Nate Allen – May 30, 2017
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Tuesday, May 30, 2017
S Nate Allen
(How has the first couple weeks being actually here and participating in practice, all that been?) – “It’s been good. We’re just getting that chemistry together as a defense and just kind of getting the legs back up under us and knocking the rust off. Yes, getting all the parts and pieces together and getting out on the field. Just gelling and getting that chemistry.”
(What’s one thing that surprised you so far?) – “It’s hard to say one thing. We’ve got a lot of guys playing good right now and making some plays. We’re just moving guys around. It’s hard to say really one thing that’s really surprised me. Nothing, nothing too out of the ordinary has happened.”
(Can you talk about S Reshad Jones? What are the things that stand out to you about him and in what ways can he help you become a better player?) – “You all know Reshad is … his play speaks for itself. He’s who he is for a reason and he’s the guy. He makes a lot of plays and he’s just a great playmaker. I can see it early and I’ve watched him through the years. As I’ve been other places, I’ve always watched him on tape. He stands out. He’s a prolific playmaker and he practices hard. He helps out the young guys in the classroom. We just kind of feed off each other. We’re still kind of picking each other’s brains and getting a feel for how each other moves and how each other thinks in certain situations. We’re just … like I said earlier, we’re going to make each other better.”
(Just a general question as somebody who’s been in the league for a while, what makes a good head coach on the field and off the field?) – “Right now you’re probably referring to (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase. Just being able to be a player’s coach and also be kind of a – I don’t want to say disciplinarian but kind of a tough guy when you need to be – and he, I think, does a great job of that. He can hang out with us and talk with us. It’s not like everybody tenses up when he walks in the room and gets all nervous. It’s just he’s got a great dynamic with the guys. He makes it a good environment.”
(How do you describe your game and what parts of your game are you most proud of?) – “I think I do a little bit of everything and that’s just, through the years, I’ve had to play in systems where I was a designated free safety and where I’ve had to play where I was a designated strong safety. So I feel like I, I can play both and wherever they need me to be, whether it’s down the box, in the post, in coverage, whatever they need me to do and … I don’t know. It’s hard to say. I feel like I do a little bit of everything. Just putting my finger on one thing that I’m proud of is …”
(What was your journey like for the last two years dealing with injuries and trying to get back to that level of play you had before but not being able to?) – “It was frustrating for a little while. Obviously with the MCL, I think it was my first year in Oakland, but that’s part of the game. Being able to bounce back mentally is the main thing when you come off something like that. Yes, I stayed positive and knew what I was working for and trying to get to. Everything worked out. I just left it in the Lord’s hands.”
(How do you feel now and are you confident that all of that’s behind you?) – “Yes, I feel good. I’m 100 percent. Last year I felt good and I haven’t had any issues. I feel confident in my health and how I’m feeling. I’m just ready to get it rolling.”
(How long does it take to get that chemistry going with S Reshad Jones do you think?) – “This is what OTAs are for. I think we’re making good progress and it’s not just me and Reshad (Jones), it’s the entire DB group. This is the first time I’ve played with these guys and the first time a lot of us have played together. So everybody’s just kind of feeling each other out because once you get that chemistry in the back end, you can make it a beautiful thing.”
(Going through the process during the offseason of figuring out what team to go to, what did it mean to you to have a chance to return home to Florida?) – “Oh, huge. That was like one of the big factors with it. And I saw also what this organization was doing as far as making it to the playoffs last year and building and bringing good guys in and with the coaching staff and everything. I just wanted to be a part of it. Not to mention, it was shoot, an hour and 45 minutes from my hometown. So you can’t beat that.”
(Is there a similarity between Oakland and what you’ve seen here in Miami as far as trajectory?) – “There are similarities but it’s different. You’ve got different guys, different terminology, different personalities. So there’s obviously similarities in certain things; but yes, it’s a new thing.”
