Jaylen Wright – August 9, 2024 (Postgame)
Friday, August 9, 2024
Postgame – Atlanta
RB Jaylen Wright
Q. If I saw this right, you scored a touchdown, then you threw the football away.
JAYLEN WRIGHT: Yeah, it was excitement, man. That’s something I always wanted to do. So I just threw it. But I regret it now.
Q. If you score a touchdown in the first game of the regular season, what are you going to do?
JAYLEN WRIGHT: I’m keeping the ball, for sure.
Q. They couldn’t even retrieve it for you?
JAYLEN WRIGHT: They tried to. I think I threw it kind of, like, high. I think they tried to find it, but it was probably over with.
Q. Can you take us through the play in the third quarter when QB Mike White threw you the ball and you got bobbling a little bit and went backwards?
JAYLEN WRIGHT: Yeah, he threw the ball. I’m not wearing a visor no more. That was my first time wearing a visor. I didn’t wear a visor in practice. He threw the ball, I bobbled it, caught it. I’m just like, ‘Man, I got to make a play.’ I saw the field was open, so I just went and took it and just ran as fast as I could, got the first down.
Q. How would you describe your running style?
JAYLEN WRIGHT: I feel like I’m explosive. I’m not somebody that’s going to dance around in a hole. If I see a cut, I’m going to hit it with full speed. If I get in the open field, I mean it’s over with. I don’t feel like nobody’s catching me. I mean I could also lower my shoulder. I have power with me. Elusive. I feel like I got a mix of a lot of running styles.
Q. There was a chance to get three carries in a row. What happens for a running back like you when that opportunity arises where you’re able to get multiple consecutive carries?
JAYLEN WRIGHT: I mean, it’s great. You just got to push through. I mean, of course you’re going to be a little winded, like I was. But at the end of the day, you got to push through and get what you can on those runs. One of them could pop off and be a big run.
Q. I know you probably haven’t thought about this, but the rookie draftees all had good nights that played tonight – T Patrick Paul, yourself, WR Malik Washington and S Patrick McMorris. Is there anything that stands out to you about your draft class?
JAYLEN WRIGHT: We’re all motivated. We all have the same objective: to get our respect in this league. We’re all working. We’re close. They’re all great guys to be around and everything. I just feel like we’re all hard workers and really dedicated to our craft and want to be really good at what we do.
Q. RB De’Von Achane said he’s been working with you to go over the playbook just because he knew how much his head was swimming when he was here. He said you’re pretty much further along than where he was. What do you think helped you get to that point?
JAYLEN WRIGHT: Those guys in the room. They really helped me a lot, like Raheem (Mostert), even Jeff Wilson, De’Von. De’Von was in the same position last year, so he gives me a lot of tips on how to go about the business. He’s been through it. I mean, he just looks out for me. Also my coach (Eric Studesville). He’s on me, but it’s out of love. He wants the best for me. I appreciate that.
Q. Did you have any friends or family, or is that kind of waiting for the regular season?
JAYLEN WRIGHT: Yeah, I did have family here. I had my mom and dad out here. My dad tries to make every game. I’m really blessed to have them both in my life, just to have them supporting me.
Q. Where did they come from?
JAYLEN WRIGHT: North Carolina. That’s where I’m from originally.
Q. Can you talk about your mindset coming into the night? What you were trying to achieve in this game.
JAYLEN WRIGHT: Just be detailed. Be detailed and take advantage of every opportunity that I get. Just be myself. Same thing. Even in college, just run the ball hard. Keep my fundamentals, being patient. Be a patient runner. When I see a seam, just hit it. Of course there were a little butterflies, first NFL game and whatever. I’m just blessed to have a great night.
Q. What were your thoughts on the new locker room, seeing it for the first time?
JAYLEN WRIGHT: It was nice. I remember last time we played here in the Orange Bowl, Tennessee, but we were the visiting team so we were in the visitor’s locker room. I walked in, I’m like, ‘Dang, this wasn’t the locker room I was in.’ It’s a nice locker room. Real nice.
Mike McDaniel – August 9, 2024 (Postgame)
Friday, Aug. 9, 2024
Postgame – Atlanta Falcons
Miami Dolphins Head Coach Mike McDaniel
Q. How does it feel to get back into the stadium and ending the night with a victory?
MIKE McDANIEL: — It was a good feeling because every game you play, you want to see your team finish. That’s the hardest thing in football and there was a lot of obstacles this game with a plethora of injuries. So to see our team find a way, some really strong efforts. Had some defensive players playing out of position because of some depth issues so it was good to see our guys get a win in front of the home fans.
