David Long Jr. – September 9, 2024
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Monday, September 9, 2024
LB David Long Jr.
(I wanted to ask you, given what happened and how weird thing were before the game yesterday. can you give us a picture of how you guys were able to come together and focus on the game after you found out what had happened?) – “It really wasn’t that tough for us to stay focused on the task at hand. We knew with the challenge we had in front of us that was a good team across from us. We knew we couldn’t go out there and play around and focus on things that were out of our control. We talked about it and locked back in and ended up going out there and handling business.”
(What were the key changes do you feel in the second half that lead to the difference in performance in the first and second half?) – “I think people just woke up. We went in there, we realized that we were not playing ourselves on the defensive side of the ball. We went in there and got each other right. As far as the coaches coming in there and announcing the things we were messing up on and holding each other accountable. We know we have too many elite players on that side of the ball for things to be going the way they were. It didn’t take much for us to have some self-reflect and go out there and hold each other accountable at halftime. We went out there and handled business.”
(You’ve had at least a couple occasions where you’ve gotten to play against QB Josh Allen. What are some of the keys to stopping him in your estimation?) – “Discipline football and tackling. Strong quarterback that can make things happen with his feet, so you know how you have to be discipline. He can make you pay when you’re not. I’ve played against him many times, and this team has as well, so we know what we got on Thursday.”
(I know this isn’t a question specifically about how your defense performed. I want to talk about the mentality that it takes on those third-and-shorts situations, those fourth-and-1 situations. You’re a physical linebacker. What type of mentality do you have to have to keep the offense from converting on that play?) – “I feel like that’s where you can a find out a lot about your team on those tough downs. That’s where the great football is played because it only takes an inch, either to stop them or to get the first down. We made key stops a couple of times yesterday. It’s just to attest to who we are. We know it’s not easy to win in this league. It usually comes down to one or two plays and you got to take advantage when the opportunity presents itself. I was actually happy we were in those positions because especially early, you get an idea to see who is going to bow up and then who’s not. I think we all showed that some adversity is nothing to us. Actually, we like being in those positions and it shows a lot about us.”
(How’s the hand, by the way?) – “It’s straight, man. I’m cool, ain’t going to put too much on it.”
(I wanted to ask you about your impression on how Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver called his first game with you guys? Do you have any good stories form the sideline or was he up in the box?) – “He was on the sideline. I think it was great. I think he called some plays to get some people to show their strengths, especially at the end of the game. Guys just making plays. It wasn’t just like extra effort, especially with ‘JP’ (Jaelan Phillips), ‘O’ (Emmanuel Ogbah). We just wanted it more. I think it showed. I think he called plays to just let guys play their game which is important, especially to the elite players on this side of the ball that got to show their strengths. It was good. Looking to build on it throughout the season.”
(What are your impressions on how LB Jaelan Phillips did his first game back?) – “Man, listen – we literally just left film. I don’t know if y’all watched it but that boy has a motor. That man has motor and it shows. It shows that he was just eager to get back out there with the guys. It’s going to be a long season for these tackles, not going to lie.”
(So much is made by fans and some media about how players from former teams can help their current team. Is there anything that S Jordan Poyer can offer you guys, without saying what it is, is there anything strategically, or even nuances of Buffalo’s offense you think can help you this week? Or is all of that totally overstated and you know enough just from having played them a lot?) – “I would just say just that – you answered the question. We know them enough. ‘JP’ (Jordan Poyer), even with him being over there I don’t think it’s much. Even if they did, they would probably know, so any calls, any pre-snaps, they would probably change it, of course. It’s not like, ‘JP, give us a blueprint.’ Just go out there and we know we have a plan when we get it, and play to that. But no, I’m not worried about that.”
(I wanted to go back to the question about the incident involving WR Tyreek Hill before the game. I’m wondering if you were able to see any of the social media videos about what happened, and for you personally, what was it like seeing a teammate going through that? Was it scary? What have you been able to reflect about what happened?) – “I wouldn’t say it’s scary. It’s something that I’m used to seeing. But it was just wild that like – I saw the video, but I didn’t see the caption or anything at first, but then I saw it. It’s crazy that mentally he could lock back in and go out there and finish the game that he did, because that could’ve threw him off his game. He probably could’ve had a bad game and just let that mess with his mental. But he didn’t. He went out there, got past it at that time and made stuff happen. It was a good attest to him and his focus and discipline.”
