Chris Grier – March 1, 2023
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Wednesday, March 1, 2023
General Manager Chris Grier
([CB Byron Jones’] pair of Tweets saying that he can’t run or jump from the injuries, said not to take pills or injections from the team. Do you have any response to that? Has he ever expressed any concern or frustration with his rehab in terms of how it was handled and will he be on the team in 2023?) – “Yeah, I said – I was like everyone, I think I was on a flight here (when I heard about it). I was on my way because I had to come in early for some committee meetings. I talked with his agent. We had a good conversation and with Byron (Jones), we’ve always had great communication in terms of he has a very good relationship with our training staff and doctors. So from our end, it’s been very transparent. A lot of really good communication between him, his agent and our trainers and doctors. I think we’re in a good spot. He’s working hard trying to get back and play and he’s been in communication with us through the process. I know you want a reaction, but I really didn’t because we talked to the agent and he was good and I told him, I said we’ll talk to Byron just to check in again with our doctors, once they get through the Combine with all the medicals and stuff here. But no, we’ve had no indication of anything that’s – it’s been a really good working relationship with him.”
(Is the expectation that CB Byron Jones will be on the team in 2023?) – “He’s under contract with us. Right now Vic (Fangio) is back in Florida just looking over the team so obviously he’s going to have some say in this because I think with his scheme and what we’re doing, and we’ll also talk with Byron (Jones), too. So a lot of moving parts right now. I’m not running around the answer, but that’s just kind of where we are right now.”
(Is there confidence CB Byron Jones can play again?) – “I’m not a doctor. I don’t know. I don’t want to speak and not – but we’ve seen him. When I last saw him, he was working out, doing everything he can to try and get back.”
(So do you go on the assumption that if you get CB Byron Jones able to play in 2023, it’s like extra? Or are you counting him as your starter opposite CB Xavien Howard?) – “No, I think you have to look at every option. You always have to look at all the different scenarios and try and plan for best-case and worst-case scenarios. So right now, we’re not making any assumptions on anything and just letting him continue to attack his rehab and see what happens.”
(Have you had discussions with DT Christian Wilkins’ agent about an extension and how much of a priority is that this offseason?) – “Christian, ever since we drafted him, has done nothing but get better each year. He is a tireless worker, as we’ve talked about. You guys have heard me talk about how he works around the building. He’s in every day. He’s still in the offseason. I’ve seen him around more than anyone. He loves the game. He loves our organization. We love him. We’d like to have him here for a long time. But in terms of conversations with agents, we don’t really talk publicly about it, but we would like to have him here a long time.”
(Where do you stand on QB Tua Tagovailoa’s fifth-year option…?) – “Yeah, I think with us, we’re still having all those conversations because there’s a lot of factors that go into that. And I think now that we’re finally finishing up the coaching staff, we’ll focus on some of these answers and coming together with Mike (McDaniel) and I, we’ll sit and talk about it as well as with Mr. (Stephen) Ross and Brandon Shore. So we’ll go through it and we’ll make our decision then. But all expectations, he’s our quarterback and he’s our quarterback here to be successful for a long time.”
(Are the dynamics different for the quarterback position when you have that fifth-year option given how … people are going to take it one way or the other?) – “Yeah, but you try and take that out of it. You just kind of make the decisions that are best for the organization and the team. So there are always factors as a quarterback. That’s the position that everyone talks about. But for us, you just try and remove emotion and try and make good, sound, smart decisions, and hopefully it’s the right one.”
(How big of a priority is finding a starting-caliber offensive lineman? Or do you feel that you have five guys in place?) – “I think the offensive lines we showed last year – we went out and we added Eric Fisher and signed guys and injuries happen, especially at that position. So for us, it’s continuing to add depth at that position and the competition and create spots. The guys made tremendous strides last year. You guys have heard Mike (McDaniel) and Frank Smith talk about how happy he is with the development of some of the young players. Obviously like with Austin (Jackson), he just needs to stay healthy so we can get a full evaluation of him, but with Connor (Williams), Liam (Eichenberg), Rob (Hunt) and obviously Terron (Armstead), we feel we have a good core of guys right there to start with. And Rob Jones and Lester Cotton coming in a playoff game, a young player. So excited about some of the development and potential of some of the players.”