Q. What did you say from Jaylen Wright today?
MIKE McDANIEL: It was what I’d hoped to see, which was there was both – it was his first outing – but what I wanted to do was see a confident runner that found confidence after something that he didn’t like, okay? That’s the big thing in this league, is everything doesn’t go well all the time. He had a couple things he didn’t necessarily love in terms of a cut, a slip. I mean, even mid-play, I think he dribbled a screen pass, then still found some resilience. It was a good first outing for him because he got a little bit of everything and he finished strong.
Q. What were your thoughts on the two quarterbacks?
MIKE McDANIEL: Yeah, I think each quarterback has a different set of circumstances. That’s why you try to replicate in a competition, you try to replicate that as close as possible. Inverse situation at some point in the preseason. I thought both quarterbacks in their own scenarios had some issues during the game and then they were able to bounce back and do some things, specifically in the second half. I wanted to get Mike (White) in a rhythm and there was some stuff outside of his control that I wanted to see how he would respond to that and I thought he did a good job responding, even though we had a rough, rough set of circumstances. We were down in the second half to one tight end and one running back and we had a receiver that we just got on board two days ago, so it was a tough situation for him to be in, and I thought he maintained his composure, but we still have a ton of work to do.
Q. Was it the plan to have Patrick Paul play that deep into the fourth quarter?
MIKE McDANIEL: We kind of wanted to see really how he was doing during the game. We were comfortable with it and Butch (Barry) wanted to keep him in a couple extra drives. Our plan was at the beginning of the third quarter to get him a series and get him out and we left him in a little bit. I thought he had some real good opportunities to learn, and I thought he played fast and physical. There was some good stuff there.
Q. You mentioned the circumstances like with the injuries. How much of the evaluation for especially like a backup quarterback do you use these games as opposed to what you see in 11-11s and what you see on the practice field?
MIKE McDANIEL: There’s a balance. Every day on the practice field is monumental for quarterbacks, specifically when they’re in a competition behind the starter because you get a lot of information. You’re always dispersing the reps and sometimes guys get more than others, and you have to see how they perform in both situations. It’s a balance. I think that’s important because you need to see how guys perform with the starters, the guys that are veterans that have been here for a little bit, and then some of the new guys, too. It’s all important evaluation tools that we kind of combine, but there’s a lot of days ahead before our last preseason game. We have a lot of evaluation opportunities coming fast and furious.
Q. Was Chop Robinson a coach’s decision, not injury related?
MIKE McDANIEL: It was a situation where he probably could have gone. At the same time for a guy to get his first NFL outing under – he was battling through some stuff, it was a coach’s decision that was minor injury related, but he should be back soon.
Q. Is there concern that Aaron Brewer might be longer term as opposed to short term?
MIKE McDANIEL: It would be week to week I’d say, so yeah, we feel good about where he’s going.
Q. What are your initial thoughts on the new kickoff format seeing it now in person?
MIKE McDANIEL: It’s cool. I think you better be on your p’s and q’s as a kickoff unit because live, in action, you can see about how often you’re about one block away. It will be a cool experience. I’ll be excited to watch the tape because it’s an explosive opportunity for both sides. It was an exciting taste of it. It’s really weird to see people stand, like, over on the side where the ball’s going. I didn’t think about that before. But, like, I guess I’ve seen a lot of football and that’s never been the case, so it was something to get used to, but it was good.
Q. On Aaron Brewer’s situation, if he’s sidelined for a week-to-week situation, how does that change the quarterback-to-center exchange dynamic and the rest of the offensive line?
MIKE McDANIEL: It puts some pressure on said exchange. That’s something that – I look at it like this – most of the time you’re not fortunate enough to have no health-related issues on the offensive line for a whole season. So it’s better to have this scenario now than for the first time in Week 10. You’d prefer not to have it at all, but that’s not always reality. I think it will take some extra commitment for some guys to make sure that everyone’s coordinated. But it’s something we’ve been familiar with here. We’ve had this scenario before, so we’ll be banking on those reps and there will be some guys having to do some work.