(I wanted to know about the run defense. You guys allowed 128 yards on 26 carries. But the biggest play of the game, S Jevón Holland’s strip, came in the run game. How do you balance that? How did you guys do overall against the run?) – “I think we did OK. I know I could’ve done better, but as a whole, as a defense, we we’re just meeting. We know we have some things to harp on a little bit, but all in all, we feel like we have the tools to make stuff happen and we just want to be great. To us, that was too much, but big plays here and there, they weren’t consistently running. They had a couple of plays where they were just big gains, but it’s easy fixes especially with the leaders on this side of the ball. It’s an easy fix.”
Jordan Poyer – September 9, 2024
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Monday, September 9, 2024
S Jordan Poyer
(Do you expect any emotion Thursday playing your former team that’s different from a regular game? After these teams have seen each other so much, is there anything you can share with defensive teammates about the nuances of Buffalo’s offense? Or is that whole thing entirely overstated and there is really no inside information that you can give them?) – “I’m excited to play this week. Obviously, a team that I played with the last seven years. I’m very familiar with a lot of guys they have over there. I still have a lot of good relationships over there. I’m thankful for all of my years out there in Buffalo, but I’m excited to play, for sure. I’ve definitely been connecting with the guys on this team. Like I said, we’re going to be ready to play. We’re excited to play; this is going to be a fun game on Thursday night.”
(This whole topic of sharing inside info, is there anything to it or is there really nothing you can say that your teammates haven’t seen on tape playing Buffalo so often?) – “I’m sure there’s really a whole lot they haven’t seen playing tape. We’ll continue to talk throughout the week, and we’re excited for the opportunity on Thursday night.”
(From practicing against QB Josh Allen for so long, but now preparing to play against him, what have you gathered are some of the keys to containing him?) – “Probably some of the same things that you guys have seen. Yesterday he went pretty crazy doing what he’s always been doing, running around, throwing the ball, hurling over people. Great player, man. I’ve seen him do some crazy things over the years, so I’m really excited for my first opportunity to finally play against him. It’ll be a fun night on Thursday night.”
(Being so familiar with him, are there any tendencies in his play specifically that maybe weren’t always expressed to him that you have in the back of your mind possibly?) – “Yeah, I’ll keep those within the team.”
(But they exist?) – “They exist on every player. We’ll keep those within the team”
(Not to put too fine a point on it, but do you think you were brought here, among the reasons you were brought here, would be to beat the Buffalo Bills?) – “I don’t think that was one of the only reasons why I came here. One of the reasons I came here was because I’ve seen this team over the last seven years grow and become who they are. I wanted to be a help in becoming a part of that steppingstone of winning the AFC East and going on a run in the playoffs. This is just part of it. This is just another game for us to win, go 1-0 this week. What a cool opportunity for Thursday night.”
(Are there any group text blowing up this week?) – “No, there’s not.”
(I wanted to commend you for what you said earlier in the season when you had a press conference with us about the mentality that most Dolphin fans knew, but probably don’t publicly speak about it, especially amongst the team in terms of the Dolphins folding when adversity hits. One, did you get heat for saying that inside the locker room, and how do you go about changing that mentality?) – “I think you saw a little bit of that yesterday – down, what, 14-3. There was probably a lot of people that could’ve counted us out, probably a lot of people that did count us out in that game. We just stuck with it, just kept playing. Kept playing football. I swear I’ve been saying this for years now, a coach used to tell me this, is every game you just keep playing, the game is going to always come down to the last play, the last series, the last drive, it doesn’t matter the score. When you at the games over the weekend, that was a game. When you look at the game last night, the last drive, the last series, Detroit drives down with the ball, game over. You just keep playing. Adversity is going to hit; every team is going to go through adversity and you being able to handle those moments, that’s what it’s about – the moments. Handling the moments, and I thought we did an amazing job with that yesterday. It was really cool to be a part of this victory, and we’re excited about this week.”
