Walt Aikens – June 12, 2018
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Tuesday, June 12, 2018
S Walt Aikens
National Association of Police Athletic/Activities League (National PAL) CEO Jeff Hood:
“Good afternoon. (I’m) Jeff Hood. I’m CEO of National PAL. I’m not sure if you guys are aware, PAL has a long standing history of engaging kids, cops and communities around this country. PAL started originally in 1914, over 100 years ago in New York City. Basically it’s kind of come full circle with a lot of what’s going on around the country right now between our young people and law enforcement. That’s originally why we were birthed and why we were started: to be able to engage young people, get them off the street and involved and engaged in positive enrichment opportunities in communities such as what we’re doing right now. The gentleman behind me, Walt Aikens, (is) someone that I’ve known since he was a little, little fella. His dad and I are also friends and I used to be over the Charlotte, North Carolina PAL. It’s great to see a young person such as this be able to work hard, put a lot of work into his craft and to be not just a great football player and athlete. I’ve said this in another setting actually, Walt was just as good in basketball. I thought that was the direction he was going to go and (he) wound up taking off with football. I couldn’t be more proud of him not just from the athletic side, but the type of person that he is. He’s so willing to give back. He actually texted me this week wanting to see about doing some things in Charlotte with young people while he’s off on a little break before he gets back going with the Dolphins. That’s the type of a person he is and that’s what PAL is about. We’re so excited to be able to have him being named one of our spokespersons, to be a good representation piece of who and what we are and what we aspire our young people to be. With that, I just want to again thank Walt for coming onboard and be willing to talk positively about who and what we are both here in Florida but also around the country.”
Walt Aikens:
“Like (Jeff Hood) said, I grew up a PAL kid in Charlotte, North Carolina. I started off playing football for PAL and ultimately finished up as late as I could in the system we had in North Carolina. Right now, Jeff had called me a few months back over the break and asked me if I wanted to become a part of the PAL system again. I felt like it was the best way to give back, me going back to these local communities and showing these kids that no matter where you are or where you’re from, you can always make it and there’s a positive way out of every situation. I just love the fact that I’m able to give back. Jeff put me in a positon where I can impact these kids’ lives and really be a positive influence in their life and that’s my ultimate goal.”
(What’s your best memory of PAL growing up?) – “Just being out there with the kids. You build true friendships. You build real relationships and you go out there and play football. Then, there’s no stretch. You just go out there and play and everything is real fun. That whole team environment, that’s what builds on and helps you get through your everyday life, not only on the field, but off the field. I still have relationships with kids I grew up with. They hit me up every now and then (and say), ‘Remember when we played PAL ball?’ This and that. So, it’s not just one, specific memory, it’s just the whole camaraderie of being in a group at that young age.”
(Tell us about your basketball skills.) – “I was a hooper now. I was a hooper. (laughter) I thought I was going to … I really thought I was going to play basketball up until around 11th, 12th grade and it was still a tough decision after that, because I ended up playing basketball at Liberty (University) and ran track there, too. But early on, I was straight basketball and football was something I could do and then I just fell in love with the game and I realized where I wanted to be in life and what I wanted to do, so I had to go with football.”
(What was it about the game that helped you make that decision?) – “Being angry a lot. (laughter) I’m never really an angry person, but on the football field, it’s where you can release all of your senses, all of your emotions. You can go and hit people, you can go and run as fast as you can. Basketball is more of a finesse-type game, low contact. And you know how people flop in basketball. There isn’t any of that in football. You’ve got to be real when it comes to that gridiron.”
(Did you ever meet an NFL player when you were in PAL and what is the reaction you see in kids’ faces when they see you out there?) – “I was just talking about this the other day. I feel bad for myself. I feel like these kids are so lucky, because now you see a football – like for me – you see a football play (and say), ‘Oh, it’s just another football player.’ But they still have the joy of, ‘This is my first time meeting such and such. This is my first time seeing an actual football player,’ and I get jealous sometimes just looking at them and how excited they are. I wish I could have that feeling all over again.”
(We haven’t had a chance to chat with you since you decided to re-sign here. What was you thinking and how did that all come together?) – “This is home. Any other team was just a second option at that point. Me and my agent sat down, made some decisions and this was the best place for me.”
(Do you hope that your role will continue to grow here?) – “Yes, definitely. Definitely. That was a big part of my staying too, just talking with (Head Coach Adam) Gase and (Defensive Backs) Coach ‘O’ – Tony Oden – and just trying to find a home. I’m willing to do whatever, going out there day in and day out, just grinding and everything will fall into place.”
(Do you speak to kids? Do you give like a talk when you’re involved in these things?) – “Yes.”
(What is your message to them as far as relating to law enforcement?) – “The whole aspect of PAL is to keep kids – at-risk kids or just kids in general – out of trouble. So, the police aspect is taking these kids from off the streets or off of doing bad things in the neighborhood or community and bringing them into one place where they can have a constructive atmosphere, whether it’s football, boxing. They have classrooms and everything. We do tutors, after school programs, everything like that just to keep kids in a good environment and out of trouble’s way.”
(Do they every ask you tough questions given some of the issues that have popped up between police and youth?) – “Who is, ‘they?’”
(Do the kids ask tough questions?) – “No. They’re kids. And if they do know about it, I’m pretty open with my situation. I would just tell them we all make mistakes. I made a mistake my first ever time getting in trouble and it was my last. (I) didn’t make it a habit. Even me, I was in a nice, two-parent home and I made mistakes. I was young. I was a kid; but that didn’t describe my life. I didn’t let that define who I was as a person. So, when that happened, I just kept it moving. My pops told me when I initially got in trouble, he said, ‘What’s done is done.’ We’ve got to learn from it and move on. And I feel like that was the most impactful thing that you could say to me, because he wasn’t mad, he wasn’t yelling. He said, ‘I’m not mad or nothing. I’m more upset,’ and that really hit home like if you’re mad you can get over it, but if you’re upset, I felt like I let him down. I let my parents down. I just kept it moving. Like I said, I was hurt by it. I ultimately made the best out of my situation and I tell these kids that they can do the same in whatever situation they come from.”
(Do you think that your interactions with police officers at a very early, young age impacted your viewpoint of police?) – “Up until more recently, I’ve had a pretty good viewpoint of police. I’ve never been in any situation where it was just wrongfully an outburst, or something that was drastically crazy. My viewpoint was always good. Back in Charlotte, we have a nice group of police officers that a lot of them were my friends’ parents, so we grew up in that environment where I know his dad is a cop, but at the end of the day, that’s my friend’s pops. So, we always had a good relationship. When I said up until recently, I still don’t have a bad viewpoint; but we’ve seen what’s been going on in the media with police and people going on, beatings and all that stuff right now. It affects me. It affects me because I have police friends. Even a few years ago, with the Brent Vinson situation in Charlotte, North Carolina, he’s a police officer that shot an unarmed man supposedly; but he went to my college. I know he’s a good dude and I know that he was doing what he needed to do in the line of duty; but it was kind of hard having mixed emotions coming from patrons and then coming from the police officers. It’s kind of hard when you have friends or family involved in that; but my viewpoint is still the same until otherwise. There are a lot of things you have to watch out for nowadays, especially being a young, black male in today’s society. It’s kind of tough; but at the same time, I just try to keep my nose clean, do what I need to do and get out of the way.”
(Back to football for a second, what do you think of the new kickoff rule and how does that change what you do?) – “New kickoff rules are pretty decent. We’ll see how it plays out more in preseason; but as far as right now, it’s made to protect players and make it a safer play, because there’s a lot that goes on in a five, six second play. People are running down with a long head start. Now they’re shortening that up, trying to make the blocks easier or safer. We’ll just have to see how that works out in preseason.”
(I asked Head Coach Adam Gase about how he considers you, whether a special teams player or a special teams DB. What do you consider yourself? Do you think you’re like a Matthew Slater type or are you special teams DB as a football player?) – “I feel like if you put me out there on the field, I can play wherever. I don’t try to limit myself with a title, especially as a special teams player, because I’m a DB before anything. My ultimate goal is to get out on the field and ball out and show them what I’ve really got. It’s been a long journey these past four, going on five (years) now. I’m just trying to do whatever I can to help this team win.”
(Prior to re-signing here when you sat down and talked to either Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke or Head Coach Adam Gase or Executive Vice President of Football Operations Mike Tannenbaum or whoever about a defensive role potentially, where did they tell you they saw you having a chance to compete – safety, corner? What sort of role?) – “Safety, but be alert for anytime we need corners. I’m at a good way where I feel like I can move as a safety or a corner. The main thing is just knowing everything and being ready when the time comes.”
(How much do they cross-train you? Do you play both in practice?) – “I’m just playing safety right now, but I know both. I know everything.”
(We mentioned Matthew Slater, who’s kind of the guy when you mention special teams players, he’s the guy. How much of a goal is it for you to get to that point where it’s not just Matthew Slater, it’s Matthew Slater and Walt Aikens?) – “I try to make my presence be known whenever we play a tough opponent like the Patriots and you’ve got great special teams guys like Slater and Danny (Amendola). When Danny was there, we had to look out for them, but I wanted them to feel me and look out for me, too. Just hearing those guys come up and talk to me after the game or before the game knowing we’re going to battle it out, that’s a big confidence, big momentum booster for me.”