Q. Is there an update on Isaiah Wynn in terms of when he’ll be able to work?
MIKE McDANIEL: Quite honestly, as I’ve been staying out of the timelines, right now there’s not really an update. I know he’s working hard and diligent. Again, that has been kind of up in the air and gray. I’ll be notifying you guys when it’s close to field action. We’ll see. I’ll be visiting that on Monday.
Q. A number of guys got hurt in this game. How is Kion Smith doing?
MIKE McDANIEL: I don’t have an update on him. I think Kion has been really developing in his craft so we’re hopeful, but I’ll get an update tomorrow.
Q. Isaiah Mack had a huge fumble recovery in the second quarter. Could you touch on his mental fortitude at that point in the game?
MIKE McDANIEL: I think there was some good, aggressive play and getting those turnovers was gigantic in the ultimate outcome for the team. It was cool that he was opportunistic and really gravitated towards the ball. Then it was cool how he continued to play. Got a lot of snaps and I thought he did a good job. Excited to see the tape on him, too.
Q. Initial impression on Ethan Bonner? It seemed as though he was targeted quite often…
MIKE McDANIEL: I thought it was a really good game for him because he got the trials and tribulations. That one ball – immediately when something like that happens in the preseason to a young player, I am locked in and laser focused on how they respond because that’s how you learn how they are. It’s all fun and games when you’re in practice, but you’re in a stadium and you get beat and I thought he really responded well. He played with his technique and fundamentals after that, which is what you have your eye on so I thought it was a day of growth for him.
Q. When you look at film sessions after games, what excites you the most as far as getting new film as opposed to just reviewing old film?
MIKE McDANIEL: The thing that really fires me up specifically in preseason games where your major focus is on the players, you’re not as driven by the score, is seeing specific things that have been coached. You end up knowing the story and going through the journey of all these players. There’s a lot of things that we’re coaching them on. Then when guys specifically in game situations really harness stuff that we’ve focused on from a technical standpoint, it’s really cool to see. You want to see that because that’s what you’re practicing for. You’re practicing for these moments. And you’re hopeful that in these moments that practice can pay dividends. So when you see that, it gets you pretty fired up.
Skylar Thompson – August 9, 2024 (Postgame)
Friday, August 9, 2024
Postgame – Atlanta
QB Skylar Thompson
Q. Take us through how you feel your half went, the orchestration of the offense and everything.
SKYLAR THOMPSON: — I felt like it was a solid first half. You always wish it could be better or plays that you could have back. I was very proud of our group. It was just a weird, weird first half. It felt like it was kind of just some guys getting injured. The pace, finding a rhythm. That’s what I kept preaching to the guys is we just got to find a rhythm and get going. I had the pick but bounced back and put it in the end zone. That’s a real-life situation. Being able to flush the last play and move on to the next one is big-time. We were able to put it together and get in the end zone, which is very good for us.
Q. You don’t get many opportunities in game situations outside of the exhibition season. Do you feel like in Year 3 the game is slowing down for you a little bit?
SKYLAR THOMPSON: Yeah, absolutely. I think being able to anticipate windows and kind of trust my feet. I felt like I did a good job today of just getting the ball out on time. There were a couple plays where I had to extend and scramble a little bit. But for the most part I just felt like getting the ball out and seeing it well has been a big point of emphasis for me just to improve on. I’m interested to go back and watch the film and kind of see how it looks on film. Things I did well and things I can get better at. That’s the whole point of these exhibition games is to evaluate them and get better for everybody.
Q. The series that ended with the touchdown pass, I think you completed four passes in that series. They were good passes and a touchdown pass. Is that the one series you look at more than anything to kind of take away when you’re looking at the good?
SKYLAR THOMPSON: Absolutely, absolutely. I think that’s the biggest challenge for the quarterback position is being able to respond after you have some adversity. Throwing a pick, nobody wants to throw a pick. But being able to put it behind myself and move on to the next play, I was very proud of myself of how I handled that and got back on track and found a rhythm there and got in the end zone for the team. All the guys, we did a really good job of hanging in there together and sticking together and taking it one play at a time and having that approach. I feel like we kind of found a rhythm there in the second quarter a little bit.
Q. When did you realize you were going to start tonight?
SKYLAR THOMPSON: I found out yesterday. Yeah, yesterday.