(As far as that hunger and attitude?) – “Oh, yes. This organization is definitely hungry and, like I said, we’ve got a good group of guys and we know what we’re working for and we’ve just taking it day by day, just building to what we’re trying to get to.”
(How would you describe what you’ve kind of learned about the scheme and responsibility for the safeties in this particular defense? I don’t know if there are any unique differences or something you’ve picked up already?) – “I won’t go too into detail. There are similarities with stuff that I’ve been in before. I’ve done a lot of things that we do here before. Like I said, it’s just different terminology.”
(What is the dynamic with S T.J. McDonald like because obviously you guys at some point will compete for a job. He’s out of pocket for the first couple of months. What is that like?) – “It’s good and I’ve been asked this for years. Competing with other guys, that’s part of the game and that’s this business. You compete and you’ve got to be on top of your game every day, and me and T.J. know that. We’ve been around long enough and we know that competition is going to just make everybody better. It’s not just me and T.J. competing, you compete with everybody that’s playing safety. You’ve got to be on top of your game every day. Like I said, it’s just going to make everybody better.”
Reshad Jones – May 30, 2017
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Tuesday, May 30, 2017
S Reshad Jones
(What does this defense need to do to improve? I know that’s a broad question but you know what the rankings were last year. What do you think this defense needs to focus on to improve?) – “I think like every other defense in the National Football League, (you have to) stop the run first. We’ve got to be solid on the run and I think if we can handle that, everything else will be alright.”
(Why has stopping the run been a problem? Not just last year, but for several seasons in a row now?) – “For different reasons. Missed fits or missed tackles. It just varies. (There are) different reasons.”
(How much are you looking forward to getting the season going because of how your season ended last year?) – “I’m pretty excited. I watched the playoff run with our guys last year and I wasn’t out there, so I’m pretty excited to be back and to be able to help our team win some football games.”
(What was it like to watch that last year considering you’ve been here since 2010 and hadn’t made the playoffs and now they finally make it and you’re on the sidelines?) – “It was kind of brutal for me but I was happy for my guys that we made the playoffs finally and made that push. But it hurt for me.”
(At what point were you cleared completely physically to resume all football activities?) – “I think after I did my physical. I got cleared a little bit before that but then I got fully cleared after the physical.”
(When was the physical?) – “Last week?”
(So just recently you were cleared?) – “Yes.”
(How was the recovery? What was that like for you?) – “It was a long process. I was in a sling for a while. It was a long process. I’m back fully healthy right now, so I feel good.”
(Was that the toughest challenge you’ve had in your career you would say?) – “I believe it is.”
(How would you describe Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke’s leadership style and personality?) – “Pretty much like (former Defensive Coordinator) ‘V.J.’ (Vance Joseph). He coached under ‘V.J.’ They’re close friends. (It’s the) same defense. Nothing really changed for me. I think it will be fun playing under Coach Burke. He knows a lot too. He knows the system, so I think it will be fun.”
(DT Jordan Phillips was just up here and he was telling us how he needs to be better and how he needs to get more consistent instead of running hot and cold. What have you noticed about Jordan Phillips in the time that he’s been here?) – “A great talent. He’s got all of the athletic ability in the world. I think he can be as good as Ndamukong Suh. Like you said, he just (needs to) put the work in and he’ll be alright.”
(Has DT Jordan Phillips always been – I don’t know how much you interact with him – he’s always been very candid with us about how he needs to be more consistent. Is he like that when you’re around him or whatever defensive meetings that you’re in with him?) – “I think he demands a lot from himself. I think he knows his potential and he just wants to fully reach his potential, like all of us want him to do. Like I said, he’s a great talent. He has all of the athletic ability in the world. I think he can be a big force for us.”
(Obviously last year it was important for you to get that contract. What’s goal No. 1 for you going forward now?) – “Just do all I can to help this team win. Just be consistent, be the guy I’ve always been for this team and for this organization and just be consistent.”
