Tony Oden – August 1, 2019
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Thursday, August 1, 2019
Safeties Coach Tony Oden
(The move of CB Bobby McCain, what led to that in terms of making him a safety and how has he done?) – “We’re trying to move all of our players around a little bit, as you can tell. We want our guys to know all different positions. He’s smart, he’s intelligent, he’s physical, he has some good athleticism and he’s doing well. He’s learning it. Who is to say that he’s going to be there all of the time? You just don’t know. Our guys are all playing different positions. That’s one of the things that we want to do is have guys have position flex(ibility) and those kinds of things, and our guys have embraced that. They’ve learned different roles and they’ve done a good job with that.”
(CB Bobby McCain has done a lot of things well but is there any concern with his size as a safety, if you have like a 6-foot-6 tight end matched up against him?) – “Well, it’s a concern any time you have a tight end that’s 6-foot-6, (laughter) whether it’s him or anyone else. But we have other things that we can do. I’m not concerned about Bobby and his height and size. He plays big, he plays fast, he’s smart, he understands situational football so he knows how to position himself if he finds himself in a matchup like that. I’m not concerned about that.”
(And do you want S Reshad Jones and S T.J. McDonald to be equally skilled at both strong and free safety so you can be versatile and multiple?) – “We want them all to be strong and skilled and play strong, free, inside, outside. We want them to know what the linebackers are doing. We want them to know what the d-linemen are doing. We want them to know all of the positions, all of the techniques and all of the communication so we can be multiple.”
(I know it’s team-first here and you have to leave the ego at the door as Head Coach Brian Flores has said, but did you have to talk to S T.J. McDonald and S Reshad Jones initially at the start of camp and say ‘Hey, look – if you aren’t in with the first team, don’t be bent out of shape by it?’) – “Well, Coach (Flores) has set the tone for our organization when he got here and all of our guys have bought into that. They always know that the team is first. He set the tone from Day 1, so we didn’t have to say much. Those guys knew. Those guys are professionals. They’ve been in the league a long time and they know exactly how it goes. They know how we rotate anyway, so there’s not a lot of conversation with that. They’ve done a good job of handling it. There’s no concern.”
(Where have you seen the biggest growth from S Minkah Fitzpatrick from last year?) – “Well, his hair was growing a little bit and then he cut that. (laughter) Other than that, he’s learning the game. When guys first come out, they kind of just get out there and they’re just concerned with getting lined up. Right now, he’s understanding the game and situational football – what’s the difference between first down and third down? What’s the difference between first down and third down? What’s the difference between third-and-2 and third-and-8? What’s the difference between the end of the half 2-minute (situation) versus the end of a game 2-minute (situation)? So situational awareness, understanding formations, understanding the personnel the offense has in the game – it’s little things like that that all of our guys are growing with but since you asked about him in particular, that’s one of his biggest growths right there.”
(Now the defensive back responsibilities have been split up obviously here. How are the meetings? Do you and Defensive Pass Game Coordinator/Cornerbacks Josh Boyer meet collectively with all of the defensive backs or are safeties in one room and cornerbacks in another?) – “Well, we do it all. Sometimes as an entire defense, we meet together. Sometimes he may take one group of guys and I may take another group of guys. The one thing that ‘Coach Flo’ (Brian Flores) and those guys have been doing a good job of is that we’re not necessarily coaching a position, you’re coaching a technique. So it could be anybody in the room. We want to be able to go down and if something happens to (Defensive Line) Coach (Marion) Hobby or if Coach Hobby is going over to talk to defensive ends, I need to know what the defensive tackles are doing. If we talk the same language and we know the same things, it doesn’t matter who is in the room. So we split it up all of the time and it’s all hands on deck in regards to that.”
(On the occasion where the safeties and cornerbacks might be in different meetings, which one does S Minkah Fitzpatrick attend?) – “It could be either one, depending on the day. What’s today? Thursday? He may have been in the other room. It doesn’t matter. We just kind of keep it fluid in regards to that depending on what we’re doing that day.”
(Do you look at that as both starting safety jobs are open? Obviously you have three veterans with CB Bobby McCain, S Reshad Jones and S T.J. McDonald. S Minkah Fitzpatrick obviously can do multiple things. Is that your consideration, that both are open right now?) – “Well, all positions are open right now. There’s not a safety group, there’s not a linebacker group, there’s not a d-line group. It’s all positions. That’s one of the good things about our defense is that they are just spots on the field. You can line (up) anywhere. There’s not the traditional thing when you are talking about the safety position or the linebacker position. We’re all just competing for positions and competing to go out here and earn the right to play the next day?”
(Have you been on a coaching staff like this before where everything seems to be interchangeable?) – “Not to this degree, but it’s been refreshing. It’s humbling in one way because it forces you to learn on the run and learn all different things. It’s refreshing in one aspect because you do learn it all. You develop an ability to be able to coach it all and it is all interchangeable. Not to disagree, but I’m excited about.”
(Does that help you and your development as a coach?) – “Without question. Big time. Just knowing what everyone does. Sometimes you kind of pigeonhole yourself as a position coach and kind of focus on your guys and maybe the guys that may fit close to your guys; but here, you know everything. You know stunts, run gaps, run fits, the communication between the defensive tackle and the defensive end and all of that, so it’s been great.”
(Do players have to be smarter or study more in this system compared to other coordinators you’ve been with in your career?) – “I would say to a degree, yes, because you have to be able to play multiple positions. But that’s one of the things you look for in any organization. You want guys that are problem solvers that can make a poor decision a good decision on the field. We’re not out there playing, so they’ve got to be the problem solvers and we have to make the changes and the adjustments out there. So you’re always looking for that; but any time you add guys that play multiple roles, you want guys that have some kind of intelligence to be able to do that, and most of our guys do. Most of the guys in the NFL can, you just have to teach them right way and those kinds of things.”
