Xavien Howard – August 3, 2019
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Saturday, August 3, 2019
CB Xavien Howard
(QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, you’ve been going against him all camp. What did you see from him today?) – “The guy came out here – everybody is improving. everybody is trying to get better. Everybody is focusing on that right now. I feel like he’s going to get better. He’s been a leader for a little minute. We just learn from here.”
(What have you seen from QB Josh Rosen, who you’ve also seen all camp?) – “Like I said, everybody is trying to come out here and improve and get better each day. We have a few more practices and then we have the preseason so for those guys, it takes time.”
(We saw you out here shadowing WR Kenny Stills. What’s it like to know you are going into a season with that role again for this team?) –“I’ve got to have a chip on my shoulder. I’m focused on shutting the number one receiver down. I’ve got to keep that role and play my role well.”
(How do you look at the scrimmage from your vantage point? You had two picks but you also had a couple that came close and you could have made a play on them?) – “You can have two picks but the stuff you give up, you think about that more. There were missed opportunities that I missed out on. I want to take advantage of that. It could’ve changed the game. It could’ve been any crucial moment that we had. I just have to take advantage of that opportunity when it comes to me.”
(Coming off a Pro Bowl year and having a great training camp so far today, what’s the next step for you to kind of improve your game and take it to the next level after all of the success you’ve had so far?) – “I’m still getting better, I’d say. I’m just doing my job out there and just focused on getting better each day, just coming out here and improving.”
(How much did you have to change the way you do your techniques?) – “A lot. It’s a different system so I’ve got to use different techniques. It’s like I’m starting over again, like a rookie year. It’s something new and I have to learn on the fly. I’m just trying to get that down-pat, my technique down-pat that they want me to play, and hopefully get comfortable with it so I have confidence to go out there and play.”
(Have they asked you to look at any tape from the Patriots or Packers with Head Coach Brian Flores and Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham coming in there, like maybe some CB Stephon Gilmore stuff as far as what you do in the defense?) – “I look at every cornerback. I’m my own person. I learn from different guys that I’ve been seeing. At the end of the day, I have to go out there and play. Even if I have to go back to some of the stuff that I was using.”
(What’s your reaction to you being 55 on the NFL Network Top 100?) – “It is what it is at the end of the day. It was an honor being mentioned on the NFL Top 100 players. We’re going to move up some spots this year. I’m ready for it.”
(Have you gone up against WR Preston Williams much? Has he taken any reps against you?) – “Oh, yeah. That guy can be special. He’s still learning. He’s just a rookie. (There) is so much room for improvement with him but he’s going to be a number one receiver one day.”
(What makes you think that?) – “I’ve been playing against receivers all of my life, so I know what it takes.”
(And you see something special with WR Preston Williams?) – “Yeah, most definitely.”
(How about those matchups with WR DeVante Parker? It seems like you guys have been going at it pretty good. What have you seen from him so far this camp?) – “DeVante is coming out there balling. He’s focused on – this is a big year for him also, so he’s just trying to get better and improve himself, and just trying to stay healthy.”
Preston Williams – August 3, 2019
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Saturday, August 3, 2019
WR Preston Williams
(So how pleased are you with what you did today? Well over 100 yards in receptions.) – “We’re just out here working, trying to get better every day, take from the film and just bring it out here every day.”
(Pleased with yourself at all?) – “Not yet. I’m still working. I’m trying to get better and master my craft.”
(What do you think QB Josh Rosen did well today?) – “He got the huddle together. He got the offense going, flowing and making the right passes.”
(Have you and QB Josh Rosen had a lot of reps together in practice, and did that carry over to today, do you think?) – “We work at practice, after practice. Me and Josh – we’re trying to get a connection.”
(Do you think this is the kind of day a rookie like yourself needs to have to make an impression and earn a roster spot?) – “I just come work every day. Today, tomorrow, the next day – I’ve just got to keep grinding.”
(What’s been the toughest part about this transition so far?) – “Just becoming a pro. That’s probably the hardest thing. Just coming out of college, everything’s a little different. You’ve got to grow up a little bit more.”
