s not that I don’t know. It’s am I 100 percent sure? You kind of have an idea of what you are supposed to be doing but maybe you aren’t fully sure about it. That’s what I said: just being consistent and knowing what I’ve got, so you can be very decisive and play fast.”
(We heard from TE Mike Gesicki and TE Durham Smythe saying they’ll have this white board where they’ll quiz each other on plays. Have you done that with any rookie teammate?) – “We’ve done a lot of that stuff. Me and Buddy Howell are roommates so we go through a lot of the plays, the system and then try to get it down. One thing about that too is you can’t try to look into the playbook too much. You can fry your brain if you look at it too much, so it’s just about finding that balance.”
(One of the coaches mentioned in blocking, and I’m quoting him here, he says “In the NFL you get odd defenses – spinners, floaters and trap blitzes.” I don’t know what that stuff means but it sounds kind of complex. What have you learned about the sort of stuff that they try to do to you in the NFL?) – “There’s a trick to the trade in everything. All of that stuff, yes it sounds confusing. It was kind of confusing to me in college when I (first) heard that stuff and now I’m getting more detailed about it now that I’m in the NFL. There’s tricks to the trade. Everything on defense, every blitz that they have coming, we have something to counteract that.”
(Do you have a good RB Frank Gore story yet?) – “(laughter) Yes, I’ve got a few. Top Golf is not Frank’s thing. (laughter) We’re very competitive – our whole running back group – so we got in there and none of us really know how to hit a golf ball; but we were hitting it hard as hell. It was going far but not where we want it to go. It was veering off here and here and here. We were all trying to get a little better at that. That was fun.”
(Did RB Frank Gore make contact every time?) – “Oh, yes. We were hitting it. It just wasn’t pretty. (laughter)”
(When you said that your head was spinning a little bit in no-huddle work, was that early?) – “Yes, it was a little bit earlier on.”
(So how have things progressed for you now?) – “Really well. It’s a lot of memorization and stuff like that so repetition helps with that. The more you do it, the less mistakes you make.”
(Is there anything in particular that you’ve tried to pick RB Frank Gore’s brain about?) – “Everything.”
(Like diet, how RB Frank Gore stays durable?) – “Everything. Luckily, me and Frank are … Frank is 14 years in the league but he studies running backs still to this day. He studies running backs younger than him, older than him. He’s really into that and so am I. Luckily he’s that same way or else I’d probably get annoying. (laughter)”
(When you’ve looked at other NFL backs, is there anyone with similar body types as you?) – “I would say David Johnson and Le’Veon Bell. They’re bigger backs that catch the ball well out of the backfield. Those are two really great running backs. Yes, we’ve got the same body type and stuff but they’ve lived up to the hype so that’s where I’m trying to get next.”
Adam Gase – June 12, 2018
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Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Head Coach Adam Gase
(TE Mike Gesicki mentioned to us yesterday that QB Ryan Tannehill went out to lunch with him on his 30-visit. Did you guys have Ryan spend time with your offensive players on 30-visits and ask his opinion after, just out of curiosity?) – “Really, if Ryan saw those guys in the building, he’s always going to take time and get to know those guys whether they’re on offense or defense. I think that was more of a coincidence. That wasn’t something that we set up.”
(Was the offense a little better today? Were you a little happier?) – “We’re getting better here and there. We’ll have some good plays, some bad plays. That’s just kind of how offseason goes.”
(How do you assess the offensive tackle performance? I know they’re going against a ton of guys and a lot of talent there, but are you seeing enough consistency?) – “Yes because we’re taking in … We’re watching individual, we’re watching the group periods we’re working on. Really, a lot of times it’s tougher in OTAs (because) you have no pads on. We’re throwing the ball a lot. This is really a passing camp type emphasis, so there’s not much run game threat. It’s tough. It’s good for them though because you really have to be good with the cadence. You have to be good at getting out there and being ready for their counters. Those guys have to be on it.”
(We understand this is the offseason and it is all voluntary. We didn’t see G Josh Sitton out there. Is there an injury or is it personal?) – “I don’t know. I don’t have to tell you right now, right?”
(You do not.)
(What, if anything, have you seen from WR Isaiah Ford and his return from injury?) – “He’s done a good job. He’s made a lot of plays, a lot of catches. I think he’s … We felt so good about him last training camp and it was really tough for him getting hurt because he was making strides. He was starting to break through working him in the slot and he still has ability outside. He had a really good feel for what was going on. Losing him, I know he was disappointed but then he worked hard to come back. He’s been very productive this spring. Really, for him, it’s going to be about once we get to training camp and preseason games, the live action stuff, because he hasn’t had an opportunity to do that yet.”