(Are you guys a little more open-minded about OL Robert Hunt as a tackle or do you still personally believe that he has a very high ceiling mostly at guard?) – “Yeah, that’s the great thing about Rob, is that he can play both and excel, but I think where he is at guard, he has a potential to be a special player at guard. And I think he can have the chance to play tackle and he’s done it multiple times. So his versatility and position flexibility as well as Rob Jones, all those guys across the line – Connor can play guard, center. Liam can play tackle if he had to. The position flexibility that those guys all provide is all something, too, that’s exciting for us.”
(This is the first time in a couple years where you guys maybe don’t have an abundance of cap space now entering an offseason. I was curious where you are in the process of freeing up money? It seems like you’re going to have to restructure some guys. What is that dynamic and balance like these three or four weeks?) – “Yeah, this is nothing that’s unexpected for us. We’ve done a good job communicating that and Mr. Ross, we’ve talked to him and knows as well. Brandon Shore and Max Napolitano do a great job of looking at all scenarios for us. But when we make moves and we do trades like we did with (Bradley) Chubb midseason, it’s always with an eye of what things are going to look like and what we have to do. We’ll be fine. It’s always working from that position flexibility that we like and we’ll continue to do that, which provides us opportunities to continue to make moves.”
(On the possibility of RB Raheem Mostert and RB Jeff Wilson Jr. returning) – “Yeah, that was the one we talked about the other day for just a little bit because obviously we traded for Jeff (Wilson) and obviously Raheem (Mostert) and Mike’s (McDaniel) relationship as well, too. So yeah, we’re very open to those guys coming back. We’ve talked about that scenario where they may be back. We may have the same backfield back next year. Obviously they’re free agents and that’ll play a part of it, but we’d be very excited to have them back.”
(When you talk about QB Tua Tagovailoa being the quarterback for a long time, does that include the thought of an extension before the season starts?) – “Yeah, I think all options like I said, we’ll go through it here and we’re going to spend a lot of time here and that’s a good thing, is we’re not rushed to make anything right now. And so we’ll be in touch with Tua’s representatives and Mike (McDaniel) and I and Brandon (Shore) will sit and Steve (Ross) and we’ll make a push for things and we’ll talk and we’ll see where they stand. But like I said, we’re very excited for him. The strides he made this year with Mike (McDaniel) and the offense, you guys have been here and seen it. It was really exciting. And to see the work he’s put in that you guys don’t see at the facility and around, it’s been really incredible. And the dialogue between him and Mike just talking football. I’ve never heard as much football as he talks about Mike (McDaniel) and stuff he sees even from other games. It’s pretty cool to see.”
(And when you’re talking about like a fifth-year option and an extension, durability starts to be a factor because obviously you’re committing for a long time. Do you have any concern about his durability?) – “I can’t lie and say no. But it’s not something that is going to make us afraid to do something long-term with him. The one thing he’s had, he’s been banged up, but he always comes back and bounces back and plays hard and performs, so excited for his future. Excited for watching him doing all the work he’s been doing in the offseason right now to prepare for 2023 and he’s very excited to get back on the field with his teammates.”
(I wanted to ask your thoughts on … last year. Were you self-scouting? What did you learn? What did you do right? What do you need to work on?) – “It’s like everything. We felt we made some good moves, some good players we brought in that impacted us. We were a young team so adding some veteran guys that were leaders but also good players to show these guys how to do things we thought was important. Every move that you make, you’d love for them all to be home runs. We thought we had a really good free agent class last year. Obviously a player like Cedrick Wilson was signed, but then the Tyreek (Hill) trade happened. So that was just different which impacted him. But then end of the year we probably don’t win games without him returning the punts, stepping up to do that and then giving us a chance to win games. So all the guys contributed pretty much, so happy with that. But at the end of the day, I was really proud of the work the scouting staff did in season like with Brandon Shell and those guys that come in and impact us to help us win. So it’s just trying to make good decisions to create depth and competition at positions to keep us in a position to try and win games.”
