Frank Smith – January 12, 2023
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Thursday, January 12, 2023
Offensive Coordinator Frank Smith
(I’ve got a question about QB Teddy Bridgewater. What is the role that the little finger plays in throwing the football? I understand that if you’re a right-handed quarterback, that’s the top hand taking the snap if I’m not mistaken, but throwing the football, what is the role that the little finger plays there?) – “I think in reality just being able to grip the ball, being able to control it. I think that ultimately just having that comfort level and being able to one, take a snap and two, to be able to control the football as far as you’re either delivering it through a pass or even be able to hand it off. Teddy (Bridgewater) has done a great job rehabilitating and working through all the injuries and stuff like that, just like all our guys have this year with any injury adversities. So I think that ultimately his ability to handle the football is obviously the most paramount thing that we’re looking at when it comes to whoever is taking the snap. Got to hand it to him though; he’s working his butt off to try and make sure that he’s ready to go in all capacities that we need him.”
(I’m going to ask you an offensive line question that would not compromise you competitively because it doesn’t involve any names. I’ve given this a lot of thought. [laughter] So how many – again, no names – how many permutations have you, Offensive Line Coach Matt Applebaum and Head Coach Mike McDaniel settled on in terms of all the possible lineups for Sunday on the offensive line? And how much does that affect game-planning these last couple days for you and Mike as far as which of the permutations ultimately gets used?) – “Really it come down to kind of like we said it all year, we always have to plan for contingencies in all forms for all positions. I think preparation really starts in training camp. It really starts in the preseason. So for us, the variables that play out in-season, we’re never trying to really work something at the last second. We’re always trying to make sure that we have as much crossover and sometimes where’s the crossover coming? It’s sometimes more in individual drills and stuff like that where we can get the work at it. But ultimately, you’re trying to build consistency. How do you build consistency? Being able to play similar spots, similar sides. That’s how you build consistency for guys. So I think overall when we look at the line this year, we’ve had a lot of really cool challenges with some of the situations that have come up, and I think the guys have handled it tremendously. Their work, their intensity towards the opportunity to maximize their play. We couldn’t be happier from that effort that we’re really putting in. The result is obviously something that you’re always working through to obviously continue your process, but I think the good thing is a lot of these variables and lineup changes we’ve already considered. So we are just really implementing things that we’ve had conversations about or even drilled in some of our individual things.”
(And then as far as how it affects game planning – for example, do you and Head Coach Mike McDaniel have a conversation Tuesday saying if T Terron Armstead is available, we’re going to use this particular play more than if he’s not available? Does that type of thing happen?) – “Kind of. Ultimately you try and put in plays and schemes that maximize your players’ skillsets. Whether that’s a lineman or wide receiver, quarterback, running back, all positions. I think the players make it come to life every play we do so when you can have opportunities for guys and what they do well, yes, we want to put it in. And obviously there’s an element schematically of what we need to attack to challenge the defense. So yeah, you weigh it in and then ultimately, that’s why we have the volume of plays we have. One, to be able to attack the different nuances that the defense presents, and two, to make sure we’re getting to plays that are obviously what our players do well because you can game plan blocks, you can game plan combinations as you can routes. So I think those variables come into play, but we’re always trying to consider multiple contingency opportunities to make sure that we have guys in the right spots.”
(If QB Skylar Thompson indeed starts again, would you like to see him manage the game similar to how he did against the Jets – minimizing risk? Or in this scenario where you probably need some more points, just let it rip, you got nothing to lose, go ahead, go after it?) – “I think when you look at it from philosophically for an offense, our job is to score points and however we score points is trying to obviously win the game. So for us last week, we felt there was an opportunity with the Jets to attack them in a way that maybe we hadn’t attacked certain opponents the same way. I think ultimately like this week, we have a plan for how we want to attack the Bills and ultimately, regardless how that plays out, that’s the plan that we communicate. The guys understand it, I don’t think necessarily that we’re looking at some type of way to really do it. We’re just looking at what’s the best way for us to make sure we score points and win the game and if we maximize those opportunities, we feel confident that we can accomplish that.”
(From your perspective with the various quarterback carousel that you’ve had all season, what’s been kind of the impact of Quarterbacks Coach/Passing Game Coordinator Darrell Bevell in getting QB Skylar Thompson ready this this week, QB Teddy Bridgewater in some weeks and obviously QB Tua Tagovailoa and his development? What’s kind of been your perspective?) – “I think if you look at any of the injury adversities that we’ve had all year at all positions, I think you’ve seen a great job of coaches working with their players, trying to make sure that everyone’s connected with how the game plan is going, everyone’s connected on the important parts of what we’re trying to attack inside of the defense. So the quarterback room, ‘Bev’ (Darrell Bevell) and Chandler (Henley) have done a fantastic job with the quarterbacks making sure that we’re working through all the variables that could potentially happen, all the guys – because again, you just never know when your number is going to get called. So I think that also plays into all rooms with the injury issues that we’ve had to deal with, like all teams do. And just making sure that every player that’s going to have a jersey for the game is ready to go and make sure they understand the game plan. I think it’s been a great opportunity for us as coaches to actualize these contingencies that we’ve been talking about since September and it only makes us stronger for the future.”
(The Buffalo defense almost never leaves their nickel package and I think a lot of that’s built around CB Taron Johnson. What are some challenges unique to a player like that, that can insert in the running game but also pull back and give them more coverage weapons as it were?) – “Yeah, I think that you see a defense that has obviously been together, they understand the philosophy, they understand what they’re trying to do. Sean (McDermott) and Leslie (Frazier) have done a fantastic job and then fortunately from my experience, I know Mike (Shula) going back all the way to Carolina with Sean (McDermott) when he was the coordinator. They run a very, very good scheme, aggressive, they know who they are, they have a very good understanding whether they’re in nickel or their base defense. I think that all their players communicate well. I think they have a great understanding of where they’re trying to be inside of their defense. So I think that the flexibility that they do within their defensive system is probably a strength of theirs and that’s through their players. I think it’s ultimately, you can see it’s a well-coached team that plays hard and ultimately, we got to make sure we’re on our stuff to make sure we bring our best on Sunday.”
(Because of three reasons – A, you’re playing a very good team, B, they’re familiar with you, obviously, you’re familiar with them and C, because you all are beat up offensively without QB Tua Tagovailoa – do you and Head Coach Mike McDaniel in game planning think “we need to do even more unusual unexpected things that we haven’t shown this year, be it trick plays, be it something we haven’t used a lot, to increase our chances to win in this very difficult spot that we’re in?”) – “I wouldn’t say that’s kind of how we look at it. I think our starting point has always been, who is the defense? How do they operate? How do they play defense? Where are the stress points of their defense? How can we challenge them and make them have to defend every yard of the field? So I think we start from that capacity, and then you look at who are the potentials of being up and how do we maximize what they do well and then what do we do well? So you don’t really ever get to that variable until maybe later in the week when you have more clarity towards what’s going on because we still have really three more days of prep before we get to Sunday. There’s a lot of variables that could even play out before then. I think ultimately we’re starting from where we always do and trying to make sure we have options with their scheme to attack different parts of the defense, to attack the matchups that we feel advantageous and then making sure we communicate that with the guys and making sure that we’re operating what we need to do to win the game.”
(If RB Raheem Mostert can’t go Sunday, has anything changed with the running game? He’s basically been the guy you’ve counted on all year.) – “No, I think that we feel very confident with the way the group has responded overall. I think that with what we do, trying to build consistency within our system with running our core concepts and allowing everyone to really get an understanding of what the play’s intent is, what are the stress points of the play or what are the critical factors of the play. So ultimately, the running backs room overall has a good understanding of what we’re trying to do. I don’t think that we necessarily are having to tailor; I think more of it’s just it’s a great opportunity for the next guys in the room to show what they can do in the situation when their number is called.”
