Brian Flores – May 29, 2019
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Wednesday, May 29, 2019
Head Coach Brian Flores
(Would you mind if you could talk a little bit about the edge rushers, LB Andrew Van Ginkel, what skills you’ve seen from him that you saw at Wisconsin? A couple of others guys at that position or not at that position, specifically edge rusher-type like LB Tyrone Holmes. Thoughts on a couple of those guys if you could beginning with Van Ginkel.) – “I’ll start with Charles Harris. I think he’s really doing a good job for us in the classroom, on the field. He’s smart. He’s hard-working. He’s got a lot of ability. We’re pleased with where he’s at. I look forward to working with him some more. You mentioned Van Ginkel. He’s young. Those guys, it’s funny, they’ve only been here under three weeks, so they all have a long way to go. Andrew for sure, he’s done a good job. He’s done a nice job. He’s got good speed, he’s instinctive and he’s got a play-making knack that he showed in college that we liked. Hopefully that translates.”
(Sticking with defense, what went into the DT Adolphus Washington signing?) – “We saw a young man who’s got some versatility, got some pass-rush ability, does some good things in the run game. He’s had a little bit of production in the league. We felt like he would be a good addition to our team.”
(What’s the biggest thing when you watch LB Adolphus Washington’s tape that stood out to you?) – “There’s a lot of things. He’s got good length, he’s got some athletic ability, he’s got decent strength. I thought there were some things to develop, things to, I thought there was some potential there to help us.”
(The starting cornerback job opposite CB Xavien Howard, is it safe to say CB Eric Rowe is in the lead right now at this early stage and what do you want to see as far as those guys?) – “I just want to see all of them compete. That’s really what I’m looking for. Eric, Jomal (Wiltz), Nik Needham, the whole group. I think they’re all doing that. I think they’re all working hard. I think they’re all learning the defense and working on their techniques, their fundamentals. It’s still very early. There’s still a lot of time for that competition to develop. We’ll see how it shakes out come training camp.”
(Do you anticipate – I know it’s early – CB Xavien Howard moving like he did sometimes last year with the top receiver and if so, how does that impact the other quarterback?) – “I think it’ll be game-plan based. If we want to put him on a specific matchup, we can do that. That’ll be really the same for everyone on defense. It’ll be game planned to put them in the best position to do the things they do well.”
(And the other guy, if he has to move sides, how does that affect his job if CB Xavien Howard is shadowing?) – “It’s what he’s got to do. If that’s the game plan and we’re putting Xavien on a specific player, then whoever the other corner is, we’ll get him there.”
(Do you find that the undrafted rookies that have made your teams over the years share common threads whether it’s the hunger factor or whatever it is? Do you see a common thread in the guys that have been successful as undrafted rookies?) – “I think the thread for players who make it in this league are tough, they’re dependable, they’re consistent. I think they’ve all got a chip on their shoulder whether they’re undrafted, drafted, Canadian League or AAF. To me, that’s the thing that they all have. They all have toughness, competitiveness. That’s what it takes to be successful in this league.”
(Could you discuss your value of the fullback? You guys drafted a fullback. I’m just curious, do you see that as, can you just discuss the value of what you see?) – “I think it adds a competitiveness, a grit, a toughness, to the team. We want to run the football. I think having a lead blocker clear the way helps that. I value that position. I think it brings a toughness, a grit that I think I like in my team.”
(Is that because the way the league is going the other way, there’s a counterpunch to that or do you think you always valued that?) – “Quite honestly, I played linebacker and I’ve had to deal with fullbacks. It’s not always the easiest thing to do. Wherever the league goes is where it goes; but personally, having dealt with a lead blocker, it’s not an easy thing to deal with.”
(We by now know you value very much competition. You’ve placed a high premium of players competing throughout the spring. You have a player who we believe can return next week after not being here in S Reshad Jones. He’s been a starter here for seven, eight years, whatever it’s been. Is he going to be a starter when he comes back or is he going to have to work up the depth chart to get that starting job back?) – “I think everyone’s got to work to start in this league and on this team. I think there’s no doubt about that. I would say there’s no sacred cows, not in this game. I think you have to earn what you get. That’s the case for everyone on the team. I think I’ve said that over and over again.”