Q. You’re in Year 3 I guess now. How do you think you’ve developed over the course of those years?
SKYLAR THOMPSON: Back to what I was saying, we talk about so much of just playing on time here, playing in rhythm, trusting our feet and getting through our progressions. Our system, the more that I’ve been in it, it’s a very fun, quarterback-friendly system. As long as you know the progression, the read, the footwork, the offense works for itself. I think for a quarterback, it allows you to just kind of not feel like you have to force anything, trust what you see, trust the windows, trust the timing, trust the receivers. Everything is articulated to a science honestly. It’s really cool when you really look at it. The third year going into it, the verbiage was a challenge to me at first. I feel like that’s simplified and gotten a lot better for me. Just being able to process things quickly, that’s the biggest benefit I’ve reaped from this third year.
Q. What was the demeanor of the rookie left tackle Patrick Paul?
SKYLAR THOMPSON: I thought it was great. I think that’s a big thing. I benefited a ton my rookie year getting out there for the first time. It’s different obviously than a practice setting. You’re out there, there’s no coaches. You’re truly trusting your training. I thought Pat did a really good job tonight. He’s a really cool guy. He really has some confidence. He’s a great teammate. He’s a large human being. (laughter) It was cool to get that first experience with him, his first experience out in the field, being in there and getting to play with him.
Q. How are you approaching getting back into another competition with QB Mike White this preseason?
SKYLAR THOMPSON: I’m approaching it like I have since the day I walked in the door here. I’m just really focused on my process and improving each and every day. I firmly believe if I do that, take care of my business and improve – it’s not about anybody else. It’s about me improving and getting better. That’s ultimately what I’m focused on every day. On top of that, just being a good teammate, being a good leader and being good for the quarterback room. I think any time you provide some competition, it makes everybody better. I’m not speaking for Mike, but I believe he would say the same thing. It’s a great competition. We have a great quarterback room. The competition has made me better, so I’m thankful for that.
Q. How was it having the fans here at the stadium after this long layoff?
SKYLAR THOMPSON: Yeah, it’s tremendous. Football is back. You kind of get that smell in the air, that feel. It’s special. You can’t take it for granted. Every time we get a chance to come out here and strap it up and play football, it’s a great day. It was cool to see everybody out in the stands having some fun and getting a taste of the season coming up. I’m excited for it
Calais Campbell (Third Quarter) – August 9, 2024
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Friday, August 9, 2024
DT Calais Campbell (Third Quarter on CBS Miami)
(First of all, welcome back to South Florida. How does it feel to be playing in the town you played your college ball?) – “It feels good. I made a lot of plays in this city and I expect to pick up few more, so I’m happy to be here and play a little more ball.”
(Now if my research serves me right, I think you’re the only active NFL player that’s a Hurricane that actually played in the Orange Bowl, so it’s really cool that the old guard is here. But let’s talk about this defense that you’re a part of this year and Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver. What’s it been like? Has it compared to other defenses in your career?) – “Yeah, it has the chance to be really special. I think we are going to be really good against the run, I think we’re going to be physical. I think we’ll get a lot of quarterback pressures and hopefully give us turnovers. But it’s football, you got to go play to earn it. We have the talent, the scheme is great, I think ‘Weav’ (Anthony Weaver) is a great coordinator. Just trusting him to build it, it’s kind of new though so it has some of those growing pains, but we have the chance to be pretty good.”
(Speaking of talent, you get to play alongside a guy in DT Zach Sieler who’s coming off a career year, what’s it been like lining up with him?) – “It’s great. I tell him all the time, ‘It’s your time.’ He’s paid his dues, came up kind of through the mud when you have to earn your way. Undrafted free agent, got cut, had to fight his way, and now he’s a star. He’s earned the right, last year getting ten sacks, all over the field, creating turnovers, scored a touchdown with the pick-six. You just see his potential and you see his confidence rise, so now I’m trying to get that leadership out of him because he’s a natural born leader.”
(Has he invited you hunting yet?) – “No, I’ve never been hunting yet.”
Mike McDaniel (Halftime) – August 9, 2024
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Friday, August 9, 2024
Head Coach Mike McDaniel (Halftime on CBS Miami)
(First of all, I got to start off with the review, it looked like you and Falcons Head Coach Raheem Morris, jawing back and forth – what was going on there?) – “I was trying to discourage him to throw the flag. It didn’t work though.”
(Ball don’t lie though, ball don’t lie.) – “It did not. No, it was fair. It was a good challenge.”