(Psychologically, how is the staff approaching the reality that the team is a significant underdog going into this particular ballgame? Is it ignored? Is it discussed? I don’t know.) – “Honestly, you don’t even really know all that stuff until outside people tell you. Your only goal as a coach and a player is to focus on the mission at hand and you go forward with your preparation. So how the outside world views things, it’s kind of irrelevant from that standpoint because as far as your preparation goes, you’re focused on the details of your assignment. You’re focused on the intent of the play. The last thing I think that really focuses in everyone’s mind is what some people are saying that should happen or could happen. I think that everyone’s just focused on being the best they can at each individual moment, which is today. If we maximize today, make sure we stay in the moment and do what we need to do at that time, that’s part of your preparation getting ready for Sunday. And if you do that all year in everything you do, that’s why games aren’t bigger than what they are. They’re just another opportunity to go play the game in front of an audience as opposed to in practice, and then in practice, if you take that intensity with that mental stamina, you’re always banking reps to get yourself ready for that environment, so I don’t think necessarily, anyone’s really focusing on that until really someone tells you and you’re just like, ‘Oh, really? Okay.’ I think it just comes forward that our job is to be present.”
(Last time in Buffalo, you had success on the ground. It was RB Raheem Mostert going that time. RB Jeff Wilson was out. Now you’ll have RB Jeff Wilson and maybe Raheem won’t be able to go. But what other constants do you feel you have in that rushing attack that lead you to believe you could have similar success this time?) – “I think it starts with the preparation on Wednesday and just making sure everyone’s connected in what we’re trying to do in the attack and schematically, fundamentally. I think that all guys with all the variables we’ve had this year, our goal is just to create consistency and a general overall understanding of communication so we can operate. So again, I don’t think that our goal is really worrying about all the variables that could be; you got to worry about your individual variables that you can control. So there’s so much uncontrollable things, especially in the playoffs. The regular season is over. Now it’s a one-game elimination tournament. So the only thing you can do in that is really just stay in the present and focus on what we need to do today and then stack those plays, stack those moments until it’s time for Sunday to extract them when you need them.”
(What’s the first thing that goes through your mind when you kind of project and look at what the atmosphere there and crowd noise is going to be for a playoff game in Buffalo?) – “I assume it’ll probably be very similar to last game. Just hopefully no snowballs. (laughter) I think a couple of us got pelted by those. But yeah, the fortunate thing at the end of the season with us and getting flexed to primetime, having a lot of those opportunities, all they are is they’re preparing you for these moments. So it’ll be an electric atmosphere and we’re looking forward to the opportunity.”
(And you got obviously a great carry from RB Salvon Ahmed late in the game Sunday. He played well in Buffalo. What do you like about his skill set as a runner?) – “Yeah, I think he’s a great fit to our system. I like his vision, his toughness, his ability to redirect, his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield. As we talked about in earlier months, we’re trying to find guys who are complete players, but then guys who do things well and just trying to maximize that and we’ve been really pleased with what he’s done so far. We feel real confident that if his number is called, that he can execute with what we need him to do.”
Josh Boyer – January 12, 2023
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Thursday, January 12, 2023
Defensive Coordinator Josh Boyer
(Against a team that you’ve seen so many times and come up with so many different gameplans for, I’m curious when you do go back to game-planning and you have all of those tapes of your guys against them, do you ever have to fight this internal conflict of ‘Do I want to go this way? Do I want to go that way?’ How conflicting is putting together a gameplan against a team that you’ve done it against so many times?) – “I think you look at a lot of things. You look at some of the things that you’ve done well. You look at personnel. Some of that has changed over the years, when you go back and look at all of them. And then ways that they’ve kind of combated some of the things that we’ve done and scheme that they’ve had that’s hurt us, to make sure we’re prepared for that. I think it’s a constant. Then you look at things that they’ve done to other teams as well that may be similar to some of the things that we do. I think there’s a lot of familiarity but at the same time, they’re very familiar with us too so you kind of have to combat, ‘Ok, if we do this, they’ll do that. If they do this, we’ll do that.’ So there’s a lot of back and forth when it comes to preparing for a team that you have faced multiple times.”
(Defending QB Josh Allen and specifically his scrambling abilities, what have you found has and hasn’t been successful?) – “Well, I think you have to give him different looks. If you sit in the same thing – they do a very good job. They’ve got good offensive linemen, they’ve got good skill players, they’ve got good tight ends, they’ve got good backs and their quarterback is able to see things very well and run the offense very efficiently. It will be a big challenge for us this week that we’re looking forward to.”
(On that point with QB Josh Allen, I know we’ve asked you a lot about sacks and getting pressure on the quarterback and whatnot. Is this the type of matchup and the type of quarterback where given his ability to kind of evade pressure and still make plays in the face of pressure, do you kind of really emphasize that you have to bring them down? It’s not one of those things where just the pressure is going to get to him?) – “I think when you have the opportunities to tackle him – and I think the more people you can get around him, the better off you’re going to be. You try to cage him up and not give him open space. I think he’s proven time and time again if you give him open space, he can make plays. We know he’s going to make some plays. He has in every game that he’s played in. We’re just going to have to try to limit those the best we can and then when we have opportunities to make plays, we need to do that.”
(Regarding QB Josh Allen, can you briefly give us the pros and cons of putting a spy on him? And what situations maybe is it more effective? Like third-and-5 as opposed to first-and-10?) – “Any time that you devote a spy or somebody that’s going to be on the quarterback, then obviously you’re pulling them from somewhere else. So either you’re pulling them from the rush or you’re pulling them from the coverage. Like we mentioned, they have a good offensive line. They have a good (group of) skill (players). You just have to weigh your odds on what you’re trying to do and what you’re trying to get accomplished within the calls. I think anytime you do the same thing repetitively with them, they usually have an answer somewhere along the way.”
(Was LB Bradley Chubb on a pitch count last week, so to speak? And will he again this week?) – “I think Chubb is working very hard to get back to full strength. It was very impressive that he got out there last week dealing with what he’s dealing with. Hopefully that will continue. I know he’s working very hard to get back out there as much as he possibly can. I think you always take into consideration – not just with Chubb but other players we have that at this point in the season, there’s probably not anybody who is 100 percent. Guys that are dealing with things, you try to say ‘Ok, this is the best situation to put them in. We can probably get him for this amount of reps.’ And then how you spread that out with everybody else that is available to you. I think you always go into it week-to-week planning that way, especially with the guys that are dealing with things.”
(On LB Jaelan Phillips, what area has he shown the most growth over the last 12 months or so?) – “I would say just his overall awareness defensively and his ability to play multiple spots I think has been pretty impressive. He’s always been a high motor, high effort guy. I think the techniques that he’s using in the run game has improved. I think our ability to move him around has improved. He’s a selfless player. There’s a lot of things that don’t necessarily show up in the stat sheet but he definitely causes some disruption for the offense for sure.”
(The decision last week to get DB Elijah Campbell his first start, what led to that?) – “Again, I think there are a number of things. One, there are certain things that we feel like Elijah gives us and there are other players that are involved in that equation, that we knew we kind of wanted to limit the amount of reps that they were getting. I think any time that you see us putting a player on the field, we’re going to be pretty confident that that guy is going to get the job done. It’s not one of those where – especially when you start the game, if you’re going, ‘Ah, man. We’ve got to put this guy in.’ That’s not the case. Obviously we feel very comfortable and very good. I think Elijah has made a lot of progress. We’ve talked about Elijah earlier in the year. He was not a guy that we were able to pinpoint what he can do because he had to be very multiple for us based on players that we had available to us. I think we’ve kind of narrowed his role down a little bit and I think he’s made the most of the opportunities that he’s had. We’re very excited that he was able to get out there last week and help us out, and also was able to limit some reps of some other guys that we were trying to limit reps.”
(DB Elijah Campbell’s best skill as a defender is what, you would say?) – “He’s fast and physical. I think he has a wide variety of skillsets and within the scheme, trying to pinpoint, ‘Ok, we think we can get this out of him.’ He’s worked very hard. He’s a very diligent worker. He’s had to learn multiple positions over the course of the season, that I would say has evolved, especially when you’re game-planning week-to-week. It’s different week-to-week. He’s a very explosive player. He’s able to start very quickly. He can go from zero to 60 in a hurry. He’s a physical player. He’s not afraid of contact. I’m very pleased with where he’s at and where he’s going, and we’re working very hard to build on that and to help him along in his progression as a defensive football player.”
