Mike McDaniel – September 8, 2023
Friday, September 8, 2023
Head Coach Mike McDaniel
(Opening statement) – “I might be more fired up about this press conference than any press conference ever. You guys want to know why? Because of reps, okay? This is my second year and Friday of Week 1 press conference – it’s a phenomenal time for us to be teammates because here’s what’s going to happen. We’re going to talk about injuries. And then like, nothing’s happened this year – we’re basing it off last year, but it’s this year’s season – so whatever you guys have in store for writing articles, I can’t wait to help write them and I have no idea what it’s going to be about so let’s go.”
(I begin with T Terron Armstead. He hasn’t practiced in over three weeks. He’s got three injuries. So if you think rationally, it would seem unlikely he would play Sunday. However, here is the magic question. Are you ready to confirm that he is out Sunday or would you prefer for gamesmanship reasons to wait until we get the injury report in three hours and 52 minutes?) – “Here’s what I will say, especially I’m sure you guys have talked to Terron. I know his expectation has been the entire time to play Week 1. And if he has the final say, if Chris Grier and the boys decided to fire me and make him the head coach today, he’ll definitely be playing. However, I want to take a look at him this afternoon and really kind of make a concrete decision for Sunday. So I think by today, we’ll have an answer for Sunday. And literally the only reason there’s even a debate is because it’s my job to protect players from themselves, and it’s my job with the aid of all sorts of well-intentioned, very well-schooled individuals, is that we do what’s best for the Dolphins for the entirety of the season. So going through that process, making sure that there continues to not be setbacks, more that we’re trying to do something for the long-haul, and we’ll assess it today and see where that leaves us.”
(So he won’t be practicing?) – “Depending on the timing – and I don’t comb the time that you guys are out there – you may or may not see him, depending on the timing of it. But we’re going to put him through some stuff to see where he’s at so we can take care of both sides of the coin there.”
(“Some stuff” meaning physical activity, but not practice is what you’re saying or actually practice?) – “To be determined on practice in terms of the later stage of it, kind of assessing stuff that is football related. I won’t be putting him through back handsprings. It will be just to kind of see the state of the union, but we’ll assess.”
(There’s not many guys like S Derwin James in the league. How difficult is it to prepare for a defense that has a chess piece like that?) – “It’s a problem that NFL teams generally have some game-changing players on them, on offense or defense. So it’s rare you go a week without having an issue that if you don’t prepare for, will bite you hard. With this particular player, it’s even more unique because of the versatility, the amount of places that the coaches teach him and that he can learn. He’s all over the place and when you are dealing with some unknowns in terms of it’s Week 1, so you don’t really know – I haven’t been in the in the Chargers building all offseason so you don’t know what they have in store but you know he’s a featured player. So every person on the offense needs to know where he’s at and his playmaking ability. So it’s one of the challenges of the NFL process. It’s not completely foreign, but because he’s a unique, special player, it is a different sort of formula than a lot of the better players in the league present.”
(When you see the preparation for Week 1 and the T Terron Armstead situation looming, guys like T Kion Smith who’s one of your undrafted guys who made the team this year, have you seen a progression from training camp – his performance to now preparing for Week 1 – and what’s your thoughts on his progression?) – “Absolutely I can say without a shadow of a doubt, that one of the great things about having that 90-man roster that was – speaking of all the hard decisions and the depth – is that there’s not a player on the team that didn’t develop. Because if they didn’t develop, they literally wouldn’t be here because we had so many options. So we are seeing better versions within our scheme of each and every player, when you really look at it from that perspective. Kion (Smith) is a guy that I’ve highlighted a ton within the whole team because he’s really, really gravitated to the particular coaching and it’s clicked for him in terms of what we’re asking him to do. So what does that mean? He’s really tried difficult techniques fully committed and that’s a hard thing for offensive linemen to do because when you’re trying different techniques and it doesn’t work, everybody knows about it. And so he’s really attacked that process and because he’s attacked it that way, he’s gotten significantly better this year. He’s a great guy to highlight amongst a lot of people that are going along the same journey. And that’s what happens when you have detailed coaching that’s committed from their position coaches to anybody that’s discussing football with them. And then you have guys that are not trying to get through it; they’re trying to be their best versions. So he’s a cool one, like a lot of the guys.”
(What about your confidence in T Kendall Lamm if he has to go in for T Terron Armstead?) – “Kendall (Lamm) is a great example of a guy that has found a place on a team that had been through some trials in his career. Last year he made an impact so early in the room, about how he goes about his business. He uses every slight that’s happened to him to his advantage, not disadvantage. And he’s a core piece of the locker room at this point, which says a lot. So my confidence is high, just because I see better than I hear and he’s shown me as consistent, really, as anybody of what I can expect, what his teammates can expect from him, and that’s a guy that there’s nothing more important to him than what he needs to deliver on for himself and his teammates. So any time he’s on the field, I get excited for him because he’s been down the rigors of the NFL journey for a player that’s not a lottery pick, so to speak, and he’s coming out a better version than he went in.”
(I did want to follow up on T Kendall Lamm. Where is he from a technique standpoint and the principles and the things that you guys are teaching? I know he’s been through so many different systems, but you guys teach things a little bit differently.) – “So those are the guys that you learn the most about with regard to who the people are. With offensive linemen that are veterans that have been in the league, that have been coached in different ways and watching the progression here where we’re very concrete in what we’re looking for and very aware of the times that’s ‘whoa, that’s way different.’ It’s an old dog new tricks analogy. Like it is really hard for guys to be like, ‘wait, you want me to do this other thing that I would never have done ever in my career to get to this point?’ That’s a trust fall. And so when watching his progression, it shows you more than anything, the amount of deliberate fixation on certain things to watch the techniques evolve. Where he was at last year, versus this year is not even close. And he did one of the harder things that players do in this league is play in a regular season game a couple of weeks after arriving to a team. I think we kind of hedged our bet. We felt pretty confident in the person that he’d be able to have an offseason like he has and he has only exceeded expectations. I’m fired up for his opportunities whenever they arise.”