(We’ve seen S Montre Hartage flash a little bit out here. What have you seen from him and where does he fit?) – “Well, he’s a rookie. All rookies, they’re learning; but he’s doing a good job. He’s getting better and better every day. He plays fast. He’s just learning how to communicate and those kinds of things. Getting lined up, he’s gotten better. Each day, he’s getting better. The alignment, the assignment, the communication, anticipation and all of those things, each day he just keeps checking the box like the rest of the guys. The other guys are doing well, as well.”
Quotes on the passing of Pro Football Hall of Fame LB Nick Buoniconti
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Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Quotes on the passing of Pro Football Hall of Fame LB Nick Buoniconti
Pro Football Hall of Fame Head Coach Don Shula:
“I am sad to hear of Nick’s passing. Nick was special to me in every way. He was someone I greatly admired. His love for his wife, Lynn, his children, grandchildren, friends, teammates, family and the community was evident. His groundbreaking work with The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis has made a huge difference in the lives of so many people. I am thankful to have had Nick in my life. I will miss him.”
Former Dolphins WR and Sr. Vice President of Special Projects & Alumni Relations Nat Moore:
“It’s a real sad day for the Dolphins and our alumni. We lost one of our greats with the passing of Nick Buoniconti. He was a great football player, a true Hall of Famer, but he was much more than that. He was a lawyer and a successful business leader. Most of all he was a family man. The work he did with the Miami Project following the tragic accident with Marc will never be matched. My thoughts are with his wife, Lynn, and children, Marc, Nick and Gina. He will be missed and always in our hearts.”
Dolphins Honor Roll S Dick Anderson:
“It’s a difficult day. Nick was the leader of our defense and another coach on the field. You combine him with our defense coach, Bill Arnsparger, and you know why he always bragged that we made just 11 mental errors on defense during the entire prefect season of 1972. We just had to go where they told us to go and make the play. As great a player as he was on the field, and he was a Hall of Famer, he was even more impactful off the field with all the work he did with the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis after the injury to his, Marc. He helped raised $200-300 million and made the Project one of the world’s leading neurological research centers.”
Pro Football Hall of Fame G Larry Little:
“The main thing I always remember about Nick is that we were both traded to the Dolphins the same year (1969) and were bonded ever since then. He came from Boston and I was with San Diego. We had a great relationship and always kidded each other. We were both captains of the 1972 team and he would always call the coin toss and got it right every time. One time I asked to do it and I got it wrong. He never let me forget that! He was a great guy and a great person. He was always a fierce competitor. It’s really a sad day for me.”
Pro Football Hall of Fame FB Larry Csonka:
“I’m deeply saddened by the news of Nick’s passing. He was the consummate team captain, the heartbeat of our team. I’ll miss Nick, his wisdom and class. Because of Nick, the world’s a much better place. My sincerest condolences to Lynn and family. RIP brother, #85.”
Charles Harris – July 31, 2019
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Wednesday, July 31, 2019
DE Charles Harris
(How good has it been to be back out here doing everything after being limited in the offseason?) – “It feels good. It feels good being out there with the d-line again, just being in the rotation and whatnot, so it feels real good.”
(How this defense fits your skills – any feelings to that? How does it make you a better player, this particular scheme?) – “Yeah, I mean we’re just going through camp, just entering new stuff and just doing different things. We’ve still got camp, so we have a long way to go, so we’ve got a little more to learn. We’re just trying to get the basics down right now and the fundamentals and everything, so we’re going to see as the season unfolds and everything going into the preseason, how it all works.”
(You have a good chance to be a starter here. Is that important to you in Year 3 of your career?) – “Oh yeah, for sure. It definitely is.”
(With the scrimmage on Saturday, what are you looking for from yourself and from the defensive line as a whole?) – “Really just our technique, our fundamentals – getting down the basics. It will be our first time actually going live, so just seeing the whole d-line go out there and actually work everything we’ve been practicing these last two weeks, that’s what I’m going to be looking forward to.”
(When it comes to pass rushing, how much of your success do you tie into actual sacks out here and how much is tied into, ‘Well, I did the right thing. I applied some pressure and maybe helped a teammate a little bit?’) – “Shoot, we go every day. We go every day in practice and try to get better every day. When we go one-on-one pass rushing stuff, we just try to do everything we can to get to the quarterback. I don’t know how it all correlates, just every single day, every single down, we’re trying to win.”
(In this system, how is what’s expected of edge rushers different from your experience in your first two years? Are there more responsibilities for edge rushers in this system?) – “Shoot, right now, it’s just every edge rusher’s got the edge, so it’s just edge technique. I think it’s pretty general across all defenses really because you have somebody setting the edge and whatnot, so that’s what we’re trying to do.”
(Are you the same weight as you were last year or are you a little bit heavier?) – “Right now, I’m probably a little heavier. A little heavier than last year.”
(By how many pounds do you think you’ve put on?) – “I can’t remember. (laughter) I really can’t. I weighed in today – shoot, I think I am heavier than last year. I can’t remember what I was last camp, but I think I am heavier than last year.”
(Is that something you consciously tried to do – put on some weight?) – “Yeah, pretty much.”
(Have you had a specific moment with Head Coach Brian Flores over the past week that stands out for you?) – “A moment? So we had a team meeting the other day that was pretty cool. We had rookies doing some stuff. It’s insider stuff, but we had some moments right there in the team meeting so far as a team.”