(When it comes to S Walt Aikens, is he a guy who is making his name in the league through special teams? Do you want him to think of himself as that or as special teams/DB? What’s your thought on that?) – “I think that’s a starting point. I think we’re always trying to take guys that are excellent at special teams like he is and find a role for him somewhere on defense. I know he does a lot of different things – safety, corner. He’s played dime for us. He’s done a lot of different positions on defense. We’re always trying to get our best 11 (players) on the field and every week it changes (as far as) who is available and where we can use certain guys. I know he’s worked extremely hard to try to find that role on defense. I know he wants to be a part of that.”
(Can versatility work against a player like that if a coach is just, “we can plug him in here, we can plug him in here,” instead of finding a home?) – “No. I think guys are just trying to get on the field. I don’t think they really care what spot they’re in a lot of the times. They just want to have an opportunity to make plays and be a part of the solution of stopping the offense.”
(What went into the thinking last year in the Bills game of having S Walt Aikens there in what I believe is like a dime package?) – “We wanted to … We were kind of experimenting with a lot of different things in that game and that was one of the things that we talked about doing was trying to put a little package together to where he could play defense and just kind of give him that feel and see how he did. He didn’t have a ton of plays but he did his job. When you get … With him, he’s a really good tackler. We just wanted to try to put him in position to where he could drive on whoever had the ball, whether it was a run or a pass. He’s a guy that you can rely on to get the ball carrier down. We’re just going to keep working on trying to find the best spot for him as far as our defense goes. We know what he can do on special teams. Watching his film from last year, just when we went back and evaluated, that was special stuff that he was doing.”
(With S Walt Aikens, now that all of the leaders are kind of gone from that special teams unit – RB Damien Williams and S Michael Thomas – does he have to step up and become a leader there?) – “I think he was a leader in a certain … He knew his role. Last year I think he was ready to kind of step forward and I know when I met with him at the end of the season, that was something that he was really going to focus on, especially in the offseason. He’s one of those guys that he does everything right, especially once we get going in practice. When they start working in individual, he works hard to make sure that he’s setting the right example. I’ve noticed him being more vocal than what he was in the past. He kind of knew that he was taking those steps towards becoming a leader of the special teams group.”
(It looked like to us that your offense kind of clicked a little bit when you went faster. Were you happy with that? Was it a 2-minute situation or just trying…) – “No. Sometimes you just try to change the tempo of practice. It’s tough, especially when it gets heated up out there and you go so many plays in a row. It’s kind of good conditioning but at the same time, the mental gymnastics that you have to go through and just really seeing if guys can execute when it really gets tough and when you get tired. It’s a good thing that we do to really put pressure on both sides of the ball.”
(I’m curious, how challenging is it balancing the partiality you have for offense with the fact that those are your guys on defense too?) – “It’s terrible. (laughter)”
(Can you talk about that?) – “Yes, I mean they’re chirping at me a lot on the other side. It’s better on game day. It’s better in game weeks because now you can play both sides except for one period a day. It’s a good thing though, just the energy those guys bring. They know how to get under my skin pretty good.”
(RB Kalen Ballage, the rookie. What have you found that he does really well in the few weeks you’ve had him out there in the offense?) – “I think he’s really … He’s progressing quickly. It’s a lot on your plate as a rookie running back, especially when the defense starts to get into some of their exotic stuff on third down and you’re still trying to figure out some of the basic things that you’re doing in the offense. He’s working hard. He’s consistently been one of those guys that’s always trying to find a way to get extra and spend time with other players. I know (Kenyan) Drake has spent a lot of time with him just trying to really nail down the offense and then adjust to the defense when they’re doing certain things. We’ve been just trying to do as many things as possible in the spring to get him used to things because once you hit training camp, you don’t have a ton of time to spend on one specific thing. A lot of things are going to be flying at him once we hit training camp, so the more that he knows now, the more reps he gets and the more defenses he sees – the adjustments – then the better it’s going to be for him down the road.”
(Has RB Kalen Ballage done well lining up at receiver the way you’ve used some other running backs in the past?) – “Yes. The whole group, it’s just kind of part of what we do on offense. I’m not sitting there … When we script, we don’t sit there and say ‘This guy is in here, this guy is…’ We’re just kind of dialing it up and rolodexing calls and just trying to put guys in different positions to where they have to think and react and know how to do everything.”
