Tua Tagovailoa – November 28, 2021 (Postgame)
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Sunday, November 28, 2021
Postgame – Carolina
QB Tua Tagovailoa
Q: Is this as much complementary football as it’s been for you guys this year?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: Yeah, I mean, we look like the team that we kind of wanted to be at the beginning of this year. You know, it looked like a lot of guys went out there confident knowing what to expect offensively, defensively, and in the kicking game. I would say this is the best that we’ve played complementary football yet, but there’s still some plays that were left out there on the field that we can fix.
Q: You have seven incompletions in the last two weeks. Is this the best you’ve felt…?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: I just think it’s preparation throughout the week with the guys and feeling confident in what we got in as far as the plays.
Q: How do you assess the chemistry you once had with Jaylen in college and you wanted this to work and continue to grow. What made it work today? You had the touchdown and that long completion.
TUA TAGOVAILOA: Well, you know, we understood that this was going to be a man team. They played a lot of man, and when they did play zone, we tried to take advantage of in-cuts, crossers, things like that, so it’s really what we expected, and what they showed us out there.
Q: Is that going back to the chemistry that you once had with him in college?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: That’s so far back, I can’t even remember. We had so many guys that I was working with there, but I would say it started when we got Jaylen, when Jaylen came in, and started with OTAs, and throughout the summer camp practices, and then leading up to this point.
Q: How do you explain the turnaround from seven losses in a row to four wins in a row? It’s pretty dramatic.
TUA TAGOVAILOA: I just think it’s everyone in there just not listening to the outside noise, just believing in one another, and really just zoning in and playing football that we know we can play. It’s playing complementary football.
Q: There were a couple sacks that were drive killers — a couple of fumbled snaps, too. Just overcoming those, has that been something you look at this game – all the positive and maybe that’s something you guys are most proud of?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: I would say we’re not proud of taking a sack and getting us out of field goal range, missed opportunities that the defense gives us, and we have a fumbled snap. All of those things, obviously, we don’t like them, and we don’t plan for them to happen, but you’ve got to move on to the next play in this league, and you got to continue playing 60 minutes.
Q: Were any of the passes to Jaylen stand out to you as either communication with him or any of the plays stand out?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: I would say no. Jaylen has just been in the right place at the right time. There’s times where he gets covered and he is still open, so you take a look at one of the third downs that we had. I think it was 26. Donte Jackson covering him. It was really good coverage. ‘J’ (Jaylen) still got open.
Q: I think I remember you saying earlier this year that you and Jaylen had a lot of open communication on the sideline, including him saying this is how I want to run a route, this is where I want the ball. How has that developed over the course of the season, and how has that, I guess, made this current stretch possible?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: I don’t think anything has changed up to this point. It’s still been open communication with ‘J.’ It’s open communication with really all the receivers and the line. We come into the team meeting room as an offense, and really we go through all the plays, and it’s open communication. You know, everyone is in there — the o-line, quarterbacks, the running backs, tight ends — so that we can hear what happened on the play and then we can get it fixed.
Q: Did you expect Phillip to have the workload that he had off of maybe just two days of practice? What did you guys do to kind of give him – ingratiated into the offense, comfortable?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: I think he did a great job today for us. Towards the ending of the game, towards the ending of the third quarter as well, you know, just coming in and not really understanding the offense, but really dialing in this week, staying after practices. Whether it was with me, Jacoby (Brissett), or Jake (Luton), trying to get the guys to stay after, run through some plays with him. I think he is a hard worker from the couple of days that I’ve known him. It shows. Excited to see what the next couple of weeks we can do with him.
Q: You know what it’s like as a rookie coming in needing the time to just transition to the NFL. What’s that been like with Jaylen? Has it been typical of what you would think a typical receiver is? Has it been smoother? What has his transition been like?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: I don’t want to speak for Jaylen, but to me he has looked very mature coming into the league since we got him. You know, just seeing his development as a receiver working against man, knowing the spots in certain zone defenses to be in to get himself open. I think he has done a great job with that.
Q: Can you describe to us what the mood is like in the locker room and if it maybe gets more fun after the wins kind of stack up?
TUA TAGOVAILOA: Everyone is happy. I mean, everyone is happy in the locker room after a win, and that was a really good team that we played in all three phases. We’re going to enjoy this win. We got a victory Monday, so thanks to Coach Flores. Then we’re really on to the next game against the Giants.