(Some people draw motivation from maybe not being drafted where they want or in your case, going undrafted. Does that fuel you? Do you think about that at all at any time?) – “Everything is an opportunity, and it doesn’t matter if you’re drafted (in the) first round or undrafted. Everybody’s got the same opportunity, so that’s how I look at it.”
(I think QB Josh Rosen threw you a long one, right? Help me remember what happened on the play and take me through it a little bit.) – “We had a – he basically just gave us a hot route. He signaled me to go, so I ran a go-route. He threw it up, trusted me (and I) came down with it.”
(CB Xavien Howard just told us you were going to be a No. 1 receiver one day. He just told us that over there. Is that something that you kind of draw off your work against a guy like Xavien Howard, who’s one of the best cornerbacks in the league?) – “’X’ – he’s a real good corner. I learn a lot from him. That means a lot, him saying that. I just come to work every day.”
(You made so many noticeable plays in the spring and then maybe a little quieter early in the summer. What goes through your mind when there are so many receivers? There’s only one football, so what’s been going through your mind since the start of the summer?) – “I don’t really gripe. They’ve got a lot of vets around me, a lot of good players.I’m learning from all of them. They’re all helping me out, so I really appreciate just them bringing them in. I’m playing with a real good group of guys around me.”
(What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from one of the vets?) – “Just finish everything 100 percent. Even if you mess up, just do it full-speed.”
(Can you give credit to one or two specific teammates – quarterback, receiver, whatever – who have really tried to help you?) – “Of course the quarterbacks – all the quarterbacks, all the receivers, the coaching staff, the o-line, the defensive backs. Everybody has just come to me, telling me and just giving me little stuff to be a professional.”
(How much do you use that undrafted chip?) – “That’s over, so I don’t really think about it any more. I’m here now. I’ve got my foot in the door. I just came in to work. It doesn’t matter where I’m at or where I went.”
(How much are you looking forward to the preseason games? What does the preseason mean to you and your career?) – “I’m excited. This is my first NFL game. I don’t know what to expect really. I’ve never played in an NFL game before. I’m excited to get out there and just have that atmosphere.”
(What does a scrimmage like today do for your confidence?) – “We got to actually do it on our own. No help with the coaches. (They) just let us play and just make plays, so that was pretty fun. I’m glad we got to do it.”
(Is that how you feel like you perform best?) – “Yeah. Just put the ball up there and let’s go.”
(Overall, what does this experience mean to you?) – “It’s real humbling because a lot of people don’t get the opportunity to sit in these chairs. So I just come out here every day like it’s my last practice.”
(It looked like you and QB Josh Rosen had a pretty good connection today. How have youbuilt that?) – “I knew Josh from back in high school, so I was hearing that he was here, and I was stoked about it. I was just happy to be out here with Josh working every day.”
(How’d you know QB Josh Rosen back in high school?) – “The Oregon camp. We were high recruits in high school.”
(You caught some passes from QB Josh Rosen?) – “The man was on actually the same Oregon team.”
(That was 7-on-7?) – “7-on-7. The Opening.”
(Did QB Josh Rosen throw a lot of touchdowns to you back then?) – “Yeah, yeah. (laughter) We had a good time.”
(I had no idea. What year was that?) – “Like 2015? The year we graduated.”
Brian Flores – August 3, 2019
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Saturday, August 3, 2019
Head Coach Brian Flores
(With QB Josh Rosen, outside of obviously the fact that you said he studied well and has a good work ethic; but just from a skills standpoint, what has he shown you and Offensive Coordinator Chad O’Shea and Assistant Quarterbacks Coach Jerry Schuplinski, what you like and what areas he still needs to work on beyond consistency?) – “Well, he’s very talented. He has a big arm. He’s smart. He communicates well. But again, it’s hard to not mention consistency in this environment. I think that’s the big thing from an accuracy standpoint, from a decision-making standpoint, from a leadership standpoint. He’s got room to improve the same way really all of the quarterbacks do – include Ryan (Fitzpatrick). I know I said he was leading the way the other day but again, let’s be clear, everyone on this team knows there’s still a lot of competition and a lot of time left. Today is a big day to kind of showcase how much improvement guys have made over these last few days and really the entire training camp. Josh has done a good job, Ryan has done a good job, Jake (Rudock) has done a good job. They’re all working hard but we need improvement from all three guys as well as everybody on this team.”
