Nik Needham – August 2, 2021
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Saturday, August 2, 2021
CB Nik Needham
(At this point, are you glad to be working both outside and in the slot? Obviously you’re competing with CB Justin Coleman in the slot but getting opportunities outside as well?) – “It’s always good to get work on both sides – inside and outside. Just getting more comfortable with the technique, communication with the safety as far as on the outside and just working that. It’s been real good.”
(What did Defensive Backs Coach Gerald Alexander tell you at the end of the year in exit meetings or conversations in the spring about where you needed to be coached?) – “You can never be good enough, so he just says keep grinding. Just work on my speed. You can never be fast enough. Always say that. So I’ve been working on that and just taking the mental jump from Year 2 to Year 3, just like Year 1 to Year 2, to really take that Year 3 jump and just focus on that. I’ve just been locking in, watching a lot of film.”
(When CB Justin Coleman was signed, this might have been a little surprising because you had a good year. Obviously everyone struggled in the finale. But were you surprised? Did that motivate you? What instinctual reaction did you have when they brought in a veteran slot corner?) – “I didn’t have any reaction. You can never have enough lockdown defenders out there and I’ve watched Justin’s film. He’s a great player. Like ‘Chuck’ (Charles Burks) said, he’s one of the best at punching the ball out, so I’m trying to learn tips from him and just apply that to my game. So you can never have enough knowledge around the veterans.”
(With the first week of practice and all the long balls, what was the secondary room’s reaction to what they saw?) – “As far as?”
(Touchdowns…) – “Oh, I mean it happens. Football. that’s why we’re out here practicing. It’s better that it happens out here than in the game. So just go in there, take the film, take the coaching, take the technique that they teach you and just go out there the next day and apply that and don’t give up nothing. Each day you don’t want to give up deep balls, but at the end of the day we’ve just got to keep playing. Keep practicing.”
(In defending passes thrown by QB Tua Tagovailoa, is there any difference you’ve noticed this year compared to last year?) – “He’s letting it fly this year, for sure. He was last year, but you can see he just looks a little more comfortable back there. He’s making some tough throws, putting it in the hole, leading receivers. The one he threw to Rob (Foster) yesterday on the little out-and-up. He threw it in a nice little pocket, so that was nice. Yes sir.”
(How difficult is his accuracy to kind of play against?) – “It’s like any other quarterback; you’ve got to adjust. As you play through the game, you start feeling that. So you’ve just got to adjust to that.”
(You mentioned lockdown corners. Did you hear the “We love ‘X’” chants?) – “Oh yeah, you could hear that real loud. For sure. ‘X’ (Xavien Howard) is for sure lockdown. He’s one of the best in the league. For sure.”
(Your thoughts on the chants?) – “I like that. You saw him smiling over there and stuff. That was cool. He deserved it.”
(But he didn’t turn around. Like he didn’t…?) – “That’s ‘X’ (Xavien Howard) though. Laid-back, cool dude; but going to go out there and get 10 picks, you know what I’m saying? That’s him.”
(But if they’re screaming “We love ‘X’,” can you give him a little?) – “I don’t know. I ain’t heard that. I’m just doing my job locked in on practice.”
(What about your approach since CB Xavien Howard has been limited in team drills?) – “Yeah, that doesn’t affect me. I’m just going out there, do what I got to do, take my mental reps, take my physical reps. Any reps that I can get, I just love to get them.”
(Has CB Xavien Howard offered anything from watching you guys out there?) – “Oh yeah, he always gives me tips. Even when he’s in there. He’ll tell me when I dropped the pick the other day, ‘You got to catch that.’ Giving me my 25. He’s always on my head, so it’s good to have him out there. He always coaches me up a little bit.”
(Just putting on the pads tomorrow, can you talk about that at all? How excited are you?) – “I’m excited for that, for sure. It’s been about like five months? Six months? About that time. Enjoy the pads in this heat. See what I’m talking about. So yeah, I’m ready to get physical tomorrow for sure.”
(Speaking of pads, what were your first thoughts when you saw you were going to have joint practices with two different teams?) – “It’s cool. I’ve never done that. We only did one last year (2019) and I’m excited for the Falcons one for sure because one of my best friends plays on the Falcons. So I get to see him.”
(Who’s that?) – “Jaylinn Hawkins. He’s a safety. We went to high school together. So that’s going to be real fun. I told him get ready for that heat. (laughter) We’ll see.”
Durham Smythe – August 2, 2021
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Monday, August 2, 2021
TE Durham Smythe
(On TE Mike Gesicki) – “I beat him up pretty good, obviously. (laughter) I put him out for a few days. The head lock was a little too tight and here we are. (laughter)”
(Did you wonder if you would join the other guys who are out? Was that in your mind at all yesterday?) – “I mean you never know with all of these protocols that are out there. It’s kind of the world we live in right now, obviously. It looks like I’m good for now and we’ll just keep playing it by ear.”
