Matt Skura – March 19, 2021
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Friday, March 19, 2021
C Matt Skura
(What was the process like and how many other suitors and why was the Miami the team that won?) – “This is the first time I’ve been through the free agency process, so it was definitely interesting. (I was) kind of trying to stay patient, but kind of anxiously wanting things to move pretty quickly. I had a few different offers. It kind of dwindles down as you get closer and closer to making a decision, and I think the thing with me making my decision to come to Miami was just seeing Coach Flores’ (Head Coach Brian Flores) passion for the game and how much he truly cares about his players and really wanting to improve the culture of this team. I think that was a big thing for me. I wanted to go to a team that’s going to have a great culture, great locker room and also they want to win. That’s the biggest thing at the end of the day, so that was ultimately the biggest thing for me.”
(I’d like to ask you to talk about two things: your return from injury – do you feel better from a health perspective and did the injury impact you at all last year? And the second part – I heard that you had some trouble at some point with snapping. What went on there and what have you and will you do to address that?) – “Coming off the knee injury and then also having to deal with the pandemic last year, and also going into this year, was definitely an interesting situation. Basically, having to create a home gym, finding ways to rehab and get back as strong as possible. And so going into the season, I felt really good and throughout the season felt good as well. The knee held up great. I didn’t really have any problems with it and the things with the snaps; it was the Patriots game where we were having a little bit of a torrential downpour, but I’m someone who really doesn’t like to make excuses. I don’t care if it’s a blizzard, a hailstorm or whatever it is. That’s something that I have to take responsibility for, so that’s been one of the main things in this offseason literally every day – snapping – whether it’s getting 10 snaps in or 30 snaps in. Whenever I can that time basically permits for myself, I’m doing snaps, doing o-line drills, doing everything I can to make myself feel prepared.”
(I heard you mentioned earlier about having to create a home gym and I’ve heard some stories about athletes who had to get extremely creative in doing so. Did you have to kind of go out of bounds and do something crazy in order to create a gym or was it just standard equipment?) – “I didn’t have anything to do – I only had one kettlebell and like, one strength band, and so that was kind of it at first and basically I was like, ‘I need way more than this,’ so I just had to go online and buy a whole bunch of stuff. With the pandemic and everything really starting to ramp up, shipping kind of took forever, so I would get like, half of my equipment in a month and then I would get the other half like two months later. So it was basically like creating a home gym, working out and building one all at the same time. Yeah, you definitely find creative ways to – in your backyard – to do workouts or going to a local park, trying to find ways to run, do sprints, whatever you can. So you definitely get creative.”
(You obviously worked with Ravens QB Lamar Jackson during your time with Baltimore. What does a center need to do for a young quarterback like QB Tua Tagovailoa and a center like yourself? What does a center need to do to help those quarterbacks kind of along?) – “Yeah, I think one of the biggest things is communication – him communicating to me on the line, me communicating any kind of protection, changes that we want to make and also just understanding how he sees the game. Everyone’s different, everyone has different perspectives, so understanding how he sees certain blitzes, how he sees defenses or how he wants to offensive line to protect him are all things that go into it. I think for me, too, just building a relationship off the field definitely helps that as well. Lamar and I have a great relationship off the field, so I think that definitely helped us on the field. So that’s something that has always been big for me, is just building those relationships and when it comes time to play in those games, things become easy and communication becomes that much easier.”
Adam Butler – March 18, 2021
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Thursday, March 18, 2021
DL Adam Butler
(How much did your familiarity with Head Coach Brian Flores and Defensive Coordinator Josh Boyer play into your decision to sign with the Dolphins?) – “It had a pretty good amount. I love ‘Coach Flo.’ He’s a great guy. And (Josh) Boyer the same. I love what they do. I know that my skillset can be an asset to them. To answer your question, it had a pretty decent amount.”