(With QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and QB Josh Rosen, you’ve got two guys at very different points in their career. They seem to be very different quarterbacks. What do they have in common? Where do you see similarities with them as quarterbacks?) – “I think they’re both smart. I think they both have leadership ability. I think they both build relationships with their teammates, which I think is very important at that position. I think they’re both good players. I’m happy to work with both guys. I look forward to working with them as we move on.”
(Do they both have chips on their shoulder?) – “I believe so. I do. I think they both love to play the game. I think they both love to compete. I think they both want to win. I think they want to help this team win. I think they both have chips.”
(How can CB Bobby McCain help you guys?) – “Like everyone else on our defense, I think he does a good job of communicating. These are the things that’ll help us. If you do a good job communicating, you tackle well, we defend the deep part of the field, we set the edge. I think Bobby can do a lot of things from a communication standpoint, from a tackling standpoint, from a play-making standpoint. He’s been very good so far.”
(Before last year, CB Bobby McCain was mostly slotted into the slot and then he played some boundary, a lot of boundary, last year. Do you see that versatility where he can move around or is he, to you, a nickel slot corner?) – “I think he’s smart enough definitely to move around. He can play corner, he can play safety, he can play nickel, he can play a variety of positions. He’s a smart player and a guy who’s made a lot of plays in this league. We’re looking forward to working with him.”
(What have you noticed about QB Josh Rosen throughout OTAs?) – “Again, this is under three weeks. He’s smart. He’s got a big arm. He’s talented. He’s got some leadership ability. But he’s got a lot to learn. There’s no doubt about that. This offense, it’s not an easy one to learn. There’s something new every day. He’s improving, he’s getting better every day. I like that. I think that’s the case with a lot of the guys we have on this team. That progress is what we’re looking for on a day-to-day basis and I’m seeing that not only from Josh, but from a majority of the group.”
(Do you plan to have a depth chart of starters when you break for summer after next week?) – “No, I don’t. I think it’s way too early to pencil in anyone. You get into training camp and you kind of have an idea, a thought process of what it may look like, but to pencil guys in, I think it’s … Anything can happen. You guys have followed enough of this to know that things happen quickly in this league. You can pencil them in, but you have to be ready to adapt anyways. You might as well live in a fluid world. It’s a fluid business. It’s a fluid game. You’ve got to be able to make adjustments in-game and it’s no different for us as an organization and a team. We’ll be flexible, for sure.”
(When you chart out your offseason, are you on-track where you thought you would be at this point in the offseason?) – “I think we’re moving in the right direction. I think it’s important that we finish strong. I think we’ve got two weeks left. I talked to the team about this yesterday when we came in: we’ve got two weeks left and we need to finish strong. It’s like anything, you can play well for three quarters and if you don’t play well in the fourth quarter, a lot of times it doesn’t work out. That’s the challenge to the group these next couple of weeks is to finish strong. To answer your question, yes. But you can play well up to a point and then it doesn’t work out, so you need to finish strong.”
(What have you learned about this group so far through this process?) – “They’re tough. They give great effort. This is a smart group. This is a mentally-tough group. We’ll see once the pads come on how physically tough we are. But I imagine we’ll be that, too. I think they don’t back down from challenges. I try to challenge this group on a daily basis and they respond. It’s not perfect every day. Again, it’s an imperfect game, but they work hard, that’s for sure.”
(How has the transition been for you from leading one group to leading the entire room?) – “It’s been good. I enjoy what I’m doing. I love coaching. I’m passionate about it. It’s just a bigger group I get to impact or try to impact. Messaging is important. Challenging them is important to me and being demanding is important. I think that’s how you bring out the best in people. I love being in front of a big group. It gives me an opportunity to impact more people.”
(You mentioned DE Charles Harris before. Is he closer to being a veteran football player or a football player dealing with first-round disappointment? Has he shaken his past? Is he moving on?) – “I think he’s working hard. I think he’s doing everything we ask. I think this is a smart guy. I can’t say enough good things about him. He’s the kind of guy we want in the building. Honestly, I don’t care about his past. I care about right now. That’s where I’m at.”