(There’s 17 games in your career that you’ve coached up in Buffalo but the first time in the playoffs. What do you expect the atmosphere to be like compared to a regular-season game up there?) – “When you play at Buffalo, it’s always a great football environment. This is going to be stereotypical, but it’s a very blue-collar, hardworking town. The fans are very passionate. Obviously I’ve spent my entire career in the AFC East and if you are wearing a different colored jersey, you’re not welcome there. But they love football. It will be a great environment. We’ll probably have a few less snowballs thrown at us this week if it doesn’t snow. (laughter) But I think it’s awesome. I think it’s a great football environment. I think it’s a good football town. They’ve got a great football team. They’re well-coached. They play hard. I don’t think you can ask for anything more going up there and playing.”
(Upon reviewing the Jets tape, what did you come away most pleased with in keeping them out of the end zone?) – “You always go back and look at things that you could have done better. You always start with that first. Obviously when we had opportunities to get off the field on third down like we talked about a week ago, those four-point plays that we talked about, we were able to get them off the field. So obviously that was good. Anytime that you can limit a team or eliminate a team from scoring a touchdown, you’re going to put yourself in a pretty good opportunity.”
(The first game, obviously you guys had two late stops to clinch that game. In Week 15, they were 4-of-5 in the red zone. What sticks out to you from both games and kind of the execution in the red area?) – “I think it comes down to just that – execution. We probably needed to do a little bit better job of mirroring the rush with the coverage. Sometimes we had good rush and not good coverage. Other times we had good coverage and not a good rush. Sometimes you have to marry that all together. Really, that’s what this Sunday will come down to will be execution. It’s a new season. We’re very excited about it. The 18 weeks we had before us, none of that really matters. What’s going to matter this week is the execution that we have on Sunday. We’re really looking forward to it. It’s going to be a great environment. We couldn’t ask for anything better. We’re looking forward to it.”
(Last week, you guys ran the ball a lot and had 35 minutes time of possession. What does that do for the defense?) – “That’s probably a better question for … I don’t really pay attention to what we’re doing offensively, scheme and time of possession. The reality of it is when you go out there on the field, your job is to get off the field and get the ball back to the offense. If that happens where it’s a long drive, that happens. If that happens where it’s a short drive, that happens. But the reality of it is your goal and your mentality is always the same. It’s what can we correct that happened on the field? What can we get better? Are there things that we need to change? But the end goal is ultimately to get the ball back to the offense as soon as we possibly can to help with the field position, because obviously the longer the drives on, usually you lose field position as you go. I don’t think what they’re doing one way or the other kind of affects the end goal for us defensively.”
(Watching the games back over this year and even a couple of years prior to that, it seems like there are a lot of opportunities for you guys to take the football away but it doesn’t always seem to happen for your defense against this offense. I think they had six fumbles in two games against you this year but you only recovered two of them. How do you emphasize taking the ball away and capitalizing on those opportunities?) – “I think you probably hit it right there in your question. One, we have to attack the football. And then when it’s out, the more people that we can get to the ball increase our odds greatly of recovering the ball. We put an emphasis on that every week so that won’t really change. We’ll try to attack the ball as much as possible and then try to get everybody to the ball the best we can to recover those.”
Terron Armstead – January 11, 2023
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Wednesday, January 11, 2023
T Terron Armstead
(Before we start the questions, there’s a reason that they asked you to come in here. At the end of each season, the media covering the Dolphins give out something we call the Good Guy Award. It goes to the player who has best exhibited professionalism and courtesy toward the media, which is the most important part of your job. [laughter] This year, I have to say, as you know, it’s a good locker room and there’s a lot of competition for that coveted prize, more coveted than MVP. But anyway, you not only explain in detail the intricacies of playing offensive line and what this line has gone through, but you’ve fielded very patiently about 500 questions on injuries this year and dealt with it all. So we took a vote, and yes, indeed, congratulations. [hands him the Good Guy Award] So we thank you and congratulate you.) – “I appreciate it.”
(It really helps us share what we need to with the fans, and that’s obviously the most important thing.) – “I appreciate it. I appreciate you guys, for sure – 100 percent. So I’m done? (laughter)”
(Does that go in your display case? That’s the question.) – “Yes, it is. This thing is nice. I appreciate it.”
(I’m writing something on the offensive line, so what I would like to know is can you tell me about the personalities in that room? They tell me you’re like the coach on the field. OL Robert Jones and OL Robert Hunt are probably the funniest guys. OL Liam Eichenberg might be the most serious. OL Connor Williams can get off a funny line every now and then. But identify the characters in that room – who’s the most intense? Who’s the funniest?) – “It’s a mixed bag, for sure. Rob Hunt is probably the funniest guy on the team. A huge personality. Rob Jones, he might be runner up in that category. Connor (Williams) is pretty serious. Connor is pretty serious. Liam (Eichenberg) is unique in a lot of ways. He’s like older than his age. But we’ve got a lot of mixed personalities but all really good guys, great guys in that room.”
(When you consider everything that you guys have been through, the injuries and the switching and all of that kind of stuff, what does it tell you about the toughness, the dedication, the professionalism of maybe overcoming obstacles that are in that room?) – “That we’ve got the right guys. We’ve got the right guys. This league is tough, man. It’s a 100 percent injury rate, so more than likely there will be changes to the lineup in the course of a season. The importance is having that depth, staying ready, dual training, which is extremely difficult to do. We have guys that have done an exceptional job at many different spots. Even Rob Hunt having a Pro Bowl season at right guard switching out to right tackle last week. Those things should not be taken for granted. That’s really difficult to do.”
(Do you expect to be able to play Sunday?) – “I’m working. I’m working around the clock, man, to try to do everything I can. I’ve been dealing with quite a bit this season as you guys know. It’s been a battle. It’s been challenging, but I’m not wavering at all. I want nothing more than to be out there with my guys in Buffalo on Sunday. It is not anything I wouldn’t check off to do that, so if I’m able to be functional – for me, it’s not a pain thing. I can deal with any type of pain. It’s the function of the muscle and things around it. If it’ll hold up and I can go, I’m going.”
(What specific – I know you’re on the injury report with a lot of things. What’s specifically?) – “Right, I have a grocery list on the injury report, right? (laughter) It’s crazy.”
(This is why you’re a good guy.) – “A lot of it came from the foot injury Week 1. The body being such a machine and too smart at times, you get into compensation with muscles starting to shut down and start to affect other things. So like I’ve been dealing with my right leg really. So just trying to get everything to a point of strength and function, and then if I can push and I can drive, I’m going.”
(How do you view this season from a personal standpoint? On the one hand, you’ve got all the injuries. On the other hand, you helped the Dolphins make the playoffs in your first year after they signed you as a free agent. How do you balance those two kind of?) – “It’s been great, man. It’s been great. It’s been a blessing. The wins, the losses – you love the wins, you learn from losses, any experience, and I can’t complain about anything. I play this game for a living. I try to play at a high level. I put together a Pro Bowl, All-Pro campaign even dealing with injuries. I could have gotten surgery Week 1 and been done. Against advisement, we locked in and suited up. It’s been great, man, just being around these guys, this new environment, new team, new city. I wouldn’t – I can’t see it as anything less than great. It’s a blessing.”
(Would you have been done for the season had you opted for surgery Week 1?) – “Yeah.”
(You’ve been through it this time of year with teams of the past that you’ve been on. Outside of a few of the other new veterans, not a lot of playoff experience on this team. How can you kind of impart your wisdom to younger guys at this time of year?) – “I mean, those details just become even more prevalent right now. Those details are everything in a playoff game. You’ve played 17 or 18 games, running your system, the style of play you want to play. Now it’s all the small intangibles that can advance you or send you home. Things that we were winning in spite of, we start losing because of. So we’ve got to start – I think we’ve done a really good job these last couple of weeks locking in on a lot of those things from penalties, alignment issues, misassignments in identification, communication, all those things that we still found a way to win, and we started to lose because of those things, we’ve got to lock in on them and get them corrected. The beauty of this is we’re all at the same slate. We all are 0-0 in this tournament. Anything can be happen.”