(Why do you think this year is going to be different for this team?) – “Really, we have a whole new team; but I feel like we’re buying into the system right now. We’re gelling. We’re bonding together. Just with the pieces we’ve brought in this year and the guys we’ve already had, I feel like it’s about that time we start making some noise.”
(What has your impressions been on S Minkah Fitzpatrick so far through minicamp and OTAs?) – “Minkah is a nice safety. Young dude, high energy, big motor. He’s coming along good in these offseason programs and we hope to see a lot out of him.”
(A minute ago you mentioned you wanted to show the coaches what you’ve really got. How big of a gap do you think there is between what you’ve shown and what you can give this team?) – “It’s a lot. There’s a lot I haven’t shown you yet just with the limited snaps I did get. I’ve gained more confidence in myself. I feel like I kind of fell off confidence-wise the past couple years, but I’m coming back in refocused, refreshed, full of confidence, full of energy and just ready to ball out.”
(What made you lose confidence?) – “I would say just not being on the field as much as I would want to and just being labeled as a special teams player for so long. I kind of got down on myself; but I know I can ball. I know I can go out there and play. (It is) just about getting on the field now. When the opportunity comes, show out.”
(A business of football question: you know now that WR Jarvis Landry is gone, you and T Ja’Wuan James are the only players from your draft class on the team. Does that surprise you when you think about it or is it kind of “I’ve been in the league. I know that’s how it goes” type deal?) – “Me and Ja’Wuan were actually talking about that yesterday. A few years ago, anybody that left was a shocker to me like, ‘Gosh, we’re really letting these people go.’ But now, I’ve seen it so much, it’s just the league thing. It happens. So, it’s not really a big deal. We’re holding on, me and Ja’Wuan. (laughter) But it’s not really a big deal. Seeing people come and go, it’s part of the league. NFL stands for Not For Long, so you have to make the most of your opportunities now.”
(You mentioned WR Danny Amendola. CB Bobby McCain had said a couple weeks ago that was his second most hated player in the league prior to now. Did you have similar affection for Danny prior to this?) – “Something like that; but it wasn’t as personal as Bobby and Danny. (laughter) Me and Amendola had some words every few punts or a KOR might get him. We actually ran into each other, it was like three years back. I think it was in New England. He tried to block me and I made my presence be known. I like to joke with him about that one. But no, he’s a good dude. He’s a nice asset to this team – a hard worker, goes out. You’re going to get the same person every day. Ultimately, he’s going to make this defense better being that he came from a system that can score and (a) high-powered offense. He’s here now. We’re going to see what he’s got.”
Kalen Ballage – June 12, 2018
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Tuesday, June 12, 2018
RB Kalen Ballage
(How much have you thought about … It’s clear obviously that RB Kenyan Drake and RB Frank Gore are going to play. How much have you had in your mind of “I’ve got to give this staff a reason to play a third running back this season?” I know learning has been a priority but has that thought come into your mind?) – “Yes. I mean I feel like I’ve always been a playmaker so those things come into my mind automatically. But I definitely want to be a guy that stands out (and is a) hard worker – everything that I do on and off the field. There’s probably not a guy in here that doesn’t want to be noticed for doing good things.”
(I know there is the usual crash course of trying to get into the playbook and practice and everything like that but you also have a lot of veterans around you. What have you picked up from the guys in your room?) – “It’s funny because Frank (Gore) is a vet but he’s new to the offense, as well. And Kenyan (Drake) is a vet but still really young so it’s been a nice mixture. It’s allowed me to really get into the playbook and learn and different aspects of it, and learn differently. Not everyone learns the same but it’s helped me a lot.”
(Have you asked RB Frank Gore for his autograph while he’s been here?) – “(laughter) I haven’t had to. I’ve got his number.”
(What kind of feedback have you gotten from the coaching staff so far?) – “I’m not a guy that makes a lot of mental errors. There’s going to be stuff here and there because I’m learning a completely new playbook. It’s a lot of information to learn but I’m just trying to be the most consistent football player I can be right now.”
(What do you like about the offense so far?) – “There’s nothing that I don’t like about it. Everything the defense gives us, we’ve got something to give them back so it’s a nice offense to play in, for sure.”
(I saw a cool social media video on the Miami Dolphins account where RB Kenyan Drake was giving you some extra time, maybe after practice or something. What specifically has he said about what he remembers about his rookie season that he’s shared with you?) – “Kind of what you heard on the video. Somebody put their arm around him and kind of did the same thing, so I appreciate him not only being a teammate but kind of like a big brother.”
(How much Arizona State reminiscing have you been doing with QB Brock Osweiler? Had you met him before you came here?) – “We’ve always been around each other kind of in the same vicinity but I actually never met him until I got here. We knew about each other so when I got here, I had the opportunity to speak to him. He went to a completely different Arizona State than what I went to. He had Coach (Dennis) Erickson and it was a little bit different over there. We’re still Sun Devils.”
(You’re obviously more known as a guy who had success catching the ball out of the backfield. Do you have a mentality of when you catch the ball, after you do it, to sort of become a running back? There seems to be a second gear you have at times after catching.) – “Absolutely. I don’t have one specific mentality though in anything that I do. I try to do everything. I want to score every time I touch the ball. That’s kind of how I am. Definitely though, when I catch the ball, I want to make a difference in the passing game.”
(What was the most humbling moment for you so far out on the field?) – “I think practice one day we just started going super fast. I’m from a no-huddle offense at Arizona State or whatever. I’ve been in the no-huddle stuff and going really fast but going really fast and not knowing all of the plays is completely different. There were a few times where my mind is running 100 miles per hour trying to figure things out.”
(How does it feel when you are out there trying to do that and you know that you don’t know?) – “It’s not that I don’t know. It’s am I 100 percent sure? You kind of have an idea of what you are supposed to be doing but maybe you aren’t fully sure about it. That’s what I said: just being consistent and knowing what I’ve got, so you can be very decisive and play fast.”
(We heard from TE Mike Gesicki and TE Durham Smythe saying they’ll have this white board where they’ll quiz each other on plays. Have you done that with any rookie teammate?) – “We’ve done a lot of that stuff. Me and Buddy Howell are roommates so we go through a lot of the plays, the system and then try to get it down. One thing about that too is you can’t try to look into the playbook too much. You can fry your brain if you look at it too much, so it’s just about finding that balance.”
(One of the coaches mentioned in blocking, and I’m quoting him here, he says “In the NFL you get odd defenses – spinners, floaters and trap blitzes.” I don’t know what that stuff means but it sounds kind of complex. What have you learned about the sort of stuff that they try to do to you in the NFL?) – “There’s a trick to the trade in everything. All of that stuff, yes it sounds confusing. It was kind of confusing to me in college when I (first) heard that stuff and now I’m getting more detailed about it now that I’m in the NFL. There’s tricks to the trade. Everything on defense, every blitz that they have coming, we have something to counteract that.”
(Do you have a good RB Frank Gore story yet?) – “(laughter) Yes, I’ve got a few. Top Golf is not Frank’s thing. (laughter) We’re very competitive – our whole running back group – so we got in there and none of us really know how to hit a golf ball; but we were hitting it hard as hell. It was going far but not where we want it to go. It was veering off here and here and here. We were all trying to get a little better at that. That was fun.”
(Did RB Frank Gore make contact every time?) – “Oh, yes. We were hitting it. It just wasn’t pretty. (laughter)”
(When you said that your head was spinning a little bit in no-huddle work, was that early?) – “Yes, it was a little bit earlier on.”
(So how have things progressed for you now?) – “Really well. It’s a lot of memorization and stuff like that so repetition helps with that. The more you do it, the less mistakes you make.”
(Is there anything in particular that you’ve tried to pick RB Frank Gore’s brain about?) – “Everything.”
(Like diet, how RB Frank Gore stays durable?) – “Everything. Luckily, me and Frank are … Frank is 14 years in the league but he studies running backs still to this day. He studies running backs younger than him, older than him. He’s really into that and so am I. Luckily he’s that same way or else I’d probably get annoying. (laughter)”
(When you’ve looked at other NFL backs, is there anyone with similar body types as you?) – “I would say David Johnson and Le’Veon Bell. They’re bigger backs that catch the ball well out of the backfield. Those are two really great running backs. Yes, we’ve got the same body type and stuff but they’ve lived up to the hype so that’s where I’m trying to get next.”
Adam Gase – June 12, 2018
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Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Head Coach Adam Gase
(TE Mike Gesicki mentioned to us yesterday that QB Ryan Tannehill went out to lunch with him on his 30-visit. Did you guys have Ryan spend time with your offensive players on 30-visits and ask his opinion after, just out of curiosity?) – “Really, if Ryan saw those guys in the building, he’s always going to take time and get to know those guys whether they’re on offense or defense. I think that was more of a coincidence. That wasn’t something that we set up.”
(Was the offense a little better today? Were you a little happier?) – “We’re getting better here and there. We’ll have some good plays, some bad plays. That’s just kind of how offseason goes.”