(Going back to tempo, it seemed when QB Ryan Tannehill was healthy, he played better in 2-minute situations than maybe the rest of the half. Is that a fair assessment and why do you think he did that?) – “I don’t know. Those last probably six or so games that he played, he played really well whether we were huddling or 2-minutes or if we were trying to go up-tempo. I think that every day, he’s going to get a little bit better because it’s seeing more looks. The defense does a good job of mixing things up. (Defensive Coordinator) Matt (Burke) is doing a good job of really getting those guys a lot of different looks so I think whether we’re going up-tempo or we’re huddling, he’s gaining a lot of knowledge and getting a lot of experience, even more than what he already had.”
(How much is this looking like QB Ryan Tannehill’s team from a leadership standpoint through minicamp and through OTAs?) – “You see that he jumped right back in there and guys were rallying around him and ready to go. He’s got good rapport with those skill guys. Those guys are around each other a lot in the offseason when we’re not. Those guys seem to be pretty close and they’re working well together and I know those guys are pushing each other.”
(I know TE Mike Gesicki and TE Durham Smythe told us so much about learning for them. What have you seen that’s left you encouraged in those moments when you can actually evaluate them?) – “Because they’re getting to the point where they’re not making the same mistake twice or three times. If they make a mistake, they’re cleaning it up pretty quick. Those two guys spend a lot of time making sure on paper they know what’s going on. It’s different once the pieces start moving. Defensive fronts start changing on motions and shifts and things like that, so it’s all going to be about reps. That’s why we’re trying to give those two guys as many as possible because they’ve seen the least. It’s all about preparation for training camp.”
(TE Mike Gesicki seemed to have, at least in the practices we’ve watched, his best practice so far today. Did he impress you today?) – “It’s hard to tell just from standing out there. Things are moving pretty quick and you’re kind of watching a lot of different things. He’s had some good days where he’s able to … He’s getting opportunities to go and get the ball. When he gets moving down the field, it’s impressive to see because the speed increases very quickly.”
(We’re getting RB Kalen Ballage and LB Jerome Baker in here later today. About the rookies in general, how tough is it for them to let their athleticism shine right now? Is it more about technique? Do they have to know what they’re doing before they can be athletic? How does that work?) – “Really, that’s what you’re going to lean on most of the time is when you’re fast and strong and just have football instincts, you can let those take over. At least if you screw up, you’re going 100 miles per hour. I think you can see both of those guys, the longer we’ve gone, the less mistakes they make and the faster they’re able to play. I think that’s just really all those guys are trying to do. This rookie class has done a good job of trying to catch up as fast as they can and just really use their speed and what they know to their advantage.”
(When they’re in there, are you calling plays knowing and understanding that they know very limited amounts of things? The offensive guys obviously.) – “Oh, we’re pressing them. We’re trying to do things that we install that day to kind of put pressure on them to be able to take it from here to the field because that’s what’s going to happen during the season. When you hit Wednesday, Thursday, you’re bringing it in in the morning and you’re heading to the field and executing it. We’re trying to put that pressure on them now so they get used to it.”
(With the backup QBs, obviously you’ll get a better sense in preseason games but from what you’ve seen up to this point, are you happy with the group you have?) – “Oh, yes. I’ve been around two of them for a while now and Bryce (Petty) has come in and done a good job. We’re just going to keep, really, just pushing those guys and keep opening up the offense to do as many things as possible. They’re trying to get used to the guys that they’re practicing with. I know even for David (Fales) it’s a different group than he was last year. He was working with the threes and this year, it’s more twos. He’s had some of those – Albert (Wilson) and Jakeem (Grant) – for most of the time. Those guys are really good receivers and they challenge those DBs. It’s been good for both David and Brock (Osweiler) and Bryce to get to work with a lot of the guys they’re working with right now.”
Durham Smythe – June 11, 2018
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Monday, June 11, 2018
TE Durham Smythe
(What’s the process been like to learn an offense this quickly and have to go out on the field and contribute?) – “It starts as soon as you get here, diving into the playbook. Actually before you get here, because they send you the playbook. It’s all about going out there, taking a lot of time outside of the building to get familiar with the playbook and kind of just roll with the punches. We throw in an install in the morning and you get as much of it as you can. You go out on the field, you try to play fast and then you go home that night and kind of focus on it then. It’s been good. I’m excited to kind of keep pushing that through next month, month and a half and get really familiar.”
