Danny Crossman – December 21, 2023
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Thursday, December 21, 2023
Special Teams Coordinator Danny Crossman
(What went in to being prepared for that fake punt last week? Is that film study or is that reading a key as the play happens?) – “It’s not necessarily a key. They have had some success over the last two years in those types of situations on short to medium where they’ve used it to try and get some things jumpstarted. So any of those situations, it was one of the things that we were alert for. Now once you’re alert for it, there’s a myriad of things that they could have done – run, pass, pass inside, pass outside. Good execution. The call we were in was one we thought we could be a little bit good on everything and the guys did a great job executing.”
(Were there some tells with the Jets where certain Jets players were lined up?) – “No, it was their base punt group. It was more the down and distance and field position where we were alert for something.”
(With RB Chris Brooks activated, what could he potentially bring to special teams?) – “Well, he was really doing a good job. His evolution from where he was when he got here to when he made the roster through training camp, and then each game he was participating in, he kept getting better and better. Hopefully, we’re able to restart that and at worst, start him off to where he was when we’re able to get him back on the field. But a good young player. I’m really happy that he’s back as a possible availability for the game.”
(What was that game like just with the shuffling of the special teams unit, because a lot of guys had to play defense that you usually had on special teams?) – “Yeah, it’s always an issue. When you have injuries, there’s always a trickle down. This year, especially the last couple of weeks, it has been magnified a little bit more. But that’s just part of it. You’ve got to prepare for it. You talk about it and a lot of times, it’s one of those things you talk about, you communicate, you go over stuff and it doesn’t happen. Whether you look at it as a positive or a negative, it’s happened the last couple of weeks where we’ve lost guys and guys have had to step up and groups change and play time changes and positions change. It’s a process, but the players have done a good job. And again, it all starts with Mike (McDaniel) from the jump start of hey, we’re working with a 69-man roster and guys are getting elevated at the very last second, guys getting flexed at the last second, guys roles changing at the last second. The players have bought in because, especially now that they’ve seen it happen the last couple of weeks, it really adds credence to what we’re preaching.”
(What stood out to you on what CB Ethan Bonner did on special teams? I know he got in some on defense as well. But on special teams, specifically, I saw him on some kickoffs, some punts.) – “Another deal where he was a last-second end-of-the-week elevation and played on two of the phases and did a good job of what we asked him to do. We’ve talked to him a couple times this year and in these meetings. He’s a talented young player who, once he starts getting experience, he’s got a chance to even be a better player.”
(I don’t know the exact position title, but he was on the far-left side for the kickoff coverage.) – “Yeah, he played the one spot for us on kickoff.”
(Is that a lot about speed?) – “It’s a combination. That’s a position that we ask that guy to do a couple of different things based on what we’re doing. But again, he’s a smart, heady player who hasn’t had a lot of reps and to be able to go out there and execute at the last minute, I was happy with how he performed.”
(What trait stands out with WR Braxton Barrios when you look at him as a returner?) – “Number one, ball security. We had the one muff early in the year but ball security, you feel good about him handling the football. Decision making, which is paramount in that position. And then most importantly, then once he gets the ball in his hand, he’s fearless.”
(A question for you putting on your veteran football coach hat about teams playing a team that’s coming off of a loss. Dallas is, obviously Kansas City was, Philadelphia was. You guys were laser focused last week. You haven’t lost back-to-back games. Is there something about a team coming off a loss that you worry about? How do you account for that?) – “I don’t ever think about that. I look at who they are, what they are, the personnel, how talented they are, how well-coached they are. I’m assuming every week we’re going to get their best shot. It’s the same idea when you see teams on winning streaks. Is there any difference between a team coming in on a six-game winning streak and a one-game losing? I have no control over what they’re doing. I just make sure that as much as we can, we’re focused on what we’re doing. And if you get their best shot, it’s a good football team.”
(Dallas’ kicker has an unusual – like a lot of kickers – has an unusual background. Out of left field, do you ever watch soccer games and think..?) – “Yes, I do. But not with that idea. What he’s done, it’s really remarkable and they’ve done a great job with him. Obviously, if you take every kicker in the National Football League, they all have a soccer background. It’s all been part of it. He’s just different because his background ended a year and a half ago, in terms of playing soccer. Really impressive kid and it wouldn’t surprise me – it’s like anything else. It only takes one. I wouldn’t be surprised if more and more guys now don’t maybe pursue that route of going to some of the offseason camps and getting acquainted with some of the coaches around the league that work primarily just with punters and kickers and try and make that avenue to the National Football League. But he’s been super impressive.”
(What do you think of Lionel Messi as a kicker?) – “(laughter) More than willing. (laughter) More than willing.”
(You said you watch soccer, just you love the game?) – “Years and years ago, I had an English player who was a kicker for me in Carolina and he was a big soccer fan. I didn’t know much about it, didn’t follow it. Him constantly talking about it, and then obviously on Saturday and Sunday mornings talking about it, and it started showing up. It’s something that – (Assistant Special Teams) Brendan Farrell has it on his TV every Saturday morning so when I walk in there, there’s always something going on. It’s something I enjoy in the offseason. This time of year, I don’t watch anything.”
(Are there a lot of people in this country who could make a bunch of 65-yard field goals but the problem is they can’t consistently repeat a technique?) – “I think there’s a lot of things. Yeah, could they just go out there and put a ball on a stick and do it? Yeah. Now you add a holder. Now you add a snapper and a holder. Now you add the protection with people coming at you. Then to your point, then do it time and time again. It’s an acquired long process to be able to do it on a consistent basis, which is what makes what we’re seeing now so impressive with what’s happened in Dallas.”
(So what’s your favorite soccer team? Be careful.) – “Well, sadly for a long time I was a Chelsea supporter and it’s been hard the last couple years. (laughter)”