Brian Flores – November 28, 2021 (Postgame)
Sunday, November 28, 2021
Postgame – Carolina
Head Coach Brian Flores
Q: Was that about as complementary as you think your team has played this season?
BRIAN FLORES: I thought we played a complementary game starting with the punt block early. I thought the offense played well. I thought the defense played well. I thought the guys had a good week of preparation. I think that showed up today, and I thought our coaches did a great job this week getting them prepared. Thanksgiving week – there’s a lot going on, so I think Josh (Boyer) defensively, George (Godsey) and Eric (Studesville) offensively, Danny (Crossman) in the kicking game; I thought they all did a nice job getting these guys prepared and I think the players executed.
Q: How do you explain the turnaround you guys have had on defense? It’s been pretty dramatic the last couple of weeks, and then lights out?
BRIAN FLORES: I think credit to the players, first and foremost. I think those guys are communicating well, tackling well, executing. I think the coaching staff has done a nice job putting them in positions to have success, but, yeah, credit to the players.
Q: To what do you attribute the rhythm that Tua got into and also the connection with Jaylen Waddle?
BRIAN FLORES: Preparation, practice. I think we worked at it and worked at it and worked at it, and we’ve been able to string some good weeks together from a practice standpoint, and you’re seeing that show up in the game.
Q: Jaelan Phillips had three sacks today. How do you assess his performance and progress as the season has gone on?
BRIAN FLORES: I think he is just getting better every week. For a lot of guys on this team, you just keep working, keep trying to improve and get better every day, and if you do that, they’ll probably see some of the fruits of that work. Jaelan is no different. He is in here early. He stays late. He does a good job meeting, walkthrough, practice, plays hard and is selfless in a lot of ways, and a lot of times we’re running games, and he is the pick guy and someone else comes free, and today he — I didn’t know how many he had. I didn’t know it was three, but good for him and obviously good for our team.
Q: I feel like Tua waited a long time for Waddle to sort of break with him. How good was it to see that happen?
BRIAN FLORES: He has been open. I think we just worked hard to get it to him, whether it’s protection, putting the whole thing together. This isn’t seven-on-seven where you just go out there and beat somebody. There’s a lot that goes into it, so play call, protection, good throw, good catch, you know, beating somebody at the top of the route. I would say he has been open, but there’s always a few other things that happen on any given play. We were just able to execute today. I think that’s a direct correlation to practice and executing in practice.
Q: On Friday you mentioned how difficult it is for a guy to contribute off one walkthrough and one practice. What was the determining factor that you allowed Phillip Lindsay to do as much as he did?
BRIAN FLORES: I think Eric (Studesville) did a great job getting him ready to play. As soon as he got here, which was I think Wednesday night, he was right in on the playbook. We had a small package for him. He was at the walkthrough on Thursday to practice on Friday to more reps and more walkthroughs yesterday and even this morning, we felt comfortable with a small package of getting him in there, and I thought he did some nice things. He brings a lot of juice, a lot of energy. We’re pleased to have him on the team.
Q: You held Christian McCaffrey to 35 yards. Cam Newton only 92 yards passing — I’m sure all week you were staying up late figuring out ways to stop them. What worked and then after he exited the game at that point, did you feel like they were limited offensively as far as what they could do?
BRIAN FLORES: I think that’s a good team over there. I think obviously (Christian) McCaffrey is a great player, and Cam Newton is an accomplished player who has done a lot in this league. You know, (DJ) Moore and Robby Anderson. They’ve got a good team, and they’ve played well this year, so we knew it was going to be a challenge, and I think our guys executed. I think our guys — we had a plan going in. I think Josh (Boyer) had a good plan going in, put together a good plan for us defensively. We executed the plan. We got off blocks. We made tackles. We got them into some third downs. They hit the big one early, which they caught us in the blitz. They blocked it up, and they got behind us, which happens occasionally, but I think our guys came back. We talked to them about playing for 60 minutes and the highs and lows of a game, the ebbs and flows of a game. I think our guys kind of withstood some adversity. Whether it was that play or the play before the half, I think our guys just kept coming back, and it was good to see that.
Q: You were asked about Waddle and Phillips. Obviously Jevon Holland also had a big play. Those three rookies seem to be just — those three players, how much confidence do you have in them to go out and play?
