Brian Flores – September 2, 2019
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Monday, September 2, 2019
Head Coach Brian Flores
(What went into the decision to move on from LS John Denney?) – “Organizationally, we just felt like – look, John has done a tremendous job for this organization for a long time. I think it’s something like 224 games or something like that he’s played in a row. From a leadership standpoint, from a coming in and working every day standpoint, no one has done more than he has, so I’m very appreciative of the time I spent with him. At the end of the day, we felt like this was a move we needed to make. Again, I’m appreciative of the time I spent with him.”
(Did you know there was going to be this much change and talent leaving the roster when you took the job?) – “I think when you start something new, you never really know until you get into it. I didn’t walk into it saying, ‘Hey, we’re going to do exactly this.’ You get in, spend time with the team, make assessments and evaluations, and you do what you feel is best at the end of the day, and that’s kind of the process we’ve taken organizationally.”
(Can you talk about the challenge of getting 10 new players up to speed for the opener on Sunday?) – “It’s a challenge, but it’s something that we’ve talked about as a staff, and we have a plan in place to get those guys up to speed offensively, defensively and in the kicking game. That starts today. We’re off and running with that.”
(What have you or will you – I don’t know when the full team meeting is – what have you or will you tell the players about all that’s gone on in the last 48 hours?) – “Yeah, I’ve addressed that with the team. Again, like I’ve said many times, my conversations with the team stay between myself and the team; but yeah, I’ve addressed them (about) all of the transactions in the last 48 hours.”
(There’s a lot of frustrated, angry, upset fans out there that are curious as to what the future holds for this team. What will you say to the fans that wonder what’s going on?) – “I’d say we’re going to come out, practice, prepare, work and do everything we can to win this game on Sunday against Baltimore. That’s where my attention is. That’s where my effort, my energy – that’s where it’s going to be. It’s on Baltimore, and I think the more people who take that approach, the better off we’ll all be this weekend.
(What does the organization view as T Julien Davenport’s strengths?) – “He’s big, he’s athletic, he’s got good length. He’s a good, young tackle. We’re excited to have him.”
(Has the personnel standpoint of this job surprised you in any way? You knew being a head coach was different than being a coordinator, but shaping this roster and being in on trades – has any of that surprised you, or is it about as you expected?) – “I mean, I spent four years in personnel, so I kind of know what that part is like. I spent that time with guys like – well, I spent some in personnel, so I had a pretty good understanding of this process, the (waiver) claims, the 53-man (roster), the cuts, the claim process. I know what that’s about, so ‘surprised?’ No, that’s not the word. I would say that for every team in this league, you try to get better. You try to make the team better, and that’s kind of what we felt like we were doing int his situation.”
(How do you put together an offensive line with, what, six days to go?) – “We’ve got what we have, and we’re going to add (Julien) Davenport to that, and we also added two new guards. We’ll spend the next six days working those guys in different spots, position to position and trying to put the best group out there we can. It’ll be a challenge, but it’s something that we as a coaching staff, we have to meet that challenge. That’s what we have to do.”
(Has DT Vincent Taylor been cut?) – “Yeah, Vincent Taylor was cut this morning.”
(In the context of this past weekend, you still have some veterans on your roster. Do you expect them in the market to be traded, or are you guys done trading?) – “Right now, the focus is on Baltimore. That’s where our effort and energy need to be. It can’t be on anything else. Again, this is a good team. They’re tough, they’re disciplined. They’ve got playmakers offensively, defensively, in the kicking game. We need to point our attention to this team. That’s been the message. Anything outside of that is just going to detract from what we’re trying to do on Sunday afternoon. That’s kind of where we’re at.”
(Will LB Raekwon McMillan practice today, and what’s his status?) – “Raekwon is doing everything he can to get better. We’re close. We’re getting close with him. I think you’ll see a little bit of him today, but we’re getting close.”
(Two kids from Miami from college down here that were picked up – Trent Harris, what did you see last year when he was on the practice squad in New England? And Gerald Willis to the practice squad. What drew you guys to them?) – “Those are two young guys who are talented. I felt like we needed some help on the edge and inside, so they’re two young guys. We felt like they have a ceiling they can reach and they have not yet reached their ceiling, so there is some potential with both players and that is the case with every person we traded for or claimed. We’re excited about that group.”