(We talked this week about the rookies, and you mentioned how professional this group has been. What did you like about what they did today so far in that first half? It looked like they went out there and made some plays.) – “I liked the fact that they didn’t blink, that they trusted their training. There were some ebbs and flows, good and bad, which is all we want. So looking forward to what they do in their first opportunity to finish.”
(We’re going to see QB Mike White here in the second half, how did you like the way QB Skylar Thompson bounced back after the pick?) – “I thought it was good, that’s exactly what you’re looking for in these game-like situations. At the quarterback position, you’ll always have things go not your way – how do you respond? And I think he did a good job with that.
Tua Tagovailoa (First Quarter) – August 9, 2024
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Friday, August 9, 2024
QB Tua Tagovailoa (First Quarter on CBS Miami)
(I look and see you walking up and down the sideline, I wonder if you have to pinch yourself because of all the weapons you had coming into the year and all the new weapons they’ve added in TE Jonnu Smith, WR Odell Beckham Jr. – what’s it like walking up and down the sideline seeing all this talent on the roster?) – “It’s cool. It’s awesome but tonight is not about us. Right now, it’s about those guys out there and the opportunity that they get to put whatever football that they want on film. So I’m just here to support these guys right now.”
(You guys look like such a close-knit quarterback room, how do you take this in? Are you nervous? Are you anxious? How do you watch QB Skylar Thompson and QB Mike White go out on the field?) – “I’m nervous for anyone that I support that goes out on there, I want them to do well. I’m sure those guys are nervous when they go out there, they want to do good as well. Right now, we got a good drive going. We’re looking to finish this right here.”
(In terms of this offense, obviously you have been in this offense for a few years now, are you guys in the experimental phase? What should we expect in 2024? Is it going to look revamped or just adding on to what we’ve seen the last couple years?) – “I don’t want to give too much, but I would say we’re sort of looking to add to what we’ve done last year. Hopefully we can be a little more consistent this year with bringing a lot of the things we did last year into this year.”
(A lot has been made about what you’re adding to your game this year – scrambling around. For you, is that just a feel thing when you’re out on the field or do you watch certain guys, their film, at the quarterback position?) – “That’s a feel thing. Situationally, you just got to know what down it is, you got to know where you’re at, what the play asks of you. But I’m a quarterback, I look to throw the ball first, but if I got to run the ball, I got to run it.”
Kendall Fuller – August 7, 2024
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Wednesday, August 7, 2024
CB Kendall Fuller
(How did it feel going against QB Michael Penix Jr.? What have you seen from him moving to the NFL? What are some things that you saw?) – “That would be tough for me to answer right now, just because when you’re out there, you’re not thinking about what quarterback you’re playing against because you get a lot of reps with Kirk (Cousins) as well. Even in film, you’re not necessarily paying attention too much to what they are doing, more so what we are doing. If I said anything right now, it would be just empty words. I couldn’t even really answer that question.”
(Have you enjoyed your fist couple of weeks being a teammate of CB Jalen Ramsey knowing all of the things he’s able to do?) – “Yeah man, it’s been fun. Jalen (Ramsey), he is who he is every single day. One thing I respect about him is the level of play that people see him play on on Sundays, he comes out that way every single day. That’s something that’s been big for our group, big for our defense and for our team. We definitely rely on and appreciate the way he comes into work.”
(Did you see much of WR Drake London in coverage today?) – “Yeah, a couple of times.”
(What do you think of him as a player?) – “He’s pretty good. I played against him last year. Big receiver, can make tough catches, so I think he has a good future.”
(Was there anything today that you think went beyond the line of what should be done in joint practices as far as fights between the teams? Or was it all just normal training camp stuff where nothing got too out of hand from your view?) – “I think a lot of the fights happened when I was on the field, so I wasn’t necessarily paying attention to what exactly was happening. But I mean, at the end of the day, you never want to see fights. At the end of the day, each team, we’re going to protect each other at the end of the day. So some of that you respect and then other parts of it you want to come in and get to work so all of us can get better. I’m sure both teams, you always want to know that your teammates are going to protect you, but at the same time we want to make sure we get our work.”