(You have interesting options when you go three or four receivers. That’s obviously with WR Braxton Berrios, WR Cedrick Wilson Jr., WR Erik Ezukanma and WR River Cracraft. How much time have you and Wide Receivers Coach Wes Welker and Offensive Coordinator Frank Smith talked about snap allocation among those four and how tough a call is it in terms of playing time, to give each of those four reps when you go three or four wide receiver sets?) – “When you have capable players that have different skill sets, you have to make decisions, or educated guesses, or formation decisions earlier in the week, so that you can kind of steer people in a certain direction on what to focus on. The more talent you have, that’s never a bad problem. More skill sets, hopefully you can utilize them the best and that can be diverse. It’s something that has to be detailed early and often because of the different multiplicity and because you’re trying to involve everyone. It’s not as simple as okay, these three go out here. By and large, a lot of communication has to occur the entire week. I have to be clear with distinctions and personnels if I want three wide receivers, but a different assortment of them. Those are things that we have to work together in a fluid way. Players have to be on it and attentive during the game. It’s fun involving everybody, so it’s a good problem to have. It’s something that there’s a way to take advantage of depth at that position. So that’s what I’m excited about.”
(How would you assess S Brandon Jones’ readiness level from a physical standpoint to handle a major role on defense if he were called upon to do so?) – “Well, alright, that’s a vet right there. (laughter) First and foremost, that was our priority and assessment from this whole offseason. Because again, you’re trying to make sure that you’re coming back the best version that you possibly can, and that’s a process. So we’re very, very attentive to the physical part of that. I’m very happy with Brandon. I’m very happy with the training staff, because I think for a normal timeline purpose, he’s done everything he could and more and I feel very good about his physical ability to play within the defense. For him, it’s trying to make up the reps that are lost live. That process, in a new defense, it’s not linear. When it clicks, it clicks. Each and every day he’s been getting better and better at getting to that click spot. I’m very happy with where he’s at because he’s a big part of the team. That’s a very impactful player and I feel pretty confident, as confident as one can be in the game of football, that we’ve done right by him and the Dolphins with our progression that will continue as he gets caught up.”
(A lot has been made of the past game and their coverages from last year, but how important can the run game be?) – “I think to be what we’re all trying to be, to go after goals, to win football games in this league, they get paid too and they’re good at it. So you have to show a progression during the course of the season of getting better at both running and passing the ball. This game will be no different in that I want to see what I’ve seen in practice in the games. And that’s my litmus test. I think all plays that are called, the idea of them is for them to work. All of them. Literally every play we’re like, ‘Yeah, we hope this works.’ Some will. Some won’t. I think overall, the game will take care of itself. You kind of have to – you’re playing football against an opponent. And so what I’m hoping for is if they are fully committed to one phase or the othey – if they’re fully committed to defending pass, hopefully we can execute run plays. If they’re loading up the box, hopefully we can execute pass and vice versa. That’s always the way I look at it. And here, the value of a balanced offense is never lost in us, so we’ll never be satisfied even if things are good, if it’s just one-sided either way.”
(I saw a podcast with your childhood friend Dan Soder, talking about the many pick-sixes you score on him in Tecmo Super Bowl back in the day. Every snap you said you were pulling off Deion Sanders and picking them off. Is it safe to say that’s where you first developed your football genius and maybe your trash talk?) – “Well, genius huh? I mean, I’m not sure if I’m qualified for that. (laughter) But in terms of developing football passion – I think I got my first video game as a reward for straight A’s. And so whenever those report (cards came in) – maybe it was first grade or something. But once I got my hands on video games, that was a game changer. And the Tecmo Super Bowl, college football, all those games I spent way too much time (playing). At the time, when talking about Dan Soder, I was 4’10” in seventh grade, right? And probably didn’t have that much to talk crap about just in general in life. So video games (were) a nice outlet. Being good at Tecmo Super Bowl allowed me to lay off some steam probably on my taller, more manly looking friend. Listen, ‘Primetime.’ It’s real and it was obnoxious. And then I would get upset like, ‘Dude, you don’t want to play anymore? Like come on, man. It’s like two games. I’ll be different team.’ Then I would be the Raiders and have Bo Jackson and do the same thing. (laughter) But yeah, you live and you learn.”
(I was a Christian Okoye guy. Nigerian nightmare.) – “Yeah. Steve Atwater wouldn’t let me. I wasn’t allowed. For my fan fandom of Steve Atwater, I couldn’t be the Chiefs ever, ever.”
(But what about Bo Jackson and the Raiders?) – “Yeah, but I mean I had a poster of him. I was a Broncos fan, but he was an outlier. He did both (football and baseball). So yeah, whatever, you can cheer for the once in a century athlete.”
Liam Eichenberg – September 7, 2023
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Thursday, September 7, 2023
OL Liam Eichenberg
(On returning from injury) – “(It was a) brutal situation, but I’m back now. I feel a lot better. I’m still working back, getting in the groove of things. But I’m just happy to be back and help the team.”