(What was your assessment of how QB Skylar Thompson played on Sunday?) – “I think Skylar (Thompson) played extremely well. He played smart, didn’t turn the ball over. That’s kind of biggest thing, especially going into the playoffs. Turnovers will send you home, for sure. I think he was getting into more and more of a groove as the game went on. The run game helped out a lot too, and I think it will be better for him moving forward.”
(As a veteran receiving this particular award, what might you tell some of the younger guys, if it ever came up in the locker room or the cafeteria, about what potential benefits there actually might be having an open communicative relationship with us folks?) – “I think – for me, it boils down to respect. I respect every single person I walk by and come in contact with. I respect their job. I respect them as a person, whatever walk of life they’ve been through. They might have kids. Their parents might – you never know when you could cross paths with somebody at one point and meet again 10 years later in a different area or juncture in your life. So to me, it just comes down to respect, and it’s simple. Treat people with how you want to be treated, and that’s with the utmost respect.”
(This is Pro Bowl No. 4 for you. Does this possibly mean a little bit more because it comes in your first year with a new team that went out and gave you a big contract in the offseason and you’ve obviously rewarded their faith in you?) – “I think it’s really cool getting the accolade, getting recognition from your peers, the fans, the coaches. Being a Pro Bowl starter in both conferences is nice. I definitely am proud of it and feel rewarded from it. But ultimately, the goal is always team driven, never personal.”
(Do you have any sense yet from talking to doctors if the toe, the knee, the hip or the pectoral will need surgery this offseason?) – “You could’ve just summed that all up. (laughter) No, I’m in the moment really. I’m in the moment. I’m not doing any season-ending evaluations or physicals, anything like that. We’re getting ready to play Sunday.”
(Based upon one-fourth of the team receiving votes for the Good Guy Award, what does it say about this team that there are so many guys that were a part of this voting?) – “Yeah, we’re getting the right people in the building. We’re getting the right people in the building. People that respect the game, respect how it’s played and all the nuances of it on and off the field. It’s important. It’s extremely important to have that in the locker room – guys that can articulate, communicate, show that respect through the ups and downs because we went through a five-game win streak, five-game losing streak. So to have so many guys up for an award like this speaks volumes to the team.”
(How much has missing the last two weeks helped you as far as progress and where you stand this week? Is there a measure that you can provide?) – “Not really. Not really. I’m focusing on winning today, really. Just trying to get better and see if I can go out and do my job and execute.”
(You’ve dealt with injuries in the past. Has this been maybe the most frustrating season having to deal with that?) – “I’ve dealt with a lot and have played and compensated, changed things in my game midseason. This one has been challenging because of the new system. So we’re all rookies. The whole offense, we’re rookies in a sense. So having an injury Week 1 that takes away some strengths for me – being able to use my speed, explosiveness, having to make some changes from the jump – it was challenging.”
(What kind of mindset goes into a guy who has to come back from injury after injury and you keep plugging away? What goes on inside your head?) – “Nobody cares, really. Like the film won’t be labeled ‘In this game, No. 72 had a toe, knee, pec, back, head, shoulders, knees and toes.’ (laughter) It won’t say that. So when we finish playing this game, that’s what we’ve got left – the film. The film won’t be labeled a certain way. I play out of respect for myself, my teammates. If I can do my job helping my teammates, I’m going.”
(So assuming you’re coming into next year fully healthy – don’t want to get too far ahead – but because you had to make so many changes to your game in even Week 1, you were a Pro Bowler this year. Could we be seeing a totally different Terron next year?) – “I’m locked in on today – Wednesday – trying to win this day and be out there Sunday.”
(What all have you been able to accomplish and get done off the field since coming to Miami, particularly with your community center?) – “My center just opened – we’re fielding some students right now. Not many, like eight students after school a couple days a week. That’s pretty much all the activity going on there. I’ve had a couple conversations with some organizations out here to partner with in the future. I’m still trying to find my lay of the land and figure out exactly the area that we want to focus in and be heavily involved in.”
(I’m curious if there’s anyone in your life that you kind of lean on during times of going through what you’re going through physically, but it’s obviously an emotional challenge, too? Is there anyone in particular that you have had a special relationship during this time with?) – “Maybe healthy or unhealthy, I internalize a lot. I keep a lot to myself and deal with whatever I’m dealing with. I have a physical therapist that stays with me and we work a few days a week, so we’re always trying to keep everything pliable. But my kids – if I had to lean on anyone, my kids. My twins, they take care of their dad.”
(Your physical therapist lives in your house?) – “Yeah, he comes in from Dallas.”
(During the season?) – “Yeah. Yeah. We’re not THAT close. (laughter) He isn’t just living with me year-round.”
(One other question since we have you. With everything going on with Damar Hamlin and in Buffalo and the way that community’s kind of rallied around Damar, what are you guys kind of expecting that environment to be like on Sunday especially now with him back in Buffalo discharged?) – “I think it’ll be special. I think it’ll be special. It was a great environment when we went up about a month ago. I’d say it was one of my most fun, most exciting games I’ve ever been a part of in my career. I’m so happy for Damar and his recovery. Watching that live, it was a wave of emotions really, playing the game for so long. I’m 31. I started when I was 5, so I’ve been playing for 26 years straight. So to see something like that, it definitely was breathtaking and sent prayers up for him. I’m still praying for him and happy to see his recovery. Those fans up there are intense and for real, so I expect nothing less.”
Jerome Baker – January 11, 2023
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
LB Jerome Baker
(On playing in the playoffs) – “… This is what you dream of. This is the opportunity you always wanted and we’ve got an opportunity Sunday. Now we’ve just got to execute and get it done.”
(Last time you were there, snowballs were coming onto the field. The Bills mafia is infamous. Now with the Damar Hamlin situation, he may be there. Just the atmosphere – you’re not only dealing with what Head Coach Mike McDaniel said was arguably the best team in football, but then that atmosphere, too, that’s cranking now because of Hamlin?) – “Yeah, I mean, you can’t make something like this up. It’s going to be a special one Sunday. It’s going to electric. It’s going to be everything you wished for, just to be in a playoff game and everything matters. It’s going to be a fun one and we’ve just got to go up there and it’s going to be tough and we’ve got to get it done.”
(Just kind of watching from afar the way that that community and that team has kind of rallied around Damar Hamlin. What’s your observation?) – “Man, it’s just so much love up there and that’s what it’s all about. We’re different teams and all that but at the end of the day we’re all people and we all play this game that we love and it’s just a special feeling and a special thing to watch. It’s going to be exciting Sunday and hopefully we can come out with a win.”
(A lot of familiarity by now with Bills QB Josh Allen. What are the things you’ve learned from those experiences?) – “I feel like I play him all the time and I really do. Every year it’s two games a year and this is going to be the third one this year and they’ve won one, we’ve won one and this is where it all matters. We know them, they know us and it’s no secret what they’re going to do. It’s no secret what we’re going to do. We’ve just got to go out there and execute and get it done.”
(What about QB Josh Allen’s legs specifically? Just the dual threat he presents?) – “Yeah, that second half last game he really got it done on the ground and we’ve got to limit that. We’ve got to do different things to slow him down. We have a good plan and now it’s just time to execute.”
(Head Coach Mike McDaniel told us that QB Tua Tagovailoa can’t go this weekend. Obviously you’re down your starting quarterback. As a member of a defense that has a lot of pride, is it on you guys to win this game?) – “Absolutely. It’s always been on us. It is definitely unfortunate he can’t play, but you win games by playing great defense. If they don’t score any points, you win the game. So it’s going to be up to us and our defense is up for the challenge.”
(You guys have basically been playing to get into the playoffs the last few weeks. How has that mentality maybe helped carry over into Round 1?) – “It was kind of like a learning experience of every game is a big one and now it’s the real deal. Everything matters. Every play matters. The sleep you get matters. What you put in your body matters. This is what it’s all about and it’s going to be a good one.”
(How important is it for this locker room, especially the defense, to kind of rally around QB Skylar Thompson, QB Teddy Bridgewater, whoever it is …?) – “It’s a big deal. Like I said, they’ve got to lean on us and we’ve got to make plays and get off the field and really just slow down this Buffalo offense. It’s going to be a great challenge, but I’m definitely up for the challenge and our defense is up for the challenge. So it’s going to be a good one.”