(The impressions just of the learning moments and how intense are they and all that type of stuff?) – “It’s great. He gives us quotes, gives us video – not that many quotes but a lot of videos. It’s a lot of great people, great leaders – him and ‘P.G.’ (Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham) give us a lot of quotes and whatnot to live by all throughout the building. I’m pretty sure you’ve all seen it, but all throughout the building, we’ve got a lot of quotes up. I think it’s really dope to walk in and see something that – like one of the first things we see when we go in is, ‘Get over yourself.’ So stuff like is pretty cool to humble yourself.”
(Do you sense how much experience Head Coach Brian Flores has had with a winning organization?) – “Yeah, for sure. I think anybody that’s been around him can tell that he loves to win as an individual, and that mentality goes a long way.”
(It seems like you’re more upbeat and happy right now. What do you attribute that to? Am I reading that right?) – “Yeah, I mean, shoot, just (being) back out here. Really (being) back out here playing, that’s the greatest thing about it.”
(Where would you say I guess your confidence level is compared to where it was, maybe last year?) – “I can’t remember last year; but yeah, right now, I’m on a high right now. I’m just ready for the scrimmage. I think like I said, I think that’s the biggest thing is being able to get out there live, and that’s the biggest thing is the scrimmage coming up. (I’m) taking every single day, of course, one day at a time; but (I’m) really looking forward to the scrimmage.”
(In our lives on a day-to-day basis and also at our jobs, we all try to balance a sense of urgency versus patience, so how have you processed that? Where are you in your life – your stage of your career – in balancing sense of urgency versus patience?) – “Right now, I’m at a point where I’m trying to balance (anything). I’m just trying to harmonize. When I’m on the field, I’m on the field. When I’m in the weight room, I’m in the weight room. When I’m at home, I’m at home. When I’m with my nephews, I’m an uncle. I’m just trying to really harmonize – wearing different kinds of caps every single day. I might wear 10 or 15 different caps every day. One day I’m a player, the next minute I’m husband. So I’m not trying to be balanced anything. I’m trying to be harmonious with everything.”
(Is where you are with your feet, is that a big message from the staff?) – “Yeah, wherever your feet are, that’s where you are.”
(With this defense, so many guys have different roles, so many different schemes. How comfortable is it for you guys to get adjusted to the fact that, ‘oh, when I’m in this scheme, I’m in the scheme, but I might not play’ if that scheme is used?) – “Wait, what’s the question?”
(In terms of just getting accustomed to being used in different roles with the different schemes and everybody having a role in terms of the amount of players that you guys are playing?) — “It’s all about discipline. The biggest thing is everybody’s got – I mean, the coaches are going to put you in the best position to make plays, and I think that’s the biggest thing I keep in mind. The number count isn’t the most important thing. When that game ends and you’re winning, that’s all that really matters. Like I’ve said before, one of the biggest things that we’ve got, one of the quotes that we’ve got coming is ‘get over yourselves.’ If I’m not getting that many plays, it might not be a week. We might have different schemes for different teams and stuff like that. You really don’t know.”
(Who told you, ‘get over yourselves?’) – “It’s just a quote we’ve got in the building.”
(Is there a guy on the team who’s been in this scheme before and thus, has actually been able to help you learn?) – “We’re all learning. I think that’s the biggest thing. We’re all learning. I don’t think anybody’s really ever played this kind of defense before, but (it’s) pretty much everybody’s first time, and everybody’s trying to get used to it.”
(I saw you get around G/T Jesse Davis out there for, I think, what would have been a sack. Do you take those plays – what can you take out them and continue to build on them?) – “Just going to the film room and seeing how did it work, how did it not work and how to do it better. I’m pretty sure someone didn’t do it right, whether that’s turn the corner all the way, whether that’s finishing with a rip. There’s always something you can critique. Of course, you always chalk it up, but at the same time you always try to get better at it.”
(How much better does your wrist feel these days?) – “It feels good. It feels real good.”
(‘Get over it’ – is it written on the building, or is it just something that’s said in the building?) – “It’s actually said. It’s said and written.”
(It’s written inside the building on the wall?) – “It’s written, too, yeah.”
DeVante Parker – July 31, 2019
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Wednesday, July 31, 2019
WR DeVante Parker
(How is your grasp of the offense? What are some things that you picked up easily and what are some things that you need to work on?) – “Some of the things that they have in this offense now are some of the things we had last year. Certain names and code words are some of the same; but other things, I’ve got to learn and study.”
(What’s your comfort level this training camp?) – “My comfort level is pretty good now. We’ve been going at it for a minute now. It’s just fun being out here, especially with ‘X’ (Xavien Howard) and all of the other DBs coming out, working hard and getting everyone better.”
(What’s your relationship with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick? QB Ryan Tannehill has always been a big defender of yours. It seems like you have a good rapport with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. Just working with him, what’s that been like?) – “It’s been great working with him. He puts the ball where it needs to be and we just adjust to it. That’s the thing he does (well).”
(Do you like that as a receiver, being able to go up and go get it and have that responsibility?) – “I like that. It gives us a chance to come down with it. Puts the ball where it’s supposed to be and we got to make a play.”
(From a personal standpoint. Has the start of camp gone pretty much how you want it to go?) – “Yeah, it has. It’s been going pretty well for me. I just come out here – everyone is getting reps and everything. You’ve just got to make the plays you can.”
(Is this kind of a crossroads season in your career right now? Is it maybe your last chance to prove yourself here? Do you feel that way at all coming in?) – “No. I don’t feel that way at all. I’m just coming in taking it one day at a time. That’s it.”