(Does what you do out there today differ from what you were going to do at the stadium and if so, how will it differ?) – “It’ll be a little bit different. We were going to try to simulate the game as much as possible – the coaches in the booth, a headset and all of that. Those things that go on game day, obviously we won’t be able to do that to that degree. We’ll try to simulate it as best we can. But you’ll see a lot of the normal things you see in practice. We’ll have a couple of individual drills, we’ll have some team drills, some situations, a few things in the kicking game. So it’ll follow the normal practice format, with probably a little bit more team (periods).”
(How much live stuff, tackling to the ground, will we see out there?) – “We’ll see in about – I’ll call it an hour or so, roughly. (laughter)”
(Are you hoping to get some coaches and/or all of your players out to the stadium prior to the first preseason game?) – “That was the hope today. Obviously we had to move things back here to Davie. I would love to do that if the opportunity arises where we can do that. Obviously there’s a lot of new faces on this team, new people on this team – including myself – so to get to the stadium, see the locker room, get on the field, see where the play clock is and all of those little things that I think a lot of people take for granted and don’t really think about those minor details. Where is the coaches booth? Those things, we’d love to get over there obviously before the first preseason game. That was the goal for today but we have to be able to adapt. Sometimes things happen in a game and we have to be able to adapt and find a way to get what we need to get done. Again, this is a little bit part of the learning process for us. If something happens in a game, if somebody goes down, we have to be able to adjust and move on and continue to be productive, and that’s the plan for today: to have a productive practice, to get better and to improve on all of the things that we’ve talked about really the entire training camp. I think the guys understand that and if we can’t handle a little bit of change and be able to adapt, we’re going to go through some tough times because every team is going to deal with some form of adversity. How we respond to that says a lot about the team.”
(Was there any thought to just having the scrimmage earlier over at the stadium, like at 9 a.m.?) – “I mean we looked at every scenario. There are a lot of logistics that go into just moving it up four hours. There are a lot of other things that come into play from that standpoint. I’d say yeah, it was thought of; but then you look at all of the things behind the scenes that have to get done that nobody – all they care about is it 1 p.m. or just move it up to 9 a.m. and they think it’s that easy, but it’s really not. Those are conversations for myself and (General Manager) Chris (Grier) and (Vice President of Football Administration) Brandon (Shore) and the leadership team within this organization. We felt like it was best to just stay here at the facility and try to have as productive of a day as possible. That’s really, ultimately, our number one goal: to have a productive day and put the players in a position where they can get good work in and improve.”
(How much growth has DT Christian Wilkins shown you from spring up until now, eight practices into training camp?) – “He’s still young. He’s still raw. He’s still a rookie. He’s done a good job. He has an energy; he has life to him. But at the same time, he has a poise to him and a workman-like demeanor. He comes out here every day and works his butt off in individuals, post-practice, within practice. This is a kid who it’s important to him. Football is important to him. We have a lot of guys like that but Christian for sure. He’s done a very good job and I think he’s learning how to – again, it’s too early but he’s starting to begin to understand what it takes to be a pro, quite honestly. There is a lot that goes into it. There’s a consistency, there’s an accountability, there’s a discipline that goes into that. Again, that’s something that all of the rookies and kind of the younger players need to learn. It’s not something – I don’t think it’s something you’re born with. It’s something you develop over time.”
(How would you evaluate how QB Josh Rosen has performed on the field since earlier this week when you made your statement on the QB race?) – “I think he’s made some improvement, really across the board. There are things that a lot of people don’t see – better footwork, better mechanics in the pocket, better decision-making. I think a lot of times people, all they see is the touchdown pass. They don’t see the check down that’s a positive play for the team who just picked up a first down instead of firing into coverage. Checking to a run instead of throwing into a bad look; checking to a pass instead of running into a bad look. I think there are things that a normal person watching doesn’t see and I think he’s improved in those areas. Those are things – the little things – that go a long way at that position.”