(Is DE Charles Harris going to be full go for July with the wrist? He’s had a glove on his hand when we’ve been out there.) – “The injury report, you guys know when that comes out. (laughter)”
(We’ve seen elements of your culture whether it’s the time or the wall. How much of your culture do you feel like you’ve established at this point in the offseason?) – “I think it’s ongoing. I think of something new every morning, quite honestly. But I can’t give it all to them every day, so I try to give it to them in bits. We’re trying to build a culture that’s about improvement, it’s about hard work, it’s about competition, but it’s also about honesty, it’s also about humility. I think those are core values of mine that when you’re not doing those things, that’s when I get a little bit upset I would say. Specifically from an honesty standpoint, from a respect standpoint, from a humility standpoint, I think those are important values you have to have. That’s part of my role as a leader of this team.”
Adolphus Washington – May 29, 2019
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Wednesday, May 29, 2019
DT Adolphus Washington
(How much nicer is it to join a team with so many former college teammates – LB Raekwon McMillan, LB Jerome Baker, even T Isaiah Prince?) – “It’s always good reuniting with your old teammates. They’ve been helping me out a lot since I’ve been here, letting me know where to go, what time to be at meetings, being on time is late and all that stuff. (It’s) kind of like it was at Ohio State, so I’m kind of used to it.”
(What do you think you bring to this team as a pass rusher?) – “I feel like I can help them out in any way they need me. Play the run, play the pass – whatever they need me to do, I’ll help them out doing it.”
(How much catching up do you have to do coming in at this time of the year?) – “Not much. The defense is – I can’t say simple – it’s complex, but it has a simple way of doing it. Especially playing d-line, we don’t have to worry about coverages, worry about routes and all that stuff. We just get the person with the ball.”
(Head Coach Brian Flores was saying this morning that he likes what he’s seen from you, he thinks he’s seen potential. How do you think he can maximize your potential here?) – “I have to work for it pretty much. I have to go out there and prove myself to my teammates, to the coaches, let them know that they can trust me and I can go out there and play.”
(How would you describe that period of time when you were waiting for that phone call?) – “Definitely stressful, but I always kept faith. I have good people in my corner that keep me motivated and all that stuff. I was down but I’m okay. I finally got a job.”
(What made you want to come here?) – “They gave me the phone call, I had a workout and we’re here now.”
(Tell me a little about your position room. There’s no real old-school veteran there. It seems like a lot of young, hungry guys. How do you kind of approach or what do you see in that room?) – “They added another young, hungry guy. I’m going to go in there and compete just like those guys are doing. We’re just going to make each other better.”
(Do you expect that when you guys go 3-4 that you might be doing some end and have you done that much in a 3-4?) – “My rookie year with Rex (Ryan), we played a 3-4. I played some end, so I have some experience with it, but (there is) always room for improvement.”
(Obviously you’ve only been here for a few days but what have you seen from DE Charles Harris?) – “Good leader. One of the guys, he was just over there working with me going over some plays and stuff. He had no problem helping me. No ego, none of that, so overall a good guy from what I’ve seen so far.”
(DE Charles Harris is a guy who seems hungry to have a big year. Have you seen that from him?) – “Definitely. Definitely seen that from him this year.”
Charles Harris – May 29, 2019
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Wednesday, May 29, 2019
DE Charles Harris
(Head Coach Brian Flores was speaking very highly of you today, learning linebacker. Has it been a boost in the arm for you in terms of a new challenge?) – “It’s been cool. Any time a player gets to expand their football I.Q. and learn different things, it’s always exciting. It’s exciting and makes you appreciate the game a lot more, the intricacies of it from all corners. It’s definitely exciting.”
(Should this system and how they’re going to use you maximize your skillset do you think?) – “I think so. I definitely do in all areas. I definitely do.”
(What has been the most challenging part about this defense and learning it?) – “Nothing has been challenging so far. It’s just like any time you install something new, you’ve got to learn it, get it down and get comfortable with it. That’s all you have to do is (learn) it like the back of your hand.”