(When it comes to running backs, could you potentially be more open to taking like an earlier high draft selection than you have in recent drafts?) – “Yeah, I think if there’s a really good player, an opportunity to get a really good player, we can’t pass up anything right now. We need some depth at some spots and at running back, obviously with no one under contract on the roster right now, would be one. And there are some good players in this draft. So we’ll always keep looking and you guys know how Mike (McDaniel) loves his running backs.”
(QB Marcus Mariota and QB Carson Wentz are examples of a couple veterans with pedigree. Interest in potentially one or the other, or someone very much like that?) – “Yeah, we’ve had some preliminary talks, Mike (McDaniel and I, just about the guy to come in and to be the right guy to fit for this offense and what we’re doing. So yeah, every player is on the table. We’ll talk about every one of them. We’ve talked about a couple of them already. But we’ll keep turning it over and try and find the right guy to come in. And the good thing is, I think a lot of people want to come in. They see the excitement of the offense and what Mike’s done. I know the Heisman winner made some noise with his tweet about wanting to play for Miami, which is always pretty cool because they see what Mike has done and his coaching staff has done offensively for us.”
(I was curious as you look to shape this defense in Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio’s vision and mold, how important of a priority is upgrading inside linebacker and safety this offseason?) – “You’ve heard Vic (Fangio) talk about Jevon Holland, how much he loves Jevon and getting some depth at that position will help with a couple guys there still, and then obviously with Brandon (Jones) coming back off his injury at some point here. The inside linebacker position, yeah, we really have two guys under contract there, so we need to build some depth and create some competition there. And we’ll do that. We’ve had some preliminary talks about stuff, but when we get back, we’ll really hit it with Vic here in these last couple of weeks before the start of free agency.”
(It’s a late-breaking story, obviously with Jalen Carter – is this something that scouting circles thought might be coming? Was it a surprise? And also, when a news like this breaks once before the draft, how much does it kind of rearrange workflow for a player like that?) – “I really just heard it walking over from a previous engagement, so I really can’t comment on it because I don’t really know about, and it’s a situation that if I don’t know anything like that, I don’t really want to comment. But in terms of when a story breaks on a prospect or player, it’s just at the end of the day, you just got to do your work and let it all play out. I mean, obviously, Laremy Tunsil was a situation we had here that we were able to take advantage of a situation that happened. So I don’t really judge anything until you know the facts and what’s going on. It would just be hard to comment.”
(I know you do a lot with the competition committee. Can you maybe detail what that looks like …?) – “It’s interesting to, I guess, kind of get behind the curtain a little bit. I think Troy (Vincent), and Rich McKay, who is the chairman of the committee, do a great job in the room. But it’s really cool to be there and listen to Coach (Mike) Tomlin, and Coach (Mike) Vrabel, the coaches there, Coach (Frank) Reich. And just talk about John Mara, and Stephen Jones, Katie Blackburn, and just talk about everything. You really see how they’re trying to drive the game for improvements. But really it’s a lot of debate, it’s a lot of listening and learning. And then you just have to have an opinion on stuff. You kind of talk to some of the other GMs and or head coaches to see where they feel about things. But at the end of the day, our group, we’re charged with making decisions of whether a proposal should move forward or not. It’s exciting. I’ve enjoyed it. A really good time. Like I said, Troy and Rich have been great and it’s been fun.”
(On the QB sneak and roughing the passer) – “(laughter) Well, I said it, I still think Jaelan’s (Phillips) wasn’t a roughing the passer, but I was in the minority of that one.”