(Can you talk about the start you had with Head Coach Brian Flores? Was there a sense that you wanted to make a different impression on the new coach?) – “I just want the coach to know that I can still play the game. That’s the biggest thing, and I think I’ve done that so far.”
(How are you doing health-wise?) – “I’m good health-wise.”
(Is there anything during the offseason that you built on entering training camp this year?) – “In terms of health-wise?”
(Yeah.) – “I mean I’m doing the same things, just being consistent.”
(How important is it for you to want to stay healthy and be out here?) – ‘It’s very important. I’m a big receiver, so I have to eat a lot more things that fuel my body and keep me right.”
(There is a lot of depth at receiver. Did you go into camp feeling you’re guaranteed a spot or did you go into camp feeling no matter what you have to fight?) – “There are not spots. I just come out and fight for the position. Nothing is guaranteed.”
(Have you had a learning moment with Head Coach Brian Flores that stands out or a moment that shows who he is as a head coach?) – “I’m going to say not yet but I’m pretty sure it’s coming.”
(What would be a success for you this season?) – “Success for me? One-thousand yards.”
(One-thousand yards?) – “Yes.”
(Why is that important to you?) – “I haven’t done it yet.”
(Do you think you have what it takes to do that?) – “Yes.”
(How has your chemistry with QB Josh Rosen been? I know we asked about QB Ryan Fitzpatrick so far.) – “I don’t get as much reps with him; but when I do, it’s there. We probably just got a little bit more work to do.
(As the receiver group as a whole, are there guys feeling like you need to prove yourselves, that you need to carry the offense? How do you guys approach heading into this season?) – “We just know that when it’s our time to make a play, we have to come down with the ball. That’s it.”
Jerome Baker – July 31, 2019
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Wednesday, July 31, 2019
LB Jerome Baker
(Do you like the pass-rushing aspect that they’re trying to implement here with you either going one-on-one or however they’re setting you up to get to the quarterback?) – “Oh, yeah. They have different ways for me to get to the quarterback. I’m pretty sure any player, they’re happy to have that. It’s definitely fun. They definitely have different tools and different things for us to do.”
(How much more confident do you feel with this being your second year, having that full year of experience and with one training camp under your belt.) – “I feel very confident. Just like any player in their second year, they feel confident, they feel better. I’m just excited to go out there and work.”
(How much did you take from your rookie season last year in terms of the experience and the pick-six that you had? What did that do for your confidence coming into this year?) – “It definitely helped. It was definitely a cool learning experience. This year, there’s more added on my plate. I’m just trying to go out there and perform.”
(What’s LB Sam Eguavoen like to line up against? We haven’t really gotten to see too much of him. Ever since he’s signed here, he’s practiced but being in the room with him and consistently around him, what’s he like as a player and what’s he like out on the field?) – “He’s a smart guy. He’s smart, he’s fast, he’s explosive. It’s just cool just to have a guy like that out there. He understands the defense. Together, we just play together and off the field, it’s the same way. He’s similar to me, just quiet. He listens and does what he’s told. He’s definitely great to have out there.”
(You’re smiling though. Is LB Sam Eguavoen kind of a funny guy?) – “He’s like that quiet funny. He’s not going to say much but when he says something, it’s definitely cool.”
(What goes through your mind when they sign a player from Canada and then you meet LB Sam Eguavoen for the first time? What are you thinking?) – “I didn’t think anything of it. I asked him simple questions like how is the Canadian bacon and stuff like that. (laughter) He’s definitely cool. I guess he’s a rookie but in my eyes, he’s really not a rookie.”
(What did LB Sam Eguavoen tell you about Canadian bacon?) – “It was good. (laughter)”
(What do you feel the ceiling of this defense is? What do you feel the potential is?) – “It’s unlimited. We just have to play together. That’s the main thing is just play together, play hard, play smart, play fast. Just like with any great defense, if you play together, it all works out.”
(It seems like they’re trusting you to do more whether it’s what they ask of you or the calls you make on the field. What do you attribute that to and how do you take that responsibility?) – “to me, it’s just an honor. They ask me to do that so that’s what I’m going to do. I go in and make sure I take care of my body. I study as much as I can. I’m just very grateful for it. I definitely don’t want to lose that, so I just constantly work on it. I’m definitely grateful.”
(Is there a moment that stands out from Head Coach Brian Flores over the first week or so in your mind that can just sort of can explain what kind of coach he is to us?) – “A strict, hard, drill-sergeant type of vibe but then he comes in and cracks a corny joke. Everybody is serious so it’s like, are we supposed to laugh or are we not? (laughter) He’s a great guy. It’s definitely fun to play under him.”
(How corny are these jokes? Can you think of one?) – “It’s not just the corniness of it, it’s just that everybody is so serious and his deliver is like – we’re all wondering is he playing or is he dead serious? (laughter) It’s very dry and we don’t want to hear it because we don’t know if he’s serious or not?”
(Is there a coach that you’ve had that you can compare Head Coach Brian Flores to?) – “No, not at all. He’s different. He’s so different. His jokes are different. He’s just a great guy.”
(When you see Head Coach Brian Flores on this level, does it make you want to play for him more? Does it make you want to get to know him more? How do these kind of translate for you guys?) – “Yeah. He’s your head coach so he definitely – he has to control the whole team so you have to take what it is. None of his stuff is personal. It’s just the way he has to be and the way he wants us. When you talk to him individually, he’s just like any person. He has a personality when you talk to him. He’s very fun to be around. He’s definitely good.”