(What is the difference between a college install and what you’re engaged in now in the NFL?) – “Volume, big time. Generally the concepts are similar; but in terms of volume, how many plays are in, adjustments that can be made pre-snap by the quarterback. You have to know this play could be alerted to this play, those mechanics. But I’d say overall it’s the volume.”
(Tight Ends Coach Shane Day mentioned to us how Anthony Fasano was FaceTimed, I guess after Indy, when you talked to the Dolphins. Have you had any communication with Anthony during the OTA process, to ask him for advice or ask him for feedback on playbook?) – “Actually, Shane just gave me his (Anthony’s) number and I’ll probably be reaching out to him here in the next few weeks. This is kind of a crucial time, this next month, especially as a rookie. (I’ll) kind of maybe pick is brain about what to do during this time and things like that; but it’s nice to have a guy who’s connected to the Dolphins, who’s connected to Notre Dame and it sounds like is willing to help.”
(On a percentage basis, how much bigger is this playbook compared to college? 10 percent, 50 percent?) – “It’s probably maybe like 100 percent bigger. If our playbook is this big, I would say it’s double maybe. That’s (a) rough (estimate), but that’s probably around what it is.”
(So the first time you opened it up, your thought was?) – “When you first get it, it only has a couple installs. So, you’re like, ‘Okay, I’ll be able to handle this.’ And then you come in the first day and they throw you a stack that’s just as big as the stuff you’ve gone over for two weeks. Like I said, it’s just about rolling with the punches, kind of getting familiar with it as you go and establishing some comfort.”
(We’ve been able to watch four practices. We haven’t seen you and TE Mike Gesicki targeted a lot in 11-on-11s. Do you have any ballpark number in your mind of how often you have been targeted in full team drills?) – “Ballpark number, I’m not sure. They’re all kind of running together at this point. I think we’ve both been targeted a decent amount of times; but at this point in the year, especially as rookies in this OTA, minicamp process, it’s all about getting familiar with the playbook with other guys and things like that. So, in terms of targets and rep by rep, things like that, we’re not as worried about that.”
(Have you caught all the balls thrown to you in 11-on-11s?) – “I believe so. I’d have to go check but I believe so.”
(Have you felt underappreciated as a receiver, because certainly Tight Ends Coach Shane Day and the Dolphins front office has said we think he’s not getting the credit he deserves as a receiver? Have you felt underappreciated through the draft process in that regard?) – “I don’t know about underappreciated. I feel like with the offense that we ran at Notre Dame and our philosophy is what we wanted to do. Obviously, I wasn’t targeted as much, didn’t have as many catches. I think that’s something that I tried to show throughout the pre-draft process, through the Senior Bowl and things like that, that it was something I could do as well. Like you said, I think they have confidence and I do as well.”
(Have you found any worthy ping-pong opponents yet?) – “Actually I’ve only been in there (the players’ lounge) once. I know I … It’s kind of a crazy time of the year right now for me and the other rookies and guys like that. I’ll definitely be on the prowl here pretty soon.”
(You said you’ve been in there once?) – “Only once and I was actually in there alone. I haven’t been on the ping-pong table at all actually.”
(How much did playing at Notre Dame help you on this level in terms of no stage on this level should be too big for you because you’ve already been on a huge stage?) – “It’s tough to say right now because I have been in an (NFL) atmosphere – a preseason or regular season game; but you’re right. In terms of stage-wise, I don’t think there’s going to be a light that shines too bright, for a lot of these guys. Mike (Gesicki), the other rookie tight end played at Penn State. It’s the same thing. I think it’s an advantage a little bit, but in terms of how big, it’s tough to say.”
(The offensive coordinator, Dowell Loggains, basically said you’re the Y tight end, or that’s where they’re working you. Is that what they call the in-line guy?) – “Yes, for the most part. There’s always little intricacies where the Y will be split out here, split out there; but in terms of general rule, yes.”
(What is the seam-threat guy? They call him what?) – “In our offense, it’s called an F.”
(What might be one thing that is easier in the adjustment you made to the NFL and what might be one thing that is tougher than you might’ve expected?) – “In terms of tougher, I would say it kind of stems from the volume of the playbook. That’s because in college, I think I was a guy that used the mental part of the game as a strength. I knew the playbook extremely well. I could go out and play extremely fast because I knew it so well. Adjusting, anyone that has to make that adjustment from college to the pros is going to have an adjustment period; but for me, I think that’s something I’m trying to make my strength. That’s something that is tougher just from sheer volume. In terms of an easy transition, that’s tough to say at this point. Almost all of my focus is on the playbook and little technique things here and there. I wouldn’t say any of them are extremely difficult but I wouldn’t call anything really easy either.”
