Xavien Howard – April 19, 2023
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Wednesday, April 19, 2023
CB Xavien Howard
(So what makes this offseason so different in terms of participating in the offseason program instead of training on your own?) – “Learning a new defensive scheme. I’ve got to come in and understand the defense’s new scheme. So I just have to get used to it.”
(As you noted, it is a different defensive scheme. What are you most looking forward to? Because it seems like over your career, we’re used to you being a man-to-man guy. Maybe now you’re going to have a little more zone looks. What are you looking forward to?) – “I’m just on the second day of OTAs and stuff like that, so we’re studying and trying to learn some new stuff. Even though it’s going to be different, I’m sure there’s going to be a couple man (coverages) in there. Especially with the guys we got outside. I’m looking forward to it. It’s going to be a challenge this year for me to learn something different and play in a new scheme.”
(What are your impressions over the years of Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio from afar and then now?) – “His defense has always been top five, so he’s been doing a good job at that. I’m looking forward to having him on my side now and improve our defense.”
(Do you feel like your strengths could be playing a lot more zone?) – “Yeah. Getting my eyes on the quarterback is going to be something different. I’m not looking at the quarterback so now I’ll get my eyes on the quarterback and understand route concepts. I feel like it’ll help my game.”
(You can level with us now. The season has been over for three months. How much did your health impact your performance in 2022?) – “I’m healthy now. All I needed was some rest. With a groin injury, week in and week out, especially playing defensive back and playing a lot of man (coverage), it put me down a little bit. But I’m better now. I feel like I’m going to do better this year also. I’m just ready for it.”
(What do you think the cornerback position and CB Jalen Ramsey’s addition?) – “I love it. I feel like we’re definitely going to push each other and push everybody in the secondary, the whole defense, I’d say. They’re going to start with us. I love it. I’m looking forward to competing.”
(What’s the potential of the secondary? Can it be the best in the game?) – “I feel like the sky is the limit for the secondary. I don’t want to put nothing out there right now. We still have to play and we still have to do training camp and preseason. There’s a lot of stuff that we’ve got to get over.”
(What did you think of CB Kader Kohou’s rookie season?) – “Man, that guy got better each game. I’m looking forward to seeing him. This is his second year. I’m excited for him. I feel like he can do a lot of great things out there.”
(One of the things that you posted on social media is ‘People will think you fell off and the whole time you were …’ What was the thought behind that?) – “Just seeing people saying I’m washed, I’m getting older and stuff like that. Just a little bit of motivation. People are going to say this and say that. I’ve been proving the critics wrong my whole life so it’s nothing new.”
(Along those lines, how much of an extra motivating factor is it to have CB Jalen Ramsey on the other side as well? Do you want to be known as the best corner on this team?) – “Like I said, it’s motivation. We’re also going to compete against each other. We’re also going to make each other better. We’re also going to help the team a lot.”
(Can you explain your relationship with CB Jalen Ramsey? I think he mentioned that you guys met back in college.) – “Yeah, he came to my Pro Day in 2016.”
(What’s your friendship been like with him since then?) – “We’ve always been cool. We always respect each other and stuff like that. We had a relationship – he came to my Pro Day and we were just chopping it up before the draft and stuff like that. We always had a good little relationship.”
(What do you like the most about CB Jalen Ramsey’s game?) – “His physicality. What he does on the field. He can get interceptions but he can make big hits also.”
(I saw that you did a lot of hard training in the offseason. What were the areas of focus for your training?) – “I always do hard training every offseason. It wasn’t anything different. Like I said, I feel better now. With that little groin injury, I feel like I’m healthy now. That was something I was really working on was strengthening my groins and stuff like that.”
(You and CB Jalen Ramsey vs. WR Tyreek Hill and WR Jaylen Waddle, who you got?) – “Us all day. The DBs, we’re going to get it right. Those guys, we definitely have to worry about their speed on that side too.”
(In the beginning of last year’s offseason workout program, we spoke to you and you said there was a different energy in the building obviously with Mike McDaniel coming in. How would you kind of assess the vibes? How would you describe this year?) – “I’m excited about it. It’s the same way, I’d say. But we brought more new pieces to the team and guys that I feel like can help us win.”
(Going back to the groin injury, when did it first start to bother you? Was it sort of an up and down thing or was it constantly a sense of annoyance for you?) – “It started Week 2. The other side happened in Week 3. We ended up playing a long game against Buffalo and then we had a quick turnaround against the Bengals. I tried to (grind) it out but it didn’t happen. I ended up getting out in the second half. It’s hard to play with groin (injuries), especially on both sides. Even though I try to push through and help my team, I feel like I wasn’t helping at all.”
(The draft is coming up next weekend. What memory sticks out to you the most? The team traded up to get you. What memory sticks out the most?) – “Getting that call from the Dolphins. When I came on my visit, I didn’t like my visit here. And on draft day, I think (Mike) Tannenbaum called me. And he was like, ‘I heard you didn’t like our visit.’ I was like, ‘No, I loved the visit.’ Then he said, ‘Welcome to the Miami Dolphins,’ and stuff like that. (laughter) That’s definitely what I remember. And just them trading up for me. I think it was the Bears they ended up switching with. It meant a lot that they trusted me and believed in me.”
(Why didn’t you like the visit?) – “It was Lou (Anarumo). (laughter) That’s my guy though. Lou is my guy. I feel like he was being mean to me as soon as I got here. (laughter) I had just come from a visit in Tampa, so I had like a two or three day visit and I was like ready to go home. And he was like ‘Fix your face.’ As soon as I got in the car, he said ‘Fix your face, you’re about to meet the defensive coordinator, Vance Joseph.’ (laughter) Ever since then, me and Lou have been locked in.”
(When we talk about last year, we mention your groin and maybe not being your best year and all of that. You still made the Pro Bowl, you were still voted for the Pro Bowl. What went through your mind? What does that say about the respect you have around the league?) – “I really didn’t like it. My expectations, I feel like it wasn’t Pro Bowl caliber. Even though I made it, I was like ok. But it made me even push harder. Like I don’t want to get in like that.”
(So you told Mike Tannenbaum that you loved your visit. But was there part of you thinking, ‘Miami? I don’t know how that’s going to work out.’) – “Nah, when I got that call, I was excited. I was happy. I thought I was going to go in the first round but ended up going second round. I just loved everything about it. It was Miami. It was something different. I didn’t really know much about it but then when I got here, I loved it. I’ve been here going on eight years. It worked out for me.”
(What are your thoughts on the organization? From the time you’ve been here, you’ve seen rebuilds and now it seems like every year, Chris Grier goes out and makes a huge splash to kind of go for it. What do you think about where the organization has come in the last few years?) – “Since 2016, there have been a lot of changes since I’ve been here. I feel like we finally got a team that I feel like we can go further. Doing all the things we’ve been doing around here, I feel like this is a team that can go farther.”
Mike McDaniel – March 27, 2023
Monday, March 27, 2023
Head Coach Mike McDaniel
(On if he knew who Brock Purdy was at the time) – “Yeah, that was a guy that was firmly on our radar in the draft. We ended up personally and as an organization, we took Skylar Thompson, but he was very much in the conversation, so I was very aware of what type of player he was and then really, that he had a good strong camp, I think that he made an impression on the coaches enough for it to get back to me. So it wasn’t a moment where there is – immediately I am a human being so when Jimmy went down, there’s a moment where I’m not happy about that at all. the human connection. But there was no like, ‘all right, well, now we have a backup.’ It was like, ‘all right, we have another quarterback that presents different problems.’”
(How did you change your defense for him?) – “You can’t really within the plan. You just adjust your calls a little bit. You try to take advantage of the known obvious. That guy hasn’t got that many reps during the week, so you just try to – whenever you have a quarterback change in game, it’s very common. I think that game, it was common for us to try to blitz a little bit more to see if he’s on his reads and his timing was right and try to make some plays on defense. So we adjust that way consistently a lot of times depending on the quarterback if you think that they may not have gotten that many reps or he’s a rookie and he’s in his first regular season play. That’s very normal, so it wasn’t an indictment on him.”