(How do you assess the offensive tackle performance? I know they’re going against a ton of guys and a lot of talent there, but are you seeing enough consistency?) – “Yes because we’re taking in … We’re watching individual, we’re watching the group periods we’re working on. Really, a lot of times it’s tougher in OTAs (because) you have no pads on. We’re throwing the ball a lot. This is really a passing camp type emphasis, so there’s not much run game threat. It’s tough. It’s good for them though because you really have to be good with the cadence. You have to be good at getting out there and being ready for their counters. Those guys have to be on it.”
(We understand this is the offseason and it is all voluntary. We didn’t see G Josh Sitton out there. Is there an injury or is it personal?) – “I don’t know. I don’t have to tell you right now, right?”
(You do not.)
(What, if anything, have you seen from WR Isaiah Ford and his return from injury?) – “He’s done a good job. He’s made a lot of plays, a lot of catches. I think he’s … We felt so good about him last training camp and it was really tough for him getting hurt because he was making strides. He was starting to break through working him in the slot and he still has ability outside. He had a really good feel for what was going on. Losing him, I know he was disappointed but then he worked hard to come back. He’s been very productive this spring. Really, for him, it’s going to be about once we get to training camp and preseason games, the live action stuff, because he hasn’t had an opportunity to do that yet.”
(When it comes to S Walt Aikens, is he a guy who is making his name in the league through special teams? Do you want him to think of himself as that or as special teams/DB? What’s your thought on that?) – “I think that’s a starting point. I think we’re always trying to take guys that are excellent at special teams like he is and find a role for him somewhere on defense. I know he does a lot of different things – safety, corner. He’s played dime for us. He’s done a lot of different positions on defense. We’re always trying to get our best 11 (players) on the field and every week it changes (as far as) who is available and where we can use certain guys. I know he’s worked extremely hard to try to find that role on defense. I know he wants to be a part of that.”
(Can versatility work against a player like that if a coach is just, “we can plug him in here, we can plug him in here,” instead of finding a home?) – “No. I think guys are just trying to get on the field. I don’t think they really care what spot they’re in a lot of the times. They just want to have an opportunity to make plays and be a part of the solution of stopping the offense.”
(What went into the thinking last year in the Bills game of having S Walt Aikens there in what I believe is like a dime package?) – “We wanted to … We were kind of experimenting with a lot of different things in that game and that was one of the things that we talked about doing was trying to put a little package together to where he could play defense and just kind of give him that feel and see how he did. He didn’t have a ton of plays but he did his job. When you get … With him, he’s a really good tackler. We just wanted to try to put him in position to where he could drive on whoever had the ball, whether it was a run or a pass. He’s a guy that you can rely on to get the ball carrier down. We’re just going to keep working on trying to find the best spot for him as far as our defense goes. We know what he can do on special teams. Watching his film from last year, just when we went back and evaluated, that was special stuff that he was doing.”
(With S Walt Aikens, now that all of the leaders are kind of gone from that special teams unit – RB Damien Williams and S Michael Thomas – does he have to step up and become a leader there?) – “I think he was a leader in a certain … He knew his role. Last year I think he was ready to kind of step forward and I know when I met with him at the end of the season, that was something that he was really going to focus on, especially in the offseason. He’s one of those guys that he does everything right, especially once we get going in practice. When they start working in individual, he works hard to make sure that he’s setting the right example. I’ve noticed him being more vocal than what he was in the past. He kind of knew that he was taking those steps towards becoming a leader of the special teams group.”
(It looked like to us that your offense kind of clicked a little bit when you went faster. Were you happy with that? Was it a 2-minute situation or just trying…) – “No. Sometimes you just try to change the tempo of practice. It’s tough, especially when it gets heated up out there and you go so many plays in a row. It’s kind of good conditioning but at the same time, the mental gymnastics that you have to go through and just really seeing if guys can execute when it really gets tough and when you get tired. It’s a good thing that we do to really put pressure on both sides of the ball.”
(I’m curious, how challenging is it balancing the partiality you have for offense with the fact that those are your guys on defense too?) – “It’s terrible. (laughter)”
(Can you talk about that?) – “Yes, I mean they’re chirping at me a lot on the other side. It’s better on game day. It’s better in game weeks because now you can play both sides except for one period a day. It’s a good thing though, just the energy those guys bring. They know how to get under my skin pretty good.”
(RB Kalen Ballage, the rookie. What have you found that he does really well in the few weeks you’ve had him out there in the offense?) – “I think he’s really … He’s progressing quickly. It’s a lot on your plate as a rookie running back, especially when the defense starts to get into some of their exotic stuff on third down and you’re still trying to figure out some of the basic things that you’re doing in the offense. He’s working hard. He’s consistently been one of those guys that’s always trying to find a way to get extra and spend time with other players. I know (Kenyan) Drake has spent a lot of time with him just trying to really nail down the offense and then adjust to the defense when they’re doing certain things. We’ve been just trying to do as many things as possible in the spring to get him used to things because once you hit training camp, you don’t have a ton of time to spend on one specific thing. A lot of things are going to be flying at him once we hit training camp, so the more that he knows now, the more reps he gets and the more defenses he sees – the adjustments – then the better it’s going to be for him down the road.”
(Has RB Kalen Ballage done well lining up at receiver the way you’ve used some other running backs in the past?) – “Yes. The whole group, it’s just kind of part of what we do on offense. I’m not sitting there … When we script, we don’t sit there and say ‘This guy is in here, this guy is…’ We’re just kind of dialing it up and rolodexing calls and just trying to put guys in different positions to where they have to think and react and know how to do everything.”
(Going back to tempo, it seemed when QB Ryan Tannehill was healthy, he played better in 2-minute situations than maybe the rest of the half. Is that a fair assessment and why do you think he did that?) – “I don’t know. Those last probably six or so games that he played, he played really well whether we were huddling or 2-minutes or if we were trying to go up-tempo. I think that every day, he’s going to get a little bit better because it’s seeing more looks. The defense does a good job of mixing things up. (Defensive Coordinator) Matt (Burke) is doing a good job of really getting those guys a lot of different looks so I think whether we’re going up-tempo or we’re huddling, he’s gaining a lot of knowledge and getting a lot of experience, even more than what he already had.”
(How much is this looking like QB Ryan Tannehill’s team from a leadership standpoint through minicamp and through OTAs?) – “You see that he jumped right back in there and guys were rallying around him and ready to go. He’s got good rapport with those skill guys. Those guys are around each other a lot in the offseason when we’re not. Those guys seem to be pretty close and they’re working well together and I know those guys are pushing each other.”
(I know TE Mike Gesicki and TE Durham Smythe told us so much about learning for them. What have you seen that’s left you encouraged in those moments when you can actually evaluate them?) – “Because they’re getting to the point where they’re not making the same mistake twice or three times. If they make a mistake, they’re cleaning it up pretty quick. Those two guys spend a lot of time making sure on paper they know what’s going on. It’s different once the pieces start moving. Defensive fronts start changing on motions and shifts and things like that, so it’s all going to be about reps. That’s why we’re trying to give those two guys as many as possible because they’ve seen the least. It’s all about preparation for training camp.”
(TE Mike Gesicki seemed to have, at least in the practices we’ve watched, his best practice so far today. Did he impress you today?) – “It’s hard to tell just from standing out there. Things are moving pretty quick and you’re kind of watching a lot of different things. He’s had some good days where he’s able to … He’s getting opportunities to go and get the ball. When he gets moving down the field, it’s impressive to see because the speed increases very quickly.”
(We’re getting RB Kalen Ballage and LB Jerome Baker in here later today. About the rookies in general, how tough is it for them to let their athleticism shine right now? Is it more about technique? Do they have to know what they’re doing before they can be athletic? How does that work?) – “Really, that’s what you’re going to lean on most of the time is when you’re fast and strong and just have football instincts, you can let those take over. At least if you screw up, you’re going 100 miles per hour. I think you can see both of those guys, the longer we’ve gone, the less mistakes they make and the faster they’re able to play. I think that’s just really all those guys are trying to do. This rookie class has done a good job of trying to catch up as fast as they can and just really use their speed and what they know to their advantage.”
(When they’re in there, are you calling plays knowing and understanding that they know very limited amounts of things? The offensive guys obviously.) – “Oh, we’re pressing them. We’re trying to do things that we install that day to kind of put pressure on them to be able to take it from here to the field because that’s what’s going to happen during the season. When you hit Wednesday, Thursday, you’re bringing it in in the morning and you’re heading to the field and executing it. We’re trying to put that pressure on them now so they get used to it.”
(With the backup QBs, obviously you’ll get a better sense in preseason games but from what you’ve seen up to this point, are you happy with the group you have?) – “Oh, yes. I’ve been around two of them for a while now and Bryce (Petty) has come in and done a good job. We’re just going to keep, really, just pushing those guys and keep opening up the offense to do as many things as possible. They’re trying to get used to the guys that they’re practicing with. I know even for David (Fales) it’s a different group than he was last year. He was working with the threes and this year, it’s more twos. He’s had some of those – Albert (Wilson) and Jakeem (Grant) – for most of the time. Those guys are really good receivers and they challenge those DBs. It’s been good for both David and Brock (Osweiler) and Bryce to get to work with a lot of the guys they’re working with right now.”