(Head Coach Brian Flores spoke highly this morning about your leadership and what you bring to this defense. As a second-year player, what does that mean to hear that from your head coach that he’s counting on you to bring that leadership?) – “I’m just grateful. I’m grateful for it all. I just try to come out here and do the best that I can do. For me, I really don’t like talking. I kind of like leading by example and that’s what I try to do every day.”
Nat Moore – July 31, 2019
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Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Senior Vice President, Special Projects, Alumni Relations & Advisor to CEO Nat Moore
(Opening statement) – “As you guys have heard, Nick Buoniconti passed last night or early this morning. He had had a bout with pneumonia and was struggling. Thank God he’s in a better place right now and his suffering is over. Other than that, I’d like to think about the good times that we had going back to when I first came in the league in 1974 and got to know Nick very well as the team leader, the guy that led the defense, but also led the organization. He was a guy that whenever something needed to happen with (Head) Coach (Don) Shula, he was the guy that went back in the back and talked to Coach Shula and worked things out that was better for the team. Later on, he and I have a special bond, because he became my agent. Through the years, what he’s done here in South Florida and the fight to cure paralysis with the Miami Project has been phenomenal. He’s a guy that he was more than just a football player and was larger than life to a lot of us, and we’re going to miss him.”
(What’s your fondest memory of Nick Buoniconti?) – “My fondest memory of Nick was what a smart guy he was. He would stand behind the offense on days that he wasn’t practicing and by just looking at the offensive line, looking at the backs, (he) could tell you what play we were running already. It showed you why he was such a great player. He was a very smallish linebacker, but extremely smart and he always got to the hole before the guard or the tackle could get to him and he could blow up a play. It was all because he was such a great student of the game and an extremely smart player.”
(In addition to his impact on the Dolphins, what would you say was Nick Buoniconti’s impact on the game?) – “I think when you think about Nick’s impact on the game, when you look at paralysis, back when we came into the league in the 1970s, guys would have back injuries or injuries to their spine and their career was over with. They couldn’t walk again. Because of Nick raising the money, he and Marc (Buoniconti), and what they’ve been able to do down at the Miami Project, guys are getting up and walking again, guys are able to play again. I think Nick was, like I said, larger than life. He wasn’t just a football player. He was a guy that thought outside the box and made things happen.”
(Nick Buoniconti seemed like a trailblazer as far as after his playing career. In what way do you believe that he inspired NFL players in their retirement to seek other opportunities?) – “I think Nick came along at a time when as players, there were no offseason workout programs. It was you had to get a job, you had to work. Nick was one of those guys that he took those same qualities that he had on the field – perseverance, dedication, very astute in the classroom – and moved on to become an outstanding lawyer and then eventually represented the tobacco association. He did so many things and anybody that knew him realized – don’t forget he did HBO for so many years, (Inside the) NFL. I look at a guy that lived a full life. It’s sad to see him go. He struggled the last couple of years; but the suffering is over and he’ll always be remembered as not only the first Dolphin defensive player to go into the Hall of Fame, but one of the greatest Dolphins ever.”
Brian Flores – July 31, 2019
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Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Head Coach Brian Flores
(I know it’s still early obviously, but after three days in pads, how many of the edge guys stand out to you and outside linebackers?) – “I think they’re all doing a good job. I’ll start with Charles Harris – I think he’s really working hard, really working at the techniques on the edge, in the run game and in the pass game, so he’s doing a good job. Tank (Carradine) – he’s doing a good job on the edge as well. We’ve got a group of guys – that edge player – that goes back and forth between guys who are outside linebackers to ends to big ends to smaller ends. It’s a fluid group, so we’ve got a group of guys working there – (Nate) Orchard, Harris, (Tyrone) Holmes, (Andrew) Van Ginkel’s been out there, (Terrill) Hanks has been out there, (Jerome) Baker’s been out there, Kiko Alonso’s been out there. We’ve got a group of guys out there, so that’s going to be a fluid spot, just depending on situation, the best grouping, what they have out there offensively, and I think that spot will change. We work a lot of different guys there. We see some safeties in that spot as well. From T.J. (McDonald) to Reshad (Jones) – Minkah’s (Fitzpatrick) been out there. The edge – there’s a lot of guys playing that position. We work a lot of those same techniques with those guys, so we’re just going to try to move those pieces as we see fit.”
(Staying on those edge rushers, is it important to see sacks right now, or do you just want to see technique and them doing things the right way?) – “It’s always important to see a good pass rush. Whether that ends up in a sack, per se, we’re really looking for good rushers, pressure on the quarterback, pressure on the offensive line, which ultimately creates some discomfort for the offense, for the quarterback, for everyone. Sacks (is a) big stat – that’s the one everyone’s watching, but I think pressure on the quarterback, making the quarterback uncomfortable, making the offensive line uncomfortable, making really the offense as a whole – coordinator, everybody, coaches, all the way across the board – that’s pressure to me. Sacks are a great stat – I love them – but at the same time, going through the process of winning a one-on-one matchup, working in concert with another player if we work in a game or stunt or something in that realm. If it results in pressure and making the offense uncomfortable, then to me, that’s positive and that’s a productive-specific snap.”
(QB Ryan Fitzpatrick seemed pretty adamant about not having his workload kind of managed here – having a pitch count. Is that something you guys had a conversation with him, or is that something you guys are kind of working towards here in training camp to manage his workload?) – “I think we’ve got – everybody’s going to work. So from that standpoint, it’s getting managed. He’s not taking every snap. So from that standpoint, he’s getting managed, and that’s really the case at all positions. We’re working ones, twos, threes, and in some cases, we’ve got four or five guys working at a position, so the volume of players we have kind of manages the entire situation, so I’m pretty sure that was probably where Ryan was going with that. That’s the case with everybody. We’re going to try to get work for the guys in the groups we want together, so they can build that chemistry. At the same time, we’ve got to get everyone evaluated, so the pitch count is not really something we’re concerned with right now. More specifically at that position, I think there’s enough – if anything, there’s really not enough snaps to go around. I’d say it’d go the other way.”