(So a lot has happened since last time we spoke. CB Jalen Ramsey – how’d you find out that was possible and that you could pull it off and that Miami was where he wanted to go?) – “It was a very similar situation to that of the year before with Tyreek and in terms of, it kind of hits me out of nowhere and Chris Grier will come in my office in classic Chris Grier form and he has this look, that of like, ‘Hey, you’re going to like the news that I have.’ And so he says, ‘Yeah, I think we have an opportunity. They’ve reached out.’ And my immediate reaction was pretty candid and simple. It’s like, ‘All right, not talking terms, not talking what it’s going to cost. That would be a cool opportunity that would be hard to replicate.’ So that’s the litmus test. We very much value all – we are willing to trade draft, but we very much value them. But when we recognized an opportunity, we jumped on it. And I think to Chris Grier’s credit and Brandon Shore’s credit, they were able to get a fair deal and we’re elated to add a player whose competitiveness – my big thing is you add players that can make the rest of your team better. When players can make other people better, you’re onto something. Very excited for him and his ability to do that, the competitiveness that he’ll bring to the secondary and really overall excited about the person and the player and the element that he provides for our defense.”
(Obviously CB Jalen Ramsey, sort of like WR Tyreek Hill, has a star persona. Fits into Miami. Big personality, brought a BRINKS truck to practice…) – “Didn’t know that.”
(What is your plan to sort of manage this collection of star players with personalities?) – “My plan is I obviously have to be a bigger star than them. (laughter) No, to me, I don’t see that. I see all players as people that you, as a coach need to invest in. Guys that have a star ability that have been All Pros, they have big personalities; you can shy away from it which I think a lot of people run into problems, or you can really lean into it. I think it’s something that can make your team better. Anybody that has a star persona also carries a tremendous burden of expectations of performance. Those players generally – the ones that have been around – know that they have to pay the piper on Sundays, so they put in and go to work in the offseason and during the week in practice. That residual effect is instrumental to the performance of the whole team, so if you have a big personality with that, as long as you’re a good teammate – which all testaments, we did a deep dive on that – if you’re a good teammate that can only benefit. He’s got a magnetic personality and that’s really cool, and I like where we’re at with the various complements of personality on defense so that fires me up as well.”
(Obviously everybody’s looking for quarterbacks however they can find them, but getting a guy on a rookie deal like the way you guys are doing, is that just sort of the kind of ultimate goal, but like you said, a great benefit for teams?) – “Yeah, I think currently, it’s obviously a slight advantage from a salary cap perspective because of the most obvious thing in the world that veteran quarterbacks that play very well can approach 40 percent of your salary cap. So it’s just something that is currently the state that if you can, if you’re able to have a good team and be productive, yeah, you’re able to spend extra resources other places. Is that the model that – I think you can be opportunistic, yes, but the bottom line is you want the best players specifically at the quarterback position and when you have a known entity, you’ll pay what you have to pay and there’s a lot of teams that are having a lot of success with quarterbacks that are on rookie contracts, too.”
(Why QB Mike White and is he coming to be your backup or is there sort of a competition with QB Skylar Thompson?) – “I’m really pumped about Mike White. There’s a lot of things in his game that kind of reminded me of a player that I’d worked with in the past that when I left Houston, he was playing at a super high level – Matt Schaub. It’s a situation that will be a competition, and I really believe in both players and I think that benefits the team. I think that benefits the players in general. If you’re going into something with the idea to compete, I think ultimately between the two of those guys, the goal is to have competition, produce for the Miami Dolphins, No. 2 quarterback that can win games as the No. 1. Since the test of time competition has only helped competitors and players in terms of development, so really pumped about that opportunity to have him and really like the room, as we have as it stands right now.”
(You said at the Combine the organization will take its time with the QB Tua Tagovailoa fifth-year option and then decided to move fairly quickly after, so why then so quickly?) – “That’s something that like everything else that we do, we’re assessing all the pros and cons for really the organization and once we determined really the bottom line. The bottom line procedure was like, ‘Alright, well, the scenario of picking up the fifth-year option gives Tua the best chance to be his best and is the best thing for the organization.’ That’s what we’re really chasing. We’re chasing that – where both parties maximized an opportunity. So once we knew that – I hadn’t really paid attention to the fifth-year option timeline. It was more like, ‘All right, well, you know what, especially the media members that are in South Florida, they need to know this. We need to tell them this fifth your option is…’ I mean, once we knew we knew, so that way I didn’t have to play unnecessary poker face for no reason. We knew once we did our due diligence in our process, it made a ton of sense to us, so we wanted to communicate and get that done and move forward with our lives.”
(What have you been told about QB Tua Tagovailoa’s health and how he’s doing in his training?) – “All the best things that you could possibly hear just because this is not something that for a lot of people it happened and then you’re like, all of a sudden maybe thinking about it as the OTAs start again. This is something that our training staff and Tua have been attacking every day. He’s in a great spot. I’m really encouraged about the work that he’s doing for preventative injuries with his core and his neck training. His Jiu Jitsu stuff has been outstanding, so doing all the things that we can control to best position us and he’s in a great place because of that. He’s excited.”
(Have you watched QB Tua Tagovailoa do Jiu Jitsu?) – “I have experts that communicate with me, and those experts got word – I didn’t want to get in conflict with… That’s kind of gray. Am I coaching if I’m watching jiu jitsu? That’s kind of a violation, right? I can talk to Tua, but I can’t talk about football. So I’ve had the people that I trust get it back to me, so I didn’t violate any procedural issues. That’s not Mike McDaniel’s way.”
(You’ve been around Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio for a few months. What do you like about how he’s installing, his coaches, that defense and talking to you about what he wants to do?) – “Working with Vic since he’s been here has definitely validated everything that I thought when I made the decision to really target him as the defensive coordinator. I spent, I think it’s probably 20, about 20 hours a week for last several weeks meeting with the defense. And what’s very interesting in its own way, he looks at things a lot like I do on the defensive side of the ball. His devotion to tape, his devotion to coaching not in absolutes, but through relationships and really trying to get the best out of players in every way, shape, or form, allowing them to be themselves, not putting them in a box, not confining them. All these things are very similar to the way that I’ve always looked at football on the offensive side of the ball. So it’s been very encouraging and I don’t know, by all testaments, there’s been some reputation as Vic has gone through his career that he might be grumpy or something I don’t know. (laughter) All I know is in our office he’s the most cheerful happy-go-lucky guy there. So it’s been a great offseason experience and I’m excited to build upon.”
(You’ve played three close games against the Bills last year. Do you make moves during the offseason with them in mind?) – “You always have your division in the back of your mind. I think it’s important to create a team that’s its very best against all opponents because they are two very important games – division games, whichever team it is, but two games doesn’t get you to the playoffs. Two games doesn’t win your division, so you keep it in mind, but you don’t directly – I put it this way. If you have a good quarterback in your division… we have Josh Allen. We have multiple good quarterbacks, but just your example, the Bills, you better have good corners. So you think that way, but it’s not like you know their excessive strength and you have to be ready and prepared to deal with those, but you’re also motivated by just creating your best team against all opponents, all structures of offense and defense to be your best version of yourself.”
(With that though, it seems like the division has gotten a lot better and potentially it could add QB Aaron Rodgers in that same division. Just talk about the state of the AFC East and just how competitive it has gotten.) – “So it’s two prong. Yeah, it does make it more difficult the better your division is and I think our division is one of the… it appears to be building towards potentially being one of the better divisions in football. I’m careful in the spring to go too much over the top on paper, but I know exactly you’re saying and I don’t disagree. That being said, if your goals in football are not to just get to the playoffs, if your goal isn’t to just get to the playoffs; it’s not the worst thing in the world to have a very strong division. Granted, it still makes it more difficult to get to the playoffs, but if you are able to within that very good competitive division, you are much more battle-tested for the games that really, really matter. Because no one wants to just – we lived it once and one time was enough. Getting to the playoffs is cool. Over that. You want to win. And so playing good teams in the regular season however on the front end might seem, ‘oh, that’s tough.’ What else would you want if you’re really trying to actually win playoff games? If you’re trying to actually get to the AFC Championship, if you’re trying to win the AFC championship, if trying to win the Super Bowl? All those things, you better be a very good team and battle tested and our division should help us do that, but it’s going to be stressful.”
(What are WR Trent Sherfield’s strengths?) – “Trent is a wonderful teammate, a football player that is dependable, that is physical, that is fearless, that has a chip on his shoulder. Very good football player that I think he has a tremendous opportunity in that particular receiving corps to kind of grow in terms of how much he’s utilized. That’s one thing that is kind of tough. With the Dolphins, there’s a lot of good players, a lot of people to spread the ball around to. So I think, I’m happy for Trent and I know he’s hoping for the opportunity to get to be able to contribute even more than and build upon his career year he had last year.”