(What was the point where it really hit you the magnitude of the heat and humidity during practice down here?) – “It was probably last week. I’m from central Texas so I, in a past life, was used to the heat a little bit. But you’re right, it’s definitely different down here with the humidity and things like that. Last week we had our minicamp and I think it was our second day, Wednesday. I don’t know how hot it was but with the sun out plus all of the humidity, I went through three pairs of gloves. I didn’t get as many team reps with the older guys because they know everything. They’re crushing it and I’m out here with three gloves and things like that. (laughter) It’s definitely an adjustment for everybody but one I think down the line will make us better.”
(Were you struggling at all? Did you find you were more gassed than you thought you’d be?) – “I think for me it was more sheer sweat. I was just drenched. My shorts were heavy and things like that. It’s just something to get used to, but like I said, down the line I think it will pay dividends.”
(You’ve never gone through three sets of gloves during practice before?) – “In the middle of camp I could go through two maybe up at Notre Dame; but, three is a new level. (laughter)”
(As a guy who had been considered a very, very good blocker as a tight end, is it too early without pads to get a sense yet of how good of a blocker you’ll be initially as a rookie at this level? Are you curious about that? Do you have a feel for it yet not in pads?) – “I think it’s tough to say; but at this point in the year with OTAs and things like that, obviously with no pads, we’re working a lot of technique. You don’t get to go full speed into a guy but we’re working a lot of technique that I think in college, a lot of people don’t focus on. Even myself, we ran the ball a lot but I’ve already learned so much within the four weeks here in terms of blocking technique and things like that. I’ll continue to work on that over the next month, month and a half, and hopefully that will translate for me when we put the pads on.”
(Going back to the studying part for a second, are you doing anything drastic like 3 a.m. you’re still looking at your playbook?) – “I haven’t pulled a 3 a.m. yet just because, like we said with the heat and everything, I think if I stayed up until 3 a.m., I’d probably die the next day. Me and Mike (Gesicki) have been good about it because we are roommates over at the hotel. We have been good about studying away from the building. We have a whiteboard in our hotel room that we will quiz each other with and things like that. It’s been good. It’s nice having a guy who plays the same position who’s going through the same thing, so we can bounce ideas off of each other and things like that.”
A.J. Derby – June 11, 2018
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Monday, June 11, 2018
TE A.J. Derby
(Being a full-time NFL starter, there’s certainly an opportunity for all of the tight ends competing here to seize that job. Would that be significant to you being an NFL starter?) – “Right now, we’re not really focused on that. We’re all just working trying to get better. We’ve got a good group of guys. We’re all working together. We’re all trying to push each other every day to get better.”
(What is it that you did last year that allowed you in two weeks to go from a guy that just got claimed to a guy that was on the field?) – “It was interesting. Last year I wasn’t really expecting to get released or anything like that; but it happened and I came here and worked my butt off. I just studied. My wife didn’t come down here with our daughter. I told her, ‘Stay away. I’m just working.’ So there was no point in her coming down.”
(So it was just study? Because they talk about how fast you learned the playbook. What was it? Was it similar to what you did in Denver or similar to what you did in New England?) – “It was a lot of combination of all of that together. This will be my fourth offense in three years that I had to learn. Playing quarterback, I picked up stuff pretty quickly. I look at things differently than most guys on the team and I was just learning quickly.”
(You mentioned the fourth offense in three years. How do you feel about … To what extent are you settled right now in this offense compared to where you’ve been in the past?) – “I feel really good about where I’m at. I felt really good about every playbook I played with. That’s one of the things you can control is how well you know the offense and that’s something I take pride in. I feel really good about where I am with the offense and I’m just going to keep working to get better.”
(When you tell the wife and child to stay at home, I guess some guys can see that as relaxing. ‘I’m getting away from the game, I can be with the wife and child,’ but was it tunnel vision for you?) – “Yes. At that point when I’m coming to a new team that late in the season, there wasn’t really time to relax. I was trying to get on the field and help this team win. If you’re in the NFL, you’re either playing or you’re not really going to be on a roster, so I was doing what I could to play. My wife and my daughter, they were … My daughter is really young, so it wasn’t going to be easy for her. (I) needed to get as much sleep as I needed.”
(Head Coach Adam Gase, when he would talk about you, he would use the term quarterback-friendly. What does that mean to you, a quarterback-friendly tight end?) – “I think that has to go back to just knowing the position and looking at it from a different way. I try to look at what quarterbacks see and try to be where they want me. I try to be in their position because it’s a hard position to play, quarterback. You’ve just got to do everything you can to help them out and be where they want you.”