(Head Coach Brian Flores said today that he can’t say enough good things about how you’ve impressed him since his arrival. How would you describe your approach to having a new coaching staff?) – “Just doing the fundamentals, making sure that you are doing everything on the field and off the field, giving him no reason to call you in, no reason to call you out or anything like that. Just make sure that you’re doing your job in all areas and make sure that you take care of your business.”
(We saw you putting in extra pass rush work after practice. Can you talk about why you do that and what you’re trying to accomplish?) – “Yeah, we’ve just got different techniques and different schemes, getting down to details. Like I was saying earlier, when you learn the intricacies of the game, it makes you want to be better at it. You don’t ever want to be in a situation where you didn’t do the little thing right for you to get that sack or you didn’t do the little thing right for you to break on the ball or something like that. You want to make sure you’ve got all the details down and be the best player you can be.”
(Have you studied tape of New England’s defense in terms of guys who have played the hybrid role you have?) – “We always watch film on New England. Not too much, but we just watch different film across the board. Obviously we have a New England defense, or our coach came from New England, so it’s only right that he throws in things like that. But across the board, we watch all different kinds of players, different schemes, different players. I think he wants to give us a well-rounded perspective and not say ‘we have to do this,’ which is great. He gives multiple perspective of different teams and different options.”
(Have you looked at the LB Kyle Van Noy role or the DE Trey Flowers role when he was there in terms of on tape, something that you would be doing similar?) – “Really we look at it schematic-wise. We haven’t looked at it individually, like ‘I look like him or I play like him.’ Nobody wants to box themselves in. I don’t think any player wants to be, I don’t think the coaches want to get into that mind frame of boxing themselves in. I think that ‘P.G.’ (Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham) came in and kind of ridiculed us for having that boxed-in mindset. ‘I play like this or I heard we have to do it like this.’ He’s like ‘no, be a football player.’ If anything, he’s probably broke the chains, broke the shackles and was just like, ‘play ball.’ I don’t think anybody wants to box themselves in. When we watch film, we focus it from the scheme and try to get the whole, try to do it from big to little, get the call down and then get to details of how to do it.”
(What else has stuck out to you about Head Coach Brian Flores so far in your time with him?) – “I’d just say intensity on a daily basis. There is no fall off, no drop off, no change. Every time he comes in, he’s on time, he’s intense. Intense means he always gives you a takeaway. Every day he gives you a takeaway on how he exemplifies himself as a man. He’s not just teaching us football, but he’s teaching us life skills. I think that’s the biggest thing. The things he doesn’t say are the things that go the most noticed.”
(What are some of those life skills?) – “Just about being a man. The trifecta, that he often talks about. We’re going to keep that in-house about what the trifecta is but just teaching guys about being mature, being mature at this stage of the game and how every single practice really does matter and how every day of your life matters. If you practice like you do your life, you’ll take every day for what it is and make the most out of it. That’s what we are trying to do and when we are on the field, you kind of see it.”
(In those times in which you’ve rushed the passer from a standing position throughout your career. What are some of the advantages that, that can create?) – “I just think it’s different because every time a tackle sees somebody standing up, they are thinking that he could drop or he could rush. I think if you give him two versus just one with your hand down, where (he’s like) ‘I know he’s coming or I know he’s doing this.’ It’s not simple. I think it’s pretty simple in regards to the tackle thinking either he’s going to drop or he’s going to come at me. It just gives you the other 50 percent, the other 50 right there. That’s everybody.”
(How close are you to full strength with the wrist?) – “I’m not really sure. I’m not really sure. I say that because I haven’t really tested it. I’ve just been doing my workouts every single day and getting evaluated whenever I go into the doctor. I’m waiting for her to give me the green light and after that, we’re on.”
(Any team drills have you done, or has it mostly been individuals?) – “It’s been mostly individuals. Team is kind of like, it is what it is. Just taking mental reps, taking mental reps.”
(As far as being ready for the start of training camp, is there any doubt in your mind about that or is that a question health-wise?) – “I’m just taking it one day at a time. I just take it one day at a time and I’m just doing my thing and making sure I’m doing everything I can every single day to maximize.”