(What are some things about LB David Long Jr.?) – “The guy is a spark plug. The guy has true instincts at the linebacker position, and he’s, you know, one of my favorite things that I told him, right when I met him is like, ‘Dude, you are the inspiration for a guy that people have probably told you, you’re maybe a little undersized.’ And because of that he’s found so many different tools in his game to be successful that make him such a cool player how he defeats blocks with his hands and his feet. How he’s always finding the ball, how he beats other players on his unit to the ball in pursuit. These are all things that his coverage abilities, his ability to eliminate the space between him and the ball carrier and his ability to really be a quality tackler. Great fit for us and really excited to have him and he was always one of those guys that stood out on crossover for me. So that was another cool part is I’ve been watching him for a while so it’s exciting for our unit.”
(What do you like about WR Braxton Berrios?) – “I like a lot of things about Braxton. I like that he he’s a playmaker. I think the more assets that we have in terms of being able to make plays with the ball in their hands. You guys know I feel like we have a elite distributor in Tua (Tagovailoa). So if you have scorers, to use a basketball reference, I see Braxton as a scorer, a guy that can make plays with the ball in his hands. So those elements are extremely exciting, as well as really getting a boost for our special teams to make some plays in the kicking game. I think that’s where I’m hoping our both offensive and defensive units are going, special teams will be that much more important because field position will be that much more of an advantage for us. That’s the hope, so excited to have him and excited to get to work with him soon.”
(Was there any kind of consideration to make a bigger move at running back and what do you like about the continuity of the room?) – “So you take a look at the whole class and ultimately we had the opportunity to bring two of our strongest character contributors and really players we depend on in Raheem (Mostert), and Jeff (Wilson). They’re both, I think, above 4.7 yards per carry and when I look at the tape, I think there’d be a little bit of a different feeling if… we didn’t run the ball, not because they didn’t run the ball well. We didn’t run the ball well in games that we were overly injured or some games I just didn’t call enough runs. So when you look at it historically if you can get a runner 4.5 plus, they’re doing something pretty good. I think we were able to get those two guys together which was very important, and I see them as a big part of our team and just the fabric and who we are as human beings; they really contribute to that locker room. I’m very excited to get those guys and I honestly believe they’re playing their best ball their careers.”
(On the toughest part of a rookie’s transition into the NFL) – “Oh, man, that that is tough. You know, the toughest part – the easiest ones are the guys that are fortunate enough to be in systems that are very similar to pro. Right now the biggest problem is, what no one’s talking about really, is there’s a lot of teams in college football that this is what players learn. This is their play call. Okay, no, it’s a picture from the sidelines. That’s not verbal. So then you go the NFL and you’re verbally instructed in the huddle what to do and it’s not as simple as a picture. It’s a bunch of words. That is hard to do, just that. On top of that, you’re playing within the NFL timing and the structure, the spaces are tighter. So guys from programs that do utilize huddle calls, that do operate in a huddle, those guys are the easier ones. Then it goes to the individual makeup and generally the guys that are hyper-obsessive have a chance as a rookie. Hyper-obsessive in terms of how to study because it is a huge learning curve, a huge learning curve. Then you just kind of get lucky sometimes because you find the right guy. I had one example; it was 2014 I had Taylor Gabriel as an undrafted rookie out of Abilene Christian and he was like, 5’7”. He got football, he got how to study and he had also the right resources within the room in Miles Austin and Andrew Hawkins to get this guy to be a pro. A lot of components. It is a tough situation, but some of the most dynamic players in the game come out year-to-year as rookie receivers. So it really puts a lot on the position coach to create a relationship where they can bridge all the gaps if there are huge gaps from systems and whatnot.”
(You spent time in Washington. What is it like now from outside looking in when you see a former owner of the team you used to coach for, Dan Snyder, selling the franchise?) – “I look at it like, ‘wow, the organization’s worth that much?’ And I couldn’t get free coffee? (laughter) It’s a cool process because to me, I look at it less as you know, business is business; I look at it as the health of our league. It’s very encouraging and to me, it’s the greatest litmus test that exists, how it seems that every sale of a team is for a larger number that I feel like – I don’t know if this is accurate, maybe Google could check – but I feel like Mr. Ross, for the Dolphins, when he bought the team was the first owner to buy a team for a billion dollars. For me, what it means is the state of the National Football League, there’s multiple billion dollars being discussed for that. I know the Broncos, it was like four and a half. That means the NFL has made a ton of good decisions and that we’re building in the right direction because people don’t spend that much money on something, unless it’s probably going to continue to grow.”
(When you worked for Dan, did you ever think this time will happen where you see him selling the franchise?) – “You know what – I get what you’re asking. When I worked there, I felt as though he was a guy that has lived his whole life to be the owner of that particular team. So it is surprising, I guess, from my experience, just because of my three years there. I didn’t necessarily see that coming, but in general, people have different reasons to do whatever. I’m not going to pretend to know everything that’s going on there. I’m just more looking at the fact that he’s able to – that business is good for the NFL pumps me up and I think that’s what I take from it.”
(Can you talk for a bit on the type of player the Patriots are getting in Mike Gesicki?) – “I’m excited for Mike (Gesicki) and I’m excited that he’s getting the opportunity. I think what you’re getting is a guy with a chip on his shoulder that is going to really, really go after it and do whatever the coaches ask of him. He’s a guy that I think the Miami fan base will miss and excited to see. It’s just unfortunate in a weird uniform, right? But that’s our business that we thrive in, but ultimately I’m excited about really where our tight end room is going and some of the things we’ve got going on there. Happy for Mike (Gesicki) that he’s getting the opportunity and know he’s going to do his very best to make the best of that.”
(I want to ask about what Byron Jones Tweeted last month about painkillers. He kind of suggested that people not take them. Has that spurred I guess an internal call to like, are we administering these the right way? What ways can we do it better? Or do you feel like the protocol you guys have followed with Byron and any other player has been right?) – “Now, so there’s a fine line. I don’t want to – I’m not going to in any way, shape or form dismiss anything that Byron (Jones) says about his experience at all. I respect it. I regard him and I trust him from his experience. However, I do have to acknowledge that one of the things when you’re in charge of things, is you have to pay attention to everything and everything that I’ve – I haven’t heard that be any sort of a consistent or a theme from other players. However, it does open your eyes to make sure you listen, but I have been very encouraged. I have the utmost confidence in everything our doctors and training team do and have done in moving forward. But you’re always – it just brings your awareness to it but haven’t heard anything in the slightest degree close to that with any of our other players. So I’m feeling good about the direction we’re going, but feel very sensitive to his experience and don’t wish that on anybody.”
(On whether there are plans for offensive line transactions) – “Oh, always have plans. There’s an opportunity cost for everything. So, I think one of the things in regard to the offensive line is that of course, you’re always going to want to upgrade every position. In the particular circumstance with the offensive line, do I think in order to upgrade the position for us with the talent that we have, do you want to spend $12-20 million dollars to do that? Is that the best way to spend your money? In our particular circumstance, you’re always trying to figure out what the perfect solution is for your team. In our circumstance, I want to get the guys that we have on the team better. Okay, but I also want to take advantage of, we have some ideas and thoughts of players that are still out there. We’re taking our time with the market and seeing how that plays out, and there’s some stuff we have in thoughts of the draft. But of course, that will be addressed. Obviously, from last season, depth can and will be tested, but you’re trying to do it within the framework of what’s the best and all your needs of your team and what you can manage as a coaching staff and what you need to outsource with additions of players that can’t be coach-driven.”
Eric Saubert – March 22, 2023
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Wednesday, March 22, 2023
TE Eric Saubert
(I know you have a prior relationship with Offensive Coordinator Frank Smith. I was just curious, back from his days with the Raiders, what was that relationship like? And how much of that was maybe a sticking point for you in making your decision to come to Miami?) – “Frank is awesome. I loved working with him in Oakland. I think he’s a big proponent, or I guess component of my development as a tight end, as a person. So, getting to reunite with him – we’ve kind of stayed in touch throughout the years. Getting to reunite with him is exciting for me. I love working with him and I’m looking forward to that.”
(You mentioned that he’s taught you a lot. What’s maybe one thing or one part of your game that he really helped develop or shine a light on to help you improve?) – “I think it was all encompassing. There wasn’t one thing. There were just so many things. I mean, run footwork, hands, technique, just being a pro, a lot of it. So, I owe him a lot of my development and like I said, just getting back with him is going to be cool.”
(You were there in Denver with Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio. What stands out to you about his coaching style as your head coach and did that play a factor in your coming here?) – “Yeah, Vic (Fangio) is another guy who I’ve loved working with. You talked about his coaching style. You know, he’s gritty, he’s a little old school but his defense speaks for itself. It’s one of the hardest defenses in the NFL to recognize the coverage. They hide that really well. Just all in all it’s just a tough defense to beat. You asked, was that a reason for me coming here? Not really, but Vic, getting to work with him again, like I said, him and I have a have a good relationship so the opportunity to work with him and compete against him is going to be cool.”