(When LB Kiko Alonso expressed his frustration and eventually his desire to get out, what was your reaction?) – “Again, we can sit here and talk about those things and put our energy on what happened yesterday and two days ago and two weeks ago and I don’t think that is going to help us against Baltimore. I really don’t. That’s just kind of my approach and my thought process. So, what happened in that situation or in another situation is just not going to help us, so my focus is on Baltimore.”
(There was a hurricane concern for a while – did it ever reach your desk as far as things might change?) – “Oh yeah, absolutely. There is a plan in place and we are still watching the hurricane. Obviously it hit the Bahamas pretty hard. We are still in the – I don’t want to say the cone because that is the word everyone is using right now, but it is close. It’s something that we are aware of and we’ve got a plan in place if we have to make a move and hopefully we don’t and we can stay on our normal schedule.”
(Did you have a conversation with your team about all the changes that have happened and what it means for them this season?) – “Yeah, absolutely. I address the team every day. I don’t stay away from the things that are happening within the team and I don’t stay away from those things, so I try to address them. My message to them was the same thing I said to you guys: The more time we spend and the more energy we give to everything else that is going on, the less we are giving to our preparation for Baltimore. This is a good team – this is a tough, physical, well-coached team and if we don’t put all our efforts into the preparation for this game, we are doing ourselves a disservice. That was how I addressed the team.”
Brian Flores – September 1, 2019
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Sunday, September 1, 2019
Head Coach Brian Flores
(I want to ask you this right off the bat regarding WR Kenny Stills. Was any part of him being traded personal or political on the part of the team, or you or Stephen Ross?) – “Not at all. You guys saw the compensation we received in the trade. It was something we couldn’t turn down. Kenny is a very talented player, as is Laremy (Tunsil); but at the end of the day, we felt like we were doing what was best for the team and the organization.”
(As far as T Laremy Tunsil, why couldn’t he be part of the rebuild? Why wasn’t he viewed as part of the rebuild?) – “Again, you guys saw the compensation. He was a part of that. It is one of those things that, again, he’s a very good player. I like him; but at the end of the day, we just felt like this was the best move for us. You’ve got to make tough decisions when you’re sitting in this seat. I think (General Manager) Chris Grier and (Vice President of Football Administration) Brandon (Shore) and myself, we spent a lot of time talking through and thinking about it. At the end of the day, we felt like this was best.”
(You’ve been asked this a lot this offseason, but in light of the recent moves, are you guys tanking?) – “I think you know what my response is going to be on that. Again, this game means a lot to me. I wouldn’t disrespect the game with that. Again, no we’re not (tanking). We’re going to try to win every game. I think that’s disrespectful to even say that. These guys have worked extremely hard. They’ve done that all summer, they do it all spring, and they’ll continue to do so. It’s disheartening to hear people talk about it, to even say that. For a guy who respects the game and for as much as the game has done for me, when people say that – you shouldn’t say it.”
(With that being said, when you look at the roster, I think you’re going to be the youngest team this year. You’ve gotten rid of, in my opinion, many of your best players. How can you put together a team this year that has a chance to compete?) – “We’re going to come to work every day. We’re going to coach this group to the best of our ability. We’re going to come out, we’re going to work hard and we’re going to fight. We’re going to play hard and try to win every game. I think that’s what you do. That’s kind of how I’ve been brought up. This team is motivated. I think we’ve got some talented players and we’re just going to try to go out here and try to win every game.”
(How does trading WR Kenny Stills and T Laremy Tunsil help you win every game in 2019?) – “Well, I think again, like I said earlier, these are two very talented players, but we’ve got a lot of talented players on this team. I feel good about the receivers. I feel good about our offensive linemen. These guys work extremely hard and they’re going to do everything they can to help this team win.”
(Can you put into words the larger strategy or play the Dolphins are making with these trades and other trades to – a timeline beyond this year?) – “I don’t really like to look into the future and timelines. Right now, my focus is on right now. Right now, really my focus is on the Baltimore Ravens. They’re a tough, physical, well-coached, disciplined team. They’ll be ready to play and we’ve got to kind of turn our attention to that.”