(When you made the change with the offensive line coach, there were also a lot of changes on the offensive line personnel-wise. Was that a result of that change or was that scheduled previously and it was going to happen regardless of who’s coach?) – “I think it was a little bit of both. We wanted to see different guys in different positions. Again, the o-line, those five guys including the back, the tight end – that group has got to work as a unit. To get the best unit, you just have to mix it up a little bit. We wanted to see some of the younger guys in there, we wanted to see some of the older guys in different spots. We’re seeing that and I think it’s been good. We’re getting a good look at those guys and getting a good evaluation of those particular players at particular spots, but then different groups as a whole. I think it’s been good; but again, we’ve got a long way to go. I think the real test is going to be Thursday night. Not that we’re looking far ahead, we’re focused on today; but right now, we’re not touching the quarterback, we’re not hitting the quarterback. From a pass protection standpoint, we know if a guy’s beat, you can see it on tape but it’s another thing when it’s live action and there are negative plays. That’s when it’s real and you see the angry side. (laughter) It’s important, so we want to get the best group out there. I’m looking forward to that.”
(Is it fair to say that as long as it’s not what you want, there’s going to continue to be changes?) – “There’s always a chance for there to be changes. I think in an ideal world, you have five guys up there that work well together, that understand ‘Okay, this guy struggles with this, so I’ve got to help him with this. Or we’re going to leave this guy on his own.’ There are five guys that you work with, that work well in an ideal world. Football is not an ideal game. There are variables. Things change really from play to play based on matchups, based on scheme of the opposition. With that in mind, there is always a change. We’re going to try to get the best five guys out there – I can tell you that – and the best unit. I know the next question is going to be, ‘Well what if he’s just a guard, are you going to play him at tackle?’ No; but we’re going to put the best unit out there. I think we’re going to do what we think is best for the team. Look, we’ve got time to evaluate them. We’ve got time to look at different guys at different positions. That’s what training camp is for. I’m sure you guys don’t want to find out in game whether a guy can do it or not. Let’s try to find out now. That’s the goal and that’s what we’re trying to accomplish right now.”
(What ideal date would you like to have your starting five set?) – “I’d love to have them right now. (laughter) But again, we’re in an evaluation process. To be fair to all of those guys and give them a true opportunity, I think we at least have to go through a game. I think all of you guys would agree with that. To name five guys right now and try to lock it in, I just don’t think that is the right thing really at any position. We’ll see how this thing shakes out. But again, they’re all improving, they’re all working, they’re all trying to get better. Today is a big day. Next week is a big week and we’ll take it from there. One day at a time.”
(With WR DeVante Parker, obviously you guys decided to bring him back. Has he justified that belief in him and what do you see his potential bieng?) – “I think he’s had a strong camp. I think DeVante is athletic, he’s big, he’s fast, he’s got good hands, good body control, he’s smart, can play multiple positions. He’s blocked in the run game thus far in training camp. He’s done a lot of good things. The key for him is consistency. It’s something you’re going to hear from me on a daily basis. Clearly he has talent. I think everyone in the room knows that. Can we apply that talent or maximize that talent on a day-to-day basis, on a practice-to-practice basis, on a week-to-week basis and string them together? I think we’ve got talented guys in that same boat at some other positions as well. Consistency is a big thing for me and it’s a big thing for the entire team. Backs want to know that the receivers are going to block. Quarterbacks want to know that he’s going to run the right route. Linebackers want to know that the end is going to set the edge. It all kind of goes hand and hand. If you do it consistently then we feel good about it. If you run the wrong route, then run the right route – every play counts. Consistency is a big thing. He’s had a good camp. He’s had a really strong camp. We just need to keep it going.”
