Christian Wilkins – October 17, 2022
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Monday, October 17, 2022
DT Christian Wilkins
(You guys are sitting here at 3-3. Do you believe in a sense of momentum? Like coming off three losses, would it feel different if you guys were coming off of three wins, if it was reversed?) – “I feel like the biggest thing is we definitely – obviously it’s different – but I feel like the best thing is we’ve got the right mindset and the right energy around the building. Guys aren’t growing weary. Guys aren’t putting their heads down, none of that. We’re just trying to figure it out. The best way to move forward is to come in the building every day with the right energy with the right mindset. It just gives us the best opportunity to win on Sundays.”
(Has that mindset come naturally for guys in the locker room or have the veteran guys had to sort of step up in front of the team?) – “The good thing for us is we got the right kind of guys in the locker room. So however that’s being handled within the locker room, that’s how it’s been handled and guys are doing all they can to make sure we can put the best result out there on Sunday.”
(Have you had a chance to talk to CB Nik Needham after the injury?) – “Yeah, I did. I actually called Nik (Needham) after the game and it’s obviously a tough situation because that’s a guy who comes in – you know, he was part of my draft class, and that’s my dawg – and he works his butt off every day to be the best he can be. Football means a lot to him. Personally, he’s my favorite guy on the defense. No disrespect to anybody. (laughter) But he’s one of my favorite players to watch and be around. So obviously, that’s a tough situation, but I got his back through it all and if he needs anything from me, he already knows I’m there for him.”
(What did you think of DT Raekwon Davis getting his first full sack?) – “I was happy for him. Raekwon (Davis) has working really hard and just to see his growth in Year 3 and becoming – well, not his physical growth, you can’t get much bigger (laughter) – but just his growth as a player and as a pro is definitely good to see and I’m glad he’s able to enjoy some success out there and get his first full sack.”
(Yesterday looked like the Dolphins defense we’ve all been accustomed to seeing in November and December last year. Was there anything said last week by any of the captains like LB Elandon Roberts or Defensive Coordinator Josh Boyer or something that you think made a difference?) – “Yeah, again, I’m not going to get into specifically who said what or did this, but like I alluded to earlier, just the right mindset by guys and just trying to figure things out and guys coming in every day preparing and doing all the little things right, and trying to really focus and do everything we can to be the best we can be.”
(What’s it going to be like with Steelers Senior Defensive Assistant/Linebackers Coach Brian Flores on the other side this Sunday?) – “Yeah, I mean, well, it’s just business as usual. We’re preparing to play the Steelers and obviously there’s history there with ‘Flo’ (Brian Flores) and everything, but we’re just preparing business as usual getting ready for the Steelers.”
(How difficult is it when you guys seem so locked in for the first three quarters of yesterday’s game – it was really just two or three plays that kind of broke it open for them, but for the most part, you guys were very much the defense…) – “No, that’s just how football goes and that’s just how it is in the NFL. You’ve got to really bring it and be on it every play. Because you never know when that play is going to come and if that one play, you’re not on it, things happen. It’s just good to see that but we can be and what we can accomplish and what we can do as a defense, but we’re always striving for perfection and to be the best we can be, even if we fall short.”
(Yesterday, CB Xavien Howard kind of talked about challenging everybody on the team to step up and make plays regardless of injury, quarterback situation. Kind of what has just the captains’ message kind of been after yesterday?) – “He’s right on with that, but really just be yourself, play within the schemes and make the plays when your number’s called and when it’s your opportunity. No one needs to be a hero. Just do what we’re asked, do your job and do it well.”
(You were one of the first guys to greet TE Mike Gesicki after his touchdown and Griddy. What were your thoughts on his Griddy?) – “It’s somewhat improved from the last time he did it. I feel like he’s been working on it some more, but still has a long way to go. (laughter)”
(With the team honoring the 1972 team this weekend, what do you know or what have you learned about that team?) – “That’s obviously a special team and they stand alone on their own. To go undefeated, win at all, I definitely got a lot of respect for those guys and our predecessors and the things they were able to accomplish because that’s not an easy task. I’ve got a lot of respect for that team. They deserve all the honor, praise and recognition that they’ll be getting this Sunday and hopefully we can represent them well and hold it down for those guys because I got a lot of respect for the history of the game and especially within the organization. I think that’s awesome they’ll be recognized and we’ll do some things for them.”