(I want to ask you about your thinking on tight end. First, is what TE Mike Gesicki might be asking outside of your price range or does he not fit this offense? And then going back to price thing, given the salary cap situation, if you do pursue one in the draft, what would your prototype tight end look like? What’s your main quality you’re looking for?) – “I think the great thing about Mike McDaniel is that we’re just talking about what he looks at each position, and he says he can work with any type of tight end. So there’s really not a ‘we have to have this kind.’ So his flexibility in working with having just good players is the one thing that always makes things easier. Mike Gesicki has earned the right to become a free agent, as you heard me say, and he and I had a really good conversation before we left the building. And with him, I said, price range and what it is, I don’t know what his price range would be, but he’s been a good player in the league. He’s been a productive player and I’m sure he’ll have some suitors and like I said, we always say never say never around anything, but he’s earned the right and I’m sure he’s excited to see what his free agency options are.”
(When it comes to the injured players that were out this season – S Brandon Jones, CB Nik Needham, DE Emmanuel Ogbah – are they expected to be ready for OTAs? Or is there any sort of timeline for their return?) – “Yeah, I think with all those injuries, everything’s kind of fluid on that. It’s kind of always hard to say when someone’s going to be back, with their timelines. But I will say all our guys have been in every day working hard to get back. The good thing about living in South Florida, these guys are always around and Troy (Maurer) and Kyle (Johnston), and Nao (Inoue) do a great job, and Jon Boone working with those guys. They enjoy working with them, which is fun, so they’re always in rehabbing. So for us, it’s not rushing them back. It’s just making sure they come back ready to go.”
Mike McDaniel – February 28, 2023
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Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Head Coach Mike McDaniel
(In regard to the decision on QB Tua Tagovailoa and the fifth-year option, what role do you think concussions and durability should play in that discussion?) – “I think like any other player, you factor in every variable. I think one thing that when you’re talking about those types of decisions, I think it’s important to recognize that we have a congruence of interest by the Dolphins and the player – Tua – that both parties really want him to play at a very high level for a long time for the Miami Dolphins. So what’s the best way to really engineer that or to help manifest that? Well, those are the things that we’re kind of weighing in terms of the various options with the same desired end (result) as Tua would like. So you factor in everything as best you can, but that’s part of this game that we’re all involved in, is there are some unknowns. So you weigh those and you press forward and make the best decision possible for the organization.”
(Are you close to making a decision on the fifth-year option?) – “I mean, what is today’s date? It’s in February. Our deadline… so we’d probably be best served utilizing the time – that’s kind of the way we’re approaching it, but that doesn’t mean we’re spending any long period of time not discussing it. This is something that Chris (Grier) and I have been working through and will continue to work through.”
(What do you make of CB Byron Jones’ tweet and now that we’ve been a bit removed from the season, what can you tell us about what went down?) – “I’m not a big tweeter, but I know it’s a tough situation from a competitor that loves to play the game of football. I think the one thing I will say is that throughout the process, Byron (Jones) has been able to be the conductor of the train and I think the Dolphins organization, the entire training staff and the medical department have supported him on every turn, and I think we’ll continue to do that as he presses forward.”
(Did CB Byron Jones at any point during the season express any concerns about the care he was getting?) – “To me specifically? No. I try to keep my ear to the street, so to speak, but I’m not sure how – the bottom line is he feels the way he feels and I think as a leader of professional athletes, I empathize with how everyone truly feels. I think all I can do is support. I know Chris (Grier) feels the same way. We can just support the player and the process and do best with that.”
(With nobody in the running backs room under contract for next year it’s kind of an opportunity to … What qualities are you looking for as you build this running back room?) – “The best qualities. Good follow-up. (laughter) I think it’s one thing I’ve been fortunate – being in the same system for like, 18 years, or whatever it’s been; is you see there’s a lot of different ways that you can get to the desired result. So I think first and foremost from the running back position on our team, you need a team player that’s willing to do whatever it takes to win. We have good players surrounding the running back position so you’ve got to be willing to pass block and do things off the ball. I think there are many different types of running backs that can excel in this offense given whatever their skillsets are, so to me, I just want team-oriented guys that enjoy getting the ball, fighting for yardage and trying to win football games as a result. So I’m very open-minded to all the skillsets across the board and just looking for guys that are completely invested in joining our ongoing process to be as good as we can be.”