(What is it that separated you from the pack in terms of being safe?) – “That’s a great question. These protocols are obviously in place for the right reasons. They do a great job – the league does a great job of coming and checking the video and the tracers and all of that stuff. Really, I’m just following orders. If they tell me I’m good, then I’m good. That’s all I know, at least.”
(With these guys out, obviously you’re a starter but other guys have an opportunity to step up and showcase what they can do in elevated units. What’s that opportunity like?) – “Yeah, obviously you don’t want guys to go down in any situation; but I think the group we have, these young guys are all very smart. They pick up things pretty quickly. I’ve been in this offense long enough with (Co-Offensive Coordinator/Tight Ends) George (Godsey) and with ‘E’ (Co-Offensive Coordinator/Running Backs Eric Studesville) long enough to where I feel pretty comfortable stepping into any position. Obviously when we’re all healthy, we have our roles. But Mike (Gesicki) has been out before and Adam (Shaheen) hasn’t been here the whole time, so I’m comfortable stepping into all of the roles and like I said, these guys are smart enough to pick it up. We’ll just keep rolling with the punches and fill in.”
(Most teams obviously keep three or four tight ends. It’s going to be very difficult for you guys to get to that number if they do. There are five right off the bat that strike you as guys that should be on NFL rosters. As a smart guy, do you think about that at all? Have you thought about that and wondered “Ok, I had a good year. Am I safe? What’s going to happen numbers-wise?”) – “That’s kind of the beauty of this league. Beauty is maybe a weird term to say for that but there are so many talented guys that are coming in and out. I think if you continue to improve throughout training camp year-to-year, there will be a place for you somewhere. I think that’s everyone’s mentality. That’s really the only mentality you can have because it’s not like somebody is going to come in and change the numbers or anything like that. You just have to keep the mentality of continuing to improve. I think in this league, if you are talented and you keep doing that, then there will be a role for you somewhere.”
(Is it even a thing anymore when somebody is out or in the protocol? Is it even a thing anymore? Is it still a shock?) – “I think a year-and-a-half into it now or whatever it is, it’s a little bit more common and it’s a little easier to just kind of roll with the punches, like I’ve said. Still, you don’t want guys going down, especially guys that are you in your position room and close to you missing time. But I think at this point, it’s common enough and we’ll just keep rolling with it.”
(With the pads going on tomorrow, how much are you looking forward to practice ramping up in intensity?) – “Yeah, I love that. That’s real football to me. This is kind of what I look forward to, starting back in April. I’m not a big ‘rah-rah’ guy so I’m not into the whole ‘day before pads speech’ or anything like that. But I think it’s a big opportunity for this team. We need to be more physical than we have the last two years and establish a really efficient running game. So I think this is a big day for us and a big week coming up right here; and like I said, finally real football so we’re excited.”
(Going off of a previous question in terms of making a roster spot, how can the pads benefit you in terms of establishing yourself in that respect?) – “I try to be a pretty physical guy. I think a lot of guys on this roster do in this position group, too. I think everyone needs to do that. Like I said, this whole team needs to do that. We need to establish, like I said, an efficient running game, and I like to think I can benefit this team in that regard, so I’ll just try to continue doing that.”
(What’s it like with the offensive line when you know you’ve got to line up like a ‘backer? What’s it like with a guy like T Liam Eichenberg is in there and then all of sudden they move him inside like dealing with different guys on the outside; what sticks for you?) – “I think that’s what this time of the year is kind of for – developing a bit of a rapport with different guys because you never know during the season who’s going to step in where, who’s going to go down and what reshuffling will do. So I think that’s a good thing to do this time of year. Then if you can develop a little bit of consistency with different guys, then it’ll benefit in the long run.”
(Just about observations of QB Tua Tagovailoa – biggest difference you’ve seen from Year 1 to Year 2 is what?) – “I think a lot of people are saying this, but it just seems like confidence. That’s a big thing from Year 1 to Year 2 players. He understands the offense. He’s got a great arm. Everyone says that and everyone knows that; but I think confidence from Year 1 to Year 2, that’s big. And if he continues to develop that and grow on that, then the sky’s the limit.”
Eric Rowe – August 2, 2021
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Monday, August 2, 2021
S Eric Rowe
(Can you hear the fans when you practice?) – “Oh yeah, they’re right there. You can hear them.”
(Do you hear them chanting for CB Xavien Howard?) – “Yeah, you couldn’t miss it.”
(What were your thoughts on the fan reaction?) – “One, it’s just good to have fans back, to hear really any chant. It’s been a whole year without it. Obviously, fans, they love ‘X.’ He’s been here his whole career. I get it. He goes on the field and he balls out. I would chant for him too.”
(How’s the communication back there been like?) – “It’s going good. Everything starts over each year. We got new pieces on defense. A couple of the same guys have still been together. It’s coming together and that’s kind of when it comes together, through training camp.”