(What has Stephen Ross said to you, if anything, about – what is his reaction and his input on the direction the organization is taking, particularly given the deals in the last couple of days?) – “He’s been very supportive. We – myself, Chris Grier, Brandon Shore – as an entire organization, we’re all on the same page. He’s been supportive. We’ll continue to stay on the same page moving forward. Again, he’s been very, very supportive. I could go into detail on those, but those conversations are private, and we’re going to keep them that way.”
(What was your reaction when this particular trade combination was brought to you, including LT Laremy Tunsil and WR Kenny Stills?) – “There are a lot of conversations with a lot of teams on a daily basis. We’ve had several different offers. My reaction is always the same: does it help this team? Does it help this organization? We’ve got to put all those things – all those things factor into my feeling on a particular trade. In this instance, I felt like this trade would help this organization and this team. Myself, Chris (Grier), Brandon (Shore) – we spent a lot of time talking through this. Like I said before, we’ve got a process on how we make decisions here. I think we went through that process and we did what we felt was best.”
(Who is vying for your starting left tackle job now?) – “We’ve acquired Julien Davenport. We’re excited about him. He’s a good young player. I think his best football’s ahead of him. We’ve also acquired Evan Boehm and Dan Isidora through trades this weekend, and we’re excited about those guys as well. Again, it’s going to be a team effort. There’s 11 guys that play. The communication, the camaraderie amongst the offensive line – we’ve got to build that and try to build and improve on a weekly basis.”
(Have you spoken with LT Laremy Tunsil and/or WR Kenny Stills after the trade, and what was their reaction?) – “Yeah, I spoke to both guys; but again, my conversations with players, with other coaches about contracts – those are all private. Honestly, I just think that’s common courtesy. I try to respect the privacy of those conversations. I’m not going to go into detail about how those conversations went.”
(There are going to be some guys in the locker room who are sad, and there are going to be some guys in the locker room who are mad. Tell me how you plan to deal with that.) – “I think we’ve got a good locker room. I think we’ve got a lot of guys who care about each other, work hard and want to play for each other. I understand there are relationships that are built over the course of years; but at the end of the day, the guys in this locker room – I think that they’re going to band together and play together, and at the end of the day, we’ve got to play for one another.”
(How important is it for this organization to win in 2019?) – “It’s always important to win. I’ve always believed that. I think to take any other approach, that’s just not how you coach the game. That’s not how you play the game. To take any other approach is disrespectful to the game, so it’s very important.”
Ryan Fitzpatrick – August 29, 2019 (Postgame)
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Thursday, August 29, 2019
Postgame – New Orleans
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (Transcribed by New Orleans Saints)
(You are the Miami Dolphins starting quarterback, and you feel how about that?) – “I’m excited. I’m excited to get out there and lead this team and do the best I can out there. It’s a situation I’ve been in for multiple franchises. I’ll lean on my experience a little bit and try to get the guys out there, everybody on the same page and great communication and playing with a lot of excitement.”
(How do you feel you took control to be named the starting quarterback?) – “I think there are a lot of things that go into being a professional quarterback. In digesting this offense – together – it’s a new offense for everybody. We’re trying to get everybody on the same page through the offseason, all the OTAs. Through training camp, I was just trying to be the best version of me I could be every day and trying to be a guy that could lead us and make sure to be the best communicator out there and all those things. I’m really excited for the opportunity.”
(Was there ever a time there was a doubt in your mind or a question in your mind?) – “About?”
(About winning the starting job?) – “I know I have more confidence in myself than anybody else in this world, so sometimes that’s a detriment but a lot of times, that works in my favor. I am always confident in who I am and what I am as a player. This is where I wanted to be, and what I worked to get.”
(Do you feel like it gets easier now or harder now?) – “Playing quarterback is very hard in the NFL. I’m still doing this, I’m still playing because I want to be out there on the field, and I want to be in those tough times in the huddle when we’re facing adversity and trying to figure things out together and work through things. That’s the joy that I have in this game. It is never easy out there. Even sometimes when it looks easier when you have a good game, it is never easy. It’s a difficult game. I’ve spent the last 14 years trying to figure it out, and still every week is a new challenge that’s presented. It’s the beauty of the game. The appeal, too, is just the challenge of it and that it’s so difficult to master every week.”