(One advantage of your game is that you can play many different spots on the line and be productive. Did Head Coach Brian Flores tell you his vision for you in terms of sharing snaps with DT Raekwon Davis, DT Zach Sieler and DT Christian Wilkins? Was there any defined role given to you, just so you would know that you will have enough snaps to fit your skill level to what you warrant?) – “I’m not going to speak on behalf of ‘Coach Flo,’ but I will tell you that I am the kind of guy that will play wherever I’m told. I’m here to help this team win. I came here to contribute and fit in where I fit in, and give this team the best shot to win.”
(I have an idea – what about you and DT Davon Gochaux, you can trade apartments or maybe you can sell him your house because he took your spot and you’ve taken his spot right?) – “I mean I can ask him. (laughter)”
(One of the things you’ve done is create a lot of pressure and get a lot of sacks. What are the ways in which you are best able to get to the quarterback? How are you able to do that?) – Look, I can’t spill my secret sauce, come on now. (laughter) What I can tell you is that I do take pride in my first step off the line. I don’t think that’s a secret. I think that other people around the league respect me, so that’s what I’m going to bring to this team.”
(When you looked at this Dolphins roster and you make the decision, how much does that factor in how close this team might be to competing at a high level?) – “I think that this is a great team. I think we have a decent amount of potential; but this is a new year. Regardless, we’ve got to work together, come together and establish that chemistry. I didn’t really focus on the roster as much as I did focusing on what I could bring to the table and how I could help this team.”
(You talked earlier about your ability to put pressure on the quarterback. Where do you see yourself in terms of run-stopping ability at this point in your career?) – “I see myself just getting better. That’s my goal every year is to be better than I was the previous year in every aspect. I’m in the process of training and working on my run technique and trying to get more power and more strength to move guys off the line.”
(I just wanted to get your thoughts. There has been so many Patriots go to the Dolphins, Dolphins go to the Patriots and you play each other twice a year. Is this rivalry kind of evolving a little bit more than it has been for years?) – “I don’t know. Both of these teams have been here a lot longer than I have. I’m just glad to be here and I’m ready.”
Jacoby Brissett – March 18, 2021
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Thursday, March 18, 2021
QB Jacoby Brissett
(How difficult of a call was this for you? Was there a team that was close to Miami or was it pretty clear cut? And what did Head Coach Brian Flores tell you?) – “’Flo’ just told me that I get the opportunity to come play football again, so I was excited about that. I’m excited for this opportunity to go out there and compete, be a good teammate and go from there.”
(Quarterback is a unique role in free agency because there is only one guy who is on the field at a time. How much did the Dolphins tell you about what your role will be? Obviously QB Tua Tagovailoa is here. And how was the conversation in general?) – “I think with being a free agent and with being on a team, the role is the same. You go out there and compete, you go to get better and you become a good teammate. Obviously being on a new team, learning new teammates, new players, new coaches, a new system; but it’s all the same. Go out there, be a good teammate, go out there and compete and be a professional.”
(Where do you see yourself in your career at this point? Do you feel like you are a number one guy and should be wherever you are?) – “I’m still getting better and still learning and still growing. I’m excited for this new opportunity to go out there and do that.”
(What are some of the positives of returning to South Florida?) – “I get to wear shorts in March and see the sun for more than three months out of the season. (laughter) I’m excited. It’s an extremely great opportunity to be back home and be a part of a great organization that’s headed in the right direction.”
(How much time to you spend in West Palm Beach – up until the signing anyway? How do you look back on your time at Dwyer High?) – “Dwyer made me who I am today, and obviously I’m here full time because I grew up right up the street, not too far. I’m excited to be back and be a part of something special.”
(I’m curious, where do you feel like you are in the development as a quarterback at this point in your career? What have you gotten better at? What do you need to improve at?) – “I think with anything, it’s the constant of getting better. I’m in a new system with new players, so you have to get better at those things; but the position of quarterback is never figured out. I think that as a competitor and as a young quarterback still, you find those things and you continue to pick at your game to get better. That’s the stage I’m in now and that’s what’s so exciting, because I feel like I am doing that.”