Durham Smythe – June 11, 2018
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Monday, June 11, 2018
TE Durham Smythe
(What’s the process been like to learn an offense this quickly and have to go out on the field and contribute?) – “It starts as soon as you get here, diving into the playbook. Actually before you get here, because they send you the playbook. It’s all about going out there, taking a lot of time outside of the building to get familiar with the playbook and kind of just roll with the punches. We throw in an install in the morning and you get as much of it as you can. You go out on the field, you try to play fast and then you go home that night and kind of focus on it then. It’s been good. I’m excited to kind of keep pushing that through next month, month and a half and get really familiar.”
(What is the difference between a college install and what you’re engaged in now in the NFL?) – “Volume, big time. Generally the concepts are similar; but in terms of volume, how many plays are in, adjustments that can be made pre-snap by the quarterback. You have to know this play could be alerted to this play, those mechanics. But I’d say overall it’s the volume.”
(Tight Ends Coach Shane Day mentioned to us how Anthony Fasano was FaceTimed, I guess after Indy, when you talked to the Dolphins. Have you had any communication with Anthony during the OTA process, to ask him for advice or ask him for feedback on playbook?) – “Actually, Shane just gave me his (Anthony’s) number and I’ll probably be reaching out to him here in the next few weeks. This is kind of a crucial time, this next month, especially as a rookie. (I’ll) kind of maybe pick is brain about what to do during this time and things like that; but it’s nice to have a guy who’s connected to the Dolphins, who’s connected to Notre Dame and it sounds like is willing to help.”
(On a percentage basis, how much bigger is this playbook compared to college? 10 percent, 50 percent?) – “It’s probably maybe like 100 percent bigger. If our playbook is this big, I would say it’s double maybe. That’s (a) rough (estimate), but that’s probably around what it is.”
(So the first time you opened it up, your thought was?) – “When you first get it, it only has a couple installs. So, you’re like, ‘Okay, I’ll be able to handle this.’ And then you come in the first day and they throw you a stack that’s just as big as the stuff you’ve gone over for two weeks. Like I said, it’s just about rolling with the punches, kind of getting familiar with it as you go and establishing some comfort.”
(We’ve been able to watch four practices. We haven’t seen you and TE Mike Gesicki targeted a lot in 11-on-11s. Do you have any ballpark number in your mind of how often you have been targeted in full team drills?) – “Ballpark number, I’m not sure. They’re all kind of running together at this point. I think we’ve both been targeted a decent amount of times; but at this point in the year, especially as rookies in this OTA, minicamp process, it’s all about getting familiar with the playbook with other guys and things like that. So, in terms of targets and rep by rep, things like that, we’re not as worried about that.”
(Have you caught all the balls thrown to you in 11-on-11s?) – “I believe so. I’d have to go check but I believe so.”
(Have you felt underappreciated as a receiver, because certainly Tight Ends Coach Shane Day and the Dolphins front office has said we think he’s not getting the credit he deserves as a receiver? Have you felt underappreciated through the draft process in that regard?) – “I don’t know about underappreciated. I feel like with the offense that we ran at Notre Dame and our philosophy is what we wanted to do. Obviously, I wasn’t targeted as much, didn’t have as many catches. I think that’s something that I tried to show throughout the pre-draft process, through the Senior Bowl and things like that, that it was something I could do as well. Like you said, I think they have confidence and I do as well.”
(Have you found any worthy ping-pong opponents yet?) – “Actually I’ve only been in there (the players’ lounge) once. I know I … It’s kind of a crazy time of the year right now for me and the other rookies and guys like that. I’ll definitely be on the prowl here pretty soon.”
(You said you’ve been in there once?) – “Only once and I was actually in there alone. I haven’t been on the ping-pong table at all actually.”
(How much did playing at Notre Dame help you on this level in terms of no stage on this level should be too big for you because you’ve already been on a huge stage?) – “It’s tough to say right now because I have been in an (NFL) atmosphere – a preseason or regular season game; but you’re right. In terms of stage-wise, I don’t think there’s going to be a light that shines too bright, for a lot of these guys. Mike (Gesicki), the other rookie tight end played at Penn State. It’s the same thing. I think it’s an advantage a little bit, but in terms of how big, it’s tough to say.”
(The offensive coordinator, Dowell Loggains, basically said you’re the Y tight end, or that’s where they’re working you. Is that what they call the in-line guy?) – “Yes, for the most part. There’s always little intricacies where the Y will be split out here, split out there; but in terms of general rule, yes.”
(What is the seam-threat guy? They call him what?) – “In our offense, it’s called an F.”
(What might be one thing that is easier in the adjustment you made to the NFL and what might be one thing that is tougher than you might’ve expected?) – “In terms of tougher, I would say it kind of stems from the volume of the playbook. That’s because in college, I think I was a guy that used the mental part of the game as a strength. I knew the playbook extremely well. I could go out and play extremely fast because I knew it so well. Adjusting, anyone that has to make that adjustment from college to the pros is going to have an adjustment period; but for me, I think that’s something I’m trying to make my strength. That’s something that is tougher just from sheer volume. In terms of an easy transition, that’s tough to say at this point. Almost all of my focus is on the playbook and little technique things here and there. I wouldn’t say any of them are extremely difficult but I wouldn’t call anything really easy either.”
(What was the point where it really hit you the magnitude of the heat and humidity during practice down here?) – “It was probably last week. I’m from central Texas so I, in a past life, was used to the heat a little bit. But you’re right, it’s definitely different down here with the humidity and things like that. Last week we had our minicamp and I think it was our second day, Wednesday. I don’t know how hot it was but with the sun out plus all of the humidity, I went through three pairs of gloves. I didn’t get as many team reps with the older guys because they know everything. They’re crushing it and I’m out here with three gloves and things like that. (laughter) It’s definitely an adjustment for everybody but one I think down the line will make us better.”
(Were you struggling at all? Did you find you were more gassed than you thought you’d be?) – “I think for me it was more sheer sweat. I was just drenched. My shorts were heavy and things like that. It’s just something to get used to, but like I said, down the line I think it will pay dividends.”
(You’ve never gone through three sets of gloves during practice before?) – “In the middle of camp I could go through two maybe up at Notre Dame; but, three is a new level. (laughter)”
(As a guy who had been considered a very, very good blocker as a tight end, is it too early without pads to get a sense yet of how good of a blocker you’ll be initially as a rookie at this level? Are you curious about that? Do you have a feel for it yet not in pads?) – “I think it’s tough to say; but at this point in the year with OTAs and things like that, obviously with no pads, we’re working a lot of technique. You don’t get to go full speed into a guy but we’re working a lot of technique that I think in college, a lot of people don’t focus on. Even myself, we ran the ball a lot but I’ve already learned so much within the four weeks here in terms of blocking technique and things like that. I’ll continue to work on that over the next month, month and a half, and hopefully that will translate for me when we put the pads on.”
(Going back to the studying part for a second, are you doing anything drastic like 3 a.m. you’re still looking at your playbook?) – “I haven’t pulled a 3 a.m. yet just because, like we said with the heat and everything, I think if I stayed up until 3 a.m., I’d probably die the next day. Me and Mike (Gesicki) have been good about it because we are roommates over at the hotel. We have been good about studying away from the building. We have a whiteboard in our hotel room that we will quiz each other with and things like that. It’s been good. It’s nice having a guy who plays the same position who’s going through the same thing, so we can bounce ideas off of each other and things like that.”
A.J. Derby – June 11, 2018
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Monday, June 11, 2018
TE A.J. Derby
(Being a full-time NFL starter, there’s certainly an opportunity for all of the tight ends competing here to seize that job. Would that be significant to you being an NFL starter?) – “Right now, we’re not really focused on that. We’re all just working trying to get better. We’ve got a good group of guys. We’re all working together. We’re all trying to push each other every day to get better.”
(What is it that you did last year that allowed you in two weeks to go from a guy that just got claimed to a guy that was on the field?) – “It was interesting. Last year I wasn’t really expecting to get released or anything like that; but it happened and I came here and worked my butt off. I just studied. My wife didn’t come down here with our daughter. I told her, ‘Stay away. I’m just working.’ So there was no point in her coming down.”
(So it was just study? Because they talk about how fast you learned the playbook. What was it? Was it similar to what you did in Denver or similar to what you did in New England?) – “It was a lot of combination of all of that together. This will be my fourth offense in three years that I had to learn. Playing quarterback, I picked up stuff pretty quickly. I look at things differently than most guys on the team and I was just learning quickly.”
(You mentioned the fourth offense in three years. How do you feel about … To what extent are you settled right now in this offense compared to where you’ve been in the past?) – “I feel really good about where I’m at. I felt really good about every playbook I played with. That’s one of the things you can control is how well you know the offense and that’s something I take pride in. I feel really good about where I am with the offense and I’m just going to keep working to get better.”
