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Ndamukong Suh – July 31, 2016 Download PDF version

Sunday, July 31, 2016

Defensive Tackle Ndamukong Suh

(On how the Wide 9 defense will benefit the team) – “I think I’ve said it before: me, personally, I’ve had a lot of success in it. I think we have – in my opinion – the best coach that has an understanding of how the defense is ran in ‘Wash’ (Senior Defensive Assistant/Pass Rush Specialist Jim Washburn). Mix that with (Defensive Coordinator) Vance (Joseph) and all the other coaches – like (Linebackers Coach) Matt Burke who’s been in this system for a long time and understand it and knows how to get his linebackers prepared – I think it’s a great situation for us. We just have to make sure we stay healthy while we’re out here at camp, putting our first day of pads on, (and) just go out there and be physical and then come downhill and learn how to play the run as well as transition to pass.”

 (On whether the Wide 9 defense places pressure on the linebackers) – “In my opinion, no, because the guys up front should be making it easier for them, giving definitive places to come downhill (and), at the same time, understanding that when they need to drop back in pass, we’re making it very clear for them, because we’re up field and getting after the quarterback and things of that nature. I think if we’re running at the correct (place), we’ll be making it a lot easier for them and allow them to see things a lot clearer.”

(On whether the first practice in pads felt different) – “No. It’s never different. It feels good actually. I love being in uppers. Spiders, it’s a little too thin, but we understand that’s one of the ways to keep us healthy throughout the year. But as professionals, if we learn how to practice in shoulder pads consistently, we’ll be very good.”

(On his comfort level in his second training camp with the Dolphins) – “I don’t have the transition of not having to deal with moving a house or things of that nature. Outside of that, I have a great team. Like I said before, (Director of Player Engagement) Kaleb (Thornhill) and his team have done a great job when I was coming here last year, of easing that pain for me. (It is) really just coming out here and focusing on football. We go into the hotel, buckle down and get ready to practice.”

(On the defense’s struggles against the run last season) – “You never want to be part of a defense that struggles, no matter where you’re at. I’ve been a part of struggling defenses before. I’ve been a part of great defenses, breaking records and different things of that nature. After having tasted success, you never want to see anything else. For me – and being seen as a leader – and somebody with a vocal point – I always really graded myself and my success off of how our team does, not individually.”

(On his leadership role) –“I’ve always been a person to lead by actions. I think leadership – from a vocal standpoint – people always have their rights to say things, but you always got to back it up from a playing perspective. Really, actions always speak louder than words. That’s how I view it.”

(On how DE Mario Williams can help the defense) – “I think Mario Williams can help us a lot. We have a great cast of guys on the defensive line. Mario will definitely be an intricate piece of that as well as a handful of other guys we have out there that you guys may not be aware of or know of at this point.”

(On what DE Jason Jones does best) –“’J.J.’ (Jason Jones) is a very versatile defensive lineman. He can play inside, outside, can stand up. He can pretty much do anything for us. He also knows how we like to run and call our plays when we get in certain formations and (are) doing certain things. ‘J.J’ is a huge help, and he was a huge help to me in (Detroit in) 2014, helping me call plays and do different things. It’s great to have another partner in crime that you’ve been with before.”

(On the energy in camp with a new head coach and defensive coordinator) – “I’m excited. I look forward to speaking to (Defensive Coordinator) Vance (Joseph). (I) had a long conversation with him yesterday about what he needs from me and, really, the focus that we need to do as an overall defense. (Head Coach Adam Gase is) a very energetic guy – very competitive – as is Vance. To have both those guys wanting to compete against one guy who’s on your side, it’s always fun to have that.”

(On whether he enjoys Head Coach Adam Gase’s trash talk to the defense) – “Yes, no question. It’s fun to have that. You always want your coaches to push you critically as well as emotionally overall. I’m happy with what we’ve got as a coaching staff. I think, at the end of the day, it’s about us as a group and as a defense to collectively come together and put everything together and go out there and perform.”

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