(After 81 games – regular season games – played for the Dolphins, what does it mean to you personally to now play in your first playoff game?) – “It’s about time. It’s about time. (laughter) But at the end of the day it doesn’t matter if you don’t go up there and get the win, so I’m going to do everything I can to get the win, get the guys going and we’re going to come out ready to go and we’re going to get it done.”
(Did it feel different coming into work today because you’re preparing for a playoff game?) – “Not really. I still wake up, still sleepy. I think it won’t really hit me until we get on the road and get up there. I’m excited. I’m truly excited. It’s going to be a fun one.”
(Heading into December, Head Coach Mike McDaniel talked about that level going up, playing December games when they’re really important. Now it goes even further. What do you expect the energy level to be like for the playoffs and some of the things that you might have to get used to having it been a while since you’ve been able to be…?) – “It’s just going to be high. Everything matters. The energy level is going to be high. The emotional toll it’s going to take is going to be high. Everything is going to be high. It’s the game that you just pray that you’ll be a part of and now we’ve got the opportunity. It’s going to be a good one and we’ve just got to execute and get it done Sunday.”
Xavien Howard – January 11, 2023
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Wednesday, January 11, 2022
CB Xavien Howard
(How much are you looking forward to playing in another playoff game?) – “I’m looking forward. I’m ready for this week. It’s a big game. Playoffs in Buffalo.”
(What would you say about the job the defense has done in the last two weeks? It seems like you guys are holding offenses under wraps.) – “I feel like we’ve been doing okay. Buffalo is a high-powered offense. They’ve got a lot of weapons everywhere. It’s going to be a good matchup this week for us.”
(You guys have had some battles with QB Josh Allen throughout his career. What’s it going to slow that guy down?) – “He can do everything, man. This is the third time we’re facing him this year. There’s a lot of stuff on the table he can do, so we just got to stop him, try to contain him and just get some takeaways from him and stuff like that.”
(What did you learn from those experiences?) – “Every time we played them, the game has been close. I feel like we’ve been doing an okay job against them. I’m sure they’re going to come with a different game plan and different stuff they’re going to do. We just got to try to stop and contain him.”
(You were around the last time this team made a playoff appearance. What do you remember from that?) – “We got whooped. That’s what I do remember. (laughter) It was a cold game. It was also a cold game in Pittsburgh. But it was crazy. This is our second time in six years? We’re just looking forward to trying to get the game plan together and see what we got planned.”
(It’s also been a long time coming. So it’s good to finally get back?) – “It feels great. Opportunities, you can’t take them for granted. Like I said last Sunday, it’s the second time I’m going to the playoffs in six or seven years. You can’t take the chance for granted.”
(You said turnovers. Do you become more aggressive to try to create turnovers? Or are you trying to strip a football more so than a normal situation or jump a route? What’s your approach to that?) – “Just make plays defense-wise. Being aggressive, sometimes that can hurt you so there’s not really much you can say. I’d just say just let the plays come to you.”
(What’s your thoughts on the way that that team and that community has really rallied around what’s going on with Damar Hamlin, and what can you guys expect from that atmosphere?) – “They did a great job. The NFL did a great job. Everybody did a great job. Everything played out well. The guys back in Buffalo, that’s what it’s all about, just showing the support, especially when the guy is down and stuff happens like that on the field. I know it’s going to be packed this Sunday. I know it’s going to be crazy so we got to prepare for that.”
(Head Coach Mike McDaniel told us that QB Tua Tagovailoa won’t play on Sunday. As a member of the defense, do you take more upon yourself now that you’re without your starting quarterback, that you have to win this game for this team?) – “He hasn’t played in two weeks. We’re the next-man-up mentality. We got to keep it going. We just got to play.”
(The last time you were there, the snowballs were flying and they’ve got the Bills Mafia. Now it’s going to be ratcheted up if Damar Hamlin does appear. What do you think the whole atmosphere is going to be like?) – “If he comes to the game, that’s going to be a different game. They’ve been pushing through for him and everything. It’s a great environment to play in. We’re looking forward to it. There isn’t really much the fans can do to try or do anything to us or stop us from playing because at the end of the day, a game still has to be played.”
Skylar Thompson – January 11, 2023
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Wednesday, January 11, 2023
QB Skylar Thompson
(On running the first team offense this week in Buffalo and just your thoughts about going into your first playoff game?) – “The good thing for me, I feel like I got a pretty good feel for what a playoff game kind of would look like just last week. It was a win or go home type of situation for us, so getting to experience kind of what that felt like last week I think was helpful. This week is just going to be like any other week for me this entire season. It’s preparing like I’m going to be the starter and getting reps where I can build some confidence throughout the week and build continuity with this offense to where when we go out there, we can play fast and play with confidence on Sunday.”
(Do you think it will hit you Saturday when you arrive or Sunday when you walk into the stadium? When do you think that moment will hit you?) – “I’m going to try to eliminate that as much as possible. I don’t really know when that will – I can’t say when exactly that will happen. I don’t know, I’m sure it will at some point, but just trying to eliminate the emotion of all that as much as I can and just treat it like any other game.”
(If someone would have told you a year ago that you were going to be starting in a playoff game in your rookie season, what would you have thought?) – “Obviously, it’s a goal of mine to be a starter and be in these types of situations. You just never know what that’s going to look like exactly, and the way that things have played out this year to where I’ve had opportunity to play a little bit and have an opportunity like this this weekend, it’s crazy. But I’m very, very excited for it. This is what I’ve worked for for a very long time. So it’s time to soak it in, have fun with it and do the best that I can help this team win.”
(Head Coach Mike McDaniel praised your poise. You did not turn the ball over. I think you took one sack. But only nine points. More will be needed presumably against the Bills, correct?) – “Oh yes, 100 percent. It was just the flow of the game, the way that it was playing out. We didn’t score a touchdown. That’s obviously the goal every time we touch the football. But all we needed was a field goal to win it. That became a reality for me on that last drive (to) just put us in a position to where we kick a field goal and trust Jason (Sanders) that he’s going to hit it and that’s what I did. Obviously, we want to score every time we get the ball, especially against a team like this. It’s a very good football team, very good offense, very good defense all around. Any chance you get to score touchdowns, you’ve got to capitalize and do that.”
(I was curious, how instrumental has Quarterbacks Coach/Pass Game Coordinator Darrell Bevell? What sticks out to you about him not only as a coach but as a person?) – “He’s been a tremendous, tremendous help for me. He’s a great coach. He’s a great person above everything, which is awesome. His demeanor, the way that he approaches the coaching of the quarterback position, I think has helped our entire room of just staying calm, cool and collected through everything that we’ve experienced this year. He does a great job throughout the week of just prepping us and getting us ready for the game and proposing different situations, looks that just kind of help run things through our mind to where when we get to the game, we can play fast. He’s been awesome. I appreciate Coach ‘Bev’ (Darrell Bevell) a lot.”
(How much have QB Tua Tagovailoa and QB Teddy Bridgewater helped up with instances where you’ve been elevated to start?) – “They have both been a great help to me and supporting me, which has meant a lot to me, coming from guys that have had a lot of experience and have played the position in the league and just spreading wisdom to me as much as they can. (They’re) not trying to overwhelm me or give me too much information, but just tidbits here and there to help me just slow the game down and play fast. Both those guys have helped me a lot.”
(You were on the sideline a few weeks ago in Buffalo with the snowballs flying and everything else, the cold weather. We don’t know if Damar Hamlin is going to be there. It’s possible, I suppose. What sort of atmosphere are you expecting when you walk into that stadium?) – “It was electric the last time we were there, and I expect nothing less now. My thoughts and prayers are out with (Damar) Hamlin. Everything that’s happened with that organization and the way that he’s bounced back is amazing. It shows the power of prayer of how much it can impact the world. His story is going to be phenomenal of how many people he’s going to impact through what he experienced. It’s going to be rocking. I know that. It was last time. And they have a great fan base. That’s a great atmosphere. You can tell they feed off of that and that will be a great challenge for us.”