(Had QB Ryan Tannehill and you worked together at all before these last four weeks? Did you do anything February or March?) – “Yes. As soon as he started throwing, I was here. I stayed up in Jupiter this offseason, so I drove down any time Ryan wanted to throw, so I was here.”
(Where are you and QB Ryan Tannehill right now in terms of establishing good on-field chemistry?) – “Like I said, everyone’s here working. We’re all trying to get familiar with each other. That’s what this time of year is for is to get that connection, to get going, and then hopefully by the season, everyone will be clicking.”
(How many times would you say you and QB Ryan Tannehill got together to throw?) – “I didn’t count them. Whenever he called, I was there, so I don’t know.”
(Was it five or 20?) – “I can go look at my phone and tell you; but I don’t know. (laughter) It was a lot.”
(How have you enjoyed … What’s it been like competing against the two rookies?) – “Those guys have been great. As rookies, all you can ask out of rookies is that they want to come in and work and learn, and those two guys do. They’re here every day. They’re trying to be the first ones in the building, so that’s awesome. They want to learn, so they’re asking the right questions and they’re doing the right things.”
(What kind of difference does it make being here from the start, from the OTAs, as opposed to last year when you came in late in the season?) – “It’s big. Last year I was learning week by week the plays that were installed. It wasn’t just like … I didn’t get the full style of camp and now I get to learn the ins and the outs of the offense, so that’s awesome.”
(Did you say your family is here now?) – “Yes, we’re here now. They’re here now.”
(What’s that like having everybody?) – “That’s what it normally is. I’m used to it; but it was just midseason (with the trade) was a tough transition, so I just tried to have the least amount of distractions as possible.”
(You’ve been to so many organizations now. What is it that you think hasn’t allowed you to stick in one place?) – “I’m not sure about that. I guess you’d have to ask the GMs of the other teams; but I’m happy to be here right now and I feel good here.”
(Obviously, health was a reason with you not being in Denver last season, not continuing on there. Is there anything though as you’ve looked at your game where you’ve said, “I have to get better at this,’ that you’re willing to share with us?) – “I work on everything in my game. I want to be as complete a tight end as possible. I think (Offensive Coordinator) Dowell (Loggains) said a couple days ago that I need to work on my blocking, so that’s what I’m really doing this offseason, working with (Tight Ends Coach) Shane (Day) and just trying to make that one of my strong points and just keep working on everything else, as well.”
(After being in the league for a little bit, the draft, do you take that personally or is that the business side of the team? How do you take that?) – “I don’t really pay attention to the draft. They have their own reasons for everything they’re doing. I don’t really look at that. You can’t get caught up with a rookie. You shouldn’t be looking behind you; you should just be looking forward. So I’m not worried about that. I’m just looking (forward), trying to be the best I can be.”
(Can you explain a little bit of what you got out of those throwing sessions with QB Ryan Tannehill? What did you figure out about him that can help you guys?) – “He’s very detail-oriented and that’s a great thing in a quarterback. He wants you exactly where he wants you and I was just trying to take exactly what he wanted and implement it to my game. So just certain routes, being in the right spot, looking at the right time, just trying to click on everything.”
(What’s the difference that you notice from the beginning when you started working on those to coming into OTAs? What do you notice that’s a little sharper or better between you and QB Ryan Tannehill?) – “It’s just the timing and just me being ready when he wants me to be ready, and like I said looking at the right time. On a little diagonal route, he likes me to look earlier, so that’s what we work on. It’s stuff like that, just small details and everything.”
(Do you find it at least a coincidence that you and TE MarQueis Gray are former quarterbacks?) – “Yes. It’s pretty crazy actually. He was at Minnesota when I was at Iowa, so it was weird, because I obviously wasn’t playing quarterback, but I was watching him play. Now to be on the same team is pretty cool. You never know. We could throw in some trick plays with me or ‘Q’ (MarQueis Gray). We can figure that one out. (laughter)”
(What do you think it is about you, as former quarterbacks, that make you guys tight end options?) – “I don’t know. It’s different. There are a couple guys that have done it. Blake Bell did it my year of the draft, too. I just think it’s being able to understand what the quarterback wants. Obviously, blocking is going to be the first thing that people think is going to be the hardest thing to go to; but at the end of the day, you’ve just got to learn the technique and just work. I think quarterbacks are always wanting to work.”