(I wanted to ask you about your mix of blocking and passing because I know that you’re an improved receiver and your numbers have been up. Is there an ideal mix to you like 90 percent blocking or 80 percent blocking and did they tell you anything along those lines?) – “That wasn’t really discussed. I don’t view my game as 80 percent, 90 percent. I think I’m a person that can do it all. Obviously, statistics are something that you can get hung up on. I’m definitely improving in the production aspect of my game and I look to continue improving. It’s just kind of funny, because when I was coming out of college, I was touted as only a receiver and now I’m being kind of touted as only a blocker. (laughter) So I didn’t lose that ability to receive it’s just kind of how you’re mixed in the game and what kind of opportunities you get. The ball’s got to be spread around between different guys on different teams you’re on. I take a lot of pride in my ability to be a receiver and a blocker. If I get labeled as a blocking tight end, that is what it is. But I know my ability and I’m looking to shed some light on that when I when I get here. I’m just excited to work.”
(Who did you hear from with the Dolphins either before you signed or after. Was it Jon Embree, Mike McDaniel, Chris Grier? Who’d you talk to and what did they tell you about what they saw your role being?) – “When I when I came down to Miami, I got to meet Chris Grier. I got to meet Coach McDaniel, Coach Embree. I guess I prefer to keep those kinds of conversations a little more close to home. But overall, just excited to get there and get to work with those guys. Whatever my role is going to be, it’s going to be and I’m a guy that will fall into his role as it kind of reveals itself. So, like I said, just excited.”
(You do a lot of things well, have you been surprised you’ve bounced around a lot and has it been frustrating over the course of your young career?) – “I guess looking back it’s not a surprising. I’ve come a really long way since my rookie year and I feel like right now, these past couple years, my development in Denver, I’ve just kind of really hit my stride … Miami is going to be awesome. Excited for the city. Excited to live there. So, I think the best is yet to come for me. So I’m just looking forward to it.”
(You’ve mentioned Head Coach Mike McDaniel, Coach Jon Embree and traditionally this offense has empowered players like you see yourself in terms of multifaceted. I’m curious how you think this offense in this system can get the best out of you as a player?) – “Oh yeah, for sure. I’ve been in this system before. There’s a lot of familiarity there. Obviously, you see guys like George Kittle on the Niners that can do it all, can do both and how that works, how that mirrors with play action, playing off the run, RPO, there’s a lot of opportunity in this offense for the tight end. Like I said, the roles we discuss, my role, whatever they ask me to do is what I’m going to do. Whether they need me to go break off a guy on third down, I’ll do that. Whether they need me to push the pile on third-and-short, I’m going to do it. That’s what I’m here for.”
(Tell us about LB Malik Reed as a player. What do you think he does well?) – “That guy, first of all, he’s a workhorse. He’s one of the first guys at the facility. Him and I, our lockers were right next to each other, so the past two years were pretty cool getting to know him, getting to compete against him. Great dude. His style of play. Just a motor, never going to stop, always chasing down the ball even if it’s 30 yards downfield. He’s got some sneaky pass rush. I think he led our team in sacks a couple years ago. So, his game is awesome. And like I said getting to compete with him again and (Bradley) Chubb as well. That’s going to be fun.”
(I thought of you when I saw that Miami was playing Drake in that NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. Did you ever play pickup basketball with the Drake guys and had you already chosen Miami when that came out. Did you watch the game?) – “Oh, yeah. So, I love basketball first of all. Back in my Drake days I did the whole intramurals thing. I played a few times pick up against the team. You know my allegiances were kind of challenged because it was right after I signed. I’m pretty sure that it was the next day they were playing. I think the free throw differential was just an interesting thing. It was like 28 free throws shot for Miami and maybe eight for Drake. That’s just really interesting. That’s all I’ll say. (laughter)”
(I wanted to ask you about the kind of excitement of playing with one of the most star-studded rosters in the National Football League. Everywhere you look there’s a big name. Do you let yourself think ‘hey this is a team on paper that can and should make a run at the biggest goal’?) – “Yeah, absolutely that’s got to be the goal all the time right. If you’re not committed to winning the Super Bowl, you’ve got the wrong mindset. I think it gives you more confidence that when you’ve got such great players around, it allows you to play better. That’s the thing that when you have a great receiver on the field and you have a great quarterback on the field, everyone just plays better when those other (good) players on the field. We’ve got a got an awesome roster getting set here and I’m excited to see how far we can go. The Super Bowl is the goal. If it’s not, you’re in the wrong headspace.”
(I want to get you to put into words your own career because you’ve been a well-traveled man. How much do you think that that has molded you into the player that you are?) – “Yeah, absolutely. Getting to travel, I guess bouncing around as much as I have, it’s a blessing and a curse because you do meet so many amazing people that I owe a lot to in my career. Like I said working with Frank (Smith) for just that little, short amount of time, had such an impact on me. Stopping with the Bears, stopping with the Jags. It’s huge anytime you can pick up different little things to add your game from different people. Seeing how things are done differently, I’ve now learned probably eight or nine offenses in my career and that’s going to stay with me for the rest of my career too. Learning an offense for me now is not difficult. I can do it like that. So, it’s a curse in the fact that you are moving around so much. The instability is kind of annoying, but I guess it shaped me to who I’ve become now. Like I said, I feel like I’m just taking off and getting ready to make an impact.”
DeShon Elliott – March 22, 2023
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Wednesday, March 22, 2023
S DeShon Elliott
(I know you have a lot of relationships with some guys down here in Miami with the Dolphins but what stood out with this opportunity to join this team?) – “I feel like it was the best thing for me like football wise. The opportunity to play with so many great, great talented guys. You’ve got Jevon (Holland) over there, you’ve ‘J-Ram’ (Jalen Ramsey) over there, you’ve got Xavien (Howard), Brandon Jones. So I think just being in that DB room is going to be great. Overall, as a whole, I think we’ll just be, shoot that’s a hard group to stop. Then you’ve got Bradley (Chubb) on that D-line and Jaelan (Phillips) on D-line, a freaking funny man (Christian Wilkins) on the D-line, you’ve got Raekwon (Davis) on the D-line so I just feel like – and you’ve got David (Long Jr.) at linebacker. So, I feel like … How much greater can it get? So, why not be there? We’ve got the opportunity to win a division, an opportunity to play a lot of games, win a lot of games, go to the Super Bowl possibly. So, I think this was the best decision for me, my family and just my mental health.”
(I know you go obviously you go way back with S Brandon Jones from the Texas days. What was that relationship like back in college and how do you think that joining up with him again can maybe help that learning process in Miami?) – “Back in college, I think I was a sophomore and Brandon was a freshman when we first started playing together. We both got a chance to sit back and watch. We both didn’t start when we first got there, obviously. That was when he was a freshman. So, we really got to sit back and watch and kind of like see how the college game was and during that time period, as a young guy, it’s frustrating so we were able to bounce ideas off each other and when we finally got a chance to play together, that’s like my little brother man. I don’t have any brothers so me and Brandon grew up together basically going through college. I feel like I played a role in him being married to the woman he’s with now. I feel like I kind of played Cupid in that in a certain way. But man, it just feels good to be back being around ‘B’ (Brandon Jones) just because man, when I told him – actually I didn’t tell him. I don’t know how he knew. Him and Jevon (Holland) texted me quick and fast. It was so fast. My phone was freezing up, so I didn’t get a chance to really like answer the way I wanted to so I just put both of them on a call, a group FaceTime and shoot, them boys were going crazy. Man, it’s going to be fun.”
(I’m curious now about how you played matchmaker to the woman he’s married to. What was your role in in the hookup?) – “I think I have Twitter DMs to this day about her asking me about Brandon. I think I do right now. She was like a recruiter already. She was like a recruiter at Texas for the player personnel thing. But when he became a freshman, I think she had hit me up. She was just like, ‘what’s up with that that one guy?’ I was like, ‘shoot I don’t know, let me hear it’. So, the middleman, just a little middleman.”
(So, hold on. Wait a minute. So how did you know her because you knew her from when she was… ?) – “I knew her because my ex-girlfriend in college was her best friend.”
(I wanted to ask you about playing for Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio and how you think that playing in his defense can kind of get the best out of you?) – “I talked to Vic and I talked to a couple guys. I was talking to Jevon (Holland). It was more of like just this is a safety-driven defense. Safeties in this defense can make a lot of plays. I think this is also very similar to the system I just left from and I think I was trying to get my feet back up under me while I was in Detroit. So, I think I could just build on that and knowing that this system is staying the same. I can even be better. I have a lot of talent that I haven’t gotten to show yet because of my injuries that I’ve had over the years, but I think I’m only getting better.”
