Kenny Stills – June 1, 2016
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Wednesday, June 1, 2016
Wide Receiver Kenny Stills
(On what he notices that’s different about the offense under Head Coach Adam Gase) – “Just all the opportunities out there to make plays. We’ve had a couple of OTA practices and the veteran minicamp and just all the opportunities out there to go out there and make plays and we’ve got to capitalize on it.”
(On his thoughts about the first time going into a contract year) – “I’m not really thinking about a contract year. It’s another year for me. I was disappointed with the way things went for myself individually last year, and as a team last year, and all I can do is try and better every year. That’s been my focus this offseason and going into this next season.”
(On if he’s looking forward to more opportunities) – “(I’m) definitely looking forward to more opportunities but the main goal is to win. Regardless of what we’re doing as individuals, we want to win. (If the) offense puts points on the board (and) we go out there and win games, we’re happy.”
(On how good he thinks the receiving corps can be) – “There’s no cap on what this receiving corps can do. We just come in and work every day. We’re pushing each other. We’re a young group. We’re hungry and that’s exciting for us and that should be exciting for everyone else.”
(On why he was disappointed about last season) – “Honestly, there’s not too much to talk about with last year. It’s last year. It’s over with. But just knowing that I have high expectations for myself and higher expectations (for the team), and that’s it.”
(On if he was surprised when WR Leonte Carroo was drafted in the third round) – “No. I mean you understand what’s going on with the team. It’s not something for me to really worry about. I feel like the more guys, the better. And it’s just going to make our group better.”
(On WR Leonte Carroo) – “He’s great. He’s smart. I mean he’s paying attention (and) he’s knowing his stuff. He’s out there making plays today. Like I said, the better our group is, the better we’re going to be as a receiving corps and as an offense. So I’m happy to have him. I hope he shows out every day.”
(On his thoughts about WR Jakeem Grant as a receiver and if he can see him contributing on offense) – “Yeah. He’s a playmaker. He’s a playmaker. You can put him anywhere. He’s going to provide mismatches for the defense. We’re an exciting group right now. We’ve got a long way to go. We’re just going to keep pushing each other and working hard and hopefully we can put the best thing on the field when the season comes.”
(On if he is concerned about not getting as many opportunities with so many quality receivers on the team) – “No. We want to win. We want to win and if that takes eight guys, ten guys, two guys, whatever it takes. Winning is what we’re after.”
(On if he can develop better chemistry with QB Ryan Tannehill in his second season with the team and where their chemistry is at right now) — “(We) definitely can create better chemistry. I’ve been here all offseason working together with him and it’s just one of those things. It takes time and so the more we continue to work at it, the better we’ll get. That’s our goal. Just to work, work, work and things will show up there on the field.”
(On if Head Coach Gase has talked to him about trying to acquire him while Gase was in Chicago) – “He said something to me about it but it was the same thing he told you guys, I guess. It’s just one of those things. It’s cool to hear and it’s great that we’re connecting now and hopefully it leads to good things.”
(On why he thinks Head Coach Adam Gase believes he’s a good fit for this offense) – “Just with all the different things all the receivers can do in this offense and the way we move around. It takes a smart, good route-running, fast (receiver). There’s a lot of things that come into being a receiver in this offense and I think he believes that I can do that. I believe I can do all those things and so that’s why he seems to think I’m a good fit.”
(On what specific skill he thinks he brings to the offense) – “I mean that’s not something that I really think about. It’s something for you guys to talk about. Everyone says I run fast. I run fast. I mean we’ve got fast guys on this offense. I can do anything that you need a receiver to do and so I’m just trying to get better. I want to improve on my stuff from last year and kind of show people that I can be one of the guys that makes plays in this offense.”
(On his yards per catch average and how significant that is for him) – “It’s not that significant. It’s something that people write up stats talk about. Obviously, I like to make big plays. I’d love to continue to do that but that’s not something I’m worried about.”
(On losing a lot of talent in the off season and if he was surprised that those guys left) – “I don’t think that’s something you really think about but I’m happy for guys to go out there and make some money. They’re my teammates, they’re my friends, (so) you’re happy for them and I wish them the best. We’ve got guys here that can step in and fill those shoes.”
(On how the cornerbacks are using their size and if he’s noticed a difference with them) – “I wouldn’t say I notice a difference but they’re doing a great job. Big, long corners can disrupt you at the line of scrimmage and so we’re getting really good work and it’s just going to make all of us better.”
(On if he’s changing the way he prepares for the season) – “You’re always trying to make changes. Obviously, if you’re disappointed in what happened the year before, or even if you had a great year the year before, you’re always trying to find that extra two percent to get better. So I’ve changed a little bit and I’m happy with where I’m at. I’m happy with how I feel and I have a huge chip on my shoulder to go out there and really show what I can do.”
(On what he is focusing on) – “Just every little detail that I can. (I’m) really coming in here and focusing on these plays. I’m the second-oldest guy in the room, so leading this group and knowing my responsibilities. (I’m) just being the leader that I can be, (knowing) that I’m the second oldest guy in the room now.”
(On if it’s the players or Head Coach Adam Gase emphasizing that last year was last year and the team is focused on this year) – “I think it’s both. I really think it’s both. We can’t do anything about last year and so all we can do is focus on what’s ahead of us. We’re doing a great job with that right now. There’s a great energy in this building. We’re all excited about where we can go and we just have to continue to put the work in and great things will happen out there on the field.”
(On where he feels the development is right now with installing the offense) – “Personally, I’ve been on top of it. As a team, I think we’re doing a great job. Like you said, we’ve only had a couple of practices and it’s a lot of stuff and we’re moving fast; but, I like where we’re at. All we can do is continue to just build on what we have right now and hopefully catch a solid wave into training camp.”