BRIAN FLORES: I think all those guys — I think we’re getting contributions from a lot of our rookie class. A lot of our second-year class, too. Again, they just work and they keep working, and I think all they want to do is get better. All they want to do is try to improve. I think they’re team-first. I think guys are supporting each other, and rookies are supporting the vets. The vets are supporting the rookies, and we just want to — those guys in particular just want to help this team any way they can, and I think that’s showing up in their play.
Zach Sieler – November 26, 2021
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Friday, November 26, 2021
DT Zach Sieler
(Head Coach Brian Flores was saying today that they’d like to get you more defensive snaps for you, maybe eight to 10 more a game. You’re in good shape. I assume you feel like you could carry an extra load if given it?) – “Yeah, I’m ready for whatever comes my way. Last year I had a good amount of snaps here and there with COVID, because you always have to be ready. And still this year with COVID. You never know what happens. I think we do a good job as a team making sure everyone is prepared and the next-man-up mentality.”
(Is it something you look forward to playing more? I know you’re a team guy, so you’re fine with anything, but…) – “It’s whatever we need. If there is a game with more runs and I play more great. If there are more passes and we need our pass guys to play, great.”
(What do you think about what DT Adam Butler has been able to contribute the times he’s in there?) – “Great. He’s a very good leader. He does a great job of bringing along the younger guys, explaining why we do things and what we’re doing them for, and helping them learn football.”
(What do you anticipate it’s going to be like facing QB Cam Newton?) – “We played him twice last year. I think it’s going to be a competitive game. There’s going to be trash talk both ways. I think we’re going to have to play our best ball.”
(It seems like DT Christian Wilkins has taken his game to an even higher level this year. What have you noticed about him and how he’s evolved in certain areas this year?) – “He’s evolved as a smarter football player, I think. He just keeps learning every day. His techniques, as you all know, and different things like that, he just continues to grow as a player. He’s always trying to get better.”
(Looking at the calendar you guys have, does it motivate you that you can go fix the record that you have now?) – “I think we just take it week-by-week. We’re not trying to look out four or five weeks ahead of time. We’ve got to worry about this game and worry about the Panthers.”
(It strikes me that you’re facing a unique offense in that the Panthers have a dual-threat quarterback and yet they also have a dual-threat running back in a different way. What sort of challenges does all of that mix present to you guys?) – “We’ve just got to make sure we know our plays, know what we’re doing and limit the errors. Just play good, sound, technique football.”
(Did you have a good Thanksgiving? Spend time with your family or teammates?) – “Yeah. My fiancé is here, so we had a good time. We ate, basically just made some food and stuff like that.”
Adam Butler – November 26, 2021
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Friday, November 26, 2021
DL Adam Butler
(What are the challenges of playing against QB Cam Newton? Obviously, you went up against him in practice for a year. Just your thoughts on what challenges he poses and what makes him so difficult?) – “He’s a versatile guy. He can do multiple things. Obviously, he’s a threat with his feet. He’s good and you have to respect that about him.”
(What did you learn about with QB Cam Newton that you might not have known after playing with him for a year?) – “I don’t know. I haven’t really thought about it.”
(S Eric Rowe was joking about how QB Cam Newton will trash talk during the game. He’s like QB Philip Rivers in that way, would he do that in practice a lot with defensive players?) – “Yeah, he’s just a competitive person. That’s really all it is. He’s competitive.”
(How do you take it when there’s trash talk in your face? Do you get juiced up with that or does it annoy you?) – “I like it. I bring it back. I mean it’s football. That’s what it’s about.”
(Is preparation any different when you get such a big day like Thanksgiving, a family day? I don’t know if you have family here but is it any different on Thursday and Friday?) – “You can’t let anything get you off your routine. You have to try to stay on that same routine as much as you can. Obviously, there’s some things you can’t control that can get in the way but you just have to re-focus.”
(Did you watch a lot of football yesterday or non at all?) – “I watched a few games.”
Patrick Laird – November 26, 2021
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Friday, November 26, 2021
RB Patrick Laird
(It’s been an evolving running back room the last couple of weeks with you moving up, RB Phillip Lindsay coming in, RB Duke Johnson coming up for a game. I know you all get along obviously but is it a competitive room right now with you and everyone that is just hoping to emerge?) – “Yeah, competitive in the sense that we’re all a competitive group that wants to help our team win. But I’d also say it’s a complementary group as well. There are certain things that guys do well so we can kind of just play off of each other and game plan that way. It’s always great to bring in more talent. Yeah, I really like where our running back group is right now and everything that all of the guys can do.”