(What do you think Coach Fangio is getting in you? What are the Dolphins getting in DeShon Elliott?) – “First and foremost, a great man. I like to be able to say I do a great job in the locker room. I love on the guys because once I feel like I’m part of a family, I love hard. I think that I’m a leader in some ways, in my opinion. I’ve been told that guys naturally follow me. Then when it comes to on the field, shoot, I’m going to be that dog. They know every day you’re going to hear me. I’m going to do the best I can to be a physical presence, a ballplayer and make a lot of plays on this defense and I think down the line, boy, stuff’s going to get serious.”
(On the other side of the ball, we’ve got some guys that are similar in that way on the offense. I know you didn’t play in the game last year against the Dolphins but I’m sure you were working and preparing against the Dolphins. What did you see when you saw the Dolphins offense on tape, like getting ready for that game last year?) – “Well, this is going to be, practice is going to be fun. I think when I was watching the game last year, it was just a lot of – a lot of the things they do on tape is fast. Quick and fast. Decisions are already planned out. They know where the ball is going to, know who’s going to get the ball. And if all else fails, Tyreek Hill’s down there somewhere. (laughter)”
(On S Brandon Jones and S Jevon Holland, you mentioned being on a call with them right away. What do you think it’s going to be like working in the same unit with those guys, whether it’s competing or playing alongside them?) – “It’s going to be fun; I mean shoot, we all plan to compete. So, we’re going to just compete and try to see how our chemistry can work together. I’m sure Vic (Fangio) has some plans on how we’re all going to fit together and try to get the best out of all three of us. We all bring different things to the table. But at the same time, we’re all really great football players. So, I think we’ll sort that out and when the time comes, y’all will know.”
(I was just going to ask about that, your role. Did Vic Fangio tell you that you would be a starter, you would be competing for a starting job? Are there packages where perhaps you, S Brandon Jones and S Jevon Holland could be on the field together?) – “Vic Fangio is a very intelligent football coach, a very intelligent DC. So, I’m sure he has his plans on what he wants to do with us. But, I mean, when I came in, I talked to him. I mean, I knew I was going to compete. It’s the NFL, we’ve all got to compete, and nothing is given to you. Nothing is going to be handed to you. So, I came here to compete. I know what I can bring to the table and I know how hard I’m going to work. So, the results will show.”
(What was your reaction when you saw the CB Jalen Ramsey trade and was that a factor in you wanting to come here?) – “Yeah. Come on now, that’s arguably the number one corner in the NFL. I don’t want to hear anybody talking about ‘oh, he had a down year’. Check the numbers, check the tape. That was not a down year. Still an All-Pro. So, regardless, I feel like, shoot, why would I not go there. Playing with great players makes you great. It elevates your game. Like it’s going to help bring some out of me and the rest of our teammates. So, why would you not want to go somewhere where you can have the opportunity to be great. Money will come. No one cares about the money. Yeah, people care about the money but winning and trying to get the best out of yourself, that should be your first thing. It has to be where your head is at. I think being here is where I can do that.”
Mike White – March 22, 2023
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Wednesday, March 22, 2023
QB Mike White
(I wanted to ask you, you spent the last couple of years with the Jets under Mike LaFleur. I know he spent a lot of time in his career with Head Coach Mike McDaniel. I was curious how you think that might kind of help you pick up the offense quicker here with your new team?) – “Yeah, that was one of the plusses of coming to Miami was it’s the same system. Now I’m sure there’s different verbiage and things like that, but down to its core, it’s from the same system, so it’ll be definitely easier than learning a brand-new offense.”
(We saw the picture of you as a youngster it seems like outside of Hard Rock Stadium, or then called Joe Robbie Stadium. What were some of your childhood memories as a Dolphins fan and who were some of your favorite players?) – “Yeah, I definitely grew up a big Dolphins fan. We would watch every Sunday. I remember I was still back in college, a Dolphins fan, and they – I think it was 2016 when they made the playoffs and they played the Steelers in the Wild Card round. I remember coming home and watching that with my dad and my family. My favorite players growing up were – there’s a lot of them. I obviously loved watching Wes Welker so it was pretty cool to meet him when I signed. There’s so many. Big Ronnie Brown fan. Ronnie Brown was my first jersey. I remember when they were running the Wildcat with him. That was pretty cool. I’d probably have to say Ronnie Brown because that was that was my first jersey that I went out and bought.”
(And so when you were a high school quarterback at University School, you were essentially on the same campus as the Dolphins old practice facility. Did you ever stop to think like, “Hey, I could be there one day?”) – “Oh, no doubt. I mean, we would hear whenever they would practice with crowd noise, we could hear it in class. So that’s how close we were, but growing up, especially at that age like middle school and even into the beginning part of high school, I didn’t think I was going to be in the NFL. I was more of a baseball player. My goals were the MLB and then I kind of caught on late with football and was a late bloomer and didn’t play until my senior year and then had some success. And then obviously the story goes on, but it is funny, like looking back on it. Like we would practice baseball right next to the bubble and you would see the Dolphins facility all the time and still it never really crossed my mind that this could be an opportunity so it’s pretty funny looking back at it.”
(I want to ask you a little bit more about the switching from baseball to football. I go back – I know there’s a story about Dan Marino – how he made a similar decision sitting at his dining room table one night, and it was sort of like okay, which way are you going to go? What was the moment for you when you decided, okay, football is my future and it’s not baseball?) – “Yeah, it wasn’t till late into my senior year. I knew the summer going into my senior year when I was going to be the starter for the football team. I kind of was like, ‘all right, there’s some chance’ but the problem is especially nowadays, if you don’t have any like junior film or – guys are getting offers so early. Like I had no film. So college coaches would come in and they could say they liked me after watching a practice, but there was no film to go off of. So they couldn’t pull the trigger on an offer. So I thought baseball would have to be my route because I had more experience and more exposure at that because during the summer when you do all your football camps, that’s when I was going and doing the travel baseball tournaments and all that and being in front of colleges and I was getting some looks for colleges. And then senior year, I started to have some success during the season and more coaches starting to take notice in football and I found out football gave full rides and baseball doesn’t. So that helped. I’m sure my parents were a big fan of that decision, too. But no, they were supportive both ways. But that’s kind of how it went down. I was a late bloomer in football and once I kind of caught a hang of it and had some success, I fell in love with it and I’m really happy with my decision.”
(And now that you’re in the NFL, you’ve had some very notable games. I mean, if you’re charting it, you go from not playing to putting up some big numbers in some games. How do you describe your career thus far to someone who maybe hasn’t followed it as closely as obviously you have? How would you describe your career?) – “Yeah, I think just as any quarterback and backup quarterback in the NFL, you got to be ready when called upon and you’re never going to know when that is. So that’s the whole mantra of being a backup quarterback is staying ready. That’s what I struggled with my rookie year. I was the third inactive guy all year in Dallas and kind of took it for granted and didn’t really stay mentally locked in. So when it was time to compete for the two, I didn’t feel as prepared as I should and then I learned from that mistake and I tried to keep that learning experience with me throughout my entire career. And yeah, you just got to stay ready and luckily, I got the opportunity to play and we had some success and there were some good team wins and good offensive performances and then hoping to build upon that.”
(I wanted to ask you about playing with the rib injury last year and where that ranks on your list of accomplishments because I know to a certain extent, you guys are expected to play while injured, but this is a rib injury for a quarterback and so what where does that rank on your career list of accomplishments?) – “’Accomplishments’ might not be the right word but no, I’m just messing with you. (laughter) No, it was crazy. At the time when it happened in Buffalo like yeah, it hurt but I kind of was just like ‘Alright, maybe I just bruised my rib or something or I’m just sore and it was cold out so that’s not helping.’ And then when I got the news that I broke five ribs or four ribs, whatever the number was, it was kind of like I didn’t believe it. I was like, it doesn’t hurt that bad and then a week, having to lay off for two weeks and a week of just not doing anything it got really tightened up and then trying to throw through it was really painful. Every throw hurt. I mean, I’m proud of it because I didn’t tap out and I proved to the guys that quarterbacks can be tough, too, and hopefully my toughness isn’t in question. But it was a good learning experience and if anything I’m just happy to prove that I’m not just one of those little sissy quarterbacks that people like to make fun of from time to time. (laughter)”
(We know you’re a tough dude. We know you’re a good quarterback. But I also am a fan of your social media game with the tweet you put out of you and OL Dan Feeney and WR Braxton Berrios coming to South Florida. I was curious was that your edit? Is that your handiwork? You got some skills on the social media side of things?) – “So it was my idea. I texted a guy in our agency. I was like, ‘hey, what do you think, do you think we could get this done?’ once I found out that Dan and Braxton were signing and he got it done for me. So I wish I was – maybe I’ll make that my next offseason project so I don’t have to ask people and I can kind of turn out more content. (laughter) But it was my idea. Just I didn’t execute it.”