(What does DB Jason McCourty bring to the team?) – “He brings veteran leadership. Obviously her has skill, this is his 13th year. Even though he complains that he’s old, he can still move, he can still run. (laughter) The good thing is I can still ask him questions and he really helps me a lot too.”
(The first week we’ve seen a lot of big plays and that is an indictment of what’s going on in the secondary. What’s the communication been like about sewing that stuff up? – “Yeah, they have big plays. That was just communication. It’s early in training camp and each year I’ve been in training camp, that always happens early on at least one day and it’s good that it happens here. We don’t want to go to Week 1 giving up bombs until we’re 21 points down. I’d rather have it here where we just fix it up. Obviously, it’s been better each day since, so it’s kind of good to have it here.”
(What’s the difference in defending this offense now with WR Jaylen Waddle and his speed, WR Albert Wilson back to what he was. I know WR Will Fuller hasn’t been out here much yet, but just how much tougher is it going to be for opposing defenses to cover this offense?) – “We got more speed, we got more pieces and even when DeVante (Parker) and Preston (Williams) come back, it will be even deeper. I’m excited to see it happen. Tua (Tagovailoa), I think he’s making that jump. I see each day he’s getting better from the first day, so now opposing defenses can’t just double one guy and be like, ‘okay everyone else is going to be covered.’ Now we got Waddle with the speed, Albert, DeVante, Preston, Mike (Gesicki). Pick who you want.”
(From the defensive perspective; the biggest difference to you in QB Tua Tagovailoa from last August to now, is it accuracy, is it the deep ball, is release? What stands out to you?) – “He’s always had accuracy. That was never a problem. He’s always had accuracy, he’s always had the zip, he’s always had power. I just believe it’s that year-two jump everybody needs to make from their rookie year. Obviously, the type of offense. Last year, I even noticed his playbook was condensed to slants and bubbles. They really wouldn’t let him show his arm and now seeing in training camp, he’s got a lot more deep routes, they’re allowing him the opportunity to throw it deep. That’s what we need.”
(What are your early impressions of S Jevon Holland?) – “One, he’s a good rookie. I told him to bring the snacks and he brought them. If I tell him to carry the helmet, he’ll do it. (laughter) Besides that, football-wise, he hasn’t made a lot of mistakes. He’s a real smart kid anyway. I knew that when came in the spring. He’s making plays out here each day so it’s backing up.”
Brian Flores – August 2, 2021
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Monday, August 2, 2021
Head Coach Brian Flores
(On free safety – just your thinking on how S Jevon Holland has looked so far and also obviously you have a background with DB Jason McCourty. What made you feel like he’d be an effective safety at this point in his career? Obviously he’s played some in the past but mostly corner for you and for others.) – “Jevon (Holland) – I think he’s doing some good things. Obviously it’s still very early in training camp. We’ll have him put the pads on; but up to this point, just from an alignment, assignment, responsibility standpoint, he’s moving in the right direction. Smart kid. He’s hard-working. Football is important to him. He’s trying to take in as much as he can. He’s really, I would say, trying to be a sponge with these veteran players. You mentioned Jason (McCourty), but also (Eric) Rowe, Byron (Jones), ‘X’ (Xavien Howard). He’s doing a good job from that standpoint. As far as Jason (McCourty) – yes, I obviously have some familiarity with him. I was there with him one year. More familiarity with his brother, but he’s a smart, tough, experienced (player). He’s got leadership qualities and I think – obviously you mentioned he’s played safety in the past – he’s played the position in the past, so it’s not the first time he’s done it. I think he’s done a good job so far along with Eric Rowe and the rest of the guys in that safety crew – Brandon Jones, ‘Fej’ (Clayton Fejedelem), etc. We’re pleased with all the guys and hopefully we can continue to string good days together.”
(I wanted to ask you about the players that are out because they’re on the COVID list. And obviously these are new rules. We’re still trying to figure these rules out, but technically because they’re not testing on a regular basis, players and people who are vaccinated can contract COVID and spread COVID. Is that a concern of yours that maybe one week somebody can come in contact with COVID and by the time he’s tested again in two weeks, the virus could be possibly spread more rampantly throughout your team?) – “I think it’s something the entire league is dealing with and we’re going to follow league protocols. I think just common courtesy is if you have any symptoms, whether you’re supposed to test 10 days from now, you should probably test. I think that’s just (common courtesy). We’ve mentioned that to players and really anyone in the building. That’s really kind of the case throughout the league. But we’re going to follow league protocols. You mentioned we’ve had to put guys in the tight end group on the COVID list and we’ll make our adjustments as a staff as far as who’s practicing where and how we handle that. But yeah, this is something we’ve been dealing with for a year and a half now and I think we’re just going to continue to follow the protocols and do our best with this COVID situation which it’s ongoing. It’s not over.”