(Obviously it’s been a competition with T Isaiah Wynn. We’re not going to ask you how that resolved itself, but I would ask you are you pleased with what you’ve put on tape this training camp? Are you pleased with what you gave which Offensive Line Coach Butch Barry and Offensive Coordinator Frank Smith and Head Coach Mike McDaniel to think about?) – “I think I gave them a lot of film of me playing different positions, doing the techniques that they want me to do. That was the biggest thing that they wanted me to do was doing what I was coached to do and not falling back on stuff in college. So obviously there’s a lot to improve on and that’s stuff I’m still working on, but kind of being out took away from that time, which wasn’t ideal. But I’m back now so I’m back to work and improving on everything.”
(How’s the snapping gone?) – “Yeah, the snapping is fine. Center is good. It’s actually not too bad.”
(Have you played it in a game before or was May and June OTAs the first time?) – “That was it. That was my first time snapping the ball, and I kind of ran with it.”
(How much do you feel like the rib injury, which is what it was designated as, set you back in training camp?) – “Yeah, I mean it definitely set me back big time. There was a point where I couldn’t breathe without it hurting. It’s kind of one of those situations where I did everything I could but obviously I just needed time to heal and rest up.”
(What’s your overall outlook now going into year three?) – “Just keep improving, keep working, do whatever they need me to do and helping this team win. That’s the biggest thing.”
(When did you feel like you suffered the rib injury?) – “It was the first play of the Atlanta game. I was on the bottom of pile and it kind of collapsed on my side and I was trying to push the guy off, it just kind of pressed down and I couldn’t do anything about it.”
(Did you try to play through for a little bit?) – “Yeah, I played the first quarter.”
Mike White – September 7, 2023
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Thursday, September 7, 2023
QB Mike White
(On being named the No. 2 quarterback) – “Yeah, I’m excited. I’m ready to get to work and all that good stuff. And finally, the fun part is here, the regular season. So yeah, I enjoyed it, but now it’s time to get to work.”
(What do you feel best about your performance that led you to win the No. 2 job?) – “Yeah, I think it’s just the overall body of work and kind of executing the offense. This will be my third year going in this system. It’s different here with some of the things we do, but for the most part of the base is still the same. So, I think just being able to execute the offense and spread the ball around was kind of what helped me have success.”
(I know last year when Head Coach Mike McDaniel came on board, he said he reviewed 800 throws with QB Tua Tagovailoa. And I was curious, have you and Mike or you and Passing Game Coordinator/Quarterbacks Darrell Bevell reviewed your throws in the games that you were just incredible – Cincinnati, Chicago – compared to games where maybe you had less success because of the ribs last year or some other reason? Have you compared just to see if there was anything differently mechanically or anything between the performances?) – “No, I haven’t. I haven’t watched any of that with Mike or ‘Bev’ (Darrell Bevell). That’s probably reserved for QB1.”
(You’re cerebral. Is that something you’ve looked at?) – “Oh, yeah, definitely. That’s part of it is you’re going to have some good games, you’re going to have some bad games, but learn from the bad games is the important part. So, I do feel like I learned a lot of those and there’s some scars that I can learn from. As far as the ribs, that’s kind of part of football though. You’re going to get banged up, so you’re going to have to work through it.”
(Can you describe your mindset? You’ve been a starter in this league and now being a backup, how does that change or does it change anything?) – “No, I don’t think it changes anything at all. I mean the reps are obviously going to change because starters get all the reps and backups kind of handle scout and all that. So, you got to be able to grab guys after practice and get reps that way. I think you just keep the same mindset,= no matter what your position is on the depth chart. I mean, when I was QB3 in New York, I had the same mindset as when I was QB2 or QB1. So, I think that’s just the nature of the beast as a backup quarterback. You’re not going to get a lot of reps. You just got to be able to execute the offense if you’re called upon in the middle of the game.”
(What is your role in terms of feeding information to QB Tua Tagovailoa and doing whatever you can to support him?) – “I think in the room we have a really good dynamic. We’re just kind of a sounding board for Tua. Whatever he needs, whenever he has any questions, we kind of give him what we think and try not to step on anybody’s toes I guess, because he’s played very well at a high level. So, there’s some things that he does a lot better than us. So, we’re learning from him more times than he’s learning from us. But yeah, it’s just having a good dynamic and whatever he needs, we’re there for him. And that’s the goal of the whole room is getting QB1 ready, because when QB1 is playing well, we’re winning and when you’re winning, everything’s fun.”
(I know in years past, Dan Marino would sit in occasionally on some of the QB meetings. Has that happened? What’s been your feeling about that being a Dolphins fan growing up?) – “Yeah, the first time it happened, I was just dumbfounded. I was like you’re telling me Dan Marino just sits and hangs out with us? And I mean, the first time I was like, do I call him Dan? Do I call him Mr. Marino? Do I call him Dan Marino? It’s crazy to me that we are now on first name basis. I’ll just walk by him in the hallway, ‘Hey, what’s up Dan,’ like it’s totally normal. It’s been crazy.”
(You don’t call him Mr. Marino?) – “That’s what I’m saying. I feel like sometimes I just avoid like talking to him just to avoid the problem.” (laughter)
Frank Smith – September 7, 2023
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Thursday, September 7, 2023
Offensive Coordinator Frank Smith
(You didn’t lose a lot offensively player personnel wise. With TE Mike Gesicki, what’s the impact of his lose on the offense in terms of what you can do, and can TE Tyler Kroft and his size assume many of the things, or all of the things that Mike did?) – “I don’t know if you could quantify it specifically to like, this player is going to take over this production or this role. It’s more of when we look at a team or a defense, how are we going to attack the structure, how are we going to utilize our skill inside of it. It’s more week to week as we try to use our personnel to put pressure on the defense. I think that’s more of using guys in different ways. You don’t really look at it as like this one role or one production thing will be taken over by one guy or one aspect. You look at is as what’s our plan, how do we want it to attack, where do we want to use it, how do we deploy our personnel appropriately.”