(When you tell the wife and child to stay at home, I guess some guys can see that as relaxing. ‘I’m getting away from the game, I can be with the wife and child,’ but was it tunnel vision for you?) – “Yes. At that point when I’m coming to a new team that late in the season, there wasn’t really time to relax. I was trying to get on the field and help this team win. If you’re in the NFL, you’re either playing or you’re not really going to be on a roster, so I was doing what I could to play. My wife and my daughter, they were … My daughter is really young, so it wasn’t going to be easy for her. (I) needed to get as much sleep as I needed.”
(Head Coach Adam Gase, when he would talk about you, he would use the term quarterback-friendly. What does that mean to you, a quarterback-friendly tight end?) – “I think that has to go back to just knowing the position and looking at it from a different way. I try to look at what quarterbacks see and try to be where they want me. I try to be in their position because it’s a hard position to play, quarterback. You’ve just got to do everything you can to help them out and be where they want you.”
(Had QB Ryan Tannehill and you worked together at all before these last four weeks? Did you do anything February or March?) – “Yes. As soon as he started throwing, I was here. I stayed up in Jupiter this offseason, so I drove down any time Ryan wanted to throw, so I was here.”
(Where are you and QB Ryan Tannehill right now in terms of establishing good on-field chemistry?) – “Like I said, everyone’s here working. We’re all trying to get familiar with each other. That’s what this time of year is for is to get that connection, to get going, and then hopefully by the season, everyone will be clicking.”
(How many times would you say you and QB Ryan Tannehill got together to throw?) – “I didn’t count them. Whenever he called, I was there, so I don’t know.”
(Was it five or 20?) – “I can go look at my phone and tell you; but I don’t know. (laughter) It was a lot.”
(How have you enjoyed … What’s it been like competing against the two rookies?) – “Those guys have been great. As rookies, all you can ask out of rookies is that they want to come in and work and learn, and those two guys do. They’re here every day. They’re trying to be the first ones in the building, so that’s awesome. They want to learn, so they’re asking the right questions and they’re doing the right things.”
(What kind of difference does it make being here from the start, from the OTAs, as opposed to last year when you came in late in the season?) – “It’s big. Last year I was learning week by week the plays that were installed. It wasn’t just like … I didn’t get the full style of camp and now I get to learn the ins and the outs of the offense, so that’s awesome.”
(Did you say your family is here now?) – “Yes, we’re here now. They’re here now.”
(What’s that like having everybody?) – “That’s what it normally is. I’m used to it; but it was just midseason (with the trade) was a tough transition, so I just tried to have the least amount of distractions as possible.”
(You’ve been to so many organizations now. What is it that you think hasn’t allowed you to stick in one place?) – “I’m not sure about that. I guess you’d have to ask the GMs of the other teams; but I’m happy to be here right now and I feel good here.”
(Obviously, health was a reason with you not being in Denver last season, not continuing on there. Is there anything though as you’ve looked at your game where you’ve said, “I have to get better at this,’ that you’re willing to share with us?) – “I work on everything in my game. I want to be as complete a tight end as possible. I think (Offensive Coordinator) Dowell (Loggains) said a couple days ago that I need to work on my blocking, so that’s what I’m really doing this offseason, working with (Tight Ends Coach) Shane (Day) and just trying to make that one of my strong points and just keep working on everything else, as well.”
(After being in the league for a little bit, the draft, do you take that personally or is that the business side of the team? How do you take that?) – “I don’t really pay attention to the draft. They have their own reasons for everything they’re doing. I don’t really look at that. You can’t get caught up with a rookie. You shouldn’t be looking behind you; you should just be looking forward. So I’m not worried about that. I’m just looking (forward), trying to be the best I can be.”
(Can you explain a little bit of what you got out of those throwing sessions with QB Ryan Tannehill? What did you figure out about him that can help you guys?) – “He’s very detail-oriented and that’s a great thing in a quarterback. He wants you exactly where he wants you and I was just trying to take exactly what he wanted and implement it to my game. So just certain routes, being in the right spot, looking at the right time, just trying to click on everything.”
(What’s the difference that you notice from the beginning when you started working on those to coming into OTAs? What do you notice that’s a little sharper or better between you and QB Ryan Tannehill?) – “It’s just the timing and just me being ready when he wants me to be ready, and like I said looking at the right time. On a little diagonal route, he likes me to look earlier, so that’s what we work on. It’s stuff like that, just small details and everything.”
(Do you find it at least a coincidence that you and TE MarQueis Gray are former quarterbacks?) – “Yes. It’s pretty crazy actually. He was at Minnesota when I was at Iowa, so it was weird, because I obviously wasn’t playing quarterback, but I was watching him play. Now to be on the same team is pretty cool. You never know. We could throw in some trick plays with me or ‘Q’ (MarQueis Gray). We can figure that one out. (laughter)”
(What do you think it is about you, as former quarterbacks, that make you guys tight end options?) – “I don’t know. It’s different. There are a couple guys that have done it. Blake Bell did it my year of the draft, too. I just think it’s being able to understand what the quarterback wants. Obviously, blocking is going to be the first thing that people think is going to be the hardest thing to go to; but at the end of the day, you’ve just got to learn the technique and just work. I think quarterbacks are always wanting to work.”
(Do you think it helps you guys learn the offense quicker?) – “I definitely think it does.”
(The tight end positon has become so dynamic. A lot of guys are great receivers at tight end. Can this group be dynamic? Do you see dynamic talent at the tight end spot here?) – “Yes, I think we do have a great room. I think we’re going to surprise a lot of people this year. We’re just ready to work. That’s all we can do right now is work. I’m not going to make any goals or any expectations or anything like that, but we’re all working, we’re all trying to get better and we’re excited about this year.”
(How much more athletic do you think that positon has become because of the mismatches?) – “We’re all working. We all try to be athletic and try to be mismatches, so we’re excited.”
(Who can really throw out of the ex-quarterbacks? You, TE MarQuesis Gray, WR Albert Wilson?) – “’Q’ (MarQueis Gray) is pretty good.”
(T Larmey Tunsil can throw, too. I know he’s not an ex-quarterback.) – “’Q’ (MarQueis Gray) can throw pretty good. He’s still hitting goalposts after practice and stuff like that. It’s impressive.”
(So he’s got you?) – “We’ll see. (laughter)”
(Have you tried the garbage can drill?) – “Not since college. No, I haven’t done that in a while.”
(What’s the value for you in terms of being here with Head Coach Adam Gase, a guy who obviously values your skills? Is there extra value for that? You would be happy to be on any team I’m sure.) – “Like you said, I’m happy to be here. Being with Coach Gase, it’s exciting. He’s done a lot of great things with tight ends in his past. That’s why as a room we’re really excited. That’s why we’re working so hard. We want to be there for the offense and make as many plays as we can.”
Stephone Anthony – June 11, 2018
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Monday, June 11, 2018
LB Stephone Anthony
(How big of a difference for you is it making for you the fact that you’re coming in from the very beginning this year as opposed to last year when you came in during September?) – “I think the biggest difference is the amount of time I have and the time I’ve spent trying to learn the system and getting myself comfortable with it. That’s the biggest difference, just the amount of time I’ve had.”
(What’s your mindset as far this offseason is concerned. This is your second team and you’re fighting for a starting spot here. What’s the big picture for you?) – “I think it’s the same every year. It’s my job to come in, put my best foot forward and try to be the best me every day. I’m just trying to get better get good with the guys, and keep this camaraderie going the right way.”
(Anything different about you this offseason? Any change in you physically or the way you’re approaching things?) – “No. I wouldn’t say there’s a big change physically. I’m weighing 235-240 (pounds), so maybe you could say my weight is down; but I think I’ve just been one step ahead.”
(Have you been with the first team throughout when you guys are in base?) – “I’ve been a little bit of everywhere. I’ve been with the first team, second team. It’s kind of all over the place right now.”
(Who else has gotten reps at your spot on first team when you’re not with the first group?) – “A number of guys. You can say (Terence) Garvin, ‘Bake’ (Jerome Baker). There are plenty of guys. There’s a bunch of guys that play the same position and right now, they just have us rotating.”
(Is starting a goal for you? Being an NFL starter again, as you were early in your career.) – “I think so. I think that should be one of my first goals. Before I can do anything else, I have to become a starter and put my best foot forward.”
(You’ve got some familiarity with the system now. You know there’s a need at your position. Is this the best opportunity that you’ve had here, or did you have a better opportunity last year, do you think?) – “I think that whenever that opportunity comes, whatever opportunity is presented to me, it’s my job to take advantage of it. Whatever it is, whether the coach needs me to play 100 plays or 15 plays, my job is to get it done.”
(Not to dwell on this or stay stuck in the past, but is there a point you can look at where you feel like things went a little off track for you, that you learned something that you can correct now?) – “I think it’s just growth, honestly. I think it’s just being in the league, going into my fourth year, understanding the game, how this game is played from the college game and just hounding in and packing that information in.”
(Do you get more of the business side of the league now?) – “I think that’s something we need to learn when we first get into the league. The business side really hits you in the face once you get traded or you get cut or something like that. I guess I could say you get the business side full force once that happens.”