(It’s been reported that Co-Offensive Coordinator/Tight Ends George Godsey tested positive for COVID. What can you tell us about his situation and if he is going to be absent today and how that might affect the team and what happens out there on the field and in meetings?) – “George (Godsey) won’t be out there today for medical reasons. Again like I’ve said, I don’t go into people’s medical situation. I think that’s a private matter and individually they can speak for themselves whether it’s vaccination or whatever the situation is. How we’re going to handle that – obviously Eric (Studesville) and the rest of the guys on offense, they’re just going to fill in for the things that George does. We’ve talked about that. We have a plan. We had a plan. This is no different than last year. If I go down, then we’ve got a plan for that. If George goes down, we have a plan for that. If (Josh) Boyer goes down, we have a plan for that. I think that’s the case throughout the league. It’s not just the coaching staff, but really every department because this is not specific to one group. We all have the potential of contracting COVID. We just have to be ready to make adjustments and be flexible as a staff, as an organization and make the best of the situation.”
(Is Godsey the only coach or staffer that you know of at this time that is expected to be absent?) – “Again, I’m not going to go into anyone’s situation. Obviously we have some players who are on the COVID list and we’ll make the adjustments we need to make within our staff specific to the coaching staff or anyone else in our organization.”
(Pads are coming on tomorrow, correct? So what are you looking forward to seeing from linemen or anyone else?) – “Good fundamentals, good technique, good pad level. Again, good communication. I think our overall communication leads to hopefully good execution. That’s really it. I think pads, no pads; now those are things I’m looking for. Good huddle, good communication, get aligned, know your assignment, know your responsibility. Once the pads come on, then we get to see the techniques and fundamentals we work on, on a day-to-day basis, in action in pads. We want those in action out of pads, too; so just more protection for the players. We can be a little bit more aggressive. It’s real football so we’re looking forward to it.”
(I wanted to ask you for some clarity on G/T Jesse Davis. We’ve seen him practice, begin practice, participate in 11-on-11s and then kind of sit out the second half of 11-on-11s. Is it a veteran pacing? Is it injury-related? Is it just coaching decision to look at other guys?) – “It’s probably all those things and Jesse (Davis) is not the only one. We’ve had a few guys kind of – let’s call it ‘take a modified approach to the day’ – I think we have a plan for each player. We try to execute that plan. Obviously there’s reasoning behind why we’re doing what we’re doing. We just feel like that’s in the best interest of Jesse. If we do it with another player, it’s in the best interest of that player.”
(What areas have you seen QB Tua Tagovailoa improve on the most and what are you hoping to see as we move out of the acclimation period into pads with a little more intense level of practice?) – “Tua – I think he’s gotten off to a good start. There’s still a long way to go. It’s still very early. Good command of the offense, his techniques, his QB mechanics, fundamentals, trying to work those every day and get them where they need to be so that his footwork, his timing, that all kind of plays into his accuracy as a passer; but also ball-handling with the backs and things of that nature. I think he’s off to a solid start. It’s still very early. It’s still so early. We’ve got a long way to go. We just need to continue to string good days together. That’s always my message to the team. One meeting, one walkthrough, one practice, one play at a time. He’s taken that approach. We’re seeing small improvements on a daily basis and hopefully that continues. It’s not just Tua. It’s Jacoby (Brissett), it’s Reid (Sinnett), and a lot of players offensively, defensively and the kicking game.”
(Is there any update on CB Xavien Howard regarding his injury or contract status?) – “’X’ – (there was) a little setback on the ankle so we’re going to hold him out today. As far as the contract, we’re continuing to have dialogue with ‘X’ about that. Just take it one day at a time from that standpoint; but I do think we’re moving in the right direction.”
(You’d mentioned last week about collaboration on the offensive side of the ball and coaches working together with one vision. Is there a crossover on the offense to the defense and vice versa? If so, what are the benefits to that?) – “Yes, there is crossover. If you’re an offensive player and understand how the defense is trying to attack you or prevent you from doing what you want to do, if you understand that, then that gives you an advantage. The same thing vice versa. If you’re a defensive player or coach and you understand how the offense is trying to attack you, there are some things you can anticipate. There are some things you can coach your players up on that will hopefully help them either not allow the defense to win or not allow the offense to win. I think it is all encompassing. I talk to our coaching staff and say if you’re a defensive coach, and you can give an offensive player a coaching point, do it. The same thing if you’re an offensive coach and you can give one of our defensive players a coaching point, give it to him. We’re a team. Obviously we’re competing against each other out here on the practice field. I know offense wants to beat defense and defense wants to beat the offense, and when we’re in the kicking game the punt return unit wants to beat the punt team. But at the end of the day, we’re a team; and if there is something we can do to help a player on the other side of the ball, we should do that. And we have. I’ve seen players talk to each other – offensive line, defensive line, receivers, DBs, safeties, quarterback. Some of those conversations, I think you can make a lot of improvement individually just understanding the other side of the ball.”