(I know your place in the league, where you see yourself among the best safeties in football is something that’s important to you. Is that still the case?) – “Of course. I just do that to push myself, for me to be better. I always felt like I’m one of the best safeties in the league and I still feel that way. I just want to continue to do that and go out and prove it.”
(Building off of that, kind of an offbeat question. How does it feel when you’re introduced as Pro Bowl safety Reshad Jones and do you still consider yourself a Pro Bowl safety?) – “Oh yes, of course. Numbers don’t lie. My numbers are top of the line of all of them, if we look at the numbers. I don’t really worry about that now. The contract is behind me. Everything is cool. I’ll be here for a while. My main focus is to go out and do everything I can to help this team win some football games.”
(Do you like that title? How often do you hear that – Pro Bowl safety?) – “I hear it a lot. It makes me feel good. All of my hard work and dedication has been noticed.”
(What have you said to WR Jarvis Landry or might you say to Landry about the best way to approach and handle when there is a contract extension discussion?) – “Just continue to do the right things, buy into the system, be the leader that you are for the team and for the offensive side of the ball and just to continue to do things the right way and this organization will reward you.”
(When did you get that belief or conviction?) – “Last year, they just told me continue to do the right things. They’re just not going to do things two years before it was time. Everything was right. They kept their word and they made it happen.”
(How is your work with S Nate Allen turning out so far? The cohesion that you need to operate…) – “It’s going pretty good. He’s a veteran guy in the league so we complement each other well. He’s played a lot of football. I think he fits right in. We both played a lot of football and have a lot of snaps so it’s cool.”
(Do you realize you’ve had eight safeties start next to you throughout your career here?) – “I knew I had a lot but I didn’t know it was eight. (laughter)”
(What does it take to create that kind of chemistry with a new guy?) – “Luckily, like I said, I have a veteran guy in Nate (Allen). We both came out – this is our eighth season so we came out (in the same draft) together. I kind of knew him. He knows ball. It’s just bonding. Like this time, during OTAs, just take the time to kind of learn each other (and) get the communication down pat, because we’re like the quarterback on the defensive side of the ball. Basically, getting these reps out here is critical during this time in spring ball.”
(What other player that you’ve seen out here has sprung forward in your head as impressive to you?) – “Tony Lippett is looking good this spring. He’s making some plays. T.J. (McDonald) is running around pretty well. He’s another safety that I think, when he gets back – or whatever his situation is – he’ll be able to help us also. Right now, I think Tony Lippett is playing pretty good.”
(How important to you is your ability to stop the run and where does that come from? You almost seem to have a linebacker mentality against the run. Can you talk about that?) – “I just have a knack for the ball. I was always taught there’s only one football on the field, so get to the ball. It’s just my instincts (and) my God-given ability to be able to get to the ball like that.”
(How important in your mind is CB Xavien Howard’s growth to your group of defensive backs? And from watching a little bit from when he was healthy last year, just thoughts on how he played and where he could improve?) – “I think ‘Zay’ can be one of the top corners in this league. I think he still has a long way to go, but he’s progressing from last year until now. He’s learning different formations and how to handle different splits and things like that. I think he’ll be a tough guy to handle once he fully gets the whole thing and gets a couple more snaps.”
(After last season, CB Byron Maxwell was talking about how good he thinks this secondary can be. This was just before we found out that S Isa Abdul-Quddus wasn’t going to be back. Now that we know Abdul-Quddus won’t be here and to see the pieces that are in this building, where do you see this secondary ranking?) – “It’s early to put any rankings or anything like that; but I do think we have a good group. We have a lot of good pieces in Nate Allen we added and T.J. (McDonald). ‘X’ (Xavien Howard) is playing good and like I said, Tony Lippett is playing probably the best ball he’s been playing. I think we can be special. We’ve got the ball rolling in the right direction, we’ve just got to continue to put the work in and make it happen.”