(What would you say to all of the rookies? You’ve kind of got one of those careers where you’ve been put through the grinder, or you started through the grinder. What do you say to rookies?) – “I think the best thing you can teach a rookie, or tell a rookie is that his job is to come in and learn as much as he can as fast as he can. I think that’s going to help them tremendously as far as getting on the field or just getting on the field some. You’ve got to learn the information and you’ve got to learn what to do.”
(I’m doing something on first-round picks and how you deal with that being a first-round pick. What’s different when you come in as a first-round pick?) – “What’s that three years ago now? I just treat it as a thing of the past. Once you get into camp and you have your first camp under your belt, we are all equal. Everybody is big and everybody can run.”
(Did you find that there was more attention to you from outside forces, whether it’s media or coaches? Did you put more pressure on yourself because you were a first-round pick?) – “I wouldn’t say so. I think my pride and because of who I am, that was enough for me.”
(How much more of an impact do you think you can make on defense because you’ll have more familiarity and more knowledge of the defense?) – “I guess time with tell. Like I said, when the opportunity and the plays present itself, I’ve got to make them. I’ll have a chance to make some plays and it’s my job to make them.”
(When you left the Saints, what was you thinking – I don’t know if you talked to Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke about this or not – where can you get better as a player? What areas and have you gotten better in those areas?) – “I think it’s the same tune every year. You want to be in shape. You want to get a little bit bigger. You want to stay in tune with your reflexes and getting off the spot. It’s all of the little things as a linebacker – your first step, your reads. Just going through that daily and getting that information down, that should be an everyday checklist for a linebacker.”
(Are you fully settled here now?) – “Yes.”
(How much of last season did you live in a hotel or how unsettled were you?) – “What were we looking at – Week 3 or Week 4 (I was traded)? I was probably in a hotel for about three or four weeks and then finally got settled after that somewhere, towards the end of the season. It just came together for me.”
(Is it easier now?) – “Of course, yes. I know where home is, I know where the bathroom is around the corner. (laughter) It’s a lot better.”
(Have you been here all offseason so far?) – “Yes.”
(Your plans for the upcoming month off?) – “I’m going to be back home. I’ve got a four-year-old that will be five in July. That’s where I’m going to be.”
(How do you describe your career to people who might know or be familiar with you?) “I’m not sure. It’s a business. It’s an NFL game. It comes with it. It’s never going to be pretty enough; it’s never going to be ugly enough. You kind of just go with it.”
(Was there a conversation you had with Executive Vice President of Football Operations Mike Tannenbaum or General Manager Chris Grier after they made the decision on your fifth-year option in the last month? Have they told you what their thinking was?) – “I didn’t have any … I didn’t talk to anybody about that. Like I said, it was kind of what I expected. I needed more snaps and there’s a lot that goes into it; but, that’s not my job to worry about. My job is going to be to put my best foot forward.”
(When you look at your pass rushers – DE Cameron Wake, DE Robert Quinn, DE Andre Branch, DE Charles Harris – what do you think about them as a group?) – “(Opposing quarterbacks) better get the ball out. I’ll tell you that. They have a short amount of time. I think the first thing is (they are) fast, athletic strong guys. (They’re) a bunch of guys that can pass rush. We’re going to need those guys to be big for us this year and get after the quarterback.”
(Outside of WR Jarvis Landry not being here, what stands out to you about the offense, having to go against them three-plus weeks now?) – “I guess No. 17 – (Ryan) Tannehill. Him being back under center, this is really my first chance getting to see him. He can sling it.”
(What, if anything, is different Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke’s system this year and the way the defense is set up? What’s different about that, if anything, and what, if anything, is different about the culture in the locker room?) – “As far as system-wise, I think every year the coordinator finds tweaks on one or two things that we need to work on. I think I can’t pinpoint anything exactly as far as with the system. I know I’m more comfortable with it; but as far the system, every year there is something different. As far as the team, I think we’ve got a good group going. (We’ve got) guys that love each other and want to be around each other. We’ve got one goal and we are working towards that every day.”
(Having said that, what do you think is going to be the biggest difference to the eye to this defense as opposed to last season?) – “To the eye?”
(Like for the fans. What are they going to notice about this defense as opposed to last year?) – “I would say energy. I think this group is going to come with a lot more energy, a lot more to their step. A lot more of just guys having fun, being energetic, being happy about what they do.”
(A couple of guys have talked about that so far this summer. What was missing out on that last year? Why did the energy level take maybe a dip as the season went on?) – “That’s why it was last year. We tend not to worry about it. (laughter)”
(How devastating is it for you to walk in there and you don’t have K Cody Parkey sitting in the locker next to you? Would you describe it as crushing, are you distraught?) – “(laughter) Probably crushing. Cody’s a good kid and he was right next to me. Cody is going to be fine. He was a good kicker for us and he got the job done.”
(What’s your kid’s name?) – “Skylar Anthony.”
(Where is home for you?) – “Charlotte, North Carolina.”
Mike Gesicki – June 11, 2018
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Monday, June 11, 2018
TE Mike Gesicki
(QB Ryan Tannehill told us last week about a great one-handed catch you had down the sideline. Unfortunately it was a day that we weren’t allowed to watch practice. I was going to ask you how often you’ve been targeted in 11-on-11s and have you caught most all of the balls thrown to you? Do you have a ballpark idea of how much you’ve been thrown to?) – “Yes, I mean I’ve been out there, doing my job and all of that kind of stuff. When the ball comes my way, I try to make a play on it. That’s one of my strengths, at least that’s how I feel. When the ball comes my way, it’s my job to make the play whether it’s one-handed, two-handed, low, high or whatever it is.”
(How much time do you spend on one-handed catches?) – “I do practice them. Just getting the work and repetitions this way so when it does happen, it doesn’t take you by surprise; but when you go to make that one-handed catch, it’s not something that you plan in your mind. ‘Alright, I’m going to go with one hand on this one.’ It just kind of happens. It’s just natural that your hand just goes to the ball.”
(Are you one of those players that you want your quarterback to know when you’re covered, you’re open?) – “Absolutely. I think that, especially being a tight end and being a bigger guy and being a faster guy – more athletic – and all of that kind of stuff, I think that’s one of my attributes that I would like for my quarterbacks to know.”
(Just throw it and give you a shot?) – “Absolutely.”
(TE Durham Smythe said that the playbook is about twice what he had at Notre Dame. What’s the experience been like for you trying to get a handle on it?) – “It’s been a lot thrown at you at once, honestly. We’re in, I think, Install 10 now. It’s not like you are getting it the night before. You’re getting it 20 minutes once you come in, you look through it and then you go out there. There’s a lot going on. I think the good thing is being able to have these OTAs and this time period now, that way when training camp comes around, you get to go through it a second time. For me, this is different. This is a different system. This is more terminology. It’s a lot but it’s something that I’m excited about because now I have a challenge. It’s something that I’m really striving to master. When I get to that level where I can really play fast, play aggressive and play to my strengths, that’s what I’m excited about.”
(What kind of acclimation is the level of talent you are playing against? Have you found already that it’s a lot harder to do some of the things that you used to do when you’re playing against these linebackers and these safeties?) – “Obviously these guys are extremely talented. It’s definitely another level and another step up in terms of talent, athleticism, speed, strength and all of that kind of stuff; but I still feel pretty confident in my ability to use my attributes, my size, my speed and my ability to make plays. Honestly, it’s just getting the mental aspect of the game down right now. I think I’ve been here five or six weeks, something like that. I’m just excited for when I’m here five or six months. When I’m at that point and I have all of this stuff down, before you know it Ryan (Tannehill) calls a play, clap, line up and I’m set and I’m already looking at the defense rather than ‘Alright, I have this here and if I motion here,’ all of that kind of stuff.”
(What is it like to play like that when you’re thinking more than you’re used to?) – “I feel like it’s freshman year all over again type of thing. You get in and it’s a whole lot at once. I think that today, personally for me, it was a huge step forward. I think I did a really good job today of just focusing in the huddle and knowing, ‘I’m the F here. I’ve got this. I’m lined up here. I’ve got this route but if two come, I’m hot.’ That kind of stuff. I think that was kind of a credit … I had a lot of help this weekend. I got with Bryce Petty on Friday and was able to just go out and work with him for a little bit. He was mentoring me a little bit and it’s good. I think that shows the leadership and the guys that are in this organization.”
(Any big plays from you today as far as why today – outside of obviously feeling a better grasp mentally – were there any big plays from you today?) – “I had a couple of catches. Honestly, I’m not worried about the production on field right now. I’m not worried. ‘Man, I only had one catch yesterday. I didn’t score a touchdown today.’ Or anything like that because we’re sitting here and it’s June. We don’t have a game for another three months. What I’m most concerned about right now is just showing the coaches, showing the quarterbacks, the guys around me, my teammates and trying to earn their respect that this kid knows what he’s doing, he knows his job, he knows his role, his assignment and I want him on the field. I want him to make a play for us.”
(You don’t want to be that guy where the quarterback is grabbing him and telling him what to do?) – “Absolutely. There’s been times where I’ve been that guy. ‘What do I have here?’ That’s just natural. I’ve been here five or six weeks and just like all over the other rookies, (there’s) this acclimation period. Like I said, today, for me personally, I felt pretty confident out there. (I was) not really second-guessing myself, lining up quicker, being able to adjust to the defense and just playing fast.”