(What are your thoughts of reuniting with Head Coach Brian Flores again? I want to ask you another question too about what you think of how good of a teammate you’ll be to QB Tua Tagovaoloa here in this process?) – “To answer that question, I’ll be the best teammate I can be. I can’t be like anybody else. I can only be myself. I’m excited to see how we mesh together. I’m sure it will all work out fine after everything I’ve heard about him. To answer the first question, I’m excited to be with ‘Flo.’ Obviously having a history with him in New England, he was a great guy in New England and I don’t see that changing. From the other players that I know that have had history with him here and in New England, they have said the same thing, that he’s the same guy. I’m excited for that.”
(What was your impression of Head Coach Brian Flores when you were together with the Patriots and what’s your impression of what he’s doing with the Dolphins?) – “Honestly, there is no surprise. He was a great leader. A guy that spoke well, that players could easily talk to and mesh with. I see that as the same thing that he’s doing here. You see the success he’s having and the direction that he’s taking this team and this organization, and it’s no surprise.”
(Have you ever met QB Tua Tagovaoloa before?) – “No, not yet.”
(What do you know about QB Tua Tagovailoa aside from what we all see on TV?) – “I’ve seen him play obviously being a fan of the NFL and being a fan of football and quarterbacks. That’s pretty much honestly all that I’ve seen.”
(You’re still a young guy, but you’re been the youngest guy seemingly in every room you’ve been in and now you’re the veteran. How is that transition and how do you anticipate taking on that vet role?) – “(laughter) Yeah, now the roles have reversed. I’m excited for it. Like I said, I can only be myself and hopefully that’s what pans out and works well. I’m still young, so it’s not like it’s a huge gap. I’m excited to get in the room and get around the guys and being able to go to work.”
(I’ve heard that Bill Parcells has been a positive – that you’ve had a positive relationship with him. I’m curious with him having been with the Dolphins, this time around being a free agent, did he have any thoughts about the Dolphins as a franchise? Any thoughts about the things you might want to consider this time around as a free agent?) – “No, just to find the right spot for me. We kind of keep some of those things personal, so I’ll refrain from giving those conversations. But he’s always been a guy I can lean on and talk to and he’s still that in my life. I’m thankful for him and excited for this opportunity.”
(In Indy, you played a lot of that short yardage role where you’d come in and get a touchdown when you need it. What are your thoughts about that role and would you be open to doing that again if Head Coach Brian Flores asked you to?) – “I’m a team player first and I’ll do whatever the team needs me to do. When I was in Indy, that’s what the team needed me to do; so like I said, I’m here to be a good teammate and get myself better, and go out there and compete.”
(I know you did a lot of your own negotiating. How did you take on that role? How did that start? And how much did you put General Manager Chris Grier through the ringer when you negotiated with him?) “(laughter) I took it easy. But no, I’m honest with myself. I’m honest with people and hopefully that creates a relationship for us to have an honest conversation. That’s where it all started when I was first coming out of college. It’s suited me well throughout my career. It’s something that I like doing, I guess.”
Malcolm Brown – March 18, 2021
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Thursday, March 18, 2021
RB Malcolm Brown
(You’ve always been a productive player, but you’ve made only two career starts. Is starting at some point in your career something that’s important to you and did Head Coach Brian Flores or Offensive Coordinator/Running Backs Eric Studesville give you any indication of whether you’ll be in the mix to compete to start here?) – “No, nothing right now. I’m just really excited to be a part of the team. Once we get close to the season, obviously we’ll probably speak on what role; or obviously once we start here in training camp, whatever competition there is, just going out there and competing and doing what I can for the team, contributing in any type of way that I can.”