(Does losing TE Mike Gesicki remove anything from the playbook, or is there really no impact while respecting the fact that he’s good player?) – “I think anytime you lose good players, every year is different. This year how we’re going to use our personnel will obviously dictate what we’re trying to do. Mike is a great player and this year we’ll make sure we use all of the guys that are disposable to attack the defense appropriately.”
(What’s the biggest challenge that the combination of Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack pose?) – “Both of them together are obviously very talented guys, very talented pass rushers, obviously playing the run as well. I just think it makes us be very aware of how we’re going to run the football, how we’re going to protect the passer, just making sure we have a plan for talented guys. I think each week when you’re dealing with the NFL, you always got one rusher, two rushers, and the good thing is through our training camp, having to go with Jaelan (Phillips) and Bradley (Chubb), you’re dealing with two talented rushers as well. I think ultimately just from our end is that when you’re dealing with some talented edge guys, it’s just making sure that you account for them and I think ultimately that will be a challenge each week as we deal with each team’s premier pass rushers.”
(Head Coach Mike McDaniel told us that one of the things he wanted in year two is for you to take on more strictly coordinator duties instead of dealing with more of the offensive line. How did that manifest itself in training camp and the preseason, and maybe on game day in the regular season, what are you doing this year?) – “Just here, there, and everywhere. (laughter) I wouldn’t say certain things changed. It’s more of an emphasis towards things. I think ultimately when you’re working as a coordinator with a head coach who’s the primary play caller, it’s where are your eyes, making sure that you’re seeing all positions, you’re communicating things, you’re taking about scheme. We’re talking about many things. I think more of it is instead of just being in one area, you’re more broad. I think that especially this week has been a great dialogue as we’re getting ready to attack these guys. I don’t know. I guess the season will determine how much fun we get to have.”
(How would you assess QB Tua Tagovailoa’s growth in terms of understanding defenses and how they’re trying to defend him?) – “It’s been great. His ability to understand the offense and what we’re trying to do, his communication of what he’s seeing, what his expectations are with the guys has been awesome. Ultimately, we’re really excited to start the season and see where (we are) going to go. The greatest challenge is last year was last year. This year now with all of the offseason, with all of our emphasis, let’s go put it to practice. There’s no greater challenge than having to go across the country and take on an opponent that’s going to be up to the challenge.”
(OL Liam Eichenberg or T Isaiah Wynn?) – “How long did it take? I was surprised. (laughter) It’s game one. What we’re dong with all of our guys, right now everyone is doing a great job with their preparation. What we’re planning to do with all personnel, I think that’s an advantage. It’s the same thing with the Chargers. They didn’t play any of their starters in the preseason so for us right now, we’re just worried about today and making sure we’re getting better at stuff. Who we’re going to deploy on Sunday will be a surprise to them but not to us as we’ve been working all offseason and working on getting better.”
(A lot has been made about the Chargers’ defensive game plan. I’m sure you’ve heard a lot about press, man and crowding the middle. As it relates to Head Coach Mike McDaniel, what stands out to you about him as an offensive mind and game-planning specifically and being able to make adjustment whether it’s in game, week to week or over the course of an entire season?) – “His flexibility and his ability of what he’s able to see on Sunday. Being around many different guys, many different offensive play-callers from Sean Peyton to Adam Gase and Dowell (Loggains) in Chicago and then (Jon) Gruden, and then with Joe (Lombardi), you just see many different ways guys do things. The way Mike is familiar with this system, understanding it’s answers, how we do things, that’s the great part. As we looked at last season and our offseason emphasis, it’s just those things that we know we could work on were really emphasized, and that’s why this Sunday is going to be a fun opportunity to make sure our growth, and then adjusting as we need to adjust as the game goes.”
(Regarding OL Austin Jackson, he was going up against LB Jaelan Phillips and I know you guys believe iron sharpens iron. Did Austin have enough success to gain confidence in his game? Or is it still kind of at a building, learning process stage?) – “I don’t think confidence was an issue. It’s more of opportunities. When you lose the majority of the season to injuries, it’s like you’re kind of reestablishing fundamentals, what you’re trying to do, and I think that was his primary emphasis is just getting back to where he wants to play. I don’t think really from being around Austin after these two years that confidence was ever an issue. I think it was more of just getting the consistency of things because when you go to the right tackle and then it plays out and the season doesn’t go, it’s more of now ‘I’m getting the reps, I’m getting everything I need to go,’ because he lost the whole season except for what, about a half a game? I wouldn’t ever say really AJ has ever struggled with confidence.”
(With RB Jeff Wilson Jr. out, what can you say about the running backs behind him? And also, do you anticipate giving RB Raheem Mostert maybe a larger workload then maybe we’ve seen from him last season?) – “I’ll say just coming through camp, we’ve been very pleased with the backs in general. It’s a very competitive group. Guys really performed well, ran the ball well. Like everything when you’re dealing with tight ends, running backs, wide receivers, guys who contribute on special teams, so just full-phase contribution. As far as what we’re looking to do for the season, I don’t think there’s really – it goes back to using our personnel appropriately when we need to use them. Every guy’s got things that they bring to the table. But ultimately, we’ve been very pleased with the back group, and it was really competitive all the way down to the wire with who we’re going to take.”