(Typically coaches use the third preseason game as kind of a dress rehearsal. When you have a really young team like you have, and you’re kind of fitting pieces together, do you treat the preseason differently than maybe other coaches in terms of the games and how you handle them?) – “That’s something that I’ve put a lot of thought into over the last couple of days. I talked to a couple of the coordinators, Chris (Grier) and Brandon (Shore). Obviously there are players we want to take a good look at, guys we want to evaluate in a game and I have a thought process on how I want to handle the preseason. I’m not going to give that to you today. Yes, it’s something I’ve put a lot of thought into. Those preseason games are very valuable. It’s an opportunity for us to get a good look at our vets, our young guys, different groups, different o-line groupings, different d-line groupings, different secondary groupings, different receivers, different quarterbacks. We’ll use those. Those are important reps and we’ll use those wisely.”
(You have a bunch of guys that are young, hungry and have a lot to prove but maybe not a lot of star power on this team. Is that kind of a rebuild thing or is that one of your mentalities long-term?) – “I think we’re just here trying to get better every day. I’ll let other people worry about star power and all of that – whatever you want to call that. It’s a team game. Stars are kind of a ‘me’ thing. I don’t – I guess I’m not – it’s a team game. There are 11 guys out there and they have to work together. If you have a star that wants to do his own thing, that just doesn’t work. I’m of the ‘put the team first’ mantra and these so-called ‘stars’ need to be on that page on this team. Hopefully that answers your question.”
Dwayne Allen – August 3, 2019
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Saturday, August 3, 2019
TE Dwayne Allen
(Obviously, you missed some time. Can you fill us in on how your health situation is at the moment?) – “I’ll leave the details for (Head Athletic Trainer) Kyle Johnson, but I feel pretty good. I’ve been able to get back out here working in some early team periods. I was telling the tight ends, it’s a game of progression, not perfection. Every day, we’re trying to get a little bit better and work towards our end goal.”
(It was our understanding it’s something you’ve been dealing with for a minute. Does it feel good to finally have that behind you?) – “Yes, certainly. When you play into the postseason the way I did the last two years, injuries pile on. You just find a way to keep going and hopes of winning it all. (I) was fortunate enough to do that. (I’m) in a different situation (and I’ve) got to get healthy. (Head) Coach (Brian Flores) knew what it was whenever I signed on here and was able to give me the time needed to heal up.”
(Do you feel confident you’ll be ready for the start of the season?) – “Again, it’s progression, not perfection. That’s definitely my hope, but (I’m) just taking it one day at a time.”
(Obviously, too many penalties overall, sloppy first scrimmage. I get all that, but QB Josh Rosen had a couple of good moments. When Josh is doing well, what do you notice?) – “Guys are going out there and competing. Josh has done a great job of accepting his role on the team and continuing to go out there and get better each day. It takes all 11 guys out there on the field to execute. Although it’s your guys’ point of view or perception that it always falls on the quarterback, it takes all 11 guys out there on the field in order for a play to be successful. We need to have a lot better execution from all 11 guys on the field.”
(How do you take the leadership role? You’ve got a young offense, a lot of young players trying to find its identity. You’re a veteran, how do you approach that?) – “By showing them how to work day in and day out. It’s not about the words, it’s about the actions. Showing guys how to show up to work, how to pay attention in the meeting rooms (and that) will hopefully create an environment where guys fall in love with hard work.”
(What has your road back from injury been like?) – “A progression, definitely. It’s been a great offseason, been a great summer. I’ve been able to get out here and work in early with some individual drills and will continue that progression throughout the preseason. I’m one of those guys who you have to say, ‘Whoa,’ not, ‘Go.’ (Head Athletic Trainer) Kyle Johnston and the training staff and (Head) Coach (Brian) Flores have done a great job of telling me, ‘Whoa,’ and to slow down. I’m trusting them and understanding that they have a plan for me.”
(Do you feel like you need to establish a reputation again that you’re a pass-catching tight end? Because when you were in Indianapolis, you had that reputation, you had that production and then you went to New England and filled a role.) – “Every year starts new. Every year starts new. I don’t feel like I need to prove anything. The coaching staff signed me to come on here to play the tight end position. Whatever plays they call, I’ll execute them to the best of my ability. If it’s more passing plays than I’ve had in the past two years, I’ll be happy about it.”