(I got a real kick out of the “Mike Effing White” t-shirts last year. I don’t know if they’re still available on Amazon.com.) – “Yeah, I don’t know either. (laughter)”
(But listen, what I thought was cool about the t-shirts is that it was clear that your teammates liked and respected you. How did you go about and what you think is the best way to find your space in a locker room and develop the right kinds of bonds with your teammates?) – “Yeah, I think I’ve said it in countless interviews before in New York and it’s just that’s – my favorite part about playing football is the locker room, the team aspect, the camaraderie, whatever you want to call it. We’re very blessed to do what we do and the fact that we get to go in and play football for a living every day and we get to show up to work and if you want to get in the sauna before work starts, you get in the sauna. If you want to get in the hot tub – like we’re really lucky. And I think if you go in with the right mindset of enjoying everybody there and getting to know different people from different walks of life and just enjoying your teammates and enjoying the time you spend together, because we do spend a lot of time together whether it’s practice, training camp, meetings, travel, away games, all that good stuff. You get to know a lot of guys and you enjoy it. So that’s been my approach about it is whatever my role is, to take on that role and then help whoever you can and whether it’s in the quarterback room, whether it’s on the field or if you’re running with the threes, you help your guys. If you’re running with the twos, you help your guys. And whenever it’s your time to run with the ones, you hope that you have built a bond and that you can kind of build on that to develop trust with them. So that’s kind of how I approach it and I think it’s had success for me.”
(Have you ever met QB Tua Tagovailoa or anything like that?) – “I have not. I have not met Tua yet.”
(So back to baseball, give us the rundown, the scouting report on you as a baseball prospect. You were a pitcher, right? So what were you throwing on the mound?) – “My senior year I was up to 93. I was a tall lanky guy. I think I was like 180 pounds soaking wet. So I could throw four pitches pretty much wherever I wanted – fastball, changeup, slider, curve. I like to kind of pitch backwards maybe and keep hitters guessing. Yeah, I mean, that’s pretty much it. Yeah, I mean, it’s kind of the gist of who I was as a pitcher.”
(And I wanted to ask you one more about WR Braxton Berrios and OL Dan Feeney, coming over with them, what it’s going to be like and what those guys are like as teammates?) – “Yeah, I told Chris Grier when I when I got to talk to him when I signed, they’re such good locker room guys, I think. I know I might be biased because I spent four years with Braxton and two years with Dan, but I do think they can – it seems to me from the outside looking in on this team and playing them the past four years, you can tell it’s a close-knit group. They’re building a really good culture and you can tell just the way they kind of interact and even you see posts on social media and all that. Like we’re all kind of connected in that way and you see things from different teams. So I think Braxton and Dan will fit right in with the culture that’s being built and they’ll be good locker room guys and hopefully they can contribute and keep building towards something special.”
(I wanted to ask about your free agency because it seemed like it was over pretty quickly, so how much interest was there from other teams and once you found out the Dolphins were interested, was it an instant yes? How did things go there?) – “Yeah, there were a couple of teams that called my agent when the free agency period started at noon or whatever it was on that Monday. But I knew in the back of my mind that Miami was at the top of my list just because obviously one, going back home, living in South Florida, which is easier for my family because I live in Tampa during the offseason so that’s not a bad drive and especially with two little ones, it makes traveling way easier not having to hop on a plane. But I mean, the same system was huge with me, too, because I really do enjoy the system. I felt like I grasped it pretty well the past two years so I wanted to keep building upon my knowledge in the system and my experience. So it just kind of felt like the perfect storm. The same division, so I know what the Patriots run. I played against them before. I know what the Bills run. Obviously going against the Jets in practice the last two years, so I know what they run. So just kind of familiarity all around was what made my decision pretty easy.”
(And then one other thing would be the opportunity – I guess you had an opportunity to play here in the season finale. Talk about that and I guess the missed opportunity there.) – “Yeah, it sucked. I tried all week to just push through it because I was so excited to finally – I mean I’ve backed up Joe (Flacco) down there before but I’ve never gotten the chance to play, so I thought it would have been really, really cool to be able to have all my family out and play, and play in the stadium I grew up going to. Now it looks way different, so it probably wouldn’t feel like the same stadium, but it was. It definitely sucked missing out on that opportunity but such is life.”
(I wanted to ask you one, why Tampa for the home base, and two, when you when you were playing at University School, did you have any interactions with players? I know they’re always going back and forth from the facility to the medical center. Did you ever run into any players because I know you’re a baseball player, so you’re right there.) – “Not that I remember running into any players. I mean, yeah, not off the top my head. To be honest with you, I could have walked by someone and not even have known. So there might have been a run-in at some point that I just wasn’t aware of but not that I can remember. And then Tampa and the offseason – so I met my wife here in Tampa. She’s born and raised in Tampa so she calls the shots and we picked Tampa as our home base. But no, I really like it in Tampa. I spent two years here at USF and I like it a lot. It’s close enough to my family in South Florida that I can just pop down when I need to but I kind of like it’s a little more slower pace, which is kind of more my speed up here.”
(I’m wondering what your thoughts are on the upcoming season, how you see yourself fitting into this team and what your role will be?) – “I mean, there’s a lot of excitement in this upcoming season. I mean, it’s a very talented roster. There was a lot of success last year that I think we can build upon and I’m really excited to be a part of it. As far as my role, I mean as any backup quarterback, it’s to support the guy and do whatever you can. I think some of the best quarterback rooms I’ve been a part of is just everyone has a voice and everyone has a say and it’s really good dialogue in the room and support systems and it makes going to work fun and you enjoy going to the quarterback room and just shooting the breeze with the guys and enjoying everybody’s personalities and then getting on the field and just helping. Whenever you have that relationship in the quarterback room, obviously healthy competition and all that good stuff, but when you’re supporting the guy and saying ‘hey man, this is what I see.’ Or when it’s your turn and you ask like, ‘hey guys, are you seeing any of this?’ That’s been the best rooms I’ve been around and that’s kind of my plan of action going into it is just being a sounding board for whoever and helping however I can.”
(Kind of in that same vein, last year QB Tua Togavaiola a spoke very glowingly about you know Darrell Bevell’s impact on his career. I was curious if you had a chance to meet Coach Bevell yet and how excited you are to work with him?) – “Yeah, I have. I got a chance to meet Coach Bevell when I signed on Thursday and I can see why Tua would say that. Just off initially meeting him, he seems like a very intelligent guy so you know you’re going to learn a lot about the quarterback position, and he’s also been around a lot of talented players and good offenses, so he has a ton of experience that I’m sure he draws upon and when he’s coaching the guys. Tua had an unbelievable season last year and I’m sure there’s no coincidence that Coach Bevell was involved and the entire offensive staff in general. So I’m really excited and just learning from someone new that has so many different stops and so much experience, so I’m really excited to get to work with him.”
David Long Jr. – March 22, 2023
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Wednesday, March 22, 2023
LB David Long Jr.
(I wanted to ask, you were one of the Dolphins first players that agreed to terms with the team. I was curious what stood out about this team, about this defense and this opportunity here?) – “I mean, it was a stressful process, the free agency process. I was just hearing a lot of different things and Miami was just the best fit I thought for me and my future. And then as far as like the players, I know a lot of them. A lot of us have the same agent. So I know a lot of those guys for a few years now. And then just the history of the DC (Vic Fangio). He’s had one of their top defenses for a while. So it just felt like a great fit. And then when I got down there, it felt like an even better fit.”
(You mentioned Vic Fangio kind of playing a role in that decision. Obviously, he’s bringing over his system and kind of building it from the ground up so to speak. But what similarities, if any, are there from your time in Tennessee and what you might see in Miami here? The defense and maybe what your role will be.) – “As far as role, I really haven’t discussed (that). I’m just ready to get to work and just fit in however I can. As far as the defense, he plays that same style that I like. Fast and aggressive as far as having a linebacker on the field all three downs. And also, it felt like a good fit. I feel like as the time goes, I’ll learn more about his way and the way he sees fits.”