(When you take into account all the spring and summer practices – I know you chart every single snap as well as the preseason games – has there been a reduction in pre-snap penalties on offense in your opinion? And has there been a speeding up of the play readiness process?) – “I mean coming into the offseason, obviously that was an area where we knew we could grow and like everything when we started out, when you emphasize it and you’re working on it, yes, we did feel that we improved in that area. We felt that, more importantly, it comes with year two of the system and guys being around each other more, like just knowing ‘Hey, this is how the cadence is going to work, right?’ We’re on the road, silent cadence and there are different aspects to it. So yes, we felt we had improvement. But now with all the offseason and everything we’ve done, the big thing will be taking what we feel is our improvement in the offseason into actually the season.”
(Are there one or two things you’ve taken from Passing Game Coordinator/Quarterbacks Darrell Bevell the year you’ve worked with him here?) – “Yes, he is extremely meticulous in his process. There’s not one thing. You deal with guys who are just very, they go through it, and it’s not like it’s Week 9, Week 15, Week 1 – alright, the first day you got here. He’s just a very detailed guy who understands and has been a part of a lot of good football and coached a lot of great players. I mean, hell, what was it, two weeks ago, we were joking about something and then we pulled up the Saints-Vikings playoff game from the 2009 NFC Championship game, because we’re talking about Brett Favre and his ability and courage in the pocket. And it was like it flashes back because then I got to New Orleans right after that season and then we opened with the Vikings to start that season in 2010. His wealth of experience is great. Everything like I think we talked about before, it’s perspective and who you work with. If we all came from the same place, thought the same thing, had the same viewpoint, it’d be a pretty boring day. We’d all just kind of be like ‘Good?’ When you deal with guys with perspective and an expertise like he has, it’s been awesome. And I think that’s the great part of our staff is that there isye perspective from everyone.”
(When you have WR Tyreek Hill and WR Jaylen Waddle, you have a big matchup advantage in a lot of cases. Is it tough to go away from that advantage and run the ball or throw to a tight end or throw to WR Braxton Berrios for instance?) – “No. Throw to the open guy. But at the same time, it’s also good that when you have a talented skill group, you have talented wide receivers like we have, yes, it’s awesome. It’s one thing to be talented on Sunday. It’s another thing to be talented every day of the week in the way you practice. There was a quote I heard a long time ago when I worked at Butler and I lived in Indianapolis. Marvin Harrison was like, ‘They don’t pay me to play games. They pay me to practice.’ And when you deal with the guys who take that approach, like both of them do, that’s why Sundays look the way they do because of the way they prepare and handle things. So we’re very fortunate to have both of them and at the same time, we’re excited to for Sunday to get started with it.”
(We saw the explosiveness of WR Erik Ezukanma with his two preseason game runs. If you and Head Coach Mike McDaniel and Wide Receivers Coach Wes Welker decide to use him this year on offense, what skills does he have that intrigue you guys?) – “Yeah, I think his ability to get the ball in his hands and make plays in space. He’s had a good offseason and we used him in kind of a variety of roles. So I think ultimately, as we keep preparing for the season and keep really trying to use him to his best abilities, I think that we’re hopeful that this season is going to really showcase all the things he can do, which we feel pretty confident about.”
(It turns out Miami of Florida is the real Miami.) – “So you say. (laughter) That was a tough day at the office for the old alma mater. We’ll always have the next game. That one was tough. My buddies from college were all here and were asking me about things and I’m going, ‘Listen man, training camp just ended. You want me to go to work right around the corner? I’ll catch that one on TV.’”
Danny Crossman – September 7, 2023
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Thursday, September 7, 2023
Special Teams Coordinator Danny Crossman
(I’m just reading about the new kickoff fair catch rule. I wanted to know, did it happen in the NFL preseason? Did it occur?) – “It did, twice. I don’t know if people were doing it just because – as I viewed it maybe not…”
(So it comes out to the 25?) – “Yeah. Anything inside the 25-yard line goes to the 25. Anything beyond the 25 (-yard line) is to the spot.”
(So is it only a situation where the ball is caught inside the 5-yard line where it would be advisable for anyone to actually consider doing that?) – “I think it’s going to be varying around the league. I think it’s maybe more of what your anticipation or expectation is in terms of your body position in terms of fielding the ball may come up. I think on some of the pop-up kicks where it’s like communication and who’s going to field it, I think it could become an option. But I really don’t see it becoming a major factor in how the games are played.”
(It’s not very often that we talk about long snappers, but LS Blake Ferguson did just sign a contract extension. I was just curious, your comments and what he means to this team of the player and its person?) – “Well, I think No. 1 as an individual, he’s outstanding. Great family. He’s a great kid, studies, works hard, great teammate, dependable, available – where I don’t care what the position is, availability is your No. 1 ability. And then obviously, he’s a quality player. So obviously very happy to have him in the fold going forward.”
(I wanted to ask you about how the injuries to DB Keion Crossen, obviously out for the year, unfortunately, and CB Justin Bethel – we don’t know his status for this week – and DB Elijah Campbell, how does it impact your special teams units?) – “Obviously, it’ll have a big impact. They’re three guys that are proven players. I feel so bad for Keion, and I feel bad for our group. He was a guy that has had great production, very good special teams player. He got elevated last year in an earned position to really be more of a defensive player, so we were very excited to get him back and to get him back heavily involved in the kicking game. So obviously, a big blow and then obviously, Elijah and ‘Beth’ (Justin Bethel), both those guys have been very good players and good players for us. We’ll see, and hope for the medical stuff and (hope) they’re quick healers. But until that, (Head Coach) Mike (McDaniel) says it all the time, adversity is an opportunity. Somebody else has to step up.”