(This is obviously one goal that’s been achieved. I’m sure you have goals beyond that. What do you want to accomplish this year?) – “All my stuff is so short-sided in what I want to do. It’s a week-to-week league in terms of the success and the failures. My focus is on Week 1 and the Baltimore Ravens and getting us ready to play and putting us in the best position to win a football game.”
(You started very hot last year. Is there a secret to doing that?) – “No, if I could figure that one out, I’d probably be… I think the biggest thing last year was just we made some big plays, and we had great preparation in the offseason. Just getting on the same page with guys – I feel like there’s been a lot of that that’s been done here. Obviously [this is a] new year, new team, new opponent, but I’m excited to see what is to come.”
(Have you started – or if you have, when did you start preparing for the Baltimore Ravens as the starting quarterback?) – “We’ve looked at them very superficially. We don’t have a game plan in place yet, but that will come in a few days. As we move forward we’ll get all that figured out and we’lll get it practiced and ironed out. We’ve definitely looked at some tape already.”
(When did you find out? What was that conversation like with Head Coach Brian Flores?) – “I found out before you guys did and (it was) just a quick conversation with Coach ‘Flo’ (Brian Flores). He’s been great throughout the whole process – not just with starter and non-starter, but just in terms of being upfront and just letting guys know how he sees things and what he feels. That’s very appreciated as a player when you have a coach like that. We had a good conversation.”
(You said quick conversation – this wasn’t just like, 15 seconds or something. “You’re the starter.” “OK, bye.” It wasn’t anything like that, right?) – “No, no (laughter).”
Brian Flores – August 29, 2019 (Postgame)
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Thursday, August 29, 2019
Postgame – New Orleans
Head Coach Brian Flores (Transcribed by New Orleans Saints)
(Opening Statement) – “Before we start, I wanted to get this out in the open, I told you guys when we made a decision on our starting quarterback that we would let you know. So, we are going to name Ryan Fitzpatrick our starter for game One. (I) Told both quarterbacks, (I) feel like that’s the best situation for the team, puts us in the best position to win. That’s how we are going forward.”
(On the decision to start QB Ryan Fitzpatrick in Week 1) – “Well, like I’ve said all year long, after a thorough evaluation of OTA’s, training camp, games, practice, we felt like this was the best move for this team going into this season. Ryan has done a really good job from a leadership standpoint, from an execution standpoint, and we feel like that’s the best thing for this team.”
(When was the decision reached?) – “We made the decision – again, I would say the conversations that we have as a staff and the decisions we make – those are internal. I would say it was made over the course of the last week or so. Again, we are always going to do what we feel is in the best interest of the organization, and that’s where we’re at right now.”
(What does QB Josh Rosen need to do to get to the point where you’re comfortable playing him?) – “I’ve said multiple times, I think he’s improved greatly over the course of training camp. This is a young kid who works extremely hard. It is important to him. He’s talented, but playing quarterback in this league – it takes some time. He’s in a new offense, and I think he’ll get there. I do. I really do. That’s a conversation we had. I think he’ll get there at some point. When? I don’t know, and a lot of that’s up to him. He knows that. No knock on him, but he has worked extremely hard, but I think he will get there. This is a talented player. We’re excited about him.”
(How did both quarterbacks react when you told them QB Ryan Fitzpatrick was starting?) – “They both handled it well. These are two of the most professional guys I have been around. They both handled it really well. Obviously, ‘Fitz’ (Ryan Fitzpatrick) was excited. Josh was a little disappointed, but at the same time, he looked at me and said… well, I will keep that conversation between he and I (laughter).”
(Do you think there is a necessity to look at QB Josh Rosen as a starting quarterback at some point for a particular amount of times – six games, eight games, something like that?) – “No, that’s not something that’s – ‘Fitz’ is our starter. You don’t go into one of these, saying, oh, he’s going to start for this amount of games, and then we’re going to… that’s not how you do this. We feel comfortable with him as the starting quarterback. He brings the leadership, the experience and just an overall knowledge and ability to manage and run this offense, and that’s what we are looking for. I think he will do a good job.”
