Brian Flores – August 29, 2019 (Postgame)
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Thursday, August 29, 2019
Postgame – New Orleans
Head Coach Brian Flores (Transcribed by New Orleans Saints)
(Opening Statement) – “Before we start, I wanted to get this out in the open, I told you guys when we made a decision on our starting quarterback that we would let you know. So, we are going to name Ryan Fitzpatrick our starter for game One. (I) Told both quarterbacks, (I) feel like that’s the best situation for the team, puts us in the best position to win. That’s how we are going forward.”
(On the decision to start QB Ryan Fitzpatrick in Week 1) – “Well, like I’ve said all year long, after a thorough evaluation of OTA’s, training camp, games, practice, we felt like this was the best move for this team going into this season. Ryan has done a really good job from a leadership standpoint, from an execution standpoint, and we feel like that’s the best thing for this team.”
(When was the decision reached?) – “We made the decision – again, I would say the conversations that we have as a staff and the decisions we make – those are internal. I would say it was made over the course of the last week or so. Again, we are always going to do what we feel is in the best interest of the organization, and that’s where we’re at right now.”
(What does QB Josh Rosen need to do to get to the point where you’re comfortable playing him?) – “I’ve said multiple times, I think he’s improved greatly over the course of training camp. This is a young kid who works extremely hard. It is important to him. He’s talented, but playing quarterback in this league – it takes some time. He’s in a new offense, and I think he’ll get there. I do. I really do. That’s a conversation we had. I think he’ll get there at some point. When? I don’t know, and a lot of that’s up to him. He knows that. No knock on him, but he has worked extremely hard, but I think he will get there. This is a talented player. We’re excited about him.”
(How did both quarterbacks react when you told them QB Ryan Fitzpatrick was starting?) – “They both handled it well. These are two of the most professional guys I have been around. They both handled it really well. Obviously, ‘Fitz’ (Ryan Fitzpatrick) was excited. Josh was a little disappointed, but at the same time, he looked at me and said… well, I will keep that conversation between he and I (laughter).”
(Do you think there is a necessity to look at QB Josh Rosen as a starting quarterback at some point for a particular amount of times – six games, eight games, something like that?) – “No, that’s not something that’s – ‘Fitz’ is our starter. You don’t go into one of these, saying, oh, he’s going to start for this amount of games, and then we’re going to… that’s not how you do this. We feel comfortable with him as the starting quarterback. He brings the leadership, the experience and just an overall knowledge and ability to manage and run this offense, and that’s what we are looking for. I think he will do a good job.”
(With this move, do you think this can help QB Josh Rosen with his confidence?) – “His development is what we are… well the development of every player on this team is our priority, his specifically. When we talk specifically about Josh, his development is something that we as an organization – it’s a top priority. I think sitting at times helps your development. Hopefully that will be the case here.”
(For QB Josh Rosen to get the starting job, he’s got to show you through practice and studying habits…) – “Exactly. Exactly. Right now ‘Fitz’ (Ryan Fitzpatrick) is the starter. ‘Fitz’ is the starter, and obviously, we feel really good about Josh Rosen. We really good about all our quarterbacks. Jake went out there and played really well tonight. I can’t say enough good things about him and the way he has practiced and performed and when we gets in there and gets his opportunities, he takes advantage of them. I like our quarterback room. Hopefully we continue to grow and build as a unit and hopefully that transcends over to the entire team.”
(Is this a week-to-week decision?) – “Ryan Fitzpatrick is the starting quarterback and that’s how I see it.”
(Going in another direction, T Laremy Tunsil his name has been out there – the trade rumors. Have you talked to Laremy, and is there a possibility could be traded in the next few days?) – “Yeah, I talk to Laremy every day. There is no trade in place for him. Look, the conversations I have with players – like I’ve said many times – are between myself and the player. Those are private. We’re going to keep them private. Same thing goes for any conversations we have or don’t have as an organization. They’re private. We’re going to keep them private.”
(When do you expect to start making cuts? Will some come tomorrow, or will all of them Saturday?) – “Between tomorrow and Saturday. Obviously, this is a tough time of the year. That group – they went out there and battled tonight. I thought they played really well. I thought we’re really coming together as a team. You see the guys that weren’t out there encouraging the players who were out there. I thought we made plays in all three phases. I thought they really tried to play together tonight. That was good to see. This group has worked extremely hard over the course of training camp. It’s been hot. We’ve practiced in pads. I’m not an easy guy to deal with all the time, so they dealt with that. I’m really appreciative of the hard work that they’ve put in. I’m proud of this group.