(I know training camp is a time for experimenting some. With T Liam Eichenberg, we saw him a lot at right tackle in the offseason program. We saw him at left guard on Saturday. Is there conviction that you and Offensive Line Coach Lemuel Jeanpierre and Co-Offensive Coordinator/Tight Ends George Godsey and Co-Offensive Coordinator/Running Backs Eric Studesville have where he’s better? Or is it unclear to you whether he’s a long-term NFL guard or a long-term NFL tackle?) – “It’s early. It’s so early. I guess I’m not – I feel like we’re saying the same thing every day. There is no long-term kind of thought here. It’s just one day at a time. I think that position flexibility is important and when you get to a game, you only have eight offensive linemen. If something happens, you have to be ready to move guys to a different spot and you want those players to be ready if they have to move to a different spot. The only way to do that is to practice it. We’ll continue to move guys around. Obviously Jesse (Davis) has played a lot of positions. Rob Hunt has moved around; (Michael) Deiter has moved around. I think we need to do that. Otherwise, if they go in there not ready, you’re going to say we didn’t get them ready. (laughter) It’s just kind of how it goes. We’re going to continue to practice guys at different positions because we feel it’s the best thing for the team.”
(In the vein of offensive players looking at defense and defensive players looking at offense, I know in New England you guys did a lot of cross-training back and forth. Do you have anything set up for that in the offseason where defensive coaches meet with the offensive coaches and there is a dialogue back and forth just to get a better understanding of the other side of the ball?) – “Yeah, it’s constant dialogue amongst the coaching staff that way. Yes, we’ve set a few things up like that to create dialogue, to create conversation. I think it only helps offensive coaches to hear the defensive kind of mindset, thought process, and the same thing for defensive coaches to hear the offensive thought process. I’ve coached on all three sides of the ball. It helped me, I would say that. I can’t speak for anyone else. But it definitely helped me to understand how offenses wanted to attack defenses and conversely how defenses want to attack offenses, and in the kicking game, how to attack a field goal protection and how to attack a punt protection.”
(Is it informal or do you actually set up conversations where there is kind of training exercise?) – “Let’s call it informal. Yeah, let’s call it informal. Formally informal. (laughter)”
Robert Hunt – July 31, 2021
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Saturday, July 31, 2021
G/T Robert Hunt
(What’s the progress on the offensive line that you’ve seen so far?) – “It’s progress, man. We are coming in every day and we’re working. We’re working to improve. It’s just the beginning of camp and I think everybody wants to play, everybody wants to be good. I think we are doing a good job right now of progressing.”
(How comfortable are you at right guard? How has the transition gone after ending last year at right tackle?) – “I’ve been training every position since college, which I have stated before. I haven’t played it in a while, but I’m starting to get used to it. I got a couple reps in spring and I’ve been getting some this week so far at guard. It’s going well. I can’t complain.”
(When Offensive Line Coach Lemuel Jeanpierre told you about the move to right guard, I know everything is fluid, but when he told you that would be the plan for now your reaction was what?) – “We never know. It wasn’t until I got here it was like ‘yeah, we are going to play right guard.’ My reaction was just, ‘I want to play.’ I’ll do whatever the team needs me to do because I want to win, of course, and I want to play. Whatever I can do to help this team and play; it could be long snapper it could be whatever.”
(C/G Michael Dieter, who is getting a chance at the center position. What do you view as his strengths? What does he got going for him?) – “Mike is a good guy. He’s a leader. He’s a damn good football player. Physical. Smart. Right now, the center in our offense is a vocal point, a main center piece for us and I think he’s doing a fantastic job. I think he’s doing well.”
(Tell us the personality of Lemuel Jeanpierre, your first-year offensive line coach. What’s he like?) – “’Lem’ is cool. ‘Lem’s’ one of us. Of course, he’s an o-lineman. He played in the league six or seven years. It’s his first year (as offensive line coach). He’s just like us. He helped the rookies last year a ton to become and try to take a second-year leap. He’s a fun guy.”
(Does he have any lines or any phrases he uses?) – “There’s a lot. ‘Lem’ is a habit guy, I don’t have anything funny but he is a habit guy. He preaches on the little things. Take every day day-by-day but try to improve on your habits.”
(What’s something that you are absolutely more in command of at this moment as opposed to last year?) – “I don’t know how to answer that. I’m controlling myself. I think – I feel like I can be good and I need to control that within myself. I think I can play better in any position I play. I think I can improve on a lot of things and I think I’m in control of just trying to improve and trying to get better.”
(What do you like about guard?) – “There’s not really a big difference, it’s football. I can say there’s some heavier bodies in there. There are some fat guys in there (laughter). I don’t know man, its about the same. It’s football.”