(What’s your confidence level out here right now? This is kind of symbolizing a fresh start for you with a new coaching staff and new defense.) – “I think it’s very high. Across the board, I feel like the whole team, Coach ‘Flo’ (Flores) tells us every single day that we should be growing in confidence. I think that’s every player, every coach, every staff member, we should be growing in confidence in regards to the team. If you put in hard work, and we’re all out here working every single day. I think as a team, we are building. We are definitely building.”
Josh Rosen – May 29, 2019
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Wednesday, May 29, 2019
QB Josh Rosen
(What is your comfort level the last couple of weeks and at this point today?) – “I don’t know overall but I think (it’s) much better than when I got here and better than yesterday. This is kind of the track. I couldn’t really give you a frame of reference but (I feel) pretty good. (I’m) getting there.”
(What are some things that let you know that you’re making progress?) – “I’m just thinking about less things pre-snap. Formations and motions are less of a worry and I’m worrying more about what the Mike (linebacker) point is and where I’ve got to go with the ball. I’m just trying to narrow down as many things as I can pre-snap.”
(How many things do you have to put together now to really make sure you’re where you want to be?) – “Still a lot. (laughter) Less than it used to be, though.”
(What have your early impressions of WR Preston Williams been?) – “Really good. He’s very talented. He’s that big body that the NFL receivers are sort of based off of in that one-on-one position. He’s a big body, a really talented guy with great hands and I’m really looking forward to developing with him.”
(Are you getting to the point where you’re knowing even more receivers, their tendencies and what works for them like WR DeVante Parker and WR Kenny Stills? Or are you still just in the early stages here and not quite there yet?) – “I can’t give you guys the playbook on our guys. (laughter) But we’ve got a really good, athletic group of guys. What’s really cool about it is they’re all good at specific things. Kenny, Jakeem (Grant), DeVante and we’re waiting to get Albert (Wilson) out here. Everyone is really good at certain things which makes for a very dynamic group.”
(We saw today that you went up against the first-team defense with the first-team offensive line. Getting that integration with the first-teamers, what has that done for you and your confidence?) – “Good. Any rep is an opportunity to rep it one more time and get better and more consistent. Obviously I’m very gracious to go with the ones, but whether I’m with ones, twos or threes, I have to treat every rep like it’s a game.”
(How is this offense different than anything you’ve ever run before?) – “It’s actually kind of similar to Coach (Mike) McCoy’s in Arizona because he was with – it’s a long tree – but I think he was with (Josh) McDaniels in Denver and that tree kind of flows here. There are a lot of differences but some things are a little bit the same. It’s still a steep learning curve but I think it’s maybe a little bit softer than if I came in cold feet from college.”
(What’s the most challenging part of it?) – “They just put a lot on the quarterback. Operationally, when all of the responsibilities are sort of under one roof and it’s all under the quarterback, once you do get it down, you can go very quickly. But the thing is, you have to get it down and I’m in that process (now). You see Tom (Brady) at the line of scrimmage and he’s orchestrating traffic and he’s doing everything super fluidly because he’s been in the offense for so many years. You can only kind of hope to get somewhere close to that fluidity. But yeah, this offense puts a lot on the quarterback and it’s a challenge that I enjoy.”
(How can you get comfortable with an offensive line out here and when does that start happening?) – “I don’t know. I don’t think you really get comfortable with a particular line. It’s kind of just (with) any line in there, you have to get comfortable in the pocket and learn how to move. A lot of it has to do with the feel of the game. Sometimes you’re really running the ball well and you can sit in there for a while because the d-line is a little tired. I don’t really know how to answer that question specifically.”
(Out here, there’s really no way to tell how the offensive line is doing or is there?) – “Oh yeah, there’s always ways. No one is hitting me but you can see if someone is free or if I have a full pocket and I should have sat in there for a little longer. There are definitely ways you can tell, even without pads on. These guys are battling upfront, even in (May).”
(When you’re going up against the defense, their multiple look upfront whether it’s 3, 4, 5 or 6 guys on the back end and 5 guys in the front, how hard is that for you to perform against a defense like that with so many multiple looks?) – “I don’t know if I’d say hard. It’s just more to learn and digest and we have a lot more to break down in film because we’re playing a pretty complex defense. I think it’s a lot nicer to see it now as opposed to December and experience it for the first time.”