(Tell us a little bit about the whiteboard in your hotel room. We heard a little bit about that. Is that unusual? Does everybody or most guys have that? What are you getting out of that time?) – “I can’t speak for anybody else. I’m not sure. But (Tight Ends) Coach (Shane) Day is unbelievable when it comes to his teaching strategies and how he wants us to learn and all of that kind of stuff. That was something that he suggested. I grabbed the white board and me and Durham (Smythe) got in the hotel room – me and him are roommates – and he’s getting there, calling out a play, calling it out quick and you draw it up. We’re just trying to simulate the huddle and simulate knowing everything on the fly and not just your job, but knowing everybody’s job because I know for me, personally, I’ve got to know the Y, the F, the H, the X, the Z. I’ve got to be able to go anywhere and everywhere. There’s a lot to know. There’s a lot to learn, but I think that’s a very helpful strategy that me and him have been doing.”
(So you guys are calling out plays and quizzing each other?) – “Yes.”
(So he has his turn on the board and you have your turn on the board?) – “Yes.”
(And you have to tell both assignments for the F and the Y?) – “The F, the Y, Z, H, X, everybody. You draw up the whole play and sometimes the Y is in on protections, sometimes the F is out and it’s all … Everything is all over the place.”
(So did you borrow the board from here or you went out and bought your own whiteboard?) – “We had a board in the tight ends room and I said, ‘Hey coach, can I have it?’ And he said, ‘I’m not using it.’ So I grabbed it and brought it home.”
(Are you spending a little time doing that most weeknights?) – “Yes.”
(So it’s like a thing after dinner or something?) – “When we get back to the hotel. Honestly, I’ll stay here late just because I don’t want to go back to the hotel anyways. You’re just locked up in a hotel room. So I’ll stay here and just do whatever extra work to, honestly, just kill time to stay out of that hotel and just continue to get better.”
(Don’t punch the whiteboard?) – “(laughter) Yes.”
(So you guys didn’t watch the NBA Finals or anything?) – “We did. We did watch the Finals. That was like, ‘Oh, yes. There’s a basketball game tonight. We have something to do. We can watch some basketball.’ That was good. That’s why I was hoping that they pushed it up a little bit and went into five, six or seven (games) or something like that.”
(I asked TE Durham Smythe this question and I’ll ask you. In your case, you played in from of 100,000 crazy fans every home game on Saturday. This stage won’t be too big to you.) – “No.”
(Is that an advantage?) – “No. I don’t think it’s an advantage. I think you’re playing and I’m lining up next to Danny Amendola. It’s not too big for him. He’s been in the Super Bowl. Your opponents … You’re playing teams that have been in Super Bowls before. You’re playing teams that go to the playoffs. Maybe for other rookies that are coming from smaller schools in terms of acclimation, but once you get here and that ball is snapped that first play, it doesn’t matter how many people are in the stands because you’ve just got to do your job.”
(There was a video on social media of QB Ryan Tannehill kind of teaching you a way he wanted you to run a route. How valuable is that for him to do that?) – “It’s awesome. He’s a really great mentor (and) a great leader. Especially for me being on the offensive side of the ball, I get to see his attributes as a leader. He’s vocal. He’s doing all of the right things. For him to take that time and help me out, and that’s not the only occasion he’s done that. He’s done it several times. Sometimes if we’re doing some RVA (routes versus air) stuff, he’ll get up there and make sure that he’s throwing with me. He’s done a really good job helping me and I think that just shows the teammate and the person that he is.”
(Does it surprise you at all that QB Ryan Tannehill did that?) – “No. It doesn’t surprise me at all. I’ve heard great things about him. I met him here on my 30-visit and had lunch with him that day and got to kind of know him a little bit. I think that’s just who he is.”
(How important is it to know exactly what the quarterback wants from you, especially the option route stuff?) – “It means everything. You’ve got to have 100 percent chemistry with him. He’s got to have all of the trust in the world that you’re going to be where you need to be and where he thinks you’re going to be at that exact time. I think building that chemistry and building that confidence, that’s a huge thing. For him to get back and know ‘I know I can go to Mike here because I know he’s going to get open. I know I can put it here and he’s going to make the play.’”
(So when you’re in the huddle and they call a play and you don’t exactly know what you’re supposed to do, who do you turn to?) – “Whoever is to my left and right. (laughter) Whoever is there to help.”
(It’s normal for veterans who have been in the system to take most of the first team reps as TE MarQueis Gray and TE A.J. Derby have done. Have you gotten any first team reps at all in 11-on-11s?) – “Yes. Everybody is kind of getting their shot and getting their opportunity. Right now we’ve got six tight ends in the room and everybody’s had their shot. Everybody has been in with the ones. I’ve been anywhere from ones to threes. Honestly, I could care less about a depth chart. I don’t care if there’s six tight ends and you’ve already got me at seven. It doesn’t bother me right now because I just want to be able to learn this playbook, learn what I have to do, play fast and play confident, because that’s when I’m at my best. When I get to that level, when I get to that stage in this acclimation period and in these OTAs and into training camp, that’s when I’m going to be lining up there with the ones and feeling really confident that ‘I can beat him here. I’m going to go make this play.’”
(Through this break that you’re going to have after next week, who is going to be whiteboard quizzing you? And what happens to the whiteboard?) – “That’s a great question. I’m not going to be able to bring it all the way from Florida to New Jersey, so I’ll just go out and get another one. I’m sure my dad will be at home just waiting for the opportunity to help me out and call some plays and see how much I know because I’ll get on the phone with him and tell him ‘Oh, man, this stuff is hard.’ So when I get home, he’ll give me the opportunity to continue to use the whiteboard, continue to get better and all of that kind of stuff.”
(It looked like you guys went to Top Golf instead of having your third day of minicamp practice.) – “We did.”
(How did you enjoy that and how cool was it to …) – “It was awesome. It was cool to have that … You’re going in and you’re expecting the third day of minicamp. The two days prior were pretty long and you get there on Thursday morning and I think they showed us a clip from Happy Gilmour. They said here’s a little motivation for you. (laughter) We went out, watched that and then went to Top Golf. It was cool. It was a great experience for all of us as a team to just kind of get that chemistry going. It was a fun experience.”
(What’s the chemistry like in the tight end room? Obviously you have some veterans in there and then there’s the rookies in there. Rookies are supposed to take the veterans job.) – “It’s really good. I’ve said this before talking with other people, you don’t get this sense that people are competing for the same job because if I have a question and I turn to A.J. (Derby) and ask him the question, he’s giving me the answer right away. He’s trying to help me out. Everybody is trying to help each other out to make the best out of our entire tight end room, which is really good. I think it’s making everybody else better. When everybody else is at their best competing and challenging each other, everybody is really helpful.”
(What are you going to do to unwind after we get through these next few days?) – “I’m not … There’s zero unwinding going on, I promise you that. My foot is on the gas from now until February.”
(Was there a point where the heat really got you, where you really saw how serious it is down here?) – “Yes. The scary part is (you say) ‘Oh, man. It’s hot,’ and (other people say) ‘it’s not even hot yet.’ It’s just like, ‘Alright, well.’”
(It gets much, much worse. What was it, 140 degrees on the field once?) – “That’s comforting. (laughter)”
(TE Durham Smythe said he sweated through like three pairs of gloves during practice. Do you have something where it surprised you?) – “Yes, today we were in the bubble and it was like awesome. (laughter) When you get into the bubble it’s just like the greatest thing in the world. When I go home and when I run, I might … Honestly, I’ve thought about running in sweats and a sweatshirt just trying to simulate that heat so when I get back, it’s not taking me by surprise. We do come back a week early as rookies and (get) acclimated more to the heat.”
(Do you want to play games in the bubble?) – “(laughter) No. I was at the stadium the other day and it’s really nice. I’m excited to play there.”
(Who’s the best golfer?) – “Not me. I couldn’t tell you but I’m damn sure it wasn’t me.”
Dowell Loggains – June 6, 2018
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Wednesday, June 6, 2018
Offensive Coordinator Dowell Loggains
(Of course playing time obviously is really important to guys, but starting is important to some veterans as well. They admit as much. You’re going to have a receiver – even on days you’re starting three receiver sets – you’re still going to have a receiver who is a worthy NFL starter not opening games. How do you make that decision if ultimately you say it’s an WR Albert Wilson/WR Danny Amendola decision as far as who opens games as a third receiver? Not to say it’s automatically those two, but what would lead to how that decision is made?) – “We’re so far away from that. I completely understand the question and it’s a great problem to have as a coach when we are deep at a position like we are there. Those guys are working really hard, competing. I’ve been really, really impressed with Albert Wilson and Danny Amendola. Their work ethic, they’re both very professional and very quarterback-friendly. The quarterbacks have a high trust level in both of them. The thing is we have … We’ll watch the tape, we’ll game plan, we’ll figure out who’s the best matchups that week. It could be we’re in 13 personnel to start the game or whatever, and both of those guys will get plenty of time.”