Ryan Fitzpatrick – August 3, 2019
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Saturday, August 3, 2019
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick
(How do you think the scrimmage went today?) – “I think it was a nice measuring stick of where we’re at, especially offensively. It wasn’t good enough. We came out and had a really nice first drive, scored a touchdown and then after that, we really didn’t do anything all day. There was a lot of stuff that we can continue to work at and get better at. The ebbs and flows of training camp, we’ve got to continue to get better now until that first game.”
(We saw a lot of penalties whether it was your team or with QB Josh Rosen’s team out there. Was that a step back from some of the things you guys have been preaching?) – “It’s good to have the refs out here and keep everybody honest and hold them accountable, whether it’s guys flinching or holding penalties or hands to the face or pass interference. There was a lot of yellow flags today that we obviously have to go in there and clean that up.”
(How would you assess your play?) – “Not good enough. We had a really good first drive, like I said, and then I wish we could been a little more consistent. As an offense, it always starts with the quarterback. I’ve got to continue to get better and continue to keep playing well. We’ll go as I go. I’ve got to do a better job than I did today.”
(Are you kind of happy you don’t have to play CB Xavien Howard on Sundays?) – “He’s a really good player. I think he’s got great ball skills. He’s got good instincts. Some stuff that you can rely on and get away with versus other guys, you can’t really get away with it with him. He’s had a great camp the last few days, specifically in terms of some of the stuff he’s done. He’s a special player that has a knack for getting the ball.”
(What did you think of QB Josh Rosen’s performance today?) – “Like I said, as an offense, we didn’t do good enough. We were too sloppy, so we’ll clean that up.”
Josh Rosen – August 3, 2019
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Saturday, August 3, 2019
QB Josh Rosen
(So your thoughts on how today went?) – “Inconsistent. I thought there were some really good things and bad things – a lot of penalties. Pretty sloppy. I had two delay-of-games myself, which is definitely not okay. Everyone had a little bit of good and a little bit of bad. I think it’s just about being a little more consistent, personally as well. I would have a really great play and then a not-so-great play; but yeah, consistency is the key.”
(To our eyes at least, it seemed like you were ripping a little bit more than what we’ve seen. Do you feel like you’re really feeling comfortable now when you’re stepping up and making throws?) – “Yeah. My theme is to make the next day better than the previous, and I think today was better than our last practice two days ago, so I think it’s just about sort of stacking the next one and making sure it’s better than this one.”
(What happened on that last drive?) – “I threw it really deep to Kenny (Stills) and then got really lucky at the end with trying to sneak it in to Isaiah (Ford). That’s one of those plays where, in retrospect, everyone sees ‘Oh yeah, cool, it was a touchdown,’ but it definitely should have been a pick. That’s definitely something that I’ve got to take and realize that it’s first-and-goal in the low red zone and I’ve got to be smarter than that.”
(How do you toe the line between trying to make a play downfield – having a receiver make a play for you and then also trying to avoid a turnover?) – “I think a lot of it – at the end of the day, it’s instinctual because it’s going to happen in a split second; but I think you’ve got to just take as much coaching and understanding of the situation that you’re in – the score, the time of game, the position on the field – and try to use all that information to sort of bank it before the play, so that once you snap the ball, you know how much to kind of push your luck when it comes to actually pulling the trigger.”
(Was Offensive Coordinator Chad O’Shea able to communicate to you through the helmet today? I know it was supposed to be at the stadium today, so I’m not sure how well it worked. Tell me a little bit about that.) – “It worked well. It’s not my first time – last year, I got to use it (the earpiece in the helmet). I was a little shocked at first, but everything went pretty smoothly. We’ve been using it in practice the last couple weeks, so it’s nothing real different.”
(From a confidence standpoint, how are you feeling right now after this week of training camp?) – “Good. I’m just trying to keep a level head. I’ve had some really bad days – try not to stay too bad. I’ve had some really good days – try not to get too high. Like I said, I’m just trying to make whenever our next practice is – Monday – better than it was today.”