(You touched on starting last week. Your confidence level, how has it changed? You’ve got to be confident to play that position, but how has it changed just getting that one start under your belt?) – “Honestly, every snap, I feel more and more confident. It’s not always going to be perfect. We strive for perfection in this position and that’s what you want, but in reality, name a quarterback who has ever played a perfect game. For me, it’s just dialing in on one play at a time and taking the game as it comes, controlling what I can control, and ultimately just giving it my best, because my best is always enough. That’s something my former quarterback coach at K-State, Collin Klein, used to always tell me, and that’s something that I just remind myself all the time is my best is always enough. I think just moving forward, that’s going to be my same mentality and just having fun with it.”
(You talked to us about how influential your family has been in your journey and your dad and the role he’s played in your now-NFL career. How excited are they? What’s the reaction like? Are they going to be in Buffalo?) – “Yes, my dad will be driving from Kansas City to Buffalo for the game. It was really cool. They were supposed to come down here for Christmas, but their flights got canceled. Before we even knew anything about last week, they rescheduled their flights to come down to the Jets game, and it just happened to work out that I was starting. So everything happened for a reason, but I’ve had tremendous support from my family, my friends, everybody back home supporting me. The amount of text messages I’ve gotten of just support and the encouraging words has been overwhelming, but it’s awesome. It just tells me I’m surrounded by great people and have great people in my life, and that’s something that I value a lot.”
(Every gameplan is different. Obviously, you ran the football and protected the ball last week. Are you looking forward to opening it up a little bit maybe?) – “Yeah, like I was kind of touching on earlier, it’s just about feeling the flow of the game. I think that’s super important at the quarterback position, being able to feel what that’s like and knowing the situation of when there’s times to take care of the football and maybe where there’s times where you can hang on and give it a shot. That’s something that I’m just learning through and growing through as I go. But yeah, obviously, we want to open up the field and take our shots when we get them and be explosive on offense. So yes, that’s something that we definitely want to do, but just take what the defense gives you.”
(We saw QB Tua Tagovailoa was greeting teammates as they came off the field in the tunnel last game. What did he tell you after your quarterbacked that win?) – “He told me he was really proud of me. For what Tua (Tagovailoa) has experienced this year, I know – I can only imagine how hard it is for him. I just commend his leadership and the way that he’s treated me throughout this whole process. It’d be hard to do, and he’s been very supportive of me and everybody in this locker room, considering all the stuff that he’s going through. So I think it shows the type of person and leader he is. It’s meant a lot to me, for sure.”
(I’m sorry if you’ve been asked this already, but from standing on the sidelines a few weeks ago and just from the sideline perspective watching the Buffalo Bills defense, what are some of the things that are going through your head as you go into this game to be successful?) – “They’re a very good defense and you can tell that they have a lot of veteran guys that have played a lot of football. They play fast. They’re very disciplined. And they play hard. For me, it comes down to just executing and doing our job each and every play and not getting ahead of ourselves, not trying to press. Just take what the defense gives me and gives us and just take it as the game comes. It’s going to be a great challenge for us. I got the experience of seeing it in person, what the atmosphere is going to look like, getting snowballs chucked at us, all that. It was awesome. (laughter)”
(No snow this time I heard.) – “Yeah. (laughter) Above all else, it’s a great atmosphere and it’s fun. That’s what makes the game fun. I’m just looking forward to going out there and competing, and I know our guys are too.”
(Head Coach Mike McDaniel talked going into December what it would be like for you guys to experience December football. Now it goes to a different level – playoff football. What type of energy are you expecting and maybe some of the things you might have to get used to pretty quick? You just got used to one full game, and now you’re in the next level of a full game?) – “That’s just something that I know there’s more at stake, but like I was saying, last week there was a lot at stake too. So I got a similar feeling of win-or-go-home type situation. I know there’s a lot at stake and they’re going to be ready to go. They have a lot to play for considering all the stuff they’ve experienced the past couple of weeks. It’s going to be a lot of fun. It’s going to be a lot of fun, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Mike McDaniel – January 11, 2023
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Wednesday, January 11, 2023
Head Coach Mike McDaniel
(Before we start I just wanted to mention real quick that later today we’re going to be presenting our “Good Guy Award” which goes to the player who exhibits professionalism with the media and so in preparation for that I asked everybody to give me three names instead of just one because I knew that it wasn’t obvious who was going to win it this year. And two interesting things happened. No. 1 believe it or not, we had to have a runoff election because the voting was so close…) – “Too many good guys.”
(Too many good guys. And No. 2, one-fourth of your roster received votes, which I think says something about the locker room you’ve put together. So I’m sure – I think I speak for everybody here when I say that we’re appreciative of the players for their cooperation, your coaching staff, yourself, the communications staff and let me not forget to mention the cafeteria staff.) – “This is unbelievable. (laughter) I very much appreciate it on behalf of all people involved and that’s really cool to hear. You guys deserve the respect that you’re receiving. Just trying to do your job.”
(Now that we’ve said that, who’s the quarterback on Sunday?) – “It’s not me. (laughter) As of today, Tua (Tagovailoa) has not been cleared by doctors to resume football activities on the field with his teammates so because of that and because of the time that he’s missed, I can rule him out for Sunday.”
(Is QB Teddy Bridgewater in line to play this week?) – “Teddy (Bridgewater) is still working his way back. His biggest thing is he knew that he had to be in a position where he had to be fully functional on Sunday. That took some strain and really just some guts and work ethic. That’s not an easy thing to do and as it stands right now he’s working to prepare himself to be capable on Sunday, but as a result of that, he can’t afford any setbacks or really anything that’s conflicting against the healing process in the week. As a result, we’ll be approaching the game today – the Wednesday game – with Skylar Thompson as our starting quarterback.”
(When you talked to QB Tua Tagovailoa and officially ruled him out, what was his reaction? What was that conversation like?) – “I would say it’s conflicting. He, himself, is learning that he needs to listen to the advice of doctors and medical professionals. He understands the severity of doing that, so there’s a little bit of things that he can’t control. He was an incredible part of the entire season. I think eight of our wins were as a result of him playing quarterback, amongst the team, and that did not come because it was just gifted. That was a lot of work and preparation, so it’s very frustrating, much as a lot of things in life and football are. But it is very frustrating for him to not be able to go through everything with his teammates and really it was a huge goal of his to help get this team to the playoffs and he wants to play in the playoffs. There’s nothing more fun than playoff football and he really finds normal football fun. So very conflicting I would say, but (Tua) understands that it’s his best interest that the doctors and medical professionals are seeking and respects and regards that. So that was about it.”
(Is QB Tua Tagovailoa going to be able to go with you guys to Buffalo?) – “These are things that I try to take things one day at a time – not to be annoying, but because of just really the procedure that the doctors have kind of shown me. I think there’s a possibility of that, maybe. I don’t know. We’ll see how he is on Friday and Saturday and then whether or not it helps, hurts or is indifferent for him to travel.”
(Have there been any setbacks?) – “Not really setbacks. It’s more of just I would say compounding variables. Again, I try not to micromanage everything because I don’t find a non-expert to be helpful in micromanaging. I would think that would lend one to mismanagement, so I wouldn’t say setbacks as much as just compounding variables and what needs to happen for the doctors to feel good about it.”
(Is there any, I guess, relief in knowing QB Tua Tagovailoa’s situation that now you can make plans or is it still kind of muddled because you don’t know between QB Skylar Thompson and QB Teddy Bridgewater at the quarterback position?) – “I would be a fool to pretend to have a road map for anything. Just in general in football, but this season in particular, if I was feeling comfort in the idea of an exact vision on who was going to play for instance, I would be ridden with anxiety. We’ve had injuries. Most teams have injuries. We’ve dealt with some at positions with multiplicity. So I don’t really look at it like that. I look at it like, ‘All right, this is the hand right now. How do you play that hand?’ If there are things that go back and forth, you have to just plan for that as well. So I wouldn’t say there was any comfort in really any of the news that we’re talking about with exception to the fact that I know we have a dedicated, hungry football team that’s excited to play in a game that they earned to play in. There’s something to be said about the group in the locker room that understands that it’s not about ‘would’ve, could’ve, should’ve, this happened, that happened.’ I told them today that I think they’re one of five teams in the history of the National Football League that have lost five in a row and made the playoffs, and that is not something that you want on a trophy. You prefer not to lose five in a row. But I think it also more precisely speaks to the level of determination, the lack of splintering. There’s something to be proud of there, too, because that is hard to do clearly. And it’s always something to build upon when you’re able to do something in the face of whatever that other people can’t, so I think they’re just excited to a football game against arguably the best football team in the National Football League and they get the opportunity to do that on Sunday and I think that’s something they’re really excited for and excited to go play.”