(With this move, do you think this can help QB Josh Rosen with his confidence?) – “His development is what we are… well the development of every player on this team is our priority, his specifically. When we talk specifically about Josh, his development is something that we as an organization – it’s a top priority. I think sitting at times helps your development. Hopefully that will be the case here.”
(For QB Josh Rosen to get the starting job, he’s got to show you through practice and studying habits…) – “Exactly. Exactly. Right now ‘Fitz’ (Ryan Fitzpatrick) is the starter. ‘Fitz’ is the starter, and obviously, we feel really good about Josh Rosen. We really good about all our quarterbacks. Jake went out there and played really well tonight. I can’t say enough good things about him and the way he has practiced and performed and when we gets in there and gets his opportunities, he takes advantage of them. I like our quarterback room. Hopefully we continue to grow and build as a unit and hopefully that transcends over to the entire team.”
(Is this a week-to-week decision?) – “Ryan Fitzpatrick is the starting quarterback and that’s how I see it.”
(Going in another direction, T Laremy Tunsil his name has been out there – the trade rumors. Have you talked to Laremy, and is there a possibility could be traded in the next few days?) – “Yeah, I talk to Laremy every day. There is no trade in place for him. Look, the conversations I have with players – like I’ve said many times – are between myself and the player. Those are private. We’re going to keep them private. Same thing goes for any conversations we have or don’t have as an organization. They’re private. We’re going to keep them private.”
(When do you expect to start making cuts? Will some come tomorrow, or will all of them Saturday?) – “Between tomorrow and Saturday. Obviously, this is a tough time of the year. That group – they went out there and battled tonight. I thought they played really well. I thought we’re really coming together as a team. You see the guys that weren’t out there encouraging the players who were out there. I thought we made plays in all three phases. I thought they really tried to play together tonight. That was good to see. This group has worked extremely hard over the course of training camp. It’s been hot. We’ve practiced in pads. I’m not an easy guy to deal with all the time, so they dealt with that. I’m really appreciative of the hard work that they’ve put in. I’m proud of this group.
Josh Rosen – August 29, 2019 (Postgame)
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Thursday, August 29, 2019
Postgame – New Orleans
QB Josh Rosen (Transcribed by New Orleans Saints)
(Obviously QB Ryan Fitzpatrick has been named the starter – how do you feel about that?) – “Not great, but at least for me, the battle and competition never stops. I’ll push him every single day for him to get better, and if he doesn’t get better, I’ll hopefully surpass him at some point. We’re teammates. We’re both Dolphins, and I’m rooting for him as hard as anyone because I think – as I said before – a rising tide raises all ships. I think our quarterback room has a lot of good talent and I think it’s making me better as well.”
(When were you told about this decision?) – “Before the game.”
(How confident do you feel that you didn’t get the starting job, considering you kind of have impressed Head Coach Brian Flores in practice and film sessions and that kind of thing?) – “I think Coach (Flores) challenged me pretty early in training camp as I wasn’t playing very well because I was just sort of drinking water from a fire hose. I think I responded pretty well and made some good progress through the preseason games. I think a lot of that had to do with focusing on my day-to-day and not trying to worry if Coach was looking or make sure I impress him here or this. I think I’ve just got to play football like I know how to play football. In our discussion when (Coach Flores) told me ‘Fitz’ (QB Ryan Fitzpatrick) was going to get the job, he told me that I’ve made a lot of really good, steady upward progress. I think it’s only time that this team is mine, but until then I’m going to be as supportive a backup as I can, and like I said, push him every single day.”
(A year and a half, whenever it was when the Arizona Cardinals took you at No. 10 in the 2018 NFL Draft, I don’t think you’d ever imagine that at this point in your career, you’d be here. How do you get your head around where career progression went?) – “I think I’m in a pretty good spot. It’s not the spot I’d prefer to be in at the moment, but it doesn’t change my progression as a quarterback. Last year everything kind of flipped pretty quickly. They told me at the beginning of the year I was supposed to sit out and try and learn behind (Former Arizona Cardinals QB) Sam (Bradford) and play that Year 2 and get ready to get, and that didn’t happen. I think any sort of projection of where my career should be is kind of irrelevant, or really difficult to pin down, I guess you could say at this point. That’s why I’m really focusing on what I can do day-to-day. In terms of my progression as a quarterback, I think I’m substantially better a quarterback now than I was three weeks ago and a way better quarterback than I was a year ago. On this progression, I think the future is pretty bright. I’m excited. I wouldn’t say it’s a setback, but the temporary – it’s not even a hurdle to cross over; it’s part of the journey.”