(Backup quarterback, do you think QB Skylar Thompson is ready to take on the role of QB2…?) – “I think really when you assess Skylar’s play as a rookie, he did a lot of things to deserve to be in competition and to have an open mind to him being – to winning the backup quarterback role. I don’t foresee that being unchallenged by any stretch. I think when you look at the position from its entirety from a year ago; well a year ago, we had a one-man room that there was a lot of questions with regard to where Tua was at in his development of his game and we needed someone to come in that could really help him take a step in the right direction to be a starting quarterback in the National Football League at a high level. I think Teddy (Bridgewater) came in and did that. I think as it stands right now, I was happy with what Skylar was able to do under the pretense that he’s going to continue to get better, and I think Tua is in a different spot. I think the team is in a different spot. And I think there’s some competitive advantages that we can bring to the room through free agency and that’s what we’ll look to do, is at least have some – there will be competition regardless in the room, regardless of who we sign – but I think that’s something that we’re definitely interested in to make the quarterback room better.”
(You made some changes on the coaching staff, but it seems like you’re retaining Special Teams Coordinator Danny Crossman. Was there consideration to make a move there and if not, what do you like about what he did last year?) – “So for me, it never really crossed my mind, and that just comes as a result of daily evaluations of all coaching involved in the building. I think that the Miami Dolphins fanbase, the players and Danny and myself would all agree that the desired results, we have more to achieve; but if I would have determined that that was solely his – if I thought that we couldn’t get to where we need to get to go with Danny Crossman, I would have made a move. I definitely didn’t feel that way and that just comes as a result of daily investment into the coaching staff and what he brings to the table.”
(What about the same as it applies to your offensive line coach? You did make a change there …) – “So realistically, the way the staff was orchestrated the previous year, I really needed to get more offensive coordinator work out of Frank Smith and he was devoted a little too much to the offensive line. And I needed more, selfishly, to alleviate some stuff off my plate; and so that was the motivating factor to make that move, was to facilitate Frank Smith being able to appropriate his time more as a coordinator and less in the offensive line room.”
(What are your thoughts on Bills S Jordan Poyer potentially making his case to come to Miami?) – “Well, I’m not in the business of tampering. (laughter) And I believe – I mean, you guys might be trying to get this second-year hustle on me, but we need every draft pick we can get, so I’m all for Dolphins fandom and the more players that even if they’re on our opponents’ team; if they’re cheering for Dolphins, I think that’s good for all of us.”
(Ran Carthon told the story about RB Elijah Mitchell and how you put that tape together. What was your experience dealing with Ran and what is it that you think will make him a good GM?) – “Ran Carthon is somebody I’ve had several years of experience in the National Football League with. I have no doubt in my mind that he’s going to do this job as well, if not better, than the last job he had. This is the type of person he is. I think the Tennessee Titans are getting a guy that’s motivated for the right reasons to do what he does best, and that’s evaluate football players. I think he has a great scope of what it takes for a team to win and all the different variables that are encompassed in that. I think he’s a leader of men. I think he’ll get the best out of his department and I think especially since he complimented me, I can’t say enough nice things about him.”
(On DeMeco Ryans becoming head coach of the Houston Texans) – “Oh buddy, these are two of my favorite people. So Ran Carthon transitioning to DeMeco Ryans. I’m just glad that I didn’t have to interview against him. This guy is unlike any other coach I’ve been around where I really haven’t been around a guy that is old enough where we drafted and I was there for his Year 1 as a rookie. Oh by the way, he called the defense and was Rookie of the Year and immediately the best player on our defense. Fast forward to his first year in coaching and he excelled at the same rate as a quality control defensive assistant, which had expedited, fast-tracked to position coach and then he had the pressure of following Robert Saleh and that elite defense and you know what? I think at every juncture he’s just been first-class, high-level human being. The bottom line is as a head coach, your job is to make everyone around you better and at every walk that I’ve been able to view him from age 22 on, that’s all he’s ever done. So it’s very rare that you get such a leader of men that is willing and able to be a coach after having as illustrious of a career as he did. So I think the best is yet to come for that franchise and I know he couldn’t be happier to be in there.”