(It seems like the second day of joint practices there is usually more of an edge. I know this is the only week you’re going to have two of them. Is two of them too many? Is one joint practice enough for you to see another team?) – “As much as I can say no, I can also see that a lot of the times the second day is usually that day. I’ve been a part of some practices where the first day is the same way. I think it’s a part of football. You got the 1% of guys that it takes a certain mentality to get here, so if you put that many guys on the field at one time, some things are bound to happen. By the end of the day, if you can keep it at a minimum and we can come out here and get good work against a different opponent – at the end of the day, I love it. Just in that mist of you getting into that process of training camp and to be able to go against a different jersey, a different group of guys, different offense, it’s definitely fun.”
(TE Kyle Pitts, WR Drake London and RB Bijon Robinson, they have guys that can play receiver from different positions that have played running back and tight end. How does seeing different body types and skillsets from those groups lined up at receiver help you get better?) – “You always try to go against different type of guys to just work your whole skill, because it might take different techniques, different mindsets, different leverages whenever you’re going against different guys. It’s fun just to practice that, because throughout the season you’re going to get different body types, different skillsets and things like that. Being able to get that in practice as we get into the preseason and all the joint practices, it definitely prepares you going into the season.”
(What stood out to you amongst the young cornerbacks?) – “Who has stood out? All of them. (Jason) Maitre, he’s been making plays, Storm (Duck) has been making plays, Isaiah (Johnson) has been making plays. All of them man. They go out there and compete, and that’s what we say all the time. At the end of the day, we’ll coach up the technique and things like that, but just go out there and compete. You can see the growth that all of them are making, so it’s been fun.”
(After watching CB Ethan Bonner and being a teammate of him for about four months, what’s your conclusion on what he can be as an NFL player?) – “For me, he looks like a good football player. I wasn’t here last year; I didn’t see the type of player that he was last year but they talk so much about his growth. For me coming in, he looks more than just like a guy that can run, which he can, but he looks like a football player. Somebody that can come out there, set the edge, get his hands on the ball, so to me he looks like a complete football player.”
River Cracraft – August 7, 2024
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Wednesday, August 7, 2024
WR River Cracraft
(What’s this camp been like for you? I think it’s your third here?) – “Yeah, it’s my third here. The more you get under your belt in this offense, the more comfortable you are each year. Lucky for me I’ve been surrounded by guys like ‘10’ (Tyreek Hill) and ‘17’ (Jaylen Waddle) that are able to carry over year to year, so we’re able to build that relationship and become better teammates, and ultimately work together.”
(What is it like to be the No. 1 pick of the wide receiver draft every single year?) – “It’s an honor, it’s a privilege, but it’s for a reason. I do respect ‘10’ (Tyreek Hill) and his decision, and I appreciate him choosing me. But at the same time I’ve worked for that and I think I’ve earned that. I’m proud of myself for that, and I’m going to keep trying to be that.”
(What do you think the reason is from WR Tyreek Hill’s point of view?) – “As humbly as I can put it, I’m making plays. So I think that’s why he picks me.”
(With QB Mike White and QB Skylar Thompson what’s the process like trying to develop chemistry with either one of those quarterbacks?) – “Very easy. Those guys are likable people. That whole quarterback room is amazing. Those guys are easy to talk to in the locker room. I think that’s where everything starts. Guys are approachable, if they’re not afraid to call you out if you’re wrong or if you’re right, and that way you can correct each other and ultimately build chemistry. That’s what everybody is trying to do, so having good people in that room which we have, makes it easy for anybody to build relationships and that connection.”
(I saw you catch a pancake on RB Jeff Wilson Jr.’s touchdown run down here. I know run blocking is a big emphasis in that room – no block, no rock, right? I’m curious to hear your perspective on the mindset of the receivers when it comes to the run blocking game?) – “We take pride in it. It’s a big part of our offense, and the way that our backs run, it’s one of those deals like you have a Braxton Berrios at returner. When you have a guy that can take it to the house every single play, that makes you want to play harder. When we hear run plays called and we know what we have in the backfield, we want the plays to work. If the play is going to depend on our perimeter blocking because we know the line is going to handle their stuff – but if a play is going to depend on us rather it’s a touchdown or not then we want to make sure we get it handled.”
(A minute ago you said I’m making plays. That’s the sound of a confident player. Can you describe how your confidence has grown since you’ve arrived here?) – “I think it’s the belief that the coaches have in me to succeed. Throughout my career, it has felt that the belief has all come from myself. Over the last few years building the relationships that I have here in Miami, they’ve allowed me to not only maintain that confidence in myself, but have shown the confidence back in me and that makes players better and that makes them play better. That’s why I think I’m having a little bit more success than I’ve had in the past, because when that confidence is reciprocated between player and coach, that’s when your team grows and that’s when players grow.”