(How do you think that helps you get prepared as a quarterback going up against a defense with multiple looks like that?) – “I think it’s just that. You hopefully don’t see it for the first time at the end of the year and you’re seeing it and breaking it down in OTAs.”
(In general, are there cornerbacks that you stay away from in this league and that you would throw to a guy on the other side because this guy is so good?) – “It’s all situation-specific. Who’s your guy and who’s their guy? Whether we have a specific thing to attack them. I would say you’re just always aware of what the matchup is, whether it’s on the inside or the outside, a corner, nickel or linebacker. That’s part of the game. That’s what the NFL is. It’s matchups. That’s kind of a nuanced question that I couldn’t give you an answer to.”
(But as you said, you’re aware of who the top guys are?) – “Yeah. And I’m aware of our receiver’s skillset as well. I would take our guy in a matchup against someone with one route and not another even though it’s the same guys. So it’s all kind of about skillsets and very situation-specific.”
(QB Ryan Fitzpatrick just told us that he’s the most critical of his footwork when he goes and watches film. What do you look at and say this is what needs to get better with yourself?) – “Just recognizing defenses. Like I said, there’s a lot more on my plate so just operationally, getting more fluid, getting my Mike points done a little quicker, getting everyone set and calling out protections. The Mike points is definitely something new that I’ve had to learn and continue to get better at but just kind of operationally, playbook-wise right now.”
(It’s been nonstop for you over the last two months work-wise. What are you planning on doing when you finally get some rest and relaxation this summer to sort of refuel and do something enjoyable?) – “I’ll probably go back (west) and see some family for a little bit. I think I’m probably going to lay pretty low this summer and not do anything too crazy.”
(No Seadoo’ing?) – “No, I don’t think I’ll be getting on a Seadoo anytime soon. (laughter)”
Ryan Fitzpatrick – May 29, 2019
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Wednesday, May 29, 2019
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
(Is it coming along?) – “Yeah. So far, we’ve gotten some great work in. In the offseason, there’s a ton of stuff that we have to get better at and continue to work on, but I’m proud of the effort the guys are putting in. Not just running around with the work on the field, but in the classroom and studying and really taking pride in learning this offense and getting things down, because it’s not an easy offense to learn. Especially in that wide receiver room, those guys have done a great job.”
(Can you get a sense of what it’s going to look like even this early?) – “Not really. I think I’m starting to get a better feel for personnel that we have in terms of in that receiver room like I had mentioned, or the running backs, tight ends. Just getting a feel for everybody, I think that’s important. The timing that comes with that and working together will be helpful for the season.”
(How is it different throwing to WR DeVante Parker to WR Kenny Stills to WR Jakeem Grant? Are there certain characteristics you’ve already picked up on some of these guys?) – “Yeah. They definitely all have their own unique talents. (I’ve been) nothing but impressed with those guys you mentioned. I think the biggest thing, and I said it last time (is) the willingness to work. The willingness for those guys to talk after meetings, text at night or whatever it is, if they have questions, I’m going to try to give them the best answers I can and we’re going to continue to work to get on the same page. It’s been impressive to see the work ethic out of those guys.”
(Head Coach Brian Flores says his philosophy, he’ll unleash it little by little. He doesn’t want to give it all at once. But can you get a feel already for what this team is going to be like under him?) – “I think we’re developing a mentality, but until you actually get out there and play in games and you have your 53 whittled down to who it’s going to be, it’s tough to say.”
(Head Coach Brian Flores talked today about establishing a culture. In what ways is he doing that, trying to establish a winning culture, and what do you see happening?) – “I just think the expectations when we step on the practice field. That’s been set right away in terms of the hustle and the competitiveness and those type of things. They’ve really shown up in practice. We’re going to practice the right way and keep each other healthy but be competitive about it. That’s been a point of emphasis for him and something that I really enjoy.”