(How much different is the culture this season coming into the second year under Head Coach Adam Gase as opposed to dealing with a rookie head coach, after what you guys were able to accomplish last year?) – “I think it’s a lot better than previous years because this is the second year with our head coach. The bond is there. A lot of guys hang out outside of this building. I think the camaraderie is better than it’s ever been, since I’ve been here. I think we’re building something special here. Like I said, I think we’ve got the ball rolling in the right direction. We just need to keep it going.”
Jordan Phillips – May 30, 2017
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Tuesday, May 30, 2017
DT Jordan Phillips
(Just your thoughts on the increased role you’re going to have? With DT Earl Mitchell’s departure, the likelihood of you playing a lot more snaps – are you looking forward to it? Do you feel you are ready for it at this point in your career?) – “Yes, I’ve grown up a lot. I’m ready for the new opportunity. I’m ready to help the team the way I need to.”
(As far as growing up a lot, can you explain what you mean by that?) – “It’s my third year. I’ve been under the wing of (Ndamukong) Suh for a while and the rest of the guys in the room. I know what to do. I know how to get it done. I’m ready for the challenge.”
(What has your offseason been like as far as your training, body up and down? Anything like that?) – “It has gone (well). Like I said, I’m just ready for the challenge. I went out to Portland and worked out with (Ndamukong) Suh. I feel like my mind is better than it has been. That was my main thing, just trying to get head strong.”
(What do you mean specifically as far as your mind is better?) – “Just finding tips and tricks on how to get me going and stay consistent with that. Just keep my motor going.”
(Regarding workouts or your play?) – “Both. I mean the same thing. How do I phrase it? It was just the hot and cold motor you guys see every once in a while. (I’m) just (trying to find) tricks to keep it going – getting head strong. I don’t really know how to…”
(You sound like you’ve been pretty brutally honest with yourself as far as evaluating your play. Is that…?) – “Well, I’ve got to step up. I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do. It’s a big year for me. The team is looking for me to do what I need to do, so that’s what I’m here to do.”
(Was there a conversation you had with Head Coach Adam Gase that kind of spurred all of this?) – “Not at all. I’m just looking at myself in the mirror and what I need to do, and that’s be better. So that’s what I’m going to do.”
(When did that happen, that kind of soul searching?) – “Probably when I got benched last year for those few games. It just opened my eyes to ‘Hey, you’ve got to go in week-in and week-out and do what you need to do, otherwise, you’re going to be put on the bench and you’re not going to play.’”
(So not being hot and cold, just staying hot all the time … That’s a change in mindset, it sounds like you’re saying?) – “I mean I wouldn’t say it’s a change in mindset. Now I just have ways to know what’s going to happen.”
(How would you describe your workouts with DT Ndamukong Suh?) – “I’m just going to keep those private. They did what they needed to do.”
(Are you noticing a difference already on the practice field?) – “I feel like that, but the coaches can speak on that.”
(Just from a stamina standpoint in terms of playing more snaps, anything you’ve had to do or are going to do over the course of the next two months body-wise?) – “I have some weight to lose. I’ll try to get down to a better (weight). I played at 336 (pounds) last year. I’m trying to get down to about 320 (pounds) and see where that takes me.”
(Where is your weight at now?) – “Right around 335 – somewhere in there.”
(You’ve always been very brutally honest about your performance. Where does that come from?) – “You guys see what I do on Sundays. There is no use in sugarcoating it. Everybody knows (so you) might as well be honest with yourself.”
(Did you come out of the last two years unsatisfied?) – “One-hundred percent. (I’m a) second-round pick that hasn’t done what I’ve needed to do so far. It’s time to step up.”
(How close are you to being the player that you want to be? I know that’s a strange question. Will it happen this season? Or do you think the first part of this season?) – “I’ll let my play show for itself.”