(Did you at any point think that as the younger guy that you might get the edge in a close race because you figure more into the Dolphins’ future than QB Ryan Fitzpatrick? Did you ever think, “yeah, if it’s close, the younger guy probably gets it”?) – “No, because there are arguments for both sides. There are arguments for both sides. You could say that you want to develop the young guy and make sure that when he pulls the trigger, it’s the real trigger and that he’s ready to do it, or you could say that you want him to trial by fire. Trial by fire didn’t work great for me last year (laughter), but I think there are arguments on both sides.”
(You obviously don’t feel great about the decision. You shouldn’t, but do you agree with it?) – “That’s a good question. I would like to answer your question but it’s just really not up to me. I think there are arguments on both sides. If the decision was made after Preseason (Game) 1 or 2, I think it would be pretty clear-cut decision, but I think I’ve made some pretty good progress in this offense and really started to get the hang of it, so as time goes on I’ll only continue to improve. Coach’s decision is out of my control. I think I did a pretty good job of making it at least a little bit difficult for him at the end. Maybe if there were a couple more preseason (games), it’d be – I’m just kidding.”
Albert Wilson – August 29, 2019 (Fourth Quarter)
Thursday, August 29, 2019
Fourth Quarter – New Orleans
WR Albert Wilson
(In October, you go down with a hip injury, you go through all the rehab, you finally get a chance to get back on the field. How did it feel for you?) – “It felt really good – just getting out there and competing against someone else besides our own teammates and just getting hit, just doing what I love again. I felt pretty good getting out there for the couple of plays I had.”
(It’s tough going through rehab. It’s tough being away from the team. How difficult was it for you?) – “I had Jakeem (Grant) with me most of the time along this journey, so it was pretty – it wasn’t as bad as it seemed. We came in every day to compete against each other – to try to make each other better, to try to make this process as successful as possible, and I think we did a pretty good job, so I’m excited for this year.”
(Looked like you took a couple hits out there after being away for a while. Doesn’t bother you, does it?) – “No, not at all.”
Xavien Howard – August 29, 2019 (Third Quarter)
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Thursday, August 29, 2019
Third Quarter – New Orleans
CB Xavien Howard (Third Quarter)
(No battle for CB Xavien Howard because you’ve got your spot locked up. What have you done this offseason to try to improve your game?) – “Overall, I just worked on my technique. Mostly with some of the guys – Bobby McCain, Eric Rowe – this whole offseason, we’ve been grinding together and just working on my technique and just being disciplined with what I’m doing.”
(When you look at that room – the defensive backs – do you like what you see in there – the players that you have, the athletes that you’re going to be going to battle with?) – “Oh, yeah. Those guys, we spend a lot of time together. We try to build that chemistry, even with the safeties and everything. We’re all working together and they’re the guys I want to go to war with.”
(It seems like when you’re out on the field, they seem to be throwing to the other side of the field. Do you ever get bored over there?) – “Oh no, I try to stay up all the time. They try to lull you to sleep then come at you, so I try to stay awake for everything that’s going on. When the ball comes my way, I’ve still got to make them pay.”
Brian Flores – August 29, 2019 (Halftime)
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Thursday, August 29, 2019
Halftime – New Orleans
Head Coach Brian Flores (Halftime)
(QB Jake Rudock got the start and had some good drives for you, put 13 points on the board. Do you like what you saw?) – “Absolutely. I think as a total team, we came out ready to play. We ran the football, stopped the run, covered kicks. We got a got a great punt out of (Matt) Haack. I think as an overall team, that was a good, strong half; but the big thing is we’ve got to finish off the second half. We’ve got to play well in the second half.
(One of the guys we got to see – WR Albert Wilson – hasn’t played all preseason. You get a chance to see him and it’s nice to see him on the field.) – “It’s great to see him out there. We got him a few touches. He played fast and made some plays. That’s what we expect to see out of Albert. It was good to see him out there.”