(I know it’s early in camp, but what have you seen out of LB Jerome Baker so far at linebacker that’s impressed you, and what do you feel his role will be?) – “Bake’s done a good job. He’s done a really good job. He’s learned the concepts and the defenses to a solid level, and he’s learned multiple positions. Obviously, he’s fast, he can tackle, he’s smart, he’s tough. He’s got some leadership qualities, which I talked about a little bit in the spring, and that’s starting to develop a little bit.”
(With LB Jerome Baker’s pass rushing, is that something that’s schemed up, or is that just a knack because he’s been the guy who’s pretty much created the most pressure so far?) – “I wouldn’t say it’s schemed up. This is a talented guy. He can win a one-on-one pass rush. At the linebacker position, we’re going to ask him to do a few things. We’re going to ask him to rush, we’re going to ask him to cover, we’re going to ask him to tackle, play in the run game, so depending on what we have called, he may have to win a one-on-one, he may be involved in a scheme or he may have the freedom to do either-or. That’s kind of some of the things – if a player’s capable of doing that – really offensively, defensively or in the kicking game, we want to give him that freedom. That’s the style of ball I like to play. Players know that, but they have to earn that right. Otherwise, we’ll just (say), ‘you’re rushing against that guy.’”
(What is it with guys you’re trying to carve out roles for everybody – what does a guy have to do to get more than just the role that you’ve carved out for him? What does he have to show you and this coaching staff, and also, how difficult is it to manage these egos of guys who’ve been, like T.J. McDonald, who’s been a starter every single game he’s ever played in the NFL?) – “The last question – from an ego standpoint, I’m thankful that this isn’t a team with – in the time I’ve spent with them – with a lot of egos. These guys are, for the most part, putting the team first and trying to work hard and understand competition, really embrace the competition, understanding that that’ll make them better players. From that standpoint, we haven’t had very many issues. I’m very straightforward with the guys. The best guys are going to play. I think I’m going to try to proceed in that manner and be fair and give everyone an opportunity, so from an ego standpoint, I tell the guys, you’re going to have as much of a role on this team as you show on the field, in the classroom, in the walkthroughs, and at the end of the day, this is a production business. From that standpoint, egos – I don’t even like to use that term in football because it’s a team sport, but I know that it’s a part of the game. As far as the first part of your question, which was ‘how do guys carve out a role?’ I would say first and foremost, it’s in the kicking game for really anyone on the team. If you make plays in the kicking game, you make a name for yourself in the kicking game here in this organization, that means a lot to me. If guys want to impress me, do it in the kicking game. That’s where I started in college. That’s how I got on the field at Boston College. That’s how I broke into coaching in the National Football League from working with guys like (Houston Texans Special Teams Coordinator) Brad Seeley and then (New England Patriots Scout) Scott O’Brien. It’s a very important phase of the game to me, so if a guy wants to impress on this team, do it there, carve out a role there, and then if you’re at the game for the kicking game, we’ll find something for you to do offensively or defensively. The players know that. I think everyone in the league should know that. That’s a spot where you can definitely carve out a role, and then, that’s how your reps increase. If you do a good job in the kicking game, you get more offensive or defensive snaps. If you do a good job with those snaps, we’ll give you more, and that’s how guys evolve and grow in this profession.”
(What’s the biggest thing TE Dwayne Allen can bring to the offense?) – “Dwayne – he brings leadership, he brings energy, he brings effort. When we get him out there, in the past, he’s been a good blocker; but again, the past doesn’t matter. He’s going to have to go out there and block and be productive when he gets out there. As far as – from a receiving standpoint – I think he’s a good receiving tight end. That’s something that we’ll try to take advantage of if we can, but that’s up to Dwayne. It’s no different than any other player. If he makes the most of his opportunities, then he’ll see more opportunities.”
(Obviously by not putting WR Albert Wilson on PUP at the start of the season, the expectation is that he’ll be ready early in the year. Is that timeline still intact? Is there going to be a point in the near future we’ll see him do some team?) – “Yeah. Albert is really working on a daily (basis). You see him in some individual (drills), you see him out there a little bit in practice. He goes in and he’s working; we’re working him. We’re working him, that’s for sure. He’s doing a good job. From that standpoint, from a conditioning standpoint, he’s got to get back up to speed and hopefully we’ll see him sooner than later. He’s definitely working towards that and that’s something that we’ve talked about as a staff and (with) our medical team. We have a plan in place for him. We’re not going to stray from that plan. He’s working hard to get back on the field.”
(I’ve seen you run a lot of gassers after practice. I haven’t seen too many bubble practices. What are your thoughts on managing guys and giving them days off even if they’re not hurt? And what are your thoughts on the cumulative effects of this heat later in the season?) – “I think that’s something I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about. (I’ve spent) a lot of time talking to different coaches, trainers, medical staff about what’s the best way for us. We have a plan in place; but part of that plan is practicing in this weather. I think it’s something that we’ve got to get acclimated to. I think it’s an advantage for us. I think it’s a disadvantage for teams that come here. At the end of games, if we can go in this weather and they can’t, I think everybody will be happy. I think that’s part of training camp. It’s hard. Training camp is hard. It’s been that way since football began. I think the players need to understand that. Everyone needs to understand that. It’s not going to be easy. You go through the hard times so you can see the fruits of that labor hopefully. I think most successful teams and most successful seasons start with a good training camp. They start with hard training camps where you find out what your limits are. I think that’s something that we have to do. I think every team has to do it. These guys are working, I’ll tell you that much. You guys see it. It’s hot, it’s humid, we’re in pads, we’re hitting, we’re running. But you’re right, there’s nothing more important than the health of this team. I know that; but I also know that we need to push the limits and see how far we can go. That’s the game and that’s how you get better. To me, that’s teaching, that’s coaching. How do you know how much you can do if you don’t try to go beyond it? I guess that’s a core principle of mine. We’ll see how it goes.”