(What’s been your approach to the wide receivers group the last couple of practices? You don’t have WR Jaylen Waddle, WR Braxton Berrios, WR Odell Beckham Jr. is on PUP?) – “It’s opportunities, it’s fun. We have guys making plays. Malik (Washington) was balling today – you love to see the young guys balling. But it just presents opportunities. Injuries happen every year – 10 (Tyreek Hill) and 17 (Jaylen Waddle) have missed games my entire years here. It’s just no surprise and it’s very real. You know you have to see who step up when those guys go down. It’s unfortunate because the numbers are low and things like that, but it presents opportunities like I said, and it makes it fun.”
(We’d be shocked if you didn’t make the team. But do you like having the uneasy feeling of never being 100% sure at the start of camp that you’re going to be on the team, or would you like to someday have a comfort level of I’m on the team it’s not going to affect my motivation I’m driven every day?) – “I think it’s important to not think that you’ve arrived and that’s the mentality that I like to have. Just so we’re clear, nobody has said you’re making the team, anything of that. That information is not given to you, so I’m not sitting here saying anything like that. I think it’s important that guys, especially in my position who have in the past been a bubble guy and trying to break that mold, it’s important to keep that chip on your shoulder and act like you need to earn a spot every single way, because that’s the only way you’re ultimately going to get that spot.”
(Did you feel any pressure as the orange jersey player to take control of that aux and make sure practice was bumping with your playlist? Did you feel any pressure for that?) – “Feel any pressure? Oh no, not at all. No, I was very confident in my music. We started out with Biggie and then we went to Toby Keith, I mean what better transition. (laughter) I was real happy with that. All the music that I did not know, those were the receivers’ other song. I asked everybody to help me out with a song.”
(You took requests?) – “I did, absolutely. Well I needed like two hours’ worth of songs. I was like, ‘Man, I’ve only got like six.’”
(The joint practices are done; everything is wrapping up now. Now being in that setting with the first preseason game coming up, you guys are going into Hard Rock, how is the team looking?) – “I think great. I think we progressed really well. As I was saying last time, we were installing plays up until a certain point and we still are installing situational things, but for the most part we got everything in. Now we are ironing out details. You just need reps. Getting game-like experience especially for the young guys particularly in our room – Malik (Washington), it’s very exciting to see what he’s going to do. I’m excited, he’s balling right now and his confidence is going up. That’s what we need in that room.”
(You’re a soothing leader and speaking of WR Malik Washington, was there any advice you gave him as a leader over the last few days because obviously he’s played better these last few practices?) – “Yeah, well he’s gotten opportunities which is awesome. A guy like Malik (Washington), he’s very thoughtful, he’s very methodical when it comes to his work ethic. He’s a good person, and I think that’s important to have people like that in the room because those guys want to get better. With these guys out, I have pulled Malik to the side at times when the time is right, just telling him to take advantage of this opportunity. I was telling him today, we had a play called up and told him if they tossed it to him, I said, ‘Hey, man. You’ve got to get the crowd going. I want you to go slap high fives across the fans,’ we ended up changing the play. (laughter) Just things like that to make him comfortable, to put a smile on his face, to let him know he’s doing a great job and to keep working, I think that’s where I come in.”
(Did you get to meet the new guy WR Mike Harley Jr. today?) – “Yes, I met him.”
(What were your impressions of him?) – “He seemed like a great guy. He said he played with Braxton (Berrios) at ‘The U.’ We haven’t gotten to know each other that well. He wasn’t able to be in the meetings this morning. I think he was going through all of his medical stuff. So we kind of just saw him on the field, he got thrown into the fire a little bit, but he did a great job. He’s got great feet and excited to watch him play.”
(As important as these joint practices are psychologically, how much does it take it to the next level on Friday to be in the stadium and playing in an actual game?) – “It’s a feeling that most people are familiar with, but if you’re a rookie or a guy who hasn’t played in a game yet then there’s a lot of nerves. I think those nerves are good. I’m excited to see everybody play, and I’m excited to get out there myself and just get on the field, get into Hard Rock, feel the momentum, feel the stadium. It’s a lot of people’s happy place, so I’m excited to get back.”