(How much did you know about RB Phillip Lindsay before he got here?) – “So we played each other in college. I actually remember the first time I met him, it was after a game that we played at Boulder and he came up to me and he knew my story. He’s like ‘Hey man, I know you’re a walk-on and now you’re starting. I think that’s awesome.’ So he was just like – to me, I’ve always thought he was a really good dude so we’ve stayed in touch over the years. We’re both undrafted guys. He’s a really good dude when you get to meet him.”
(You had a play that might have flown a little bit under the radar. It really shouldn’t have but it might have. On that first drive, you caught a swing pass on third down and it looked at the time when you caught it that there was no way in hell you were getting the first down. What was your initial plan when you caught the ball and does that rank as one of your most satisfying plays?) – “Yeah, it was definitely one of the most fun plays I’ve been a part of just because – I talked about this a few weeks ago with you guys. When you convert on a third down to keep a drive alive, it just feels great. So I was happy I could do that for the team. But yeah, that’s my role. It could be limited at times but when I have an opportunity that comes my way, I have to take advantage of it. That’s what the coaches expect. That’s what my teammates expect. So I was happy to do that.”
(When you first caught the ball and you turned around, you had two guys converging on you. Did strictly instinct kick in or did you have like an inkling before you caught the ball that you’d have to make a quick move?) – “I think it was just instinct. And it was funny because it was a teammate at Cal that was the first one to come at me. I didn’t even know that until after the game and he told me, so I felt bad about that. Not really. (laughter) He was another walk-on at Cal too, which is cool. So it was fun to play against him. Then obviously he made some good plays so I got that one on him but he got us on a couple of other plays.”
(S Ashtyn Davis?) – “Yeah, Ashtyn Davis. He’s a really good player. That was fun. Again, it’s more about making that play for the team and keeping the drive alive, and we ended up scoring a touchdown.”
(What was the reaction from your teammates when you have a play like that? You don’t get a lot of opportunities but you have a great play that keeps the chains moving.) – “I think – this team that we have, the guys, I think we love playing and competing with each other and whether you’re a starter or a role player or you got brought up from the practice squad and you make a play, everyone is going to be happy for you no matter who it is. Yeah, guys were excited on the sideline but they’ve seen me make plays like that before. Maybe a couple of guys said they were surprised but a lot of people were just happy that I made the play. That was pretty much the reaction.”
(What impressed you about RB Phillip Lindsay as a runner? Obviously that’s a great story about you talking to him after a game in college. What impresses you just watching him as a runner, about his skillset?) – “He’s capable of a heavy workload. Obviously we’ve seen him run the ball. I think he’s run for 1,000 yards a couple of times, caught a lot of passes and made plays in the passing game. He’s just a versatile back. Yeah, he’s a great football player all around.”
(What did you think of RB Duke Johnson, who was elevated last week and got into the game a lot, especially on that last drive and got a few carries there.) – “Yeah. He’s an experienced back. I think he has the most experience of all the running backs. He’s another good guy just to have around. He’s always – I’ll ask him for tips and advice on stuff and he’s happy to give it. He’s a good running back veteran in the room and he’s not afraid to share his opinion on anything. He’s just been helpful since he showed up so I really appreciate having Duke around.”
Hunter Long – November 26, 2021
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Friday, November 26, 2021
TE Hunter Long
(It’s good to see you’ll get an opportunity this weekend. How has the rookie year been for you from an emotional standpoint in terms of not playing a lot? Has that been tough at all to deal with?) – “No, not really. I mean I knew coming in this year that I’d get some opportunities and have to try to make the most of them. I’ve tried to keep it even the whole year and attack each week the same, so this week was no different and the past seven or whatever (weeks) were no different either.”
(We already know TE Adam Shaheen will be out, so what you mentioned, trying to attack each week the same, is that easy or could it be difficult to do when you know an opportunity could be coming?) – “I don’t think it’s that difficult. I did kind of the same in college. I redshirted my freshman year and didn’t play a whole lot my sophomore year, so I’ve kind of been through this before where you just have to be as prepared as possible for when that chance comes. And when it comes, make the most of it.”