(So you aren’t going to give guys days off?) – “Days off? They just had a day off the other day. (laughter) That doesn’t count? I’ll give you guys days off. (laughter)”
(LB Kiko Alonso missed practice yesterday with an injury. Is his injury something that – most of these guys have just been one day or two days and then back.) – “I expect to see Kiko back pretty soon. Like you said, most of these guys are – it’s one or two (days). I think we’re in that realm. I’m not putting that number on him but this is a guy who works hard. He wants to be out on the field. He’s a leader on this team. The guy has made a lot of plays in this league. I don’t see this as a long-term thing. I think he’ll be back sooner than later.”
(When it comes to linebackers and defensive backs, we’ve seen a lot of shuffling. Are you at a point where you know what everyone does well and you’re trying to figure out who plays best in what package or are you still trying to figure out with a lot of them, ‘What does he do best?’) – “Great question. I think I know what guys do well but I also know this, when the lights go on and we start to play games, some guys just are gamers. Some guys can make plays in games and have a knack for it. The evaluation up to this point, I know what I see. Our coaching staff, our personnel staff, it’s something that we’re evaluating every day. When it all boils down to it, it’s production in games, in that setting. So that’s the big test. What they do in practice is very important. It’s the only way to simulate the games. The best way to simulate the games is practice, and that goes a long way as far as the evaluation. But if a guy goes out there and does nothing in practice and goes out there and catches four touchdowns, we’ve got to take a harder look at that guy. I think you guys will too. I think the rest of the league will. Up to this point, that’s the evaluation. I think I know what guys can do. It’s still fairly early. We’re getting into some situational – third down, two minute – we’re starting to get into those situations practice-wise. There’s still evaluation left; but I would say the majority of it, I feel comfortable with what guys can do well and what they can’t do well. But the games will tell us a lot as well.”
(Tampa Bay Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians said yesterday that with rookies, he needs to see 500 reps of what they can do so far. I think the quote was, ‘if you can’t show me in 500 plays, you can’t show me – essentially, you have a pretty good body of work.’ Does that sound about right with this building, too, that being going back to April, May, now you’ve had hundreds and hundreds of reps with these guys?) – “Well, I’m not in that building, so I can’t really speak to what Bruce (said) and his 500 reps. Our evaluations are here, and I think until you play a game and you see them in that setting, you think you know or you have a good idea; but you just – the evaluation’s ongoing. I would say that. Am I 95 percent sure? Yeah. Have I been proven wrong before? Yeah. I think every coach has. So we’ll see how it goes. I think that’s part of going through what I think should be a fair process, which is meetings, walkthrough, practice, practice some more, practice in pads, practice the situations, then go out in the game and see who does what. Some guys, the lights come on, all of the stuff you saw in practice, they go into survival mode, and then they can’t play. We’re looking for that on both sides – guys who are gamers and guys who show up in practice and then don’t show up in the games. We need to make sure we’re right there.”
(What have you seen from CB Eric Rowe, and how important is it to you to shore up that second cornerback spot in your secondary?) – “I think Eric’s done a good job. I think he’s a guy that we have some history with. I think consistency is the big thing for him, and consistency is the big thing for everyone on this team. We’re going to continue to work on his line-of-scrimmage technique, his tackling, his deep – finding the ball in the air, defeating blocks, his roles in the kicking game. I think Eric’s done a good job. He’s a hard-working kid. He loves the game, puts the team first. He’s a team guy all the way. He’s tough, he’s smart and I like Eric a lot. I’m looking forward to him continuing to grow and grow as a football player.”
Daniel Kilgore – July 30, 2019
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Tuesday, July 30, 2019
C Daniel Kilgore
(How surprised were you with the news when they made the announcement?) – “Yeah, I mean you’re definitely surprised. Four days into camp – any change – not just coaches, but players – with the new rules, you’re allowed to keep a whole team – but any time it’s a coach, yeah, you’re surprised. But after meeting with ‘Coach Flo,’ (Brian Flores) that’s what he had a gut feeling and what he thought was best, and I back him. I back the head coach, (General Manager) Mr. (Chris) Grier and the OC (Offensive Coordinator Chad O’Shea). So whatever they think’s best for the team, that’s what we want to do.”
(Did he go into any detail and explain to you guys what was behind the move?) – “No, I mean he doesn’t have to. That’s his call. That’s the luxury of being the head coach, and our job as players is to go out and do whatever we’re told, so whoever’s the offensive line coach, we’re going to do it.”
(What’s the biggest difference between Pat Flaherty’s and Dave DeGuglielmo?) – “’Guge,’ (Dave DeGuglielmo) he’s going to have to get his terminology in. It is tough because we did have a spring with ‘Flats,’ (Pat Flaherty) so it’s going to take some time for him to get his terminology and what he’s expecting for us. That’s the biggest transition for us and that’s really what – as an offensive line unit – we’re going to have to dial in and make sure that we’re all on the same page with the offensive line coach.”