(Just to round out with all your favorite people, Bobby Slowik is going to be the offensive coordinator in Houston. In having a similar background to you but also his ability to work defensively when he was in Washington, what do you think that gives him an advantage in play calling?) – “I think it’s a huge advantage because it’s almost like being bilingual. To be able to speak that language and understand the motivating factors from that defensive side of the ball and accruing multiple NFL seasons doing so, I think it’s invaluable. I think not all coaches, myself included, are afforded that opportunity and I know from every person that I’ve been around that’s experienced something like that, it pays unbelievable dividends. You have a tireless, hungry worker in Bobby Slowik that has an exuberant young mind, but also is grounded in a lot of football principles both offensively and defensively that every team would be fortunate to have.”
(There has been some discussion at the league level about some of the quarterback runs that we’ve seen. From an offensive philosophy standpoint, what do you think of it, and is it something that could catch on?) – “I think it’s cool anytime someone is able to execute something when the opponent knows it’s coming. I don’t care who you are, that will be attempted by every team if they could guarantee the rate of success that the Philadelphia Eagles were able to do it at. It isn’t the coolest highlight reel of football to watch; but nonetheless, I appreciate what it takes to excess at that because I’m pretty sure that every team in professional football has attempted the quarterback sneak. Any time you’re entering the grounds of 100 percent attempt, but then you have one team that does it at that level of certainty of outcome at that high of a percentage, there will be attempts to re-create it. However, I wouldn’t expect it to have the same residual results. I’ll abide by any rule.”
(If there is one thing you would tell yourself from before you became a head coach to where you are now, what would it be?) – “Have bigger muscles. (laughter) No, I think I’m grounded enough to understand that I don’t think you necessarily want it to be all roses. Part of the beauty of this job is to handle some turmoil. I think I’m pretty comfortable with where I am with that. I think I’d probably tell myself to just get ready (because) you’re going to want to win more for the franchise even more than you can conceive, and that’s ok. So don’t hyperventilate.”
(How do you see the defense fundamentally changing under Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio?) – “I think it’s kind of an unfair comparison to a degree. I think in my NFL career, Vic is one of one in my opinion, of creating and innovating and sustaining high-quality defense. I don’t know about you but in 1995, I was 12-years-old and cheering for the inaugural Colorado Rockies. He started coordinating defenses at that time. But then has been able to adjust it to the game, and to the things he’s having to defend and to the players that he has. I think having the opportunity to add Vic Fangio is as exciting of an opportunity in the offseason that I could have. I think all players on defense will benefit from it. I know myself included, I’ll benefit from the process of being able to work with him on a daily basis and tap into his infinite wisdom. I mean shoot, last week, just in one week in the office with him, I had a couple of hours of just very gratifying football conversations that will just help me moving forward form the head-coaching position. On top of that, he was giving me stories on Pat Swilling and Kevin Greene – just stuff that from a football historical perspective, I very much appreciate. Just last week, I got to find out about his simulated pressures that he’s so famous for – what provoked him, what was the advent of that and when it was. Just that stuff is very interesting but now you take it a step further. When you have a guy that is innovating, over time, I think the residuals for players are really everything they sign up for.”
(On LB Channing Tindall’s progress) – “I’m expecting a big offseason and a big jump in Year 2. Channing knows that. He has that expectation for himself. He worked very diligently. But I think it’s a matter of him really being able to visualize and really carry out all assignments within the defensive structure that I know he’s really mandating for himself to take another step. I think he did a great job with the reps that he had, and the scout team, during the year for practice. He did develop. But we’re excited about this next year opportunity to really take advantage of some opportunities he will have.”