(Did you kind of know coming into your rookie season that it could play out this way and maybe that helped you prepare for it?) – “Yeah. I came into this year with really no expectations for where I was going to fall and what chances I was going to get. I think that probably helped the most. I’m not expecting too much or too little and trying to stay as even-keeled as possible through it. Obviously we have a lot of good tight ends and I love those guys, so it’s been awesome to see them do their thing. But like I said, I attack each week the same and I’m excited for this week.”
(What area do you think you’ve improved the most in since training camp?) – “Probably just understanding defenses and being able to read it fast. It was obviously – it’s not that much of a speed change from the college level to this level but there is definitely a speed change and with that, you have to adjust a little bit. I think just studying defenses each week – I mean the weeks I haven’t been playing, I’ve spent a lot of time studying defenses and watching film of other defenses. Probably just being able to recognize stuff faster and process a little faster at the line.”
(How much have you been picking the brain of your teammates and the tight end group?) – “All the time. They’re phenomenal tight ends and I got pretty fortunate to come into this room. Obviously I haven’t gotten a lot of playing time but I’ve been able to practice with those guys and see those guys and watch what they do and ask them all sorts of questions. I’ve got the best of both worlds in the variety of tight ends that we have. It’s been fantastic. I’ve enjoyed it.”
(Is there one piece of advice that they’ve given you that’s really resonated with you?) – “Probably just even less football related is just stay ready for your time to come. I mean they’ve been great through all of it. I’d probably say that’s the biggest advice they’ve had is just be ready, stay ready and your week is going to come.”
(We know from your college tape that obviously you can catch the ball, you can run routes, you can block. Of those parts of the game, what’s been the biggest challenge at the NFL level and where it’s taken the most work? Blocking, getting open, route running?) – “I don’t think there’s just one thing that’s ben the biggest challenge. Obviously at the NFL level, everything is a little faster. The windows are a little tighter. The people are bigger, stronger and it’s the best of everybody in college. I wouldn’t say there’s one area but just getting accustomed to that. We have a great team here so being able to practice against them every week, it’s been – I’ve definitely gotten better being here.”
(Have you had an opportunity to talk to Head Coach Brian Flores this week and what is your relationship with him like?) – “Yeah. I have a great relationship with ‘Coach Flo’ (Brian Flores) and his message has kind of been the same. We obviously have a lot of tight ends but my chance is going to come and like the tight ends were saying, just be ready and stay ready. That’s what I’ve been focused on doing.”
(In terms of the tape you’ve watched of other defenses, is it just the team you’re playing this week and you’ve made sure to sit there with TE Durham Smythe and TE Mike Gesicki and TE Adam Shaheen and just study each opponent’s defense?) – “Yeah. Definitely the focus each week is the team (we’re playing) because I’ve got to stay ready. Anything can happen throughout the week so I’ve been ready every week to play. But then just watching other tight ends around the league, picking up stuff that they do and trying to incorporate it into my game, and then obviously watching the tight ends that we’ve got and incorporating that stuff.”
(What guys have you watched from around the league that you think you’ve been able to maybe try to take stuff from?) – “Pretty much all of the big names. Every team has elite tight ends now, pretty much. The tight end position has evolved so much over the past couple of years and there are a bunch of great ones out there. So just taking bits and pieces from different games and trying to mold my game into something better.”
(Would that include TE Travis Kelce, TE Darren Waller?) – “Yeah. (laughter) Those types of tight ends. I’ve tried to dive into football and watch as much football this year as I can. So yeah, those names are included. (laughter)”
(Have the guys on this team been receptive to you asking for advice?) – “Yeah, they’ve been fantastic. They’ve answered every question I’ve come to them (with). I’ve probably asked them too many questions. (laughter) I’m sure they’ve gotten annoyed a time or two but they’ve been fantastic through it and answered all of my questions. They’re great friends off the field and help me on the field so it’s been awesome.”
Brian Flores – November 26, 2021
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Friday, November 26, 2021
Head Coach Brian Flores
(Do you expect to have TE Adam Shaheen Sunday and if TE Hunter Long is indeed needed, what sort of skills has he shown you throughout training camp and in regular season practices?) – “It looks like we are not going to have Adam this weekend. Hunter has done a good job practicing really over the course of the entire year. He’ll step into that role and he’ll get an opportunity and, again, against a very good team. We’re going to need him to step up and play well for us.”