(Do you think it helps you guys learn the offense quicker?) – “I definitely think it does.”
(The tight end positon has become so dynamic. A lot of guys are great receivers at tight end. Can this group be dynamic? Do you see dynamic talent at the tight end spot here?) – “Yes, I think we do have a great room. I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people this year. We’re just ready to work. That’s all we can do right now is work. I’m not going to make any goals or any expectations or anything like that, but we’re all working, we’re all trying to get better and we’re excited about this year.”
(How much more athletic do you think that positon has become because of the mismatches?) – “We’re all working. We all try to be athletic and try to be mismatches, so we’re excited.”
(Who can really throw out of the ex-quarterbacks? You, TE MarQuesis Gray, WR Albert Wilson?) – “’Q’ (MarQueis Gray) is pretty good.”
(T Larmey Tunsil can throw, too. I know he’s not an ex-quarterback.) – “’Q’ (MarQueis Gray) can throw pretty good. He’s still hitting goalposts after practice and stuff like that. It’s impressive.”
(So he’s got you?) – “We’ll see. (laughter)”
(Have you tried the garbage can drill?) – “Not since college. No, I haven’t done that in a while.”
(What’s the value for you in terms of being here with Head Coach Adam Gase, a guy who obviously values your skills? Is there extra value for that? You would be happy to be on any team I’m sure.) – “Like you said, I’m happy to be here. Being with Coach Gase, it’s exciting. He’s done a lot of great things with tight ends in his past. That’s why as a room we’re really excited. That’s why we’re working so hard. We want to be there for the offense and make as many plays as we can.”
Stephone Anthony – June 11, 2018
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Monday, June 11, 2018
LB Stephone Anthony
(How big of a difference for you is it making for you the fact that you’re coming in from the very beginning this year as opposed to last year when you came in during September?) – “I think the biggest difference is the amount of time I have and the time I’ve spent trying to learn the system and getting myself comfortable with it. That’s the biggest difference, just the amount of time I’ve had.”
(What’s your mindset as far this offseason is concerned. This is your second team and you’re fighting for a starting spot here. What’s the big picture for you?) – “I think it’s the same every year. It’s my job to come in, put my best foot forward and try to be the best me every day. I’m just trying to get better get good with the guys, and keep this camaraderie going the right way.”
(Anything different about you this offseason? Any change in you physically or the way you’re approaching things?) – “No. I wouldn’t say there’s a big change physically. I’m weighing 235-240 (pounds), so maybe you could say my weight is down; but I think I’ve just been one step ahead.”
(Have you been with the first team throughout when you guys are in base?) – “I’ve been a little bit of everywhere. I’ve been with the first team, second team. It’s kind of all over the place right now.”
(Who else has gotten reps at your spot on first team when you’re not with the first group?) – “A number of guys. You can say (Terence) Garvin, ‘Bake’ (Jerome Baker). There are plenty of guys. There’s a bunch of guys that play the same position and right now, they just have us rotating.”
(Is starting a goal for you? Being an NFL starter again, as you were early in your career.) – “I think so. I think that should be one of my first goals. Before I can do anything else, I have to become a starter and put my best foot forward.”
(You’ve got some familiarity with the system now. You know there’s a need at your position. Is this the best opportunity that you’ve had here, or did you have a better opportunity last year, do you think?) – “I think that whenever that opportunity comes, whatever opportunity is presented to me, it’s my job to take advantage of it. Whatever it is, whether the coach needs me to play 100 plays or 15 plays, my job is to get it done.”
(Not to dwell on this or stay stuck in the past, but is there a point you can look at where you feel like things went a little off track for you, that you learned something that you can correct now?) – “I think it’s just growth, honestly. I think it’s just being in the league, going into my fourth year, understanding the game, how this game is played from the college game and just hounding in and packing that information in.”
(Do you get more of the business side of the league now?) – “I think that’s something we need to learn when we first get into the league. The business side really hits you in the face once you get traded or you get cut or something like that. I guess I could say you get the business side full force once that happens.”
(What would you say to all of the rookies? You’ve kind of got one of those careers where you’ve been put through the grinder, or you started through the grinder. What do you say to rookies?) – “I think the best thing you can teach a rookie, or tell a rookie is that his job is to come in and learn as much as he can as fast as he can. I think that’s going to help them tremendously as far as getting on the field or just getting on the field some. You’ve got to learn the information and you’ve got to learn what to do.”