(On if he’s looking for wide receivers) – “I think you wouldn’t – outside of the known entities, Tyreek (Hill) and Jaylen (Waddle), their roster spots are not up in question. I try to refrain from penciling in any player in any sort of position as best I can only because honestly, the way I approach the whole scenario is that if you want a job, you can win it. It’s going to be based on the merit on the field. I think there is opportunity there. I think there are some guys that aren’t on the roster that will be on the roster. Who those guys are, that’s the million-dollar question. The bottom line is we’re going to have an atmosphere that’s going to – you’re really going to have to thrive in a competitive atmosphere because there are talented players that you’re going to have to compete with to win the job of the third-most targeted receiver.”
(On game management) – “I wouldn’t be honest if I told you that going into the season, I wouldn’t expect some natural learning curve. There is a lot of responsibility that I don’t pull any punches. It’s a difficult job. That being said, I feel like there are clearly some situations I’d like to have back. There were some situations that I was ok with. I think that really, every year for me, I’m going to have a high level of anxiety if I’m not finding stuff that I can’t completely get better from. That belief that you’re constantly a better version of yourself, that drives me. There are plenty of situations that – we had as many pre-snap penalties, I think we led the league in them offensively. So obviously there is a lot of work to do that we’re all excited about rectifying. Clock management is just another layer of things that I’ve already begun the process of – call the play faster.”
(On how watching tape of themselves will benefit the offense) – “It’s going to be huge. Little written about scenarios that our offensive players haven’t had an offseason where they are watching themselves in half a decade or maybe more. That’s incredibly important. I even throw digs in jest; but I had to be reminded by coaches on staff last year that this is like the fourth consecutive season that these guys have watched a different team’s cut ups in the offseason and haven’t watched themselves. That adds up fast. I’m very, very excited for the players being able to come back and digest the system and not have any variance offensively. We’ll just be correcting, building, and improving upon what we did last year.”
(Do you have updates on injured guys?) – “(Emmanuel) Ogbah is doing well. I just saw him in the facility and he high-fived me and I had to jump. He looked great to me. He’s been recovering soundly. Brandon Jones is continuing to work. Nik Needham is in good spirits and has had no setbacks in his recovery.”
(Do you see any scenarios where TE Mike Gesicki returns next year?) – “There is always a spot for good players. I think that Mike has earned the opportunity to test the market and I very much encourage that. That’s being in charge of doing our best to take care of their careers as best we can. But for him to have that opportunity to go earn, we very much encourage that. However, we are not in the business of saying no to good players. I wouldn’t close that door at all.”
(What attracted you and General Manager Chris Grier to S Verone McKinley III that allowed him to start games down the stretch?) – “His football acumen. He came in as an old soul, where if you didn’t have the flip card, you’d think he’d been in the league for 10 years with how he went about his business. It was first and foremost a priority for him, which is why he was able to be relied upon down the stretch as though he was a vet. I think those qualities are a common denominator amongst undrafted players that succeed in the National Football League and he exemplifies that, where you have a guy come in with expectations for himself that are far greater than the draft or undrafted free agent money allotment. All the stuff that we perceive, they go above and beyond to set their own course in their career. He very much did that.”
(On QB Tua Tagovailoa doing judo this offseason) – “Jiu-jitsu.”
(A couple of weeks ago, QB Tua Tagovailoa said that he was working on how to fall. Is that something the team facilitated?) – “It’s something that we had various ideas. Some of which I won’t repeat because they weren’t as good as that one. We were willing to go to any length. However, with him getting invested in it and really talking to him and hearing how the trainer is invested in him and how he was really into it and getting good residuals from it, we feel very comfortable in terms of this being best preparing him for things that he hasn’t otherwise been able to prepare for. It’s something, like a follow-through throwing motion, it’s something that we’re trying to train and he’s 100 percent all in, attacking it with vigor and exuberance.”