(Who would you identify as your core special teams guys?) – “Believe it or not, like everybody, you’re still working through that. We talk about it all the time – since COVID, over the last three or four years, the way the rules are now developed with the accessibility of being able to maneuver the roster with the practice squad and elevations, I think you’re going to see, along with us and around the league, I don’t know if you’re going to see those landlocked five or six guys that you know exactly what you have. I think with the way the rosters are now and the way, right, wrong or indifferent, the way the injuries and things pop up around the league, you better have a big nucleus of guys that are available and able to contribute, because I think that’s what you’re going to have to have.”
(I know you guys are using the punt tracker device that you can watch on the tablet now. What is some of the information that you’re hoping to get from that?) – “Well, I think the biggest thing for us is it generates numbers for when we’re inside. I mean, you guys see it – you hit a punt and it bangs into the ceiling. What would have been the distance? What would have been the hangtime? What was the angle of departure? Where would it have landed? So those things where you really didn’t have an idea in the past, now you’re getting legitimate data that gives you an idea of what kind of football you’re hitting when we’re inside.”
(Can you give me an idea, what is the spin rate and the kick velocity and hang time of some optimal punts? What are some of those numbers?) – “I think the numbers that show you the most are the speed and the apex. When you look at the speed and the apex, those two numbers that are generated are telling you what kind of hang time and what kind of distance you’re going to get. When you get those two numbers tied together, you know what a good football is. Because we’ve all seen it – who wants a 50-yard punt if it’s got a 4.2 hangtime? That thing is coming right back at you. I think it’s been great. I’m not a golfer, I know nothing about it, but when you guys go and you hit those things, it’s great information to have and it gives you something to build off of.”
(Overall, how was P Jake Bailey’s camp? How is he coming off that injury from last year?) – “Good, and most importantly, I think as you track and what you saw in camp is he’s gotten better every week. He’s gotten more comfortable. I think the end of camp was the best that he’s been, which is what you always strive for, regardless of position. But really happy where Blake (Ferguson), Jake (Bailey) and Jason (Sanders) are at the current time going into the regular season.”
(I don’t know if you saw this, but there was a clip from Coach Belichick a couple years ago that recirculated back around the web yesterday of him giving basically a detailed history of special teams and why teams actually have specific roster spots for someone like a long snapper as opposed to cross-training a player to play that spot. I’m curious, because those guys work together in such a unique fashion, what is the importance of how that group is tight knit together? When you sign LS Blake Ferguson to an extension, how important is it to have those guys gel together?) – “I think it’s usually important. The goal, I think, for everybody, is to have that trio be the same trio for a long period of time. Obviously, that’s our goal here. We’ve gone through some punters, so that’s transitioned. We’ve had Jason (Sanders) and Blake (Ferguson) together, hopefully Jake (Bailey) is that missing piece and we’re able to do something going forward where he’s successful, healthy and has a good year and that ties together. Because, again, when you can get those three guys working together and understanding each other, and you’re not re-teaching and starting over, I think it’s a great advantage for the organization.”
(What were a couple of the specific focal points for you and your unit this offseason, like where to improve from a season ago?) – “Well, I think, obviously, you want to improve in everything. When you talk about the roster, I think with the guys that we had last year, and they did a good job, but I think adding Braxton Berrios as a true combo return player, I think that’s going to be big and pay dividends for us. Then we had a lot of young guys that had to play some roles and play out of position. Or, most importantly, guys that don’t involve themselves in special teams in college. Obviously, the college rules are completely different than they are in the National Football League. So I think the growth from some of those young players. And then getting our established guys, the Andrew Van Ginkel’s and the Duke Riley’s, hopefully getting those guys more involved where they’re not spread as thin with their defense. Last year we had some receivers that we were planning on being major contributors and ended up being heavily involved in offense. Which, again, the only thing we care about is winning. So I don’t care as long as we win. As long as we put it in the left-hand column, I’m good with everything.”
(The new No. 9, CB Kelvin Joseph, some of the guys are telling me how fast he is. He said he’s run a 4.28, which is pretty good. He said he’s done some special teams. So when you get a new guy, do you go back to the Cowboys preseason special teams footage and or anything he might have done at LSU and Kentucky. And if so, what did you see?) – “You go back to everything. You go to preseason, regular season, anything he’s done in the National Football League, whatever he’s done in college. He’s a talented, talented player. He is fast. He is strong. He plays physical. So again, when you get guys, the train doesn’t wait. We’ve got a game this week so it doesn’t matter when you get them, you’ve got to get guys ready to play. He’s been good. He’s been working hard and he, along with everybody else, we’ll get guys moved around. It may take a little bit until we find our foot in exactly who’s what, where and why. But we’ve got a good group to start with.”
(Is there such a thing as a punter and kicker-friendly schedule and do you have it this year? Because you know what I’m getting at, you’re at New England and Buffalo early and four out of five late at home in favorable weather. Does that make sense? Do you think about that?) – “You know what, you think about it for a second and you don’t think about it anymore until you get to game day. I’ve spent a lot of time in this division and I’ve been to those places where you can go there in September and it’s miserable. We watched Buffalo in the first preseason game, the wind’s blowing so hard that they’ve got to hold the football for the kicker. It’s blowing off the tee in the first preseason game. So again, whether you’re August or January, a little bit of temperature difference, but the wind could be a factor at any time. Obviously, to finish at home where we’re practicing in it all the time, you’d always rather have that.”