(You talk about playing fast and aggressive. I was watching some of the film breakdowns of your game from guys like Brian Baldinger, and he talks a lot about the way you anticipate and how you play with speed. I’m curious, calling out plays or recognizing keys, what’s the key to putting yourself in position to play that style of football?) – “Well, a lot comes from I’ve been playing football for so long. So it’s really just that natural feel. Then as far as pre-snap reads, I spend a lot of time in the film room. I like to study my players a lot. So any indication that I can find to help me be way faster than an opponent, I look for it, whether it’s the hand in the dirt, light in the dirt, or just the tight end peeking or going back. It’s the little things that can help you be just more steadfast. Those are things I look for. And then just the mentality as well. Just that that dog mentality. That plays a major role as well.”
(I wanted to allude to the that you had a really good defensive line there in Tennessee and you come here with a bunch of guys that have played at a high level too in DT Christian Wilkins, DT Zach Sieler and DT Raekwon Davis. I’m curious how having such a good defensive line helps you do your job?) – “I mean any linebacker would be lying if they said that that front four doesn’t play a major role in the success we have. In Tennessee, a lot of two gaps they would hold up off the double teams, and our job as linebackers is to get downhill fast to get those double teams off of them. So they helped me, I helped them. We all work as a team. The better we work together, the better the defense is.”
(Everything that I saw about you – intelligent player, three-down player, very good against the run, very good against the pass. Mike Vrabel singled you and Kristian Fulton out in his postseason thing. But I’m wondering how that grabbed you? Like did that catch you by surprise? Were you offended? What did you think about that?) – “I’ve always – if you watch film since my rookie year to the end of this year, every play, I lay it out on the line. So that was a surprise to me. I feel like it kind of created a narrative a little bit as far as how I take care of my body. If you ask anybody, I’m a first one in and last guy out type of guy. So I know he knows that as well. It really just put a bigger chip (on my shoulder) because I know what type of player I am. That wasn’t discussed to me, as well. So it was a lot. I took it with a grain of salt. I’m not really much a media person like ‘why did you single me out or whatever.’ I’m going to roll with it and I’m just going to get back to work.”
(And as a follow up, to tell me about being a part of this defense, because you do have so many good players. I know in Tennessee, it was a point of emphasis to improve the defense and you were part of that. Now you come to a defense that’s really loaded. Tell me about the potential and how you feel about joining this defense.) – “I feel great man as far as the pieces that we have and also just me being familiar with the guys around. Sometimes you come into a new defense and you got to get a feel for guys, how close you are off the field as well plays a major role in that chemistry on the field. So I’m just glad that I know a lot on each level. Christian (Wilkins), Raekwon (Davis), Jaelan (Phillips), Jevon (Holland, Xavien (Howard). All those dudes I’m already familiar with so it really shouldn’t be too much of getting to know (them). I know those guys play fast and aggressive and talk smack just like me. (laughter)”
(So there’s another David Long in the league and he was part of the same draft class. I want to know, have you guys gotten to know each other at all and bonded over that kind of shocking coincidence?) – “That’s my dawg. So we both are with Athletes First. Coming out, we both trained in Orange County at Proactiv. So I’ve been knowing him since I got in the league. That’s my guy. I finally got his jersey too. So that’s cool, too.”
(I wanted to ask you, you haven’t really been established as a clear cut starter going back to Tennessee. Do you feel like that that’s something that’s a chip on your shoulder, that you’re trying to prove that you’re one of the preeminent linebackers in this league?) – “Nah. I wouldn’t say I’m trying to prove – I mean, I think if you watch film, it’s not really hard. I mean, I’m not trying to prove anything. I know what type of player I am. My main focus is keeping my body together. That’s really my main focus.”
Braxton Berrios – March 22, 2023
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Wednesday, March 22, 2023
WR Braxton Berrios
(I wanted to ask you about spending the last couple of years in Mike LaFleur’s offense and how that translates to coming down here and playing for Coach McDaniel who spent so much time with Mike in his career.) – “Yeah, obviously, there’s similarities there. I really haven’t dived fully into all of that yet, but obviously coming from in a very similar system, it should be a quick learning curve.”
(As you come back, I wanted to ask you what’s your favorite memory of playing at Hard Rock Stadium? Or even just at UM? Would it be the 2017 Notre Dame game where you set the tone early with that first touchdown and the celebration?) – “Yeah, it would – at Hard Rock – it would have to be the 2017 Notre Dame game. College Game Day, they were No. 3, we were No. 7. And obviously 41-8 kind of speaks for itself. But there’s nothing like that stadium when it gets rocking.”
(And also I wanted to ask you, I know you’re from Raleigh, but you grew up with connections to Miami through your father. This is even before attending UM. So can you explain that whole dynamic again for everyone getting reacquainted with you down here?) – “Yeah, of course. So my dad’s from Miami. My grandfather was originally born in Puerto Rico, so my whole dad’s side of the family is from Miami. And so he met my mom in North Carolina, so I was born there and raised there. But I grew up a Hurricanes fan and I grew up with Dolphins fan as well. And so that was really my only dream to go play for the U and then obviously, to play for the Dolphins.”
(So beyond just returning to South Florida, what else was appealing to you about this team, coming here? And was Miami something you instantly started thinking about as an option when you parted ways with the Jets?) – “You know how this league is and you never, I mean, you don’t know anything. And to start running yourself through hypotheticals is a never-ending hamster wheel. So, no, it wasn’t an immediate ‘oh, we should do this.’ It was kind of a ‘let’s see where the chips fall.’ And obviously, we play. We’re very familiar. We play each other twice a year and obviously I monitor our division more closely than any others just because of that. And obviously Miami has done a lot recently, even dating back to last year as far as just building a culture and building a team of guys who get the job done and do it the right way. So obviously when this became a reality, or an option to be a reality, the more I thought about it, the more attractive it got, and obviously, I’m very excited to be here.”
(Obviously you’ve been among the league leaders in punt returns and kick returns in recent years. Not everybody likes to do it. Not everybody wants to do it. How would you describe your approach to it?) – “I guess I take a lot of pride in it. You’re right. It’s absolutely not for everybody and if you do do it, you have to be fully committed to doing it. And I think that I’ve been one of the best in the league at it and obviously want to get back to that top spot across the board at it. But I think you might have to have maybe a screw loose or two, to do it and to really enjoy it. (laughter) I don’t think there’s anything like it and like I said, I take a lot of pride in it because it truly is a third of the game and it can swing a game just like any other interception, touchdown or what have you. So, yeah, there’s a huge sense of pride in it and I think after talking to the coaching staff as well, the special teams coordinator; there’s going to be a lot of pride in it this year and I’m really excited to help that.”
(And then from a receiving perspective, how do you think your skill set can potentially complement what Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle do?) – “They’re incredible across the board. Obviously, there’s no pigeonhole for either one of those guys. They’re truly one of the best wide receiver duos in the league and I can’t wait to get in that room and just watch and learn from them and hear how they see the game or how they see the route against this coverage and all the variations. So obviously I’m down to do whatever whenever and I’ve always been that way and maybe, you know, if they take the top off, I’ll work across the middle or I’ll work outside. I’ll really do whatever it takes to win.”
(I wanted to pick your brain on the Dolphin secondary from two perspectives – first as a teammate and looking at the potential of those guys changing the game, and then as a receiver and what they could possibly do and how as a receiver, you could I guess be effective against them?) – “First and foremost, it’s exciting coming into a team with incredible DBs and an incredible defensive backfield. Obviously you have so much experience back there with those guys and now being able to go to work with them every single day. You’re going to lose some. You’re going to win some, too, but you’re going to lose some and you’re going to learn a lot. I’m a big fan of competition and iron sharpening iron and I think that’s what I’m looking forward to the most – just being able to get on that field and seeing what works and what doesn’t against some of the top DBs in the world on a daily basis.”
(I’m curious what has been your impression of QB Tua Tagovailoa watching him from afar, watching the Dolphins from afar, over the past few years?) – “Honestly, I’ve been very impressed. Obviously he’s dealt with a lot of adversity and it seems that he steps up to the plate every single time and he seems like an absolute warrior, kind of just like we got in my guy Mike White here recently. So I’m really excited to get with him and start learning how he sees the game from his mouth and not just from film and just get on the same page as him. But I really, I’m excited to play for him.”