(Have you and General Manager Chris Grier seen, I remember thinking back to what you guys said in April, have you seen the skills to be a complete tight end? TE Hunter Long can catch the ball, he can block. Has he shown you that in opportunities going back to August and in practice and preseason?) – “He’s a young player. He’s trying to improve and get better every day – technique, fundamentals. He has a lot of talent and potential. There’s a lot of work that goes into playing in this league, specifically playing tight end in this league. There’s blocking, there’s route running, there’s a lot that goes into that position – protection, from a protection standpoint. A lot of potential. He’s doing a lot of good things, or he’s done a lot of good things in practice I would say, and he’s developing. It’s a little bit of a deep tight end room and he’s learning from those other guys whether it’s Durham (Smythe), Adam (Shaheen), Mike (Gesicki) or Cethan Carter. He’s made improvements in practice and he’ll get an opportunity this week.”
(You picked up RB Phillip Lindsay off waivers. Obviously getting another running back in here, what do you think of that..?) – “Obviously Phillip is a guy who has had a lot of production in this league. We’re excited to have him join our team and we’ve just got to get him acclimated to the way we do things here, get him up to speed on the playbook, the terminology and the sooner the better on that. He’s been in, he’s been working with Eric (Studesville) trying to get the verbiage, the terminology, the plays down. We’ll see how it goes. It’s been two days.”
(On running backs, I know RB Myles Gaskin has been the primary guy. Is that your anticipation going forward or do you want a situation, and I know there is competition every week, do you want a situation where RB Duke Riley, who has another elevation, and RB Salvon Ahmed and RB Patrick Laird and RB Phillip Lindsay and Myles are competing every week and every week you’ll take a fresh look at who will be your lead back that week?) – “I think every week the gameplan could be different based on who we’re playing. I think they each have a different skillset. I think they each can help us in different ways. I think they’re all selfless and want to help the team have success in any way they can, whether that’s running the ball, whether it’s protection, whether it’s protection, whether it’s catching the ball out of the backfield, whether it’s in the kicking game. There’s always competition and I think the gameplan will dictate how much or how little guys are in there.”
(Is it safe to say that that considering how late he joined the team that it’s not realistic for RB Phillip Lindsay to be ready to play on Sunday?) – “I think it’s safe to say it’s hard to get somebody ready in a walkthrough and one practice and play him. Phillip is motivated to give himself an opportunity to do that. We’re going to try to get him as up to speed as possible but yeah, that’s not an easy thing to do – a walkthrough, a practice and you’re out there. I think a lot of this is getting to know his teammates, the names of all the offensive linemen, the names of all the receivers. I think that’s something that is an important piece to that and it’s hard to get that in a couple days, although he’s working towards it. He’s, ‘What’s your name? What’s your name?’ (It’s been) one day. He’s got a lot of juice, energy and excitement and we’ll see him in practice today. But we haven’t even seen that as far as more of a live practice. We’ll see what that looks like today.”
(C/G Michael Dieter was practicing this week. It’s the first week he’s been back. How have you seen him progress and could he be activated?) – “Dieter is making a lot of progress. He’s had a good couple of days. Again, yesterday was a walkthrough but Wednesday I thought he did some good things. We’ll see how it goes.”
(Both your safeties were not able to do everything in practice this week – your starters in S Jevon Holland and S Brandon Jones. Will they play Sunday?) – “We’re taking it day-to-day with both guys. Both are doing everything they can possibly do to get out there. Today will tell us a lot.”
(How is LB Vince Biegel coming long?) – “Biegel is doing well. He’s doing well. There’s no, are you speaking specifically about something?”
(In terms of his comeback and physically. He said the other day that he feels pretty good right now.) – “I think he looks good in practice. I didn’t know if you knew something I didn’t know. You get all the scoops around here. (laughter) He looks good. He’s looked good in practice the last few weeks. He’s been running around well, moving around well. Getting him implemented into the defense and the kicking game is a lot more this week. I’m excited to see him go out there and play this weekend.”
(CB Trill Williams was downgraded on the injury report and also CB Elijah Campbell hasn’t participated this week. Is it something serious with them?) – “Trill was injured in practice the other day so he’ll be out this weekend. Elijah, we’re going to see what that looks like today.”
(LB Elandon Roberts was the other guy who couldn’t participate fully this week. Is he in question at all for Sunday or do you expect to have him?) – “I expect to have Elandon.”