(When you talk about a hot and cold motor, is that effort or concentration or a combination of the two? What specifically are you seeing that is the cause of that?) – “There are a lot of variables that go into it. Just technique-wise, stamina, knowing the schemes, knowing football in general. I feel like I’m ahead of the curve than I was a couple years back.”
(Knowing schemes, how important is it that former Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph’s replacement came from within with Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke?) – “I guess it wasn’t our scheme. It was just studying more film on the opponents and stuff like that. I know our scheme really well.”
(But you won’t have to learn a new defensive scheme.) – “Yes. That helps a lot. We’re rolling right into it. We have some different stuff; we have some same stuff. We caught onto it well and we’ll see where it goes.”
(How will you know if and when you reach your full potential?) – “When I’m an All-Pro defensive tackle and I make the Pro Bowl.”
(What have you liked about your game since you’ve been in the league? What are some of the things that you’ve done well or that you’ve liked that you’ve done?) – “Last year was a big jump for me. I felt like I ran to the ball really well. I made some big plays and I’ve just got to get more of them, I guess.”
(Your interception, where does that rank on your list of achievements and what went right for you on that play?) – “I mean that’s not that high (on the list) for me. That’s not what a defensive tackle does. I’d rather be more of a run stopper and kill the run than dropping back and intercepting balls. It was fun. I enjoyed it, don’t get me wrong. But that’s not what I’m here to do.”
(This mindset that you speak of, how much of it, if any, might be a result of either working out with DT Ndamukong Suh or just talking with him and maybe getting advice from him?) – “Like I said, I’m just going to keep all of that stuff private.”
(DT Ndamukong Suh put a lot of the blame on his shoulders for last season with the rush defense. Is that fair?) – “Not at all. We’re a unit. We’re a great unit. We had some things that didn’t go the right way – some people out of gaps, some missed tackles. We’re plays away from being a great defense and we’ll do that this year, I hope.”
(What is unique about Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke’s leadership style and personality?) – “I honestly couldn’t tell you. He’s another young guy like (Head Coach Adam) Gase. He relates to all of us well. He’s just fun to be around. He brings a lot of energy.”
(What’s the accountability like for you in that corner of the locker room when you have guys like DT Ndamukong Suh and DE Andre Branch and DE Cameron Wake – some veterans?) – “Obviously we have a lot of money in our room. (laughter) We get paid the way we do for a reason. A lot of things depend on us and we’ve just got to get it done.”
(How much do those guys hold you specifically accountable though, because they have such a high standard of play for that unit?) – “I wouldn’t say they affect that at all, because we all have high standards for ourselves. With the unit, it’s more us putting pressure on ourselves to play the way that they do. It’s not more of them saying anything. I mean you don’t want to disappoint them. You know what they’ve done, the accomplishments they have, so it’s just living up to what they can do and try to be better.”
(You mentioned earlier finding tricks to make it not as hot and cold. Have you found one that works?) – “I guess you guys will see when I play.”
Ted Larsen – May 25, 2017
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Thursday, May 25, 2017
C/G Ted Larsen
(When you signed here in the first week of free agency and visited, what did you guys talk about in regards of the chance you have to start, the likelihood of that and how much did that weigh into your decision?) – “They told me basically that I’m going to have a chance to come in and compete. I’m able to play all three inside positions, so basically come here and compete and see what shakes out.”
(How much work have you gotten at center so far in the first week of field work?) – “I’ve gotten a decent amount in all three positions, just trying to be ready. You know how the season goes. Sometimes you have to play multiple positions, so I try to stay ready at all three.”
(How difficult is it when you’re learning a new offense to be going back and forth, right to left?) – “It’s not super difficult. This is going to be Year 8. It’s a similar offense (to what) we ran in Chicago last year, so the transition has been pretty easy.”
(Starting, you obviously have done it some in your career. Is that something that’s important to you at this stage of your career?) – “Absolutely. Being able to play and play on a team that’s competitive.”