(I think WR Derius Davis is expected to handle return duties for the Chargers. What have you been able to identify out of him as a rookie that looks dangerous after that preseason touchdown?) – “Very fast. He had a lot of production in college at TCU. He had five touchdowns in his college career. Very fast, likes to get to the edge, talented player. So we’ll have our hands full, but that’s the way the league is now. You look around the league and you look at the schedule, not everybody but just about everybody has a guy that has some bona-fide whether it’s a, number one in the National Football League, or you go back to their college career, and they’ve been very, very productive in college. It’s going to be a week in and week out thing. You’re going to see some very talented people.”
Vic Fangio – September 7, 2023
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Thursday, September 7, 2023
Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio
(With CB Jalen Ramsey out and you don’t have the Ramsey-Xavien Howard pairing, is there now more pressure on LB Jaelan Phillips and LB Bradley Chubb to make stuff happen defensively?) – “I just think the whole front needs to play good each and every week regardless of who we have playing in the secondary. Obviously without Jalen (Ramsey) it’s a little different back there, but if he was there, we’d still expect them to play good.”
(As we talk to you now, have you made clear-cut decisions on cornerback and safety alongside S Jevon Holland?) – “We’ve still got the guys that – we’re going to work all the guys in there at the safety and the corner position depending upon the packages.”
(We talked about trust with CB Cam Smith being a rookie and having to earn trust with the coaches, his teammates, making sure he knows what to do. How would you describe the trust level and comfort level that you have with Cam Smith and also the veteran CB Eli Apple right now?) – “I think Eli (Apple) has come in here – he came in late I think after Jalen (Ramsey) went down – and he’s done a good job with picking up the system. He’s a pro. He knows how to approach things so a good level of trust there. And then as far as Cam (Smith) goes, I think it’s still a work in progress.”
(I believe you call the game from the booth. I was curious how long you’ve done that and what you – obviously I know it’s the aerial perspective – but what do you like about watching and kind of calling the game from the booth?) – “I think it’s the best place to watch the game from. There’s a reason they film the game from up there for the tape. There’s a reason the owners who can sit anywhere they want, sit there. (laughter) It’s the best place to watch the game from and you can see things and adjust better.”
(So do you mainly communicate with whoever has the green communication dot or…?) – “No, go through the – I give it to ‘Camp’ (Linebackers Coach Anthony Campanile) and ‘Camp’ communicates it.”
(Before joining this organization, the last thing you did professionally was help the Eagles in the Super Bowl and helped the Eagles offense against the Chiefs defense, right? So with your knowledge of Chargers Head Coach Brandon Staley and his defense, have you been able to offer anything to Head Coach Mike McDaniel and the offense in the same way this week?) – “Not too much. (Passing Game Coordinator/Secondary) Renaldo Hill who’s now here, was with them the last two years. So if there’s anything to be had that way, he’s a better source than I am.”
(What’s the most unique thing about Chargers QB Justin Herbert?) – “I don’t know that ‘unique’ is the right word. The guy is just highly, highly talented. Obviously he’s got great size, got a big arm but yet he throws the ball with touch. He throws a very catchable ball. He can throw it to anywhere on the field – short, intermediate, deep and real deep. And very elusive. He’s a good scrambler. When he pulls it down and runs, he’s fast. He’s a complete quarterback.”
(As we heard the stories of Passing Game Coordinator/Quarterbacks Darrell Bevell’s surgery this offseason and kind of how he put some time in here, I’m curious whether it’s your time here at the Dolphins or coaching against him in the past, what have you kind of learned about Coach Bevell over your time in the NFL?) – “When I was with the Niners and he was the Seahawks, we were probably, over that two, three-year stretch, the two best teams in the league and we had some really good battles. We’ve talked about them a little bit here and there, but he’s a really good coach. He’s doing a great job with the quarterbacks here. I have always had a lot of respect for him. I think he has a good knowledge of what it takes to win in this league, not just to accumulate stats. I’ve always had a lot of respect and now that I’ve gotten to know him, my respect was justified.”
(Chargers Head Coach Brandon Staley is a coach that has been under you. What can you say about his career progression and him getting to this point?) – “Obviously it was fast. We hired him in Chicago and his job before that was as a D-III coordinator and we were looking for a young guy to hire and we hired him. Then three years later he gets the coordinator job with the Rams and does a good job there and so then he’s the head coach of the Chargers. So it’s been fast for him, but he’s done a good job wherever he’s been and he’s been deserving of it and he’s got a really good team. He’s got a great roster at his disposal and I expect that they’ll have a very successful season.”
(From a media standpoint, S Verone McKinley III has been low-key. That’s from our standpoint. What have you noticed from him during training camp and preseason?) – “I think he’s done a good job of picking up what we’re doing. He’s a good communicator back there. He helps Jevon (Holland) quarterback the secondary and the defense from back at the safety position, which is important. And I just think he’s gotten better and better throughout the offseason and the OTAs, throughout training camp, and he’s done a good job.”
(Is there anything that S Verone McKinley III does especially well?) – “I wouldn’t say anything especially well. I think he’s pretty equally adept at most everything.”
(This trio of Chargers receivers, what kind of matchup challenges do they present?) – “They’re a really good group and really it’s more than three, but obviously Mike Williams has got the size, speed, outside-the-numbers threat both short, intermediate and deep. A real tough matchup. Keenan Allen is the savvy receiver who does a really good job at getting open, has great knowledge of the passing game, running his routes the right way and he’s got quickness and elusiveness. (Joshua) Palmer, No. 5, is a strong player. He’s kind of half wide receiver, half running back and when he gets the ball in his hands, he’s really, really good. And they have the two rookies from TCU, the first-round pick (Quentin) Johnson is a size guy with good speed and then they have the elusive really fast guy (Derius Davis) that runs the fly sweeps, all the gadget-type stuff. So they’re five-deep at receiver.”