(The touchdown pass yesterday in the corner of the end zone to WR Brian Thomas Jr. Looking at the all-22, it just looked like it was just a really good throw. Sometimes it’s a good offense rather than a defensive mistake. But I’m curious, from your perspective what did you see on that on that play and how did it get completed?) – “Yeah, it was a good throw. I think just us and the secondary playing together and continue to play together, we’ll continue to communicate things. There is this couple of things out there that we could do better on the back end that are super easy fixes. We’ve got a super talented, we’ve got guys that have played this game for a long time. So just small communication things that will help us continue to get better.”
(Was that Cover 4? I’m trying to learn.) – “We’re playing football. It was Cover 2 and then Cover 4 based off of releases and there were certain communications. Things that we got to communicate, that we’ll continue to communicate and get it figured out. We gave up 14 points to an NFL team in the first NFL game of the season. I think going into the second half, we shut them out pretty good so that’s what we’re going to continue to build off of and continue to thrive off of.”
(I just wanted to get your reaction to what happened with WR Tyreek Hill prior to the game and how were you guys able to respond?) – “What a crazy situation. He’s a boss for getting (detained) and then going out there and going for – what did he go, for 130 something yards? That’s just absolutely ridiculous. We love Tyreek (Hill), man. It was super cool that the guys that were around him, Calais (Campbell) and Jonnu (Smith) and I think there might have been another person, were there to help support. It’s just a tough situation, we’re glad that he was OK. I saw his press conference after the game. What a leader he is for saying the things that he said and I’m just going to keep it at that.”
(I wanted to ask you a little more about what you just said. Was there a turning point before the game, something someone said, whether it was Head Coach Mike McDaniel or someone else, that got you guys focused on the game and able to overcome that very weird situation before the game?) – “I think everybody kind of realized on their phones on Twitter when it happened. He came in the locker room, and he got dressed like he was playing and we were all ready to go. It was like it never happened, really, and he went out there and went crazy on the field like he always does. What a crazy story. That’s something, shoot, I’ll tell my grandkids when I’m 70 years old. ‘Yeah, that boy Tyreek got (detained) and went out there and went crazy on the field.’ (laughter)”
(I’d like to ask you about the Buffalo connection. I understand usually ex-teammates don’t communicate the week of that game. Going back over the summer when you first signed with Miami, was there any good trash talking between you and the Bills, sort of like “See you in September,” kind of thing? What do you remember?) – “Absolutely, there has been, for sure. (laughter) I’m going to keep it at that. The boys know we’re coming; I know they’re coming, so it’s going to be a fun Thursday night.”
De’Von Achane – September 8, 2024 (Postgame)
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Sunday, September 8, 2024
Postgame – Jacksonville
Dolphins RB De’Von Achane
(On the team’s performance) – “I feel like as a team we came off sluggish, but the second half – and you see we picked up, but as long as we came out with the win, I feel like we’re always correcting mistakes.”
(Was it just rust or just lack of practice…?) – “Like you said, it’s Week 1 so I would say I’d rather we come out and be rusty Week 1 than Week 17.”
(How do you like being used in the passing game as well as in the running game?) – “I feel good. I feel like I’m as comfortable as I’m doing a lot of various things as I am going to running back so it’s nothing new to me so if I go to receiver, I feel ready.”
Jaelan Phillips – September 8, 2024 (Postgame)
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Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024
Postgame – Jacksonville Jaguars
Miami Dolphins LB Jaelan Phillips
(On his return) – “I’m grateful for this opportunity. It’s been a long road coming back from this injury, but I feel amazing. I’m ready just to keep moving forward.”
(How does it feel?) – “I feel great. I feel amazing. Let’s go.”
(You were close on a few. You could tell you were getting a little frustrated with it.) – “That’s how it is, but you just have to keep rushing, that’s what it’s all about. Obviously, when the time came, I had to close it out. I’m very grateful.”
(What about the play where S Jevon Holland and CB Kader Kohou combined to stop them when it looked like they were going in?) – “Huge. That’s Jevon (Holland). That’s just what he does. We’ve seen this time and time again. Guys just stepping up when we need them the most. Really big plays.”
(What was DT Calais Campbell like in the huddle? The way you guys were warming up, the communication, what was he like?) – “Calais (Campbell) is just a savvy vet out there and he’s a force to be reckoned with. We all respect the hell out of him. He’s a leader on this team. So he was just getting us going and doing what he has to do.”