(I had a question on Quarterbacks/Passing Game Coordinator Coach Darrell Bevell and kind of his role this season. First of two parts, I was curious where that leadership kind of stemmed from and led you to bring him to the staff and how instrumental has he been working with three quarterbacks with all the various changes this season?) – “’Bev’ (Darrell Bevell) has been huge for me. Somebody that I met – I think it was one of those deals where you know how you meet someone and you remember it and they don’t, which means it was more memorable for you – all the way back in 2006. At Indy at the Combine, you know at the old Marriott with whatever that burger place is? I was down there talking to him, knew of him then and then had followed his career. Had been in the same division as him on occasion and had played against him. When I got here, kind of the lay of the land – I’m not sure how long it took me, but I knew that one of the biggest priorities for the organization was to get some leadership in the quarterback room, have a coach who has experience developing younger quarterbacks and has done it on multiple occasions and also has a disposition that is to be trusted. And you can’t find a more trustworthy, honest, loyal human being. He’s been huge for that room. It’s one of the reasons why there’s been really strong quarterback play that’s come from that room over the course of the season. So a great asset. I mean honestly, just outstanding hire. (laughter) He gets my jokes about as well as you guys do, so it’s all good.”
(During the past month, has any concern been raised about QB Tua Tagovailoa continuing his career, and do all parties – the team, Tua and doctors expect him to resume playing NFL football at some point?) – “You’re doing your job to ask the question but come on. I’m just thinking about his day and him getting to full health as a human being. And then when it’s time to turn the page, I’ll turn the page, but I’m pretty – integrity in principle to a fault and stubborn as all get out. If I hear that’s the way that I should approach it, I will approach it that way and I do not deviate. Really, the next step is for him to be fully through this protocol and then we can see where the land lays, so to speak. But outside of that, I’m just worried about him.”
(Starting an NFL game for a rookie quarterback – it brings out nerves just in the regular season alone. How is QB Skylar Thompson handling the possibility, a strong possibility, that he will be starting playoff game for you guys?) – “I’m not sure if anyone really understands the gravity of what he was able to accomplish, where he, himself, had started one game previous and then was injured, was out and then didn’t have the routine. I mean, he’s banking on reps that he’s doing individually after practice in the indoor, every single day. Some scout team reps, and then a bunch of stuff from the preseason. So to jump in with a fully operated machine and do it – I’m very aware of the score. But you’re talking about no turnovers, I think one sack, and I believe the offense had – I think we had more yards than this offense had against Buffalo earlier in the season when the team did win. And I believe the Jets statistically, I mean they’re neck and neck but they’re both two great defenses, and I think the Jets might even be ranked third or something. It was no easy test that the those who are weak would be exposed immediately. I think he’ll look at it as – probably the way Skylar thinks, he hopes that’s the worst game that he ever plays knowing that everyone has bad games, but you’re trying to build you stuff you learned from, some stuff that he did pretty well, some stuff that I know that he can do a lot better. But the mental fortitude, the composure, that’s something that should be praised because it’s pretty impressive and not easy to do.”
(What do you need to see from QB Teddy Bridgewater for him to play Sunday?) – “That’s something that it’s not just seeing, but it’s him communicating. And he’s got to be able to rip it in time to be able to get some work with his teammates. But that’s not even really his objective. With this timeline, he’s really focusing on being able to come through if needed, because he knows on the front end, he’s not going to be able to get that many reps, if any. So it’s him building, and the bottom line is if we’re in the situation on Sunday and we need him to play and he says he can play, my relationship with him and what he’s earned, the trust that I have for him, if he says he can roll, he can roll.”
(How has T Terron Armstead been progressing?) – “Progressing. As far as what does that mean for this season? I was talking to him today. It’s very frustrating when you’re not physically capable to play the game you love each and every week and go through that stuff. It’s also been very rewarding because out of all the groups on the team, offensive line is probably the greenest so to speak. So every time he hasn’t been on the field, his impact – he’s earned that C on his jersey (as captain), each and every week, regardless if he’s playing or not. Like most weeks, this week is no different. I expect him to be out there if he’s capable. And if he’s not, he’ll make the best decision for the team. That’s just kind of how he’s built.”
(How has QB Mike Glennon picked up this offense since he’s been here?) – “You can tell he’s been a very convicted, committed player that has experience in multiple systems. You can see it’s like talking to someone who is speaking a second language, where you can see them think in their first language. He’ll process it in terms that he knows it. But consummate pro, has fit right in. Only has value added. And really, he elevates the overall relative height of the whole group, which is cool when you’re a short coach.”
(Knowing the Bills are going to score points regardless of how much confidence you have in your defense, what is a roadmap for you to match points with them, knowing you don’t want to put QB Skylar Thompson in a position that’s too much for him, but that you sort of have to match points with the Bills?) – “I think if you start thinking – to even consider being able to beat a team as high-quality as the Buffalo Bills, I think one mistake is not trusting your teammates in all ways, shapes and forms. So if you start chasing points, you’re probably going to add to that differential. I think you have to worry about what the defense is going to play, what matchups you can work with, where are you vulnerable and then how to try to max out whatever the defense is doing, because typically defenses tend to play to their offense as well. I don’t see Buffalo any different. I think it’s kind of a dangerous game if you try to start chasing points on the road with a juiced up crowd and a defense that thrives on turnovers. So it’s a balance. But the bottom line is, if you’re trying to compete with a with a team like that, that’s earned their home-field advantage in the playoffs, you have to try to compete with them as a team and not phases. Otherwise, you’ll end up wishing the existence you’re trying to avoid.”
Mike McDaniel – January 9, 2023
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Monday, January 9, 2023
Head Coach Mike McDaniel
(As far as QB Tua Tagovailoa goes, has he reached the point yet where he can do non-contact practice stuff, such as throwing? Has he been cleared for that level yet?) – “So he has not been cleared for that level yet. I’m hoping to – with all three active roster quarterbacks, they all have injury-related concerns. I’m hoping to have some clarity on Wednesday. But as of right now, it’s literally the same, if not more vague, than when I just saw most of you guys last.”
(Then one more thing on QB Tua Tagovailoa, even though obviously you don’t have clarity on whether he’s advanced in protocol. But is he even at the level where he can do aerobic exercises?) – “I don’t know exactly what goes on. I do know there’s – I’ve seen him post-whatever that time is called and he’s sweating, so two and two together. I try to stay in my level of expertise, because again, the primary concern is that we lean on medical professionals for this, these medical opinions, and I don’t want to influence by over asking or trying to micromanage what the process is. When he’s ready to – when he’s medically cleared to practice, he’ll practice. Until then I’m not doing anything.”
(You’ve been taking it one day at a time with him. How did today go?) – “Today was a high-five level. (laughter) He was (in) good spirits through the weekend, and there were no setbacks or concerns with regard to today. But he’s feeling good, and we’ll see what tomorrow brings.”
(Talking about clarity on Wednesday, you mentioned all quarterbacks. So do they all fall under the category of clarity on Wednesday and what are the injuries? Obviously, we know QB Teddy Bridgewater’s…) – “It’s just because we’re just getting – (we) had some bumps and bruises with Skylar (Thompson) as well. We saw him – I’m sure you caught him trying to pull out of a tackle. He was a little banged up from the game. And then seeing – I thought Teddy (Bridgewater) was good enough to get us out of the game, which was the whole goal, which was to his credit. He really worked, really, day and night endlessly, to be in a position where he could play for us if something happened to Skylar. So you kind of have to see the residuals of that and see where he’s at before making sound judgment on Wednesday. So I really don’t know. I’ll be preparing for everybody that we have. I don’t have any clarity. We’re hoping to have better clarity on Wednesday.”