(Have you ever been part of a team that runs as much as this one does?) – “I’ve been a part of a lot of teams. (laughter)”
(Have you seen things from QB Josh Rosen – I know you’re concentrating on your own stuff – that kind of remind you or take you back to your second year and what that was like, and does that help you in sort of giving him some guidance?) – “I think any quarterback in this system, this system puts a lot on us. We’re all in there working as hard as we can to get it down and figure things out. It’s an offense, as a quarterback, that you love to be in because there’s a lot on your plate.”
(Have you seen growth from TE Mike Gesicki?) – “I don’t know where he came from in terms of I didn’t really see him last year. There are some things that Mike does that are special, that other guys can’t do. (There is) a lot of room for improvement. I think just like all of us, (we have) a lot of room for improvement in stuff we can do. He’s another guy that’s willing to work and I’ve been impressed by Mike.”
(WR Preston Williams is a guy who’s flashed in all of the practices that have been open to the media. What has he shown you?) – “Preston’s doing a nice job. He’ll make some ‘wow’ plays and he’ll make some plays that remind you that he’s a young guy. Consistency is going to be a big thing with him. In terms of some of the physical features and the way that he can go get the ball and those type of things, he’s been very impressive. Again, he’s working his tail off and it shows and you can tell out here, but there’s also a lot of work that still needs to be put in for him to be able to be trusted and be out there.”
(I’m trying to think back – what was the last time you were part of a true open competition like this?) – “Pretty much every year. (laughter)”
(Not just to make the team, but for starting, too.) – “Yeah. (In) 2014 (it) was an open competition. (In) 2012 (it) was an open competition. I think that was about it.”
(How were they similar, how were they different to what you’re going through now?) – “I don’t know that this is much different than any year in that you just try to come out here and do your best and put the work in and hope to see the results on the field. That’s what I’m trying to do and again, we have a lot of work that still needs to be put in, a lot of things that we need to get better at. Each practice is a nice reminder of that and we’re just going to continue to try to improve.”
(Going back to WR Preston Williams, what’s his attitude been like in practice given that he wasn’t drafted and he’s one of these guys fighting for a spot?) – “It’s not like we sit down and talk at lunch every day, but he’s definitely flashed. He’s definitely a guy that, as a quarterback, you take notice at some of the plays that he’s making. Like I said, great plays and boneheaded plays. We have to find a consistency there, but he certainly has enough talent to do it.”
(When you go after practice and watch the film, what are you most critical of yourself? Is it footwork, is it mechanics, is it accuracy – what is it?) – “I think every play is different, but something the last few years is my footwork and just knowing me and when I miss balls, why I’m missing the ball. Usually that’s stuff I can feel out here on a practice field. There are certain little drills and steps and things that I do to get a little better with my body placement for accuracy.”
(What age did you fall in love with football and how did you?) – “I started playing football when I was 10, I believe – tackle football. I had to make the jump from soccer to football. That was the decision. I had to give up my love for soccer at age 10. I loved the game from then on. The reason I’m still playing is I still love being out here with the guys and competing and having a lot of fun doing it.”
(We all know where you went to school. We’ve heard a little bit about that. Did you have D-I offers? Did you have places that you were considering or was it Ivy League all along?) – “I had a scholarship offer from Eastern Washington, so I-AA – back then, I-AA – and that was it. When I didn’t get any offers, I started looking elsewhere. Schoolwork was always an important thing in my household and something that was always stressed, so I decided I’d try to go to the best school I could. Football, I wanted to continue to play, but the professional thing was an afterthought. That was never at the forefront of that decision.”
(Did you have a sports hero growing up outside of your family that kind of motivated you?) – “I was a huge Magic Johnson fan growing up. He was probably my favorite if I had to think of a guy. Then, Brett Favre I loved watching and Jake Plummer was another guy I loved watching.”
Raekwon McMillan – May 29, 2019
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Wednesday, May 29, 2019
LB Raekwon McMillan
(How does it feel to come in here to just train and get back healthy?) – “It’s been going pretty good. I came in here with a new staff, new coaches and everything. We’re just trying to get it rolling as a team and as an organization.”
(What is the biggest difference you seem to notice between the regimes last year and this year?) – “Not really a big difference. They are both good leaders and good guys at the helm. One is just an offensive-minded coach and one is a defensive-minded coach.”