Jaylen Waddle – September 8, 2024 (Postgame)
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Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024
Postgame – Jacksonville Jaguars
Miami Dolphins WR Jaylen Waddle
(On the win)– “You know, I think our team is built for adversity, so when it hit, they came in with great attitude and really brought energy to the team. They just channeled their energy in the right way and gave us a hard fought win.”
(For you guys, offensively, it seemed like the first half it was a little slow to start, but you guys got your heels going in the second half, what was it that maybe got you guys started?) – “Yeah man, the Jaguars had a great game plan. Coming in, they really switched up some of the things we thought they were going to do. Some of the leverages we thought we were going to have, kind of switched up a little bit. So we had to adjust, and when we did, started hitting a lot of plays.”
(How important was it getting this first win knowing that it’s a short week?) – “Very important, man, especially with the type of win that we had. When we had to come back, it really shows the character and the leadership that we have on this team. Our defense played outstanding, really had our backs until we could find our groove and we just tried to help them out.”
Jevon Holland – September 8, 2024 (Postgame)
Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024
Postgame – Jacksonville Jaguars
Miami Dolphins S Jevon Holland
(Peanut punch. Tell us a little about the strip on Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Jr. that felt like it changed the momentum of the game?) – “Just how the game goes. Somebody’s got to start it off, we needed a turnover at that point. It was down in the red zone. Couldn’t let them score so had to get the ball out.”
(How was the satisfaction of immediately seeing the next play, or two plays later, Tyreek with the big touchdown?) – “Oh yeah, definitely, 100 percent. It changed the momentum of the game. I’m happy to be the guy that my name was called and I was able to make that play, but it could be any of us. That’s the sweet part about being on a team, you just have to wait for your opportunity. Play your alignment, assignment, technique and then when that thing happens you just take advantage of it, so I was happy it was me.”
(They had some success with the passing plays in the first half. You guys kind of got that under wraps in the second. Were there any adjustments y’all made?) – “Just a little adversity. There’s always going to be adversity in the game and you’ve got to kind of get back on the drawing board, rely on your technique and what you practiced and that kind of settles everything out. But yeah, nothing crazy, we’ve just got to play our game.”
Tua Tagovailoa – September 8, 2024 (Postgame)
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Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024
Postgame – Jacksonville
Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa
Q: Can you talk about the resiliency of your team after being down 14 and being able to pull this out?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: I think it tells you early on a lot about our team and a lot of what we’ve tried to ingrain in each other with the relationships we’ve been building off the field, on the field. It’s collectively I got your back, you got our back. We’re not shying away from what we know is true. We’re down 14. That’s what it is. What are we going to do? Nobody can change that but us. We went through a lot of adversity, but good teams find ways to win, even if it looks not as good. So there’s a lot of things we need to clean up, but happy we came out with the win.
Q: You mentioned adversity. Part of it was what happened pregame. When did you become aware that WR Tyreek Hill had been involved in an issue pregame and how did you handle that conversation or handle that?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: I found out from a couple guys. I didn’t know that it happened. I went up to ask Tyreek. Tyreek told me his story. Now I’m always going to support my teammate. I’m always going to support my teammate. From what he told me, I only know that side of the story, I don’t know the other side. But I’m always going to support him. I’m going to have his back. It was just an unfortunate deal that happened today.
Q: The touchdown to WR Tyreek Hill, was WR Jaylen Waddle the first read? It looked like you looked his direction.
TUA TAGOVAILOA: Yeah, Waddle was the first read.
Q: Can you go through the progression on that?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: (Jaylen) Waddle was the first read. I saw space. There was nobody over there and I knew Tyreek was coming into my vision. I skipped my first read basically – probably. I may get in trouble for that. (laughter)
Q: Was there a sense that the team was rallying around WR Tyreek Hill after what happened?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: I would say they were rallying off the fans, if you will. Jaylen Waddle had a deep one and the fans kind of ignited, then we got stopped. Then when Tyreek did his deal, as you guys all know, we could hear how loud the crowd was for the opposing offensive team’s possession. But I think from then on, we found something. Collectively, we’re going to go watch this film tomorrow. We’re going to learn from it and see how we can not be as sluggish. We should start fast. We’ve got some other good teams we’re about to play. We can’t be doing things like that.