(What can be the most difficult part of moving from right to left on the interior of the line? Is it the footwork? What is it) – “Obviously, you’re flipping sides. So some of the calls you’re so used to hearing on the left side and it means something different on the right. Probably more than anything, it’s just working with a different guy. Left side, you’re working with (Laremy) Tunsil and the right side with Ju’Wuan (James), so you just have to adjust to who you’re working with and how you guys mesh together.”
(How difficult is this OTA process where you guys don’t have pads on, they can’t really hit you, you can’t really hit them? Do you focus mostly on technique?) – “You’re always working on technique and trying to learn the scheme and do everything right. There is some stuff that you can’t do without pads on, so you try to judge your game a little bit, but you still try to go out there and compete.”
(How unstoppable would you say DE Andre Branch is on a scale of 1-10 [as Branch looks on from the side of the room]?) – “No comment on that. (laughter) He’s a good player, but we’ve got a good d-line here.”
(What are your overall impressions on how the Miami Dolphins like to practice based on the first week?) – “It’s high intensity. It’s competing and it’s getting your work done and getting out of there. There’s no extra stuff that’s unnecessary, so it’s nice. It’s nice and refreshing to come here, get your work done and get out.”
(With your relationship, obviously you’re working at left guard primarily. How long will it take you to build a relationship with that left tackle, with Laremy Tunsil? What have you seen from him?) – “That relationship, that could take, it depends how deep you want to go. We work pretty well together. We’ve worked together Phase I, Phase II. I feel pretty comfortable with him and I think he feels the same with me. But yes, there’s always stuff you’re going to figure out. You get to a point where you don’t need to really say much, a word or two, and you guys are both on the same page. That’s just a work in progress forever.”
(What are your initial impressions of your group?) – “The o-line room is solid. A lot of young guys, but a lot of guys that have played a lot of football, and it’s a really good room.”
(What do you think of … I know you played in Tampa before and you’ve played in other places since, but how about the climate and the humidity and everything the last couple of days when you’re outside?) – “It’s a little steamy. It takes some getting used to but I was in Tampa for four years and Arizona for two, so I’m used to some heat.”
(Weren’t you born in Miami?) – “No, I grew up in Tampa. Maybe the bio is wrong.”
(Any impressions of G/T Laremy Tunsil, obviously transitioning in his first year to his natural positon of left tackle? Just any skills that stand out to you there?) – “Yes, he’s impressive. He’s super athletic, really strong and as far as his head, he knows the scheme inside and out. He’s been super impressive.”
Adam Gase – May 25, 2017
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Thursday, May 25, 2017
Head Coach Adam Gase
(How would you summarize this first week of OTAs?) – “I felt the guys did a good job with the tempo of practice. Execution is always going to come the longer we go in the spring, but (there’s) a lot of carry over. The guys seem to remember a lot. They did a good job paying attention in the first two phases so when we got out there, it wasn’t a lot of mistakes. (There are) just little details we need to clean up.”
(What was your three day assessment of QB Ryan Tannehill?) – “I thought he looked the same as the last time I saw him playing. It was a good week for him. He looks good. The only thing that looks different is he’s wearing a knee brace where last year he wasn’t.”
(How would you assess the rookies? You had them for the minicamp in the classroom and your first look at them on the field?) – “It’s such a different ordeal for them to go through and just kind of getting used to the tempo and the structure of how we practice. For the most part, they adapted quickly. The veterans did a good job of showing these guys how we like to do things. They just followed right along and got thrown in there and got a lot of reps and a lot of guys made plays.”
(A few guys we didn’t see today. LB Koa Misi, DE William Hayes and T Ja’Wuan James not in team drills. Can you elaborate on them?) – “Yes. There are some guys in the spring you hold out. If a guy has a minor, some kind of minor injury or something, we’re not going to see how tough they are in May and June.”