(With your tight ends, what have you seen from TE Mike Gesicki and TE Durham Smythe? At this point, obviously, it’s natural to see the veterans out there more with the first group. Is that a function of them knowing more or have Gesicki and Smythe maybe not done enough to this point to get more first team?) – “Number one, everything in this league is earned. You’ve got to earn it. You’ve got to go out there and do it. Coach Gase is a believer in working. You guys know him. He’s a grinder. He came up a unique, hard, long way and he believes that everyone should go that route. We’re expanding both their roles and figuring out what they do well. That’s a process in itself, especially when you get two new, young guys; but they’ve taken the stuff very quickly. They’re both really intelligent guys. They work at it. So, they’re coming along the way we want to. We’re just going to keep doing stuff with those guys, especially Mike. Mike is a little bit unique. Durham is a ‘Y’ and Mike G is more of a … We’ve got to find out exactly what he can and can’t do and what he can and can’t handle early. As the season goes and the offseason goes and training camp, his package will expand and his routes will expand as we found out what he can and can’t do.”
(I know a lot of this predates your arrival here, but for a while now we’ve been waiting to see WR DeVante Parker’s performance match his potential. What are you seeing out of him now that might give you confidence that he’s going to fulfill that potential?) – “He was a guy coming out that we graded very high, in Chicago. I thought he was a good football player there. I’ve been really impressed since I got here with his work ethic. The guy spent a ton of time here in the offseason. We have a really good support staff. We’re very fortunate that way. We obviously weren’t allowed to spend a lot of time with him as a coaching staff, but he was in the building grinding and doing the things he needed to do. I’ve seen a very professional guy that’s trying to get better every day. The thing to him from us (is) we keep reminding him, ‘Keep stacking good days. Keep stacking them up. We’ll count them at the end. Just keep improving each day.’ We try to give him stuff to work on and he’s done that to best that he could right now.”
(In your experience, how important is players mentoring other players and can they often impart wisdom that you can’t impart?) – “I think it’s part of every good football team. (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase and the coaching staff can only do so much and peer accountability is more important than anything. When it becomes their team, then we’ll be a good football team. Every good football team … I’ve been part of 13-3 teams and I’ve been part of 6-10 teams and the difference was the veterans on the team. They created a culture in the locker room and they held people to the standard and the accountability that needs to take place to win. Yesterday we didn’t have our best practice offensively. Credit to the defense. We just didn’t have the urgency that we needed to and missed a couple small things. It starts to create sloppiness. The message to all of those guys was, ‘(Daniel) Kilgore, (Danny) Amendola, (Ryan) Tannehill, (Josh) Sitton – all you guys that are pros, that are veterans – Frank Gore – we can say it as much as we want, but until it becomes your football team and you guys talk about it and you guys hold these young players to a standard, all we’re going to do is talk about it. We can’t go on the field and affect change like you guys can.’ And that’s why Coach Gase did what he did. He built the team he wanted to coach.”
(Has WR Jakeem Grant showed you that he’s done enough to earn a spot in the receiver rotation? I don’t know if it’s a three or four man rotation.) – “I don’t know that right now, but I do that Jakeem is a good football player. He shows up every day. He’s an explosive player and I don’t just say that because we see eye-to-eye literally. (laughter) I really have been impressed with the kid. He started flashing at the end of the season. We had a high grade on him coming out of Texas Tech. Coach (John) Fox really liked him as a returner coming out. Obviously (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase and (General Manager) Chris Grier and those guys drafted him before we could. Just the potential that he has as a playmaker, I think he has done a really good job continuing to grow that way. You keep expanding his route tree. He’s short in stature, but he does not think he’s short. He does not play short. He plays like a big person. His mindset is that and he’s had a really good camp so far.”
(What would you like to see more of from WR Jakeem Grant, whether it’s expertise on the outside or better in the slot or anything?) – “I think he has the ability to play a lot of spots. I think when you first see him, you’re going to label him a slot, because everyone sees that. He is a long-striding, explosive athlete. Very much the case of a guy like in Atlanta, Chicago and we had in Cleveland – Taylor Gabriel. He’s a long-striding, explosive player. So, he has the ability to play on the outside and be good there. He can change the game in one snap. We just need consistency. He needs reps and to keep working. He’s doing a really good job with every opportunity he’s been given so far.”
(RB Kalen Ballage looks fast. I know it’s not in pads, but fill me in a little on some obvious things you already know noticed and not some obvious things he’ll need to do to play on Sundays.) – “The obvious thing is what you guys see. When he walks through the door, you draw them up like that. He’s big, he’s good in protection, can catch the ball, can be a matchup issue in the passing game. But it’s kind of like what we talked about in the draft in that process. You want guys and you really like a guy that can play on all three downs. You don’t want to be limited by smaller stature guys that you’ve got to take out on third down or a guy that … (Kenyan) Drake is a guy that can play all three downs. I think Kalen fits that vision as well. He can catch the football. He can be a weapon out of the backfield; but he’s also big enough in pass pro. Where he needs to grow is the NFL game and nickel protections and learning that stuff, because that’s obviously the biggest transition in the NFL is going in there and you’ve got odd defenses and you’ve got spinners and floaters and trap blitzes and all of those things. He’s got to master that stuff. The more exposure that he gets, the better he’s going to get at it.”
(Were you surprised that RB Kalen Ballage last until the fourth round?) – “(General Manager) Chris Grier could answer that better than I can. I liked him and was really fired up when we drafted him.”
(Without listing the entire roster please, could you tell me is there a guy that you walked in and you thought, “This guy just does everything right. This is one of our guys?”) – “The new additions definitely. I’m trying to think. Ryan Tannehill. That’s an obvious. The new guys we brought in. The guy that I think has made the biggest improvement from Week 1 to Week 2 is Jesse Davis. He’s taken a huge jump. The first week he got beat on his hands a couple of times. He’s really drilled the right way, he’s practicing the right way. I’ve seen a jump in his performance to this point. I’m excited to get him in training camp and we put pads on and see what he does that way.”
(Obviously it’s so hard to judge offensive line play this time of year. With your tackles, any impressions of T Laremy Tunsil and T Ja’Wuan James and how they’ve looked initially?) – “Really athletic. Really athletic. It’s shown up, just their ability. They’re young kids, too. Both of them are young; but they have the ability to really move and they should be good in pass pro. The thing that’s really going to help them and Laremy is going to talk about this experience five years from now is going against Robert Quinn every day. You can’t put a value on that. You’re facing one of the best edge pass rushers in the game one on one for 30, 40 snaps a day and it’s going to make him better. It makes you go to practice with an intent and purpose, because if you don’t, then he will expose you.”
(In the practices we’ve seen, QB Bryce Petty has maybe been a little more consistent with accuracy than QB Brock Osweiler. Of course, we haven’t seen all of them. Overall, who do you think has been the most consistent among those two and QB Bryce Petty among your backups?) – “I don’t want to compare anyone right now. What Brock has is unbelievable command of the offense. He was in it. He got to learn from the best in the game – No. 18 (Peyton Manning) – and when you watch his huddle etiquette, his line of scrimmage procedure etiquette, he does an outstanding job there. Bryce is a guy that is extremely talented. He’s got talent. We’ve got to coach him hard and get that stuff out of him. He’s got some things in his footwork and those things. We’re working really hard to get consistent and create more accuracy for him. It’s something we talked to him about is there’s not enough time in the offseason anymore. The rules, they are what they are. It used to be in January we start working with these guys and February, and they just grind quarterbacks. It’s hard now. Every Monday when he’s off and every Friday when he’s off and on the weekends, he needs to keep working on his drops and the consistency in his footwork, because if he gets that part of it all right, he has enough talent in his upper body to play.”
(I meant QB David Fales. I misspoke. It’s hot outside. Fales is a little more consistent than Brock, as you probably suspected, as far as what I was asking?) – “Yes, sir. I understand. I’m trying to stay away from the comparisons with those two. David has been consistent. He’s played within the system. David is a guy that if you say, ‘Hey, this is a progression, but this is an alert. If you get it versus quarters, you can take it.’ He’s taking it. He’s going to be aggressive in the timing of plays. He did have the benefit of being here. The offense has been tweaked a little bit even since I was with (Head Coach) Adam (Gase) in Chicago in 2015 and when Fales was with us then. So he does have the advantage of being here last year and understanding those things. He’s playing at the highest level I have ever seen him play. It’s a credit to him, because he’s done a lot of stuff in the summer, in the offseason with the strength training stuff. He’s worked really hard to get stronger and be a more accurate passer with more power.”
(One more thing just on TE A.J. Derby, just the skillset. Obviously, he can catch the ball. Do you have any sense for him as a blocker from tape, from Denver last year?) – “Well, he’s an Arkansas guy number one, so I’m a little biased. (laughter) That’s one area he has to improve. The thing he has … As a former quarterback at Arkansas, he’s got football IQ. He’s got awareness in zones. He understands how coverages are going to play out. One thing that we definitely have to work with A.J. is his blocking and running off the football and doing those things at a higher level. In the passing game, he’s been good so far.”