(How would you describe your skillset, your game, to somebody who hasn’t watched you play before?) – “I’m a hard-nosed runner. Somebody that can really do everything. This past year – obviously with a different team – I got a chance to be more of a third-down type of guy and be able to catch passes out of the backfield a little bit more. But it’s something – those guys up there – I was able to do everything. A guy that can – first, second down, third down – I’ve had my experience on special teams as well, but somebody that’s just tough, disciplined and just a team guy.”
(I know you played against the Dolphins here last season. What are your impressions of what Head Coach Brian Flores and the Dolphins are doing here in Miami?) – “It seems like a great thing and I’m glad to be a part of it. It seems like it’s definitely a championship-caliber team and I’m definitely just happy to be able to contribute and make that run. It’s always the No. 1 goal, to win games and make it to that big game. So whatever I need to do, whatever these coaches ask of me, whatever role I may play; I’m definitely just excited to come in here and work with these guys and get things rolling.”
(Going back to that game against the Dolphins last year, what stood out to you about the Dolphins defense?) – “They were just intense. They were all over the place flying around. Like I said, I’m definitely excited to be a part of a team like this. But that defense, they had a lot of great players on all levels – d-line, linebackers, corners, safeties – everybody was flying around. (There was) a whole lot of excitement on that side of the ball and a team that feels like chemistry – it seemed like they liked to play with each other. Everything. The defense, they got on us. Obviously we lost that game, but definitely like I said – I’ll probably say it even more – I’m just excited to be a part of this team and be able to contribute.”
(How much do you know about QB Tua Tagovailoa and what do you think about his game?) – “It seems like a kid that’s going to be a great quarterback in this league. I’m definitely excited to work with him as well. I obviously haven’t watched a ton of him – just being on different teams and stuff, obviously; but yeah, it seems like a great talent. Mobile – that’s what it seems like. A lot of QBs are starting to be a whole lot more mobile. I’m excited to work with him. I think he’s a great player. I think he’s going to get even better throughout this year. He’s still young, obviously, so I’m excited for him and definitely excited to be able to work with him and see how this thing gets rolling on this offense.”
Benardrick McKinney – March 18, 2021
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Thursday, March 18, 2021
LB Benardrick McKinney
(I just wanted to ask your reaction when you heard about the trade. Were you happy? And I guess there is a report that they’re trying to restructure your contract. Is that accurate and have you agreed to that?) – “I haven’t heard anything about restructuring my contract, but I am happy that the Dolphins organization has given me an opportunity to be here; and yes, I was shocked when that happened but that’s the nature of the game.”
(I don’t know how much you’ve watched the Dolphins, but where do you see your fit in this defense? How different is it from Houston and how do you think you can fit here?) – “I haven’t really watched the Dolphins defense, but I do trust that the coaches will put me in the best spot to be able to make plays. Wherever they put me at on the field, I’m just going to be Benardrick McKinney and be physical.”
(How would you describe the approach that you try to take to the game?) – “Just film study. I love to install the game, I love to learn defenses. I just love playing defense and my style of the game, everybody knows that I’m just a big (line)backer. I’m a downhill (line)backer. I love to play physical.”
(Do you have experience – I haven’t watched all of your film, I apologize – playing on the edge if they were to ask you to do that? Or are you solely an interior guy?) – “Like I was just saying, wherever the coach wants to put me – even if it’s inside linebacker, on the outside, edge – wherever the coaches put me, I have faith that they will put me there because it’s in the best interest of the Dolphins and they have faith in whatever position they put me in. I can do it at the best of my ability.”
(How much more comfortable are you in a 3-4 scheme then you would be in a 4-3?) – “I’m a linebacker. I’ve been playing football all of my life. I’ve played 4-3 before, played 3-4 before. Like I said, the coaches and the d-coordinator is going to do what’s best for the defense. If we play 3-4, 4-3, diamond, whatever front, and he puts me in a position, I’m just going to play my style of the game and do my job.”