(Do you feel like you’re closing the gap in the quarterback competition?) – “I don’t know. That’s irrelevant in my head. I’m just trying to compete with all the quarterbacks; but also just compete on the field and just have fun because one thing that Coach (Flores) stresses in the meetings here is that we’ve put a bunch of work in. It’s been a lot of really tough, hot, long training camp days, and the scrimmage is supposed to be fun. Football is supposed to be – it’s a game. So we all have a job to do, and we’re taking it seriously and everything, but I was excited to come out here and just have fun and play football again.”
(Going back to college and with the Arizona Cardinals last year, it seems like the more the stakes get higher, the better you play. Would you say it’s safe to say that you’re kind of a gamer?) – “I don’t know. I wouldn’t want to label anything. I just enjoy the flow of the game. I don’t know – just whatever situation I’m in, I’m just trying to compete and have fun. I wouldn’t put a label on it.”
(You had a long conversation with Miami Dolphins Chairman of the Board/Managing General Partner Stephen Ross. What were his words of wisdom to you?) – “(We) just talked about a bunch of stuff. I had met him once before and he’s an amazing owner. He’s a great guy and a great role model. I think I’m looking forward to him speaking to the team for a second here. He’s awesome. I’m glad I got to see him again.”
(Head Coach Brian Flores had mentioned that he’s seen improvement from you over the last week in footwork and mechanics and decision-making. Where would you evaluate your growth in those areas?) – “I don’t know. I’m not really – it’s not my job. I’m just trying to grow and impress the evaluators, so that’s not really my place. I’m just trying to make it at least a little bit better each day.”
(What do you take out of Head Coach Brian Flores saying that he has seen improvement?) – “Don’t get too high, don’t get too low. So I’m just trying to basically keep on the path and keep on keeping on.”
(WR Preston Williams said you guys were teammates at The Opening in Oregon a couple years ago. Is it nice to kind of have that chemistry carry over after all these years on the field here?) – “I don’t know how much chemistry after – how long is that, five, six years ago? (laughter) But yeah, it’s good to see him. That’s kind of the crazy thing about the NFL is that you walk in and you see faces that you haven’t seen in years from all over. We’ve got Myles (Gaskin) and Pat Laird – some Pac-12 guys that I’ve gotten pretty cool with on the team. We’ve got – in Arizona, I crossed paths with Christian Kirk again, so that’s a cool thing about the NFL is that guys from all around the country cross paths with people you didn’t really expect, and Preston was one of them.”
(How has WR Preston Williams performed this camp? Do you see him as kind of like a safety valve for you on offense? Is he a target you like throwing to?) – “Yeah, he’s got a ton of potential. He’s an unbelievable athlete. He’s got a great attitude. He works really hard, and I think he’s got a really high ceiling. It’s just about how hard he works, and I’m right there in the boat with him. We’re the same age, so hopefully we can develop together and keep pushing each other.”
Akeem Spence – August 2, 2019
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Friday, August 2, 2019
DT Akeem Spence
(Tomorrow at the scrimmage, what are you looking for? What do you want to see?) – “(I) want to go out tomorrow and execute what we’ve been going over in training camp, the defenses and guys competing and really playing hard and going out there and setting the tempo for the season and overall having fun in our stadium.”
(You’ve been in a lot of defenses before. How is this one different for you in terms of interior play with the guys you’ve been around?) – “It’s not more so the attacking defenses that I’ve been in, in the 4-3 systems that I’ve been accustomed to. In this defense, you’ve got to really learn a lot. It’s more so learning about more spots than positions and learning a new technique and what (Head) Coach (Brian) Flores wants and (Defensive Coordinator) Patrick Graham want and trying to go out and execute and compete. Overall, on the defensive line, we’re trying to make our room better. So we’re just creating competition at different positions and going out and executing and having fun with it.”
(How have you seen that room evolve? In the past you’ve had DE Cam Wake and DT Ndamukong Suh as big names. Now you’ve got it seems like a bunch of hungry guys on the same level.) – “Sometimes that’s what you want. Sometimes people want the big names, but right now, we’ve got a good nucleus of young guys that’s coming to work every day, that’s working hard, that’s doing what the coaches ask and then overall competing. Like you said, (we’re) hungry (and) guys (are) scratching, clawing, trying to make every play and then having fun with one another, encouraging one another when we come to work, pushing through these camp days. That’s what makes a good room and a good defense. You start inside out.”