(What is it like knowing you’re being coached now by the guy who coached the best offensive line in the NFL last year?) – “It’s awesome. They (Indianapolis Colts) were a playoff team. You look across their line, and they had an outstanding year, just from stats. I didn’t watch them – I didn’t dissect them or anything like that, but he’s (Dave DeGuglielmo) been around the league. He’s been with this coaching staff before. So it’s an opportunity for this team to really grow together with the staff, and we’re looking forward to working with him every day.”
(What do you want this offensive line’s identity to be?) – “Tough. Both mentally and physically. We are a young team. ‘L.T.’ (Laremy Tunsil) and I are the older ones. Chris (Reed), he’s got some experience. Jesse’s (Davis) got experience now, but we’ve got some young guys. Mentally and physically, we’re going to have to be tough. Just knowing the scheme, that’s the biggest thing because this is a scheme that you need to be on top of your game. And within these elements – training camp – it’s tough. It’s hot out here, so when you’re the mock play of the game or whatever towards the end of practice, you’ve really got to think. So you’ve got to dial in on what your job is, so being physically and mentally tough.”
(Did Pat Flaherty reach out to you at all today or to any of you guys?) – “Not today. I spoke to him last night, and I’ve been with Coach Flats (Flaherty) before in San Fran, and this is my sixth head coach in nine years. I’ve had many offensive line coaches, both full-time, helping or whatever, and it’s a tough transition when you’re blindsided like that; but he’s a good sport. He’s been in this business for longer than I’ve been alive, and he understands. It was tough for him, but he left – I told him, I said he’s an awesome coach, but he’s an even better man. Fortunately, we have his son on staff, and Shawn’s done a great job, and he can carry on what his father did but really establish himself as a coach in his own career. I spoke to him a little bit, and he thanked the guys for all their effort for him, and he knows that we’re in good hands, so there’s no bad blood. We understand this is the business side of it, but we’re also – we’ve got to look forward. We’ve got to adapt now.”
(What do you think went wrong the first four days, and what was feeling a little different today?) – “That’s something that’s out of my – I couldn’t tell you. What went wrong? It’s training camp. We’re fighting through it (and) we’re trying to get better just like every other training camp I’ve been with in nine years. Nothing’s perfect. So I think that it’s something that’s out of our hands, and like I said earlier, as ‘Coach Flo’s’ calling, we’re going to back him.”
(What do you take from – you don’t have to see a coach fired four days in. What do you take from that moving forward?) – “Well, I said this in the spring: we rent those lockers – coaches and players. You really, coming into this business, you’ve got to know that each and every day, you’re under a microscope, and they’re going to put who they think is going to help them win games on the field. Four days in or if it’s four years in, there’s no gray area. You’re either getting your job done or you’re not and we’re going to move onto the next guy.”
(I’m doing something on Adolphus Washington, No. 53 – what have you noticed about him and his style of play?) – “He’s tough. He flies around. To be honest with you, I don’t know really – because the whole unit, they’re doing a really good job, and they’ve got the depth and everything, and everybody’s really just – for me personally, I’m just trying to get used to my guys and working up to him, so he’s doing a good job. He’s fitting in where he’s supposed to be.”
(First day with the new position coach. Was there any kind of difference either in intensity or…) – “No, not in intensity. I mean, yeah, he wants us to get after it, but it’s just – again – working out the kinks, wanting to do his drills and getting used to his drills. It’s his first da. It’s not even been – well, it’s been 24 hours now, but he’s playing catch-up. Now we’re playing catch-up with him, with what he wants and terminology and drill work, so that’s going to be a difference. It’ll take the next couple of days to get what he wants as far as individual work; but after this week, we should be good.”
(Offensive Line Coach Dave DeGuglielmo has been around the team, but has he been in meeting rooms with you guys?) – “On-and-off, on-and-off. I believe he’s been doing personnel stuff, but he has sat in with some offensive line meetings, especially offense meetings. He has spoken a little bit; but as far as being there full-time, no. He’s kind of just, he’s scattering, he’s kind of doing his own scouting of all positions; but now being able to really dial in on offensive line, it’s going to be interesting to see what he has in store for us and where we go from here.”
(Did you have conversations with the guys who played under Offensive Line Coach Dave DeGuglielmo in terms of what to expect?) – “I have not had conversations with any guys that have played with him. No, I have not.”
(Do you think it’ll be a drastic shift in maybe techniques of what he’s asking you to do versus what Pat Flaherty was asking?) – “I wouldn’t say drastic. I would say there would be minor technique differences, as there is with every coach. It’s what they think will put you in the best position to take on a block or a single or a double. It’s just – yeah, there will be some differences, but not drastic. Again, I told the guys after practice – the only ability for us right now is being able to adapt. Adaptability, that’s really going to be the biggest task: put our head down and go to work.”
(Obviously there are a couple of roles that you guys are trying to figure out as far as who’s a starter at a particular position. How is it for you guys as far as continuity? I know that’s important.) – “It is important, but honestly it’s important to be able to play different positions. The old saying – the more tools in the shed, the better you are – and I think that has to do with a lot of our guys playing guard or tackle or at center and guard. You know, I think it’s important for a lot of these young guys to experience different positions and state their case to really make the team. We’ll plug in different guys at different positions and see who works well with each other and who doesn’t, so it’s important.”
(What do you like so far about G Michael Deiter?) – “Deiter, he’s a big body. He’s intelligent. He knows the game very well, compared to – man, when I was a rookie, I had no clue. He’s so far advanced from when I was a rookie out of Appalachian State, him coming from Wisconsin. He’s doing good. He’s big; he plays physical. It’s just more or less now just transitioning that technique – what Coach is wanting and really fine-tuning some of his things.”