Q: Sometimes the halftime adjustments … it seemed like you were doing different things in the second half. What did you learn from the first half that you were able to fix in the second?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: There’s a lot of minutiae for a lot of us because there’s a lot of personnels that guys have to hear, who’s who, who’s what, who’s where. It’s just calling it fast and then they got to go out and line up, and we only have about 10 seconds to do all those motions. It’s a lot of that that we kind of collectively came to. I kind of addressed it to the entire offense with the coaches included. They were all included with that, with the personnel, getting the guys out, who’s who, who’s what. We’re all calling it the same way; we’re all hearing it the same way.
Q: The turnaround with the fumble in the end zone, is that a perfect opportunity to strike, when you have a team a little down because they should have had seven?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: Anytime we get the ball, that’s always the perfect opportunity for our team. Every time we’re out there, that’s what we’re looking to do. We’re looking to put points on the board, whether it’s six points, whether it’s three points. Any way we can end a series with points.
Q: How would you describe the importance of the S Jevón Holland play?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: That was very important. That was very important. I would say that was a huge momentum swing. Whether we got points off of that or not, it was just the feel of it with the fans, with our guys on the sideline, it was a big swing.
Q: What did you like from RB De’Von Achane? He tied WR Tyreek Hill for leader in receptions.
TUA TAGOVAILOA: He did?
Q: Yes.
TUA TAGOVAILOA: It tells you a lot right there. He tied Tyreek in receptions today. Very versatile. We put him out there at receiver, we bring him in as a back. We move him around a lot. He does a really good job. That tells you a lot about his IQ as well, knowing the personnels and plays at different positions. It’s all deserving. It’s not a surprise to me.
Q: Last year you guys had some games where when you got down, you weren’t able to get back into it. You got punched in the mouth early today. What can you say about the resilience of this team that you were able to take a hit and come back?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: Yeah, I mean the game is never over until it is. That was the first two quarters. It sort of trickled into the third quarter a little bit. We regrouped. We found something. We found a way to win it, although it didn’t look as pretty.
Q: It is just one win and they all count the same in the end, but is there a mental significance to starting 1-0 as opposed to the alternative?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: Yeah, I think it’s a morale booster for the team because it’s a new team. There’s a lot of new guys, a lot of new fits with what we’ve got guys doing on the defense. We’re in our third year in this offense. We’re trying to see what else or what better we can do with this offense and whatnot. I would definitely say it’s a big morale booster.
Q: You used the term ‘sluggish’ earlier.
TUA TAGOVAILOA: Yeah.
Q: Was it timing? Can you pinpoint what that was?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: I think collectively as a group offensively, it was just one of those deals where we just needed to get our head out of our ass. That was it. It was, ‘okay, yeah, we’re going to come out here, it’s hot, these dudes are probably going to give up a little bit.’ No, we got punched in the mouth. That’s what you get. How are you going to respond?
Q: Can you touch on the fourth-and-8 on the first drive as well the fourth down on the fourth drive, trying to clean that up and trying to establish those long drives?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: Well, that’s what we got film for, to clean all of that up. But I think that tells you a lot about the confidence that Mike (McDaniel) has with us going out there. ‘Ok, it’s fourth down and we’re basically at the 50. Like, I trust you guys, but I also trust the defense, that the defense is going to be able to hold them, as well.’ That’s what we did in the second half. They scored zero points in the second half. That was an unbelievable job by the defense.
Q: What were your thoughts on the offensive line as the game progressed leading up to that final drive?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: I think they did a great job. Yeah, some things are going to happen where, ‘Okay, I slipped, I do this, I do that.’ I move into a pressure. That all happens. So you just got to continue to play. The game’s never over until it is. That’s sort of the mentality for everyone. Like, yeah, you’re going to have a bad play at least once. Those guys are good as well. We’ll just continue to keep going until it’s done. When it’s done, we can all talk about it and move forward from there.
Mike McDaniel – September 8, 2024 (Postgame)
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Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024
Postgame – Washington
Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel
Q. Before we get to the game just curious what you found out about what happened with Tyreek this morning and the process before the game when that happened for you?