(Last Monday, you told us you were going to do gameplans, you and Offensive Coordinator Frank Smith, for either QB Teddy Bridgewater or QB Skylar Thompson. Do you guys tomorrow prepare gameplans for those two and QB Tua Tagovailoa, all three?) – “I didn’t even know you listened to me.”
(I listen to you at least 98 percent of the time.) – “98 (percent)? At least 57 (percent). (laughter) Yeah, I think that’s the – you’re playing a divisional opponent who you’re pretty familiar with who you just played a couple weeks ago. That gives you a little liberty to have some variance in your plan for each particular quarterback, and then when you get concrete clarity, you have one direction for your entire team to kind of go by and that’s what you stick with.”
(I’m sure you saw that Damar Hamlin was discharged from the hospital heading back to Buffalo. We’re going to talk all week about the atmosphere going into Buffalo and a playoff situation, but that team obviously is playing for something so much bigger than football. Is that going to be kind of on your minds this week as you prepare going into that environment and what this aspect adds to it?) – “Well, the two prongs – so the environment in general is as exciting of a place to play that exists by itself. Just because speaking to a couple guys that this was a primetime game just a couple of weeks ago, and some guys that I have experience with in the playoffs in the NFC and how that environment in Buffalo supersedes what you see in the in the NFC. It was just a really cool place. You can tell the football fans love the game for the right reasons, are 100 percent loyal and let you know how much they dislike you, which I kind of like. I appreciate it coming from a fan’s perspective. Now on top of that, I think that is something where it’s uncharted, but I feel very, very confident that our whole team will be cheering for Damar (Hamlin) like he was a Miami Dolphin. That’s a shared experience that you really, anytime – there’s very few moments, really, realistically that you can say, ‘Yeah, I remember where I was when,’ and when you go through that and then you don’t know the outcome, you feel like you just get so invested in the miraculous recovery and all the people that it takes for that to even occur. I think we’re all going to feel very blessed to be a part of that celebration and as much as anyone could possibly feel like we’re cheering for a Miami Dolphin, for sure.”
(What can you tell us about RB Raheem Mostert?) – “He will not be engaging in any competitive games of thumb war because he broke his thumb. So what is that? That right now, it’s a serious injury. It’s hard to know if he’ll be able to play this week. I never put anything past Raheem Mostert, I’ve learned that over time. But it was a significant break of his thumb and he’ll be addressing that this week.”
(Will he need surgery? And as a secondary thing, I can’t help but ask you, how do you have so many guys in your backfield with hand injuries at the same time?) – “Well, you’re either coaching it or you’re allowing it to happen. (laughter) No, I think there’s some extenuating circumstances in the game of football. Sometimes when it rains, it pours. I believe – you can’t really hold me to it, but I believe he’ll be getting surgery. But again, I know that – I believe his surgery was going to be today. But although they are both hand or thumb injuries, they are very different – Alec (Ingold) and Raheem (Mostert) – so they’re not exactly comparable. If you want me to elaborate on that, I’m just going to be a bumbling buffoon, because there’s a lot of scientific stuff that just went right over my head when I was debriefed.”
(What’s the outlook of your two tackles – T Terron Armstead who missed the last two games, and T Brandon Shell who went out the last game?) – “It’s just YOLO. That’s what we’re doing these days. We got injuries. The one thing I will say is it’s been really cool to see a team, you never want to see that for individuals you don’t want to see. It’s a real thing when guys get hurt. It’s not like ‘oops, I’m missing.’ Like Armstead, every time he doesn’t go, he went through a war to try to go. And so I don’t make light on the situation at all. But it has been pretty awesome to see at this juncture in the season, how the team’s mindset of next-man-up is about as real as I’ve ever been around. They are unflappable with regard to who is available, just fully knowing that we have a lot of guys that can make plays. And when certain people go down, other people have to step up. That type of philosophy has really risen to a true level belief, because we haven’t really had any options. We’ve gone through several stretches of the season and our lineup has changed in an aggressive way week by week. I don’t know those statuses. Both of those guys have exceeded expectations, actually this year, with regard to their timelines, so they will be more of that late week fun. I promise you guys, I would love to just give you concrete information. I would love it. But I don’t know.”
(If you’d love to, then both receivers – Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle – both had ankle injuries. Tyreek was able to go back into the game, but Jaylen, if the game were to go longer, would he have returned?) – “I think. I don’t know. He’ll be treating it every day. He’s one of the toughest guys. I’d be very surprised if he wasn’t able to get himself in a position to be able to play Sunday. I’d be very surprised. But he will be going into treatment and working through that as the week progresses, for sure.”
(Most of your roster just hasn’t played in a playoff game. What’s the biggest difference between a regular season game and a postseason game?) – “I think the team gained a bunch of valuable experience with this end of the season stretch. A lot of the team hadn’t been exposed to significant primetime games so they had not only a lot of exposure, but they had failed expectations, which is tough. And then the biggest thing is win or go home, that you feel in the playoffs. And that’s definitely what they felt yesterday. They knew that was the case. So those were the biggest mountains that I was worried about. Outside of that, it’s going to be important for those guys that haven’t played in a playoff game, to remind them of the most obvious thing in the world, that is probably the thing that comes up the strong, especially with young teams and playoffs, is that it’s a football game. So you prepare for it, to give your best effort, but you don’t have to do things outside of yourself for the outcome that you want to exist. So you have to make sure that guys don’t press, I would have been a lot more nervous had we not had a play-in game just last Sunday for at least a taste, because it is different.”
(What’s the key to getting the players to stick to knowing that it’s just a football game, as opposed to trying to do too much?) – “It’s a day-by-day process that starts with focusing on working on the gameplan as it relates to your position on Wednesday and nothing else. It’s like handling things day-by-day with a whole team. You don’t even worry about the game until Sunday. Every other day of prep is its own entity and that’s what you’re focused on because when you’re not focused on that, everything’s an opportunity cost. So if you start to think about what X, Y or Z is going to be like on Sunday, you are not present in the moment thinking about how to really maximize your ownership of your assignment, which you’ll have to display on Sunday anyway. So it’s just that day-by-day process, moment-by-moment, being present and deliberate in your preparation so that you can play fast on a regular football Sunday that happens to be win or go home.”
(You mentioned the mindset of your team. Earlier, six weeks ago, this team was flying high. Things obviously change. Now it seems like outside this building, no one gives this team a chance in Buffalo. How do you think that impacts the players? And what do you say to them about the expectations where things have gone and how to kind of approach this game?) – “Yeah, I think you learn that it’s cool when it’s favorable. It’s not as cool when it’s not favorable. I think you learn that none of it matters. You have control over the narrative and it is generally retroactive. The narrative can be controlled by your actions on the field and you just worry about your actions on the field. I would again be more worried about, either way, had we not gone through the huge highs and lows. I think there is a positive in that, in that you really get to feel what it’s like to possibly – I’m not saying anyone did, but like your guard is down when people are singing your praises. And it gets old when people are telling you how bad you are. Both things are very natural consequences of black and white results. It will always be that way. You’ll be praised when you win, and people will be critical when you lose. Why? Because people care. And you know what’s even more maddening when you’re winning or losing games? It is when you really care about something and can’t control it. So, henceforth, there’s always going to be a reaction either way. And I think that the more people live through that, the better they can circumvent that and not make it any part of the equation, when there’s a job to do, and they only have each other to rely on to do that job.”
(Did you notice your team got back in the win column with the removal of the ping pong table from the locker room?) – “No. I really don’t know what goes on in the locker room anymore. The locker room is (for) the players. I had my ear to the street, so to speak, a little more when I was trying to navigate from their locker room procedures from the past. They used to not have anything in there so I wanted it to be their space and I had to get my hands dirty a little bit. Now I’m out of the loop and have no idea. I think somebody mentioned something to me maybe the end of last week or maybe yesterday. I can’t even remember. It was like, ‘hey, the ping pong table is gone.’ I was like, oh, really? Where’s the ping pong table? That’s what I want to know. Who stole the ping pong table? Was it a thievery?”