(There was optimism earlier in the week with WR DeVante Parker and WR Will Fuller. Are they getting closer to practicing?) – “Yeah they’re both getting closer. Not this week obviously. But both getting closer, both working to get back out there as soon as they can. I know that you guys hear that from me all the time but that’s just the truth. We’ll just take it day-to-day and see what it looks like next week.”
(WR Preston Williams has had few catches this year. Are you seeing the same receiver he was before he had the two significant injuries he’s had each of the last two years?) – “Physically, yeah he looks the same. He’s been out quite a bit so those fundamentals, those techniques – those fundamentals, you have to work to get those back, which he’s done. He’s still working to get all those fundamentals back. I think he’s in a good place right now and I’m anxious to see what this looks like in the second half of the season over these last six games.”
(We know how productive DT Zach Sieler is per snap. Have you and Defensive Line Coach Austin Clark talked about maybe getting him in a little more? Obviously, you have a lot of depth and talented guys there and you want to keep guys fresh. But do you think – he’s been generally in the 20-range of snaps, is that a good number for him?) – “Yeah, that’s a conversation that we’ve certainly had. Maybe get him eight to 10 more snaps. We kind of combine that with maybe taking eight to 10 snaps off of somebody else. You mentioned it that we’ve got a few guys there that we like. I think Zach has done a good job with the snaps that he’s been given and we’re always going to do what we feel is best for the team. If playing Zach more is what’s best for the team, we’ll do that. But I like the role he’s in right now. He’s been productive in that role. But yeah, we’ve had those conversations, certainly.”
Mack Hollins – November 24, 2021
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Wednesday, November 24, 2021
WR Mack Hollins
(Is the Friday video going to focus on thanksgiving?) – “What’s today?”
(Today is Wednesday.) – “I guess it’s not Friday.”
(I need something to look forward to.) – “It’ll always be there, so look forward to it. (laughter)”
(Is there ever a time where you feel underappreciated as a receiver? Because you’re a pretty darn good one and I know people for years, a couple years, might think that special teams along with it. Do you feel your receiving skill is underappreciated?) – “I don’t know if underappreciated would be the word. I don’t know. Appreciation is not ever what I’m looking for, whether it’s my special teams play or offensive play. Like I say every week, winning is what I look forward to. I was able to make a catch and we won. Fantastic. I’ve had weeks where I didn’t make a catch and we won. Fantastic. I’ve had catches and touchdowns that we’ve lost. Worthless. I wouldn’t say I feel underappreciated or anything. When my opportunities come, I try to make the most of them because I never know when the next one will be.”
(You were on the receiving end of QB Tua Tagovailoa’s long touchdown pass. What’s your opinion on his downfield throwing?) – “It’s 100 percent when it came to me so I’d say it’s great. The ball was where it needed to be. I was able to tightrope the sideline because of where the ball turned me into. So yeah, it went well.”
(You came into the league as a fourth-round pick so obviously people saw you as a wide receiver who could contribute on offense. When did you become comfortable with the idea that if it’s going to be mostly special teams, so be it?) – “I was okay with that when I got to college. That’s how I got my scholarship. That’s how I became a four-time captain. Special teams has always been my thing. I think I got drafted in the fourth round more off special teams than offense. Obviously I led college in deep balls or yards per catch or whatever it was. Cool. But I also led college in (special teams) tackles. I had just come off an injury in college and was still drafted above some of my teammates who were excellent in the offensive realm. Special teams has always been something that I’m totally fine with playing. Yeah, it’s be great to play offense too but if my worst thing is playing four core special teams, that’s not a bad gig.”
(You had a special teams tackle in this last game down near their goal line. This might be an odd question but you wouldn’t think that a receiver would be a particularly good tackler, especially since you probably don’t get to practice it as much as linebackers and defensive backs or do you practice tackling more than the average receiver?) – “Yeah, I’m probably a good tackler for a receiver but a bad tackler for – like if you look at my games, I’ve left a lot of tackles out there because I’m not as great of a tackler as I’d like to be. But I’ve never, I’d say over the last year and a half, I’ve never – when we do certain offensive versus defense drills, I’ll go with the defense. If there’s specific tackling drills, I’ll work defensive stuff because that’s a small time in practice, five percent of practice, where I can work on defensive stuff. The gains I’ll make doing the offensive side of the drill versus the gains I’ll make on the defensive side, it’s better for me to go to the defensive side because I’m going to have a lot of opportunities where I can make tackles. That’s really helped me over this last year making a lot of those tackles I would have missed.”