(I don’t have to tell you that there is an awful lot of talk these days about your former quarterback Deshaun Watson. I’m not necessarily going to ask you to predict how that plays out; but if you could just describe what you see in him as a football player and what was it like going against him in practice every day?) – “Deshaun is definitely a great leader of the team and the organization. (He’s) very athletic, takes it one day at a time, pushes guys to the best of their ability. Just a great guy all around. He’s a great friend. I loved playing against him. It’s hard playing against him at practice because of the things he can do. Just watching him play on Sundays or whenever we play, it’s unbelievable how he competes and how he takes every day.”
(Coming off the shoulder injury last year, I wanted to ask where your health is and when you got to a position where you felt you could play again?) – “It took a while. I did my rehab. I’m feeling great now. I’m back to the old myself, feeling comfortable with my shoulder and comfortable playing. I’m just ready to get back to it.”
(I wanted to ask you a follow up about QB Deshaun Watson. Do you have any thoughts on how that might play out for him and would you encourage him to join you here in Miami if he asked?) – “I can’t really speak on D4 (Deshaun Watson). He is a grown man. He’s going to make his own decisions. To be honest, I haven’t heard anything about him getting traded really. I’ve been focused on myself and my family and the trade that just happened with me.”
(One of your teammates here, LB Jerome Baker, I was wondering if you know much about him. I know you mentioned that you guys are going to be playing alongside each other. Have you been able to hit him up yet? You all where the same jersey so who is going to have to switch it up?) – “No, I haven’t talked to him. I’ve heard a lot of great things about him. I haven’t been able to watch him play; but I’ve heard a lot of great things about him. Some of my best friends were telling me about him and his style of play and they were able to watch him.”
(You played for a coach from the New England coaching tree in the past and now you’re going to a new one here. What do you know about Head Coach Brian Flores and why do you think you’ll be a good fit for this team?) – “I do know one thing, I know that if you came from New England, we’re not settling for anything less. He’s going to push his players and I’m ready to get out there with him and play for him and he’ll help me be one of the better linebackers.”
Robert Foster – March 18, 2021
Thursday, March 18, 2021
WR Robert Foster
(I was wondering if you talked to Head Coach Brian Flores before signing here or General Manager Chris Grier and what did they tell you they expected your role to be?) – “Just coming on, trying to make the best of every opportunity that’s given and just continue to contribute as best as I can.”
(Have they mentioned special teams? Obviously besides your speed as a receiver, you have value with special teams as a gunner?) – “They just told me to just try to make the best of every opportunity that’s given to me in all three phases of the game.”
(I wanted to ask you about your recollections of playing with QB Tua Tagovailoa at Alabama and also your thoughts about being reunited with him in Miami?) – “It was great, great experience. I’m really just excited to reestablish and come back and get back on that road and get back to working with him and contributing with all the quarterbacks.”
(Have you kept in touch with QB Tua Tagovailoa or have you known him throughout the process?) – “Honestly I haven’t gotten ahold of Tua yet, but I’m planning on getting ahold of him pretty soon.”
(Have you been asked about your decision to join the Dolphins? What went into it and if you had other offers?) – “I have not been asked. I just – Miami was willing to give me an opportunity and they just want me to contribute and make the best of what (opportunity) has been given. I’m glad to be here and I’m ready to just contribute as best as I can within all phases of the game.”
(How would you say in your own words how your NFL career has gone so far? What would you like to see improve or you can get better at so far?) – “Honestly, just growing in all phases throughout the game. Just trying to continue to get better and grow basically.”
(I saw someone nicknamed you “Road Runner” once. Is that a nickname you like and how would you describe your speed?) – “I think I got that nickname in college from one game, but I like the nickname. I love it. I love to be called ‘Road Runner.’ Obviously I’m known for my speed and trying to make the best of like getting past people, so I love the nickname.”