(I’m doing something on first-round picks and how you deal with that being a first-round pick. What’s different when you come in as a first-round pick?) – “What’s that three years ago now? I just treat it as a thing of the past. Once you get into camp and you have your first camp under your belt, we are all equal. Everybody is big and everybody can run.”
(Did you find that there was more attention to you from outside forces, whether it’s media or coaches? Did you put more pressure on yourself because you were a first-round pick?) – “I wouldn’t say so. I think my pride and because of who I am, that was enough for me.”
(How much more of an impact do you think you can make on defense because you’ll have more familiarity and more knowledge of the defense?) – “I guess time with tell. Like I said, when the opportunity and the plays present itself, I’ve got to make them. I’ll have a chance to make some plays and it’s my job to make them.”
(When you left the Saints, what was you thinking – I don’t know if you talked to Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke about this or not – where can you get better as a player? What areas and have you gotten better in those areas?) – “I think it’s the same tune every year. You want to be in shape. You want to get a little bit bigger. You want to stay in tune with your reflexes and getting off the spot. It’s all of the little things as a linebacker – your first step, your reads. Just going through that daily and getting that information down, that should be an everyday checklist for a linebacker.”
(Are you fully settled here now?) – “Yes.”
(How much of last season did you live in a hotel or how unsettled were you?) – “What were we looking at – Week 3 or Week 4 (I was traded)? I was probably in a hotel for about three or four weeks and then finally got settled after that somewhere, towards the end of the season. It just came together for me.”
(Is it easier now?) – “Of course, yes. I know where home is, I know where the bathroom is around the corner. (laughter) It’s a lot better.”
(Have you been here all offseason so far?) – “Yes.”
(Your plans for the upcoming month off?) – “I’m going to be back home. I’ve got a four-year-old that will be five in July. That’s where I’m going to be.”
(How do you describe your career to people who might know or be familiar with you?) “I’m not sure. It’s a business. It’s an NFL game. It comes with it. It’s never going to be pretty enough; it’s never going to be ugly enough. You kind of just go with it.”
(Was there a conversation you had with Executive Vice President of Football Operations Mike Tannenbaum or General Manager Chris Grier after they made the decision on your fifth-year option in the last month? Have they told you what their thinking was?) – “I didn’t have any … I didn’t talk to anybody about that. Like I said, it was kind of what I expected. I needed more snaps and there’s a lot that goes into it; but, that’s not my job to worry about. My job is going to be to put my best foot forward.”
(When you look at your pass rushers – DE Cameron Wake, DE Robert Quinn, DE Andre Branch, DE Charles Harris – what do you think about them as a group?) – “(Opposing quarterbacks) better get the ball out. I’ll tell you that. They have a short amount of time. I think the first thing is (they are) fast, athletic strong guys. (They’re) a bunch of guys that can pass rush. We’re going to need those guys to be big for us this year and get after the quarterback.”
(Outside of WR Jarvis Landry not being here, what stands out to you about the offense, having to go against them three-plus weeks now?) – “I guess No. 17 – (Ryan) Tannehill. Him being back under center, this is really my first chance getting to see him. He can sling it.”
(What, if anything, is different Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke’s system this year and the way the defense is set up? What’s different about that, if anything, and what, if anything, is different about the culture in the locker room?) – “As far as system-wise, I think every year the coordinator finds tweaks on one or two things that we need to work on. I think I can’t pinpoint anything exactly as far as with the system. I know I’m more comfortable with it; but as far the system, every year there is something different. As far as the team, I think we’ve got a good group going. (We’ve got) guys that love each other and want to be around each other. We’ve got one goal and we are working towards that every day.”
(Having said that, what do you think is going to be the biggest difference to the eye to this defense as opposed to last season?) – “To the eye?”
(Like for the fans. What are they going to notice about this defense as opposed to last year?) – “I would say energy. I think this group is going to come with a lot more energy, a lot more to their step. A lot more of just guys having fun, being energetic, being happy about what they do.”
(A couple of guys have talked about that so far this summer. What was missing out on that last year? Why did the energy level take maybe a dip as the season went on?) – “That’s why it was last year. We tend not to worry about it. (laughter)”
(How devastating is it for you to walk in there and you don’t have K Cody Parkey sitting in the locker next to you? Would you describe it as crushing, are you distraught?) – “(laughter) Probably crushing. Cody’s a good kid and he was right next to me. Cody is going to be fine. He was a good kicker for us and he got the job done.”
(What’s your kid’s name?) – “Skylar Anthony.”
(Where is home for you?) – “Charlotte, North Carolina.”