MIKE McDANIEL: For me I was preparing to call the game in my normal pregame routine. I had some teammates come talk to me about what was going on with loose information. It was very gray at the time. Then there was probably 20 minutes between that and their arrival from when I heard about it. Maybe 30, I don’t know. And realistically, I think it would be improper — I don’t really know all of the details of it, outside of the upsetting portions of worried about teammates and their well-being. And then I was really just happy with the way that our team came together when teammates were in need. I think I was proud of other guys jumping in to try to help a teammate. Then all the support. Especially for some of the guys involved who – I don’t think Calais Campbell has ever had … and Jonnu, they were all pretty rattled. Beyond that, that’s what I know of the situation. That’s probably all I can really shed light on and speak on until there’s more information really.
Q. Is there something you tell your team about maybe the emotions element as they prepare to play a game of how to handle something like that?
MIKE McDANIEL: I think you try to prepare a team to handle the unknown. You definitely aren’t forecasting exact situations. A lot of things fall under the veil of adversity. And I think one common denominator is there is light at the end of the tunnel in any sort of life adversity. You’re not necessarily prepared for that, but neither were our teammates that were in need. We just do our best.
Q. We’re getting spotty details of what Tua said to the team at halftime. Were you witness to that?
MIKE McDANIEL: Oh, yeah. I was writing down plays on the whiteboard at the time. It was a cool moment because it was genuine and it was not anything but constructive. There was details that lead to execution in terms of how we are organized and communicate with who’s in the huddle, how those players go from the huddle to the line of scrimmage and just executing the nuances of our job that – I guess at the time he definitely felt that there were several guys that were loose there. I couldn’t deny that at all and was really pumped to hear him constructively lead. It wasn’t, ‘let’s win’ or ‘let’s make plays.’ It was, ‘let’s adhere to our standard,’ which is what a captain and a franchise quarterback have to be that voice to echo. So it was cool to have him beat me to the punch of something if he wouldn’t have said it, I probably would have very closely, holding all of us accountable. And I think it was a cool opportunity for him in his growth and what this team definitely needs and he knew it.
Q. What did you think of the long touchdown play from Tua to Tyreek?
MIKE McDANIEL: Awesome. I thought it was great. What’s interesting is, like everything in sports, there’s a backstory to it. Both of biggest gains of the game were on something that this offseason we’ve really emphasized. That was not number one in progression, that was number two in both situations. It was something that we’ve put a bunch of work into to try to improve our offense. For those big plays to come on something that was absolutely on the front end of how we were going to get better, you couldn’t write the story better for the success that we did find within a lot of frustration and missed opportunities that we’ll see on tape. Always giving the opponent credit for a good job. We really felt like we had more out there. And for the team to come through, and for those guys to come through on substantial points of emphasis, that’s awesome.
Q. In addition to the big plays, you made some smaller plays later in the game, short-yardage plays. Jeff Wilson picking some things up, Alec Ingold picking up short-yardage situations. How did you feel about how the team executed to keep those drives alive that way?
MIKE McDANIEL: I think I speak for all of us in short yardage. It’s not that exciting cause we already converted because we’re the best in the league in short yardage. (laughter) No, it’s the same thing, when you find success in places that you put emphasis on, that’s rewarding. I thought the guys are very aware, as well as the coaching staff, the whole team’s very aware of the places that we’ve fallen short at because we don’t run from it, we try to focus on it in the offseason. For out the gate, game one, to find some success; it’s always awesome to see guys be able to feel that because it’s been that important to them, important enough to get some better results.
Q. Regarding special teams, obviously Jason Sanders had the game-winning kick, Jake Bailey flipped the field numerous times, Elijah Campbell had a fumble caused. What role did special teams play today?
MIKE McDANIEL: We don’t win that game without them. And on top of that, I thought our special teams had a great game. The one thing that would frustrate all of them, they got to find resiliency and make right on the last play of the game. To me, those are the most important factors because I think between special teams, defense and offense – and nothing against our two previous teams – but that game we don’t win the last two years. And that’s because of the growth of the people that have been here for those two years, as well as the added influence from the new guys on our team. But I thought that we came into the season thinking that special teams could be a point of strength for us. For that to happen game one, you love those games where all three phases are absolutely gigantic contributors to the ultimate outcome.