(What’s it going to be like for you being on the other side of a Bills-Dolphins rivalry?) – “It’s the same for every team. It’s not about no rivalries; it’s making the best of it and making plays and playing football.”
(What were your first thoughts of QB Tua Tagovailoa when you saw him as a freshman and the growth that he’s made in his game over the years? Have you kept attention to it from afar?) – “I thought Tua did well. Like I said, we’ve all got room for improvement and I believe that we’re all going to grow and do better and try to make the best of being a Miami Dolphin.”
(One of the things we in the media like to do is try to set up 40-yard dash competitions. They rarely actually happen unless we’re not around. Are you familiar with WR Jakeem Grant’s speed at all and would you be willing to take him on?) – “I am very familiar with Jakeem (Grant), but I’d rather just take what I have to do for right now. I’ll leave it in the park for right now. (laughter)”
(Can’t let you go without asking you if you’re a Road Runner fan.) – “(laughter) No, I’m not a Road Runner fan.”
Justin Coleman – March 18, 2021
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Thursday, March 18, 2021
CB Justin Coleman
(What led you to sign with Miami? Can you take us through the process a little bit?) – “The main thing is that I know (Defensive Coordinator Josh) Boyer and ‘Coach Flo’ (Brian Flores). They were actually part of the New England program, and that kind of convinced me to lean towards this way. Not to mention I kind of looked at the defense, looked at the offense, looked at the team and I checked them out. The potential, the ability is extraordinary. I like these guys, I like the team, I like this organization. And also location. This is a great location to be at. (laughter)”
(Tell us about your strengths as a player? What are some things that you think you do well?) – “Honestly, when I think of my strengths, I think of a couple of words – relentless, smart, determined. And when I think of relentless, (I think of) whatever it takes to get the job done. I feel like I’m going to do whatever it takes and I’m going to give it my all. I feel like as long as I pay close attention to details and learn from my teammates and learn from the coaches, I can better myself as a player and as a person as well.”
(You talked about potential. You’re joining a team that led the NFL in interceptions last year. What do you think about your group specifically there with CB Xavien Howard, CB Byron Jones, CB Nik Needham and some of those guys there in that cornerback room?) – “I think that’s an extremely talented group and I’m definitely going to raise the competition. I’m willing to compete for whatever position it turns out to be and those guys are definitely going to create competition. I’m looking forward to playing next to these guys and I’m looking forward to learning from them as well.”
(What was 2020 like for you? I know you dealt with COVID-19 for a bit, and you had the injury. It couldn’t have been what you expected. Are you eager to get back out there?) – “I don’t really want to talk about what happened in 2020 because I’m looking forward to 2021. I can say that I’m going to learn from everything that happened in 2020 and the injury was unfortunate; but I’m just working to become a better player this year.”
(What was your impression of Head Coach Brian Flores in New England and what’s your impression of the job he’s doing in Miami?) – “He’s always been someone who I thought was an aggressive coach who feels very confident in what he’s doing. If he’s confident, I’m right along with him. I’m confident with him. What he has going on here, I’m confident that he’ll get things done.”
(Defensive Coordinator Josh Boyer was your cornerbacks coach when you first got into the NFL. Now he’s going to be your defensive coordinator. What stands out most when you look back at your time working with him?) – “The fact that he understands discipline, he understands football, he understands that no matter how many different schemes people can come up with, football never changes. He can put a lot of players in a relaxed state and what I mean by that is he makes me feel comfortable when it comes to a certain situation because he just lets you know that football doesn’t change and he simplifies it as much as he needs to in order to get the player to understand what they need to do.”
(I know you don’t want to talk about previous years, but I guess watching you in previous years, you seem like you were effective most when you were in the slot. Did you talk to them about whether that slot role was the role you wanted to compete for? Or what their vision is for you in this defense?) – “Honestly, I came in here with the mindset that I’m going to compete for whatever role it is. Wherever they put me at, I feel like I’m going to give it my all and compete.”
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