(You’re used to rotating because you’re a defensive tackle and you guys have to share the workload. Now most of this team is learning how to share a workload. How difficult is that going to be for them?) – “I think guys are adapting well to it. It’s something new and with anything new it’s going to take time, but I think guys are adapting well, filling in their roles, doing the things that the coaches are asking them to do and doing it to the best of their ability. It’s all about competing. When you step through them white lines, for me, it’s about the man across from you. Every time my hand is in the dirt, I’m trying to whoop that guy and I know for the defensive linemen, it’s the same aspect and the same for the corners. It’s all about competing. You might have to learn two or three spots, but the more you can do, they say in this league.”
(Where is the pass rush going to come from with this team?) – “It’s going to come from everywhere. It might come from upfront one play. We might have the blitz one play. It’s going to come from all over. We’re going to do it as a defensive group and a nucleus and go out and execute. Trust me, we’re going to get after the passer.”
(What are looking forward to at the scrimmage tomorrow?) – “We might do some live things, whatever (Head) Coach (Brian Flores) has scripted. I don’t know, but I’m looking to go out to Hard Rock Stadium and have some fun. If I get to take a couple guys to the ground, cool. Just playing good defense with my teammates and having fun and setting the tempo for the season, then come back to work.”
(Are you happy with what you’ve seen out of yourself through seven days of practice?) – “Absolutely. Being able to take the things that I learn in OTAs and fine tune them in training camp, keep working at the little nuances and then corrections that the coaches are giving me. Also learning the little ins and outs of the defense, where guys are supposed to be, knowing what I’m getting from offensive fronts. I feel like my game is going to another level in this defense. I thought I knew a lot about football, but you can always learn something new. I’m learning a lot.”
Andrew Van Ginkel – August 2, 2019
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Friday, August 2, 2019
LB Andrew Van Ginkel
(How much are you looking forward to the scrimmage tomorrow?) – “I’m excited to get some live action and go against people that we’ve been going against in pads. The intensity rises definitely when you’re playing live and you’re going at it, so I’m super excited and can’t wait.”
(You have some nice memories of Hard Rock Stadium. Tomorrow you’ll be going in there for your first time as a pro player. Is it a different feeling?) – “Yeah, I’m sure it will be. There’s a lot more at stake. This is my job now, so it’s going to be exciting to go back in there and just feel the atmosphere and feel everything out again. I’m definitely looking forward to that.”
(Do you feel like you’re progressing over the first week of camp from where you were when you started in this defense because looking at you line up in different stops, there’s a lot to learn I would imagine?) – “Yeah, definitely. I just try to take the approach of getting better every day. There’s so much going, just the speed and everything of the game. I‘m just trying to improve and focus on what I need to work on like the outside details are heavily focused on.”
(Anything surprised you so far through the first week of training camp in terms of workload or the speed of the game or technique that you have to play at a high level?) – “I would say just probably the speed of the game. Everybody’s fast here. In college, you have those certain players, but here, it’s everybody. Even the o-linemen, their first steps are just a lot quicker than what you see in college.”
(What have you learned from the first couple weeks of camp on how they’re going to use you and your part on this defense?) – “Just being able to set the edge because I’m mainly an edge guy, so being able to do that and just continue to work on my pass rush and do whatever I can to improve.”
(We asked Head Coach Brian Flores what the scrimmage is going to be like tomorrow, and he said it’s going to be like a game where we want it to be as much as like a game as possible. When you think about a game-like environment, what kind of mentality and what kind of approach do you typically try to bring into that?) – “It’s just getting your mind ready because you’re going live. Everything’s just a lot faster. The toughness picks up. Everybody’s bringing it 100 percent. I’d say that’s the biggest thing. I’m excited for it, and I’m sure everybody will be pumped up. First time going live, so everybody’s going to be bringing it.”