(Can taller receivers be tougher to scheme against because even if you have the right coverage, they can just go up and get a ball?) – “Yeah, if they’re talented. There’s some tall receivers that don’t move very well. Unfortunately, Mike Williams is not one of those. (laughter) So Mike Williams is kind of like Davante Adams in that regard. Big receivers, big catch radius, run good routes, strong at the ball, tough matchups.”
(Have you generally used the left-right cornerback setup as opposed to like a particular cornerback following another guy around the field?) – “I’ve done it both ways over the years. It’s kind of all dependent upon your players. Some guys can’t flip. They get grooved into one side and they don’t want to leave that side. Other guys can do it all day long. So I’ve done it both ways over the years and I think that will be a week-to-week thing with us.”
(Are there any changes to the green dot headset setup? I know LB Jerome Baker has usually had it.) – “Yeah, it’ll be one of the inside linebackers. Baker to start off for sure.”
Austin Jackson – September 6, 2023
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Wednesday, September 6, 2023
OL Austin Jackson
(What have you seen from T Kendall Lamm since he’s been here in practice? If he has to step in and play against this Chargers d-line, what do you expect to get out of him?) – “We expect a lot of good stuff out of Lamm. He’s very fundamental-based, very focused. He’s definitely someone you want to lean on, being an older guy. He’s very smart, knows his process. And those are things that he’s able to help the whole group collectively.”
(College ball in L.A., a chance to start the season going back. What’s your excitement?) – “Oh, it’s high, super high. I’m super excited for the Trojans. Looking to see what they do this week against – I know what we’re going to do this week against Stanford, but looking to see it and I’m really excited for those boys and that whole program.”
(What about you? Just new season for you going back to familiar territory a little bit. SoFi obviously different then the Coliseum. But just what you’ve been through to now be where you’re at, how’s it like to finally be yourself?) – “Yeah, I was actually really sad. We had two games in California last year and I missed both those games, so it was kind of nice to get it back first week. Excited to go down there and represent the Dolphins the right way especially on the home turf.”
(How much rust has there been in general in terms of not playing a lot of games in the last 18 months because of the ankle last year?) – “I think I’m back to where I was at with the ankle, if not better just with all the rehab and stuff. Took a big mental observation of last season to see where I really needed to be at. I’m really excited. No rust here, just ready to go.”
(How does going up against LB Jaelan Phillips every day benefit you getting ready for the season?) – “It helps a lot. Helps a lot. Training camp was huge for me. Definitely getting to go against a legit rusher who brings it every play and just competing and competing for about a whole month it feels like. Definitely helps a lot.”
(In the past, they switched Chargers DE Joey Bosa back and forth. Are you prepared for everybody?) – “Yeah, I’m definitely prepared for everybody. 52 will go back and forth, 97 will go back and forth, 94 will go back and forth, 45, he’ll go back and forth, but he’s younger, so I’m not sure.”
(How many players names do you know? Because you guys know numbers from scouting. Do you know all their edge rushers, or both of their primary edge rushers?) – “I know their names, I just don’t say it.”
(You learn names too because you’re a fan or?) – “I know names as a fan, but I don’t know coaches and practice, we just talk about people with numbers.”
Jaylen Waddle – September 6, 2023
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Wednesday, September 6, 2023
WR Jaylen Waddle
(You’ve known QB Tua Tagovailoa for maybe the longest of anybody here. How proud of you of him to see what he’s gown through and see where he’s at now in week one?) – “I’m extremely proud. He’s been a great player since I’ve met him. He’s going to continue to be a great player. I’m just proud of him. I’ve seen a lot of growth, especially in his leadership, throughout the year. Seeing him grow in that form has been tremendous.”
(Knowing everything that QB Tua Tagovailoa has been through in the past eight or nine months, how’s it going to feel as a team to see him play in his first meaningful football game in so long?) – “It’s going to be good. He’s ready to go. We’re going to be ready to play for him. We’ve been doing a good job this week especially getting the guys going – the offensive line, running backs, receivers. Getting us all going, so it’s going to be fun.”
(With some excitement at the beginning of the season, is it more so the case where you think you have a team that can compete for that Super Bowl and win that championship with expectations and excitement going into the season or what?) – “Not necessarily. We are just excited to go out there and play meaningful football again. It’s been a long time since we’ve been all out there together competing, going out there to war for one another. Just that aspect.”
(Personal goals for you, do you make them? And if so, what are they?) – “I’ve told y’all, just staying consistent throughout the year. Really just being on my job, doing my job at a high level.”
(Is there anything you’ve learned about QB Tua Tagovailoa over the past eight months that you didn’t know last year at this time, just with everything that he’s gone through and made all of those adjustments and is back adn ready to go? What have you learned about him?) – “Just his mentality. He’s a dawg man. Anybody that’s transformed his body into what y’all see now, learned different skills to help his play, that just shows how much he really wants it and wants to be out there.”
(You’ve mentioned about being bigger and stronger. What’s an area it’s helped you that you’ve noticed in practice and preseason?) – “Just all the bumps. Going through when I make contact with defenders, I feel like I’m much more stable.”
(You remember what the Chargers did last year. What are some of the things you guys can do as receiver to negate what they were trying to do to you guys?) – “I think they had a good gameplan against us last year. They’re going to have a good gameplan again this year. You just go out there and just hone-in on the things we can do. Just do our assignment, do it at a high level, and I think we’re going to be alright.”
(WR Tyreek Hill has said several times he wants to reach 2,000 yards. Do you have any specific goals like that for yourself?) – “Nah, I’m just trying to stay consistent throughout the year. Really just hone-in on the small things.”