Brian Flores – July 31, 2021
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Saturday, July 31, 2021
Head Coach Brian Flores
(We didn’t see LB Jaelan Phillips the second half of practice yesterday so I wanted to ask you if there was an injury with him. With Jaelan and with WR Will Fuller, is it a more day-to-day thing or do you think week-to-week?) – “Yeah, day-to-day with both guys. It’s day-to-day with both guys. They’re both getting rehab in the training room and working to take care of their bodies, rehab. They’re day-to-day. You won’t see either one of them today on the practice field but (they’re) working to get back and hopefully back as quickly as possible.”
(Can you share your thoughts on practicing in front of fans for the first time today?) – “(I’m) excited. I think we’re all excited to get the fans back at practice. We obviously didn’t have them there last year and with the year-and-a-half that we’ve had kind of away from the sport from a fan standpoint – not us because we had some fans at our games last year but not at practice and not as many fans as we normally see – we’re excited to get them back in the building and have them watch practice. We love our fan support. Yeah, we’re looking forward to having them out there today.”
(We haven’t had an opportunity to get your early observations of the offense. Not just QB Tua Tagovailoa but the offense. What have you seen so far that you’ve liked and what do you hope is the next step as training camp progresses?) – “I think offensively, defensively and in the kicking game as well – but specific to offense, we’ve got three days of install, four days including today. I think the guys are really working hard to learn the information, communicate on a play-to-play basis and really execute their individual assignments. I think we’re getting that from an overall standpoint. I think we’re getting good work from the guys from that standpoint. But we’re also trying to work in new players – players at new positions – and that’s kind of an ongoing process. I’m pleased with where we are right now. Obviously we have a long way to go. It’s Day 4. But I think they’re working to improve and get better on a daily basis. You’ve kind of seen little improvements from Day 1 to Day 2 to Day 3, and that’s really what you’re looking for. Hopefully they continue that today.”
(I want to ask specifically about the big plays. There’s been a lot of them in the first week of practice, which is kind of unusual for me at least. Is that a cause of excitement for what you’re seeing or concern for what’s happening on defense in terms of breakdowns, guys letting people get behind them?) – “Obviously defensively, we don’t want to give up any big plays and offensively, we want to try to create explosive plays. It’s good to see the offense – whether it’s Tua (Tagovailoa) to Albert (Wilson) to (Jaylen) Waddle to Mike ‘G’ (Gesicki), get good protection, make a good throw, make a good catch and execute offensively. Conversely, it’s an opportunity for us to coach and teach defensively, ‘Hey, this is why this happened. We’ve got to stay on top. We can’t miss an assignment here or else we’re going to pay the price.’ I think there’s a lot of back and forth in practice and that’s the way it should be. It’s a competitive camp – offense, defense and special teams. But yeah, we want to create explosive plays offensively and we want to limit explosive plays defensively. Every day we get an opportunity to work on that. I’m glad we’re putting the ball in the air because we need the work both ways. That way, I think, has been competitive.”
(Center is an interesting competition for me to watch. What are the characteristics and traits specifically of the center position that will end up being the biggest factor for who gets the job?) – “Well the center position to me is a signal-caller position. That person is making calls and those calls affect obviously the offensive linemen around them but also the backs, quarterback, etc. It’s a leadership position and obviously from a play standpoint, there’s a lot of communication and you’re involved with a lot of other players on combination blocks and passing off guys in protection and things of that nature. There’s a lot that goes into the position. I think there’s a nice little competition there with (Michael) Deiter and (Matt) Skura and Cam (Tom). I think they’re all really doing a good job. (They’re) working hard, good communication, understand what we’re doing schematically, can get us in the right protection, understand where we need to go as far as Mike (linebacker) points in the run game. But we don’t have pads on so it’s still very early. I think we’ll have more information and a better evaluation this time next week. I’m still getting my days (mixed up). I’m only one day at a time. (laughter) This time next week we’ll have a little bit better evaluation but even then, we’ll still have preseason games to get to and obviously the joint practices against Chicago. But yeah, it’s a good competition. Those guys are doing a nice job. I think the volume will increase. Yesterday we did some third down and we’ll do some more third down today. We’ll get into two-minute, we’ll get into goal line and things of that nature – short yardage. That’s when we really need, in those critical moments, that position, that player, that communication goes a long way to having good execution offensively.”
(I have a two part question regarding the preseason. The calendar does not denote – I don’t think – a scrimmage this summer. I’m wondering if the joint practices kind of replace the scrimmage for you; and secondly, with only three preseason games, what are you looking at as the dress rehearsal?) – “To answer the first part, I would say yes, the joint practices kind of – I don’t want to say replace but I think that’s a good opportunity for us to get in a very competitive environment against another team. I think the intensity of those practices will be as game-like as you can get without getting into full-on tackling and playing in the game. We just felt as a staff that it was best to just work on our stuff, go through our normal practice routine and go to Chicago, have Atlanta come here and kind of use those – I don’t want to call them scrimmages but that’s four significant practices there that I think we’ll get a lot of good work in. As far as the preseason game, can you repeat that one?”