(How is Head Coach Brian Flores establishing a winning culture here? What are the things he’s doing?) – “He came from a winning organization, but he’s rebuilding here at the Miami Dolphins and we’re willing to make progress here and not dwell on what he’s done as a coach, but try to build our own history and keep it moving.”
(What do you remember from DT Adolphus Washington from your days at Ohio State?) – “’D.D.’ (Adolphus Washington) was a dog. I call him ‘D.D.’ (He’s a) great player. Everybody that I played with at Ohio State upfront was drafted and I expect the same thing here with Dolphins.”
(The conditioning seems to be a bit harder this year. The sprints, the pushups, what has that been like for you guys? Has that created competition as well?) – “Yeah, for sure. Everybody wants to be in first place, everybody tries to compete with each other. At the end of the day, we know we want the best for each other so we’re going to go at each other’s neck.”
(What are your early impressions for LB Andrew Van Ginkel?) – “He’s a good young cat. (He’s) very tentative, listens very well. (He) understands what we’re trying to get done as a defense and I think he’s going to be pretty good.”
(How much more complicated is the defense for you as a Mike LB now in this system? Is it more complicated at all?) – “No. Once you know what we’re trying to get done holistically as a defense, you start learning bits and pieces of it. It all comes together in your mind. It took a little while but as we’ve been going along, I’ve been starting to understand it a little bit more.”
(Is it going to be an advantage in terms of switching between various schemes? Obviously some 4-3 and a lot of 3-4, is that going to create an advantage in terms of other teams not being able to anticipate what you guys are doing?) – “Yes, for sure. Just the aspect that we can come in at any formation and put our best up and get the best 11 cats on the field and play any defense we want.”
Bobby McCain – May 29, 2019
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Wednesday, May 29, 2019
CB Bobby McCain
(How is the defense different for you?) – “Just schematically, with me playing everywhere such as safety, cornerback – playing it all – being able to understand the concepts, being able to understand your weaknesses and the strengths of the defense. That’s what each of these days are for and that’s what we’re doing.”
(Once upon a time, I think it was last June, you were signed as the highest-paid slot cornerback. Then you didn’t play that much slot. Was that a little bit of a curveball for you?) – “No. At the end of the day, it’s just going out and doing what I have to do for the team, going out and making sure that we get a W. If I have to play kicker and holder, I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do.”
(So it’s not your choice where you are going to play, but if you had a choice, what do you think you do best?) – “Anywhere, to be honest. You could put me anywhere and I’ll thrive in the position. I just want to play whatever is the best fit for this team.”
(In the middle of the field, obviously there is a lot of traffic. What do you enjoy about the times in which you have more room?) – “Being able to just see the entire formation, being able to see the entire field. You can see matchups. Just being able to see it all, being able to see the play happen, the concepts and being able to read the quarterback at the end of the day, and break off the ball.”
(Are you lining people up?) – “Sometimes, yeah. Sometimes you have to do that. You have to be a master communicator and understand that you see the full field. Some guys may not see ‘it’s (an) empty (formation), I’ve got to go this guy.’ Some guys may not see it’s gun near. Whatever the case may be, you have to get guys in the right position.”
(Do you view that as kind of like an experiment or a tryout? Or is that your position do you think?) – “Every day is a tryout. Every day we come out here, it’s an opportunity for you to prove yourself. Right now, that’s where I’m playing and that’s what I’m doing.”
(How are the guys that you are matched up against different than when you are in the slot?) – “At free safety, you can matchup on receivers, you can matchup on running backs, you can matchup on tight ends. You’ve got to be able to cover them all and do them all. At the end of the day, you’ve got to get the job done. Especially in the middle of the field, like you said, there’s a lot of traffic. There’s a lot of things going on that you have to regulate and communicate and get guys lined up and get us in the right position.”
(Coach Flores was talking today about establishing a culture. What do you see happening here in that regard? How is he establishing a winning culture?) – “Just competition. I said that on The Audible a couple of days ago: competition creates chemistry. When you’re out here playing with your guys each and every day and you’re balling and the loser does pushups, nobody wants to do pushups so that’s what creates chemistry, and creating that competition, that’s what this culture is going to be about.”
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