(You mentioned being a lifelong Dolphins fan and being a shifty slot receiver and punt returner. We’ve had a few good ones of those are in the past. One of those guys is your new receivers coach. I’m curious Wes Welker, OJ McDuffie, like what do you think of when you think of Dolphins return specialists and slot receivers?) – “Really, yeah, those guys. Obviously I’m absolutely thrilled to be in the same room as Coach Welker now, I guess. I don’t think I’ve earned the right to call him ‘Wes’ yet. But just being able to pick his brain and to see, hearing what he sees, and kind of the same thing as Tua. Just learning how they see their offense being ran. Obviously they’ve been in it now for a year and so they’ll help me get up to speed on it and the details and the intricacies because that’s what this league is. It’s a very detail-oriented league and if you’re not on those details, mistakes happen. So it’s really cool to be there with Coach Welker and one of the best to ever do it, and really just be able to pick his brain every single day.”
(You mentioned Jets QB Mike White there in your answer about Tua. I want to know a little bit more about what he’s like in the huddle, on the sidelines and just as a quarterback of the team.) – “He’s a great guy. He was one of my best friends on New York and obviously that’ll carry over. And he’s the same way. I mean, he’s an absolute competitor, an absolute warrior, a guy you want to go to war with, you want in your dog hole. I think he brings a lot of competitive nature with him wherever he goes and like I complimented Tua about, I think those two are going to rub off on each other in the best way and really just make each other better, but I’m very excited to have him over here.”
(And also coming over to the Dolphins but on defense is CB Jalen Ramsey. He had some things to say about beating up on UM in his college days at his introductory press conference here. What do you remember about him then from the years in common you had in the rivalry?) – “I bet he did. That’s a Florida State Seminole for you. (laughter) I’ll give it to him. When he was there – going into my senior year, we were 0-3 against them. My senior year we righted the ship and honestly have been on a roll ever since I believe, actually. Except for this year. But yeah, obviously he’s a phenomenal player and I know we went up against each other I think just one year actually. They beat us late in Hard Rock (Stadium) actually, but yeah, that’ll be an ongoing battle there between Miami and FSU.”
(When you studied film growing up primarily the slot positions, who were some of the guys that you studied and why?) – “I didn’t necessarily study slots. I studied receivers across the board just because I think you can take pieces from everybody and whether it’s a release, whether it’s the top of the route, high pointing the ball, whatever it is. I studied receivers as a whole, but obviously the ones that stick out are Wes Welker or Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola. And I think Tyler Lockett as well is one of those guys that I really don’t think gets the respect that he deserves because he’s been incredible for such a long time now. But yeah, those guys are the ones really that stick out. And you go back and try to figure out how they dominated the league for such a long time and part of it is athletic ability, part of it is their own twist to it and you realize that there’s no one secret formula. Wes ran routes different than Julian who ran them different than Tyler and everything across the board. So yeah, those are the ones I mainly watched in regards to slots, but I tried to take pieces from everybody.”
(So now you’re going to be teammates with LB Jaelan Phillips. Have you had interactions with him over the years whether about representing the U or just what it’s like with the Dolphins since he’s been here a couple of years now?) – “Yeah, absolutely. That’s one of the best parts about going to Miami. It’s a brotherhood. So obviously after every game, we go up to each other and talk. I saw him in the airport actually about a year ago and talked for a while and then now since this happened, we’ve been communicating more closely. But the same thing. He’s such a competitor that I’m excited to share a field with.”
(Considering WR Jaylen Waddle and WR Tyreek Hill like to actually play in that slot position, how important is it for you to sort of diversify and establish yourself as not just a slot?) – “Oh, no, absolutely and I don’t think of myself in that way at all. Like I alluded to earlier, I’m whenever, whatever. And that’s something that I’ve tried to (work on) a ton in the offseason is work outside obviously as well as inside and the backfield. And again, wherever they need me, wherever there’s a place, wherever there’s an opportunity, I’m fully in on it.”
Jake Bailey – March 22, 2023
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Wednesday, March 22, 2023
P Jake Bailey
(First, I wanted to ask if you could kind of walk us through your thought process through this free agency, this first week of agency, because I think with a lot of non-specialists we hear about scheme fit and wanting to play for a specific coach, but for a specialist and punter like you, what was the thought process and what led you to Miami?) – “Same thing kind of fits, too. Danny Crossman is a guy I’ve always admired from across the sideline. I played against him many times and just a really nice dude. I also know Jason (Sanders) and Blake (Ferguson) really well and they’re really nice guys. I’m excited to kind of just start up with them and see how it goes.”
(Can you fill us in on what was the nature of your back injury and how did it impact your performance last season?) – “Yeah, a lot of it had to do with squatting a ton. I did not grow up squatting, loading my back with back squats. I didn’t do it at all in college and then I really didn’t do it my first three years in the league and kind of tried to start something new, try and be more a part of the program. And it just really backfired the whole season. I was doing it and it didn’t – it really made my accuracy struggle. It just was kind of a sad, sad thing to have happen. I haven’t squatted since really Week 15, 16 and feel pretty good.”
(Obviously when you signed a long-term contract with another team, you thought you were going to be there for a while. When you found out that that team was putting you on a suspended list, how did you feel?) – “You know, there’s a lot to unpack and a lot of it is between them and me partly. I’ve talked to Coach Belichick about this and how we want to talk about all this stuff and obviously you don’t want to end up on a list like that ever. Confusion was a lot of it, and I think we’re just past it now at this point. It was something that happened and it was something that was unfortunate for both sides but now I think both parties are in a better situation.”
(There’s a lot of players within the AFC East who changed teams, Jets to Dolphins, Dolphins to Bills. I find that interesting. Do you? How do you feel about facing your former team which is obviously going to happen at least twice next year?) – “Yeah, it’s just another team on the schedule. I think part of why people go in and out of the AFC East is you know what you’re getting. You know you have a player that can go play up in Foxborough, you have a player that can go play up in Buffalo when the weather’s super bad, and you also have a player that can go play down in Miami at the start of September. So there’s a variety of different elements you can get in the AFC East and it kind of makes sense why you would want to keep a player in there.”
(Before going on IR, your punting numbers in 2022 didn’t quite seem to be what we saw from you in some years prior to what you had previously done. So were you having back issues before IR placement or were there other factors leading to it?) – “I’m not one to really make excuses about my numbers. Like any time you walk out on that field, you’re expected to be the best version of yourself and perform up to the NFL standards. I didn’t feel myself the whole year though. I was squatting a lot and was getting treatment on my back since Week 1 and before.”
(I know this was the first time that you’ve change teams, but I’m wondering do you anticipate any, I guess anxiety, or anything along those lines? And is it better or worse when you come with that All-Pro reputation? Do you think expectations are a little bit higher for you?) – “That was a long time ago. I don’t view myself as that guy. I’m on a new team just trying to meet new people and contribute to the team. My first workout was Friday and I didn’t really know what to expect and kind of came in, met a few people and they were all really nice. And that kind of settled the edge of the whole day. When that’s going on, you can have a conversation with them. I really liked everybody I met and had a good time. It played well and that’s all that mattered.”
(If I could follow up real quick, I think it’s interesting that you say that was a long time ago being an All-Pro. It really wasn’t that long ago. That’s an interesting comment. Why do you view it in that fashion?) – “You know, outwardly, I’m trying to be humble. Inwardly, I am the best punter in the league in my own head and I’m going to go out there and perform to the best of my abilities every single time I touch the football,. But yeah, outwardly, I’m trying to be a little humble. (laughter)”
(I read an article about you and getting your pilot’s license or pursuing it back in college and I was curious, I guess an update on that and also just kind of how you became interested in aviation?) – “Yeah, this offseason has been the offseason of the pilot’s license. Any time you are trying to get that, you have to stay current. So I had all the like, minimum requirements back in college, but I never took the final exam essentially. I got drafted, so I didn’t have time to take the final exam. So this offseason, I’ve been grinding on it. I think I’ve got like 30 to 35 hours, just this offseason in the air and I’m close. So check back with me April 6. We’ll see if I can get it done before then.”
(I’ve got to follow up on that question about the pilot’s license and all. Tell us more about what you hope to do with that. What sort of craft are you hoping to pilot?) – “It’s just small Cessnas for right now. Maybe a Cirrus – four-seater planes. Nothing too crazy, but there’s some good flying down in South Florida and I’ve been looking at what it looks like to go down to Key West or down to the Bahamas. Maybe even get my floatplane license someday down the road, too.”
(On a totally separate topic, I want to ask you the latest stories I’ve seen simply state that your agent filed a grievance over the suspension and I assume the guaranteed money. What’s the state of that grievance? Is it still in the early stages or is it done with?) – “The details of it are kind of between me and the Patriots. The grievance is done, but everything surrounding it is in the past. I’m totally on a new team now and just looking forward to seeing how I can contribute to them.”