(Usually it’s game number three; but this year game three is your last preseason game. Does that mean game two is dress rehearsal, or how are you going to work that?) – “We’ve had several conversations on this. Game reps are important – very important. We don’t have a final answer on how we’re going to approach the games. We have a pretty good idea of what we want to do, but that obviously could change. But game reps are important. I see guys getting into the game and playing. How much? That’s a discussion. How much or how little, that’s a discussion. I’ll probably have more answers on how we’re going to handle that a week from today.”
(Is CB Xavien Howard expected to practice today?) – “I talked to Xavien this morning. He’s closing in, or getting better. I shouldn’t say closing in, but getting better. I’m actually going to meet with (Head Athletic Trainer) Kyle (Johnston) here right after this press conference. There is a chance we’ll see him; but if so, it will be a modified individual, maybe a team period. We’ll modify him and ramp this back up. That’s kind of the thought process there.”
(I wanted to ask you about the defensive – I guess three technique. I don’t know if you call it a three technique. But those end guys and how many starting caliber players or role players you feel like you have for various schemes. Where is your depth end for your defensive line?) – “Just overall on the defensive line, I think we have good depth. I think what you’re alluding to is we have guys that can play a few different positions. So Christian Wilkins can play three technique and end, (Zach) Sieler can play three technique and end, Adam Butler can play three technique and end, (Emmanuel) Ogbah has played some three technique and obviously he’s an end. Reakwon (Davis) really can move across the defensive line. The same thing with (John) Jenkins. I think we have pretty good depth at that position. I think there is a lot of competition at that position and really the entire d-line and I’d say the entire team. That allows us to be fairly flexible with our scheme – 3-4, 4-3, 2-3, 3 and 0-shade, 2-2. We can really do whatever we want. I think that would be based on, it will be game plan once we get into the season. Right now, it’s just fundamentals, techniques – as a three technique, as an end – but really hand placement, footwork, knocking guys back when we get to that. But I like the depth in the room. They are a hard-working group. The camaraderie in the room is good. I was just in there making a couple of jokes – pushing some buttons, let’s call it that. (laughter) But a good group, they work well together, they are competitive, they are tough. I like the group.”
(QB Tua Tagovailoa mentioned that both Co-Offensive Coordinator/Tight Ends George Godsey and Co-Offensive Coordinator/Running Backs Eric Studesville have been taking turns calling plays with the offense. What can you tell us about the plan throughout the preseason? Do you envision both guys being involved in Tagovailos’ headset throughout the preseason, or what can you tell us about the plan there?) – “Well, practice is scripted, so I could go up there and give them the play. We’ve had a lot of movement throughout practice; so wherever he’s at, if Eric’s there, then Eric will give him the call. If George is there, George will give him the call. We’ve had some instances where some of our other coaches have given the call as well. Again, offensive coaching, defensive coaching, special teams coaching is collaborative. There is a lot that goes into – I shouldn’t say a lot. There is different – the quarterbacks needs to talk to the receivers, the receivers coach ends up talking to the quarterback, the running backs talk to the o-line. The running backs end up talking to the o-line coach. It’s collaborative. I think our coaching staff works well together. We know what we’re going to do in games. We’ve kind of talked through that. We know exactly how we’re going to handle that. But yeah, during practice we’re really just reading off a script. It’s pretty straight forward.”
(Two guys that didn’t play last year because they were hurt that I wanted to ask you how about. How does LB Vince Biegel look to you and what made you guys want to invest more time into DE Jonathan Ledbetter, even though he really hasn’t played in close to two years with injuries?) – “Biegel, he looks good. Still working his way back a little bit; but he looks good, running well, looks strong. We’ve kind of ramped up his reps over the first three days. He’ll get a little bit more today. I’m pleased with him really in all areas. Doing a good job in meetings and walkthrough and practice; but that’s Biegel. He’s our kind of guy. He’s tough, he’s smart – this guy loves playing football. Team first. ‘Led’ (Jonathan Ledbetter) is the same thing. He’s dealt with injuries his first two seasons. He’s just excited to be out there, to be with his teammates. He’s mentioned that multiple times. I think he’s done a good job also. When we had him as a rookie, he showed some good things. We felt good about him then. Obviously he had an injury that year and then last year. I’m excited to see him throughout the camp.”
(TE Mike Gesicki was talking about how you instilled this toughness and that’s not like an Xs and Os thing. It’s not like an install where you can say ‘here is our gameplan’ kind of thing. How do you instill something like that? He said whether it’s the toughness with the heat that you’re dealing with or whatever that maybe, how is that something you can impress on players?) – “I don’t know if that’s me. I think we have a tough group – a mentally tough group, a physically tough group. I think the same thing applies to really everyone in the building – coaches. It’s a tough game. All I try to do is remind them that it is a tough game and they have to be mentally tough and physically tough really on a daily basis, on a play-to-play basis, so they can have success. I don’t know if I do much. Mike is a tough guy. So is Durham (Smythe), so is that entire tight end room, so is the d-line room. I know you talked about that a while ago. So are the quarterbacks. I just try to steer them in the right direction and stay out of the way, and not mess with any of the tough guys.”