Q. How much of a game changer did it feel like for the sideline when Jevon Holland punched that ball out?
MIKE McDANIEL: That was probably – I’m not the greatest right after the game because of the juggling of a lot of times bad or good stuff I’m trying to move past to be present in the next play. But from my rough memory, I feel like that had to be the play of the game. You’re talking about a gigantic flip in points and momentum. It was really cool to see a guy, when the opportunity came, he made his play and the team desperately needed it.
Q. What was your mindset on the last drive? Obviously Jason missed the earlier kick. You seemed content 50-plus for that attempt. Why?
MIKE McDANIEL: Because Jason’s given me reason to. This being my third year, kickers are the same as players. You’re executing techniques and fundamentals in crunch time and Jason’s given me reason at the end of games to be extremely confident. There’s been several games that he’s made multiple kicks. I go back to the ’22 Jets game where he had all of our points. I go back to the Dallas Cowboys game last year. There’s many beyond that. Things happen. Bottom line is, can you count on people to own their fundamentals and technique in the moment of truth? And the previous kick gave me no reason to hesitate in that moment. I knew he had the game locked as long as we stayed, we kept the ball once we got that final first down.
Q. Going back to the first drive, fourth-and-8, the failed fourth down attempt. What went behind that decision? Was it more so analytics or trusting the offense or trusting the defense to get it?
MIKE McDANIEL: It was more from an analytics standpoint, being able to flip the field or pin an opponent that far in with a fourth-and-8 or fourth-and-7, it’s something I’ve done before. I think it was the same spot on the field as the Patriots, the first game I ever called, before the half. It was something at the time that we felt good about the call. So you try to attack and obviously we were wrong in that assessment, but fortunately, our team responded in multiple ways.
Q. I wanted to ask you about the defense in that final stand to finish with David Long getting a stop for no gain and then two sacks. How clutch is that kind of performance from this defense?
MIKE McDANIEL: It’s everything. How about the whole second half? To keep an opponent, especially a talented one like we were playing, to keep an opponent off the scoreboard for the second half, then finish it the way they did; that was their vision for the whole game. Pretty much all three phases came in really confident but very respectful and regarded the Jacksonville Jaguars. But felt very good about their ability to execute. And it didn’t happen in the vein of the vision early. What do you do about that? Much like in the NFL season, what do you do when you get punched in the gut? These are things that are bigger points of emphasis for our team that we’re able to really capture in game one and get a win. So for that, it’s one week, it’s one game, but it’s also something that we talk about as a team, being able to win games like that where everything doesn’t go your way, starting from before the game to the end of it. Can there be galvanizers to bring a group together? Can you find moments of momentum to lean on? And can you play off each other making plays? I think not only was the defense shutting the opposition out for a half, but it’s very motivating for the other two phases when one phase is capturing or finding their momentum and finding their niche together. I think that affected everything, as well as the 10-point swing that we needed.
Q. On the topic of defense, what did you think about defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and how he guided the troops as the game went on?
MIKE McDANIEL: He is who I thought he was. He stayed consistent. We talked last night and again this morning because Coach Weaver and I, we share the same philosophy on what your job is as a coach and really who ultimately makes the plays. The players do. But then you go about your business and you try to hold yourself as a coach to a standard and then you want to do right by the players so much that you have to remind yourself that there’s no such thing as the perfect play. You didn’t think that on the front end. It’s a player-driven result. Just put guys in their best positions. Don’t overthink it. Be aggressive when you want to. But you’re not playing out there; they are. So call the game with ease. I thought he captured that. It’s a hard thing to do. People get nervous in NFL games. But he stayed himself, and that’s what I was looking for.
Q. You’re here in four days against maybe your biggest rival. How do you flush this in four days, that quickly?
MIKE McDANIEL: It’s probably the easiest flush that our team could have, you know? Everybody’s very prepared about what they’re going to hear and expects to hear it, as they should. When you’re, I think 1-10 against somebody in your last 11. So they’ll enjoy it, but they’ll be rested and division games are always awesome and a lot of fun. I’m sure this one will be, as well.