Xavien Howard – July 31, 2021
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Saturday, July 31, 2021
CB Xavien Howard
(You haven’t been practicing. What’s the issue and when do you feel like you’ll be healthy enough to practice?) – “Everything is good. I was out there today. I felt good. We’re taking it day-by-day.”
(What has been the reaction from teammates to the statement you posted?) – “Everything has been good. I’m just happy to be here with my teammates and we’re taking it one day at a time.”
(Are you any more optimistic or pessimistic that a deal will get done than you were on Tuesday?) – “That’s up to the Dolphins. I’m just here with my teammates and enjoying every moment with my teammates.”
(What can Miami do to fix this or reverse it?) – “Well, it’s up to them. I’m just here. Like I said, I’m with my teammates. I’m here every day. I’m just here with my teammates.”
(Is it tough to stay motivated to do your job knowing you have that over your head?) – “No. I’ve always been motivated. There’s nothing – every day I’m out here, I’m focused on getting better at something. Being motivated, that’s just in me right now. That’s been in me.”
(Do you expect to play in the preseason?) – “We’ll see when we get there.”
(Is it your hope that things get worked out here?) – “Sure. I hope it gets better. It’s a process. I’m hearing this and hearing that but nothing is getting done right now. Right now, I’m just here – out here every day, supporting the team and out here working.”
(If you don’t get traded and you don’t get a re-worked contract, then what?) – “I’m here. (laughter)”
(Head Coach Brian Flores said you guys talked earlier today. What was the conversation like?) – “No, I haven’t talked to him today. Not at all.”
(Recently?) – “Recently? We talked but it didn’t go nowhere.”
(What’s the advice you’re getting from others about the situation?) – “Man, I’m just here to support my team. That’s all that matters.”
(In your statement you made a reference, without naming him, but you still made a reference to CB Byron Jones. If you had to do it over again, would you do that?) – “Me and Byron got a great relationship. All that the media is saying this and saying that about me and Byron, man we’ve got a great relationship. We hang out together. It’s a business at the end of the day. The NFL is a business. When a player makes it a business, he’s selfish or he’s this and that. He’s going to support me and I’m going to support him no matter what.”
(You made a reference in the statement that there were things in your contract or extension that you signed that you didn’t understand. What things were you referring to?) – “You read the statement, so I’m sure you understand what it meant.”
(Are you going to be ok if the Dolphins simply say you’re too valuable to trade and we’re going to keep you this year…) – “Like I said, I’m here. I’m here.”
Vince Biegel – July 31, 2021
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Saturday, July 31, 2021
LB Vince Biegel
(How does feel to be back?) – “Man, it definitely feels great to be back. Wednesday was my first practice back since my Achilles injury. For me honestly, I’m just thankful and blessed to be able to get back, be out there with my teammates and being able to be back with the Dolphins organization. I guess the word that comes to my mind is just blessed and thankful. It’s been nice to be able to come out here and get back to my craft, knock off that rust, get going with the guys again and be able to contribute to this team.”
(What was going through your mind when your injury was healing?) – “Definitely disappointment, being hurt last year. Not being able to be out there with my teammates, especially with the season that we had. But I think for me, I’ve grown so much off the field as a man, as a person, as a husband, as a father. I am a big believer in everything happens for a reason. I was able to grow in a lot of things off the field, was able to grow in my faith. For me, I look at it as a blessing.”
(How did you spend Sundays without you playing?) – “I spent it on my couch with my Achilles propped up and my baby daughter on my knee. It was actually nice to be able – that was my first time since I was seven years old, where I’ve played football every fall; so that was my first time not playing football during the fall and it was definitely a challenge in a different way. Again, I’m thankful to be back, be able to come out here and compete and contribute to this team.”
(Did it make you appreciate the perspective of things?) – “For sure. That was my first time having a season-ending injury. Having that game taken away from you, you really appreciate the game of football in a different way. Being able to come out here, embracing the grind, being able to come out here and compete with your teammates, those things that you sometimes take for granted when you when you’re out here. When it’s taken away, you recognize it as it a blessing and it gets you better.”
(How much rust do you feel after going through this?) – “I think it’s just taking it day-by-day. My goal coming into camp was to continue to get better every single day. Continue to improve my craft, being able to come back with my technique, improving on the small things and by doing that, I know the bigger things will take care of itself. Thankfully I was in this system back in 2019, so being able to be familiar with the defense. It’s just me physically being able to come back, being explosive and being able to contribute that way.”
(How much do you feel like you?) – “To me, this is a new me. I feel like I am still a competitor. It’s me coming out here and getting better every single day. Where that’s at, whether it is 100 percent, 95 percent, 98 percent, I couldn’t give you an answer. All I know is that I’m coming out and getting one percent better every single day out here.”