(With the linebackers, what’s the thought process there with LB Mike Hull working on the inside in the top units and then the vision for LB Lawrence Timmons? Or is it just experimentation?) – “We’re just moving guys around.”
(What did you guys have C Mike Pouncey do this week?) – “He’s just working on the side. He’s doing a lot of … he’s been doing a lot of cardio. Doing more lifting. He has a lot more little steps that we’re taking each day.”
(What is your sense of QB Ryan Tannehill’s movements as he adjusts to the brace?) – “I can’t notice a difference. He looks the same to me.”
(I’m not joking … so LB Koa Misi, DE William Hayes and T Ja’Wuan James are nursing stuff?) – “Well, Koa’s going to … it’s going to be … I mean we’ve still got some time before we get him out there. We’re going through the proper medical procedures with him. We’re not going to rush a guy that had the type of injury he had. With Ja’Wuan and William, they had a couple things come up over the last two weeks that … William practiced for a couple of days and today we held him out. And Ja’Wuan has tried to do as much as he can. We’re trying to be smart with what we’re doing. We got four days before our next OTA and I don’t want to throw them out there just so we can say we throw them out there and he’s at 85 percent where in four days he might be 100 (percent).”
(Is it the same with G/T Jermon Bushrod? Have we seen he out there in team or no?) – “Yes, he’s doing the same. He’s doing the same thing where we’re just being cautious on little tiny things. The healthier we get some of these guys … working through some little tiny things. We pushed them pretty hard in the Phase II area with individual and running and we just want to make sure if a guy has … If he tightens up a little bit, we take him out. We don’t mess around with that trying to see how hard these guys can push through an OTA practice.”
(Did everyone that could be here was today? Is that correct?) – “Yes, I mean as far as I know.”
(One of the reliefs when QB Ryan Tannehill’s injury wasn’t as serious as it could have been was that he’d be here for stuff like this and this whole offseason. What’s the importance of this really I guess second offseason with you, but the first after he played a season?) – “Any time you can keep getting reps in the same system you’ve already been in, it’s valuable. Just constantly learning body language of receivers, all the things that go into communication with the offensive line, the running backs, the tight ends. That’s why spring, training camp, preseason games, regular season games, they’re all valuable because you learn something in every game.”
(Correct me if I’m wrong but it did not seem like you guys were going easy on him QB Ryan Tannehill, the defense with the rush. How important is that this early to see how he reacts to guys coming at him like that?) – “He doesn’t have any restrictions. I think we’re all in agreement that he’s probably fairly tough and I haven’t seen him shy away from many hits. He’s just doing what he always does.”
(When it comes to QB Ryan Tannehill, when you first got here, how different do you see you relationship with him and is it … I know guys are probably a little more tentative during the first time but what is that relationship like?) – “I think it’s the same with everybody. You start learning each other’s personalities. You kind of figure out what you need to ask, what you want to ask. You just find that balance of communication. Everybody always just early is trying to figure out where they really fit in. As a coach, you’re always trying to figure out what’s the best way to coach a guy because everybody’s not the same. Some guys like to be pushed hard. Some guys you’ve got to talk to more. That first year, that’s what all that was. And now it’s … Everybody’s got a good feel for each other. It’s fun to be out there because you have so many restrictions and when you can actually get out to practice and everybody’s communicating, trying to figure out the best way to do things, that’s when it gets fun.”
(You told us that you wanted these linebackers to cross-train and play in a lot of different places. We saw that today. It appears that LB Lawrence Timmons was both inside and out. How is he handling playing on the outside?) – “I haven’t noticed any issues. The guy is a veteran and he’s been doing it forever. You can put him wherever you want and he’s going to figure out a way to make plays.”
(The rule change of the cut down from 90 to 53 players. No 75-man cut down. How is that going to affect your outlook, your approach? Or will it have any affect?) – “It’s good for our young guys to be able to have another game of experience or guys that you are going to release to get another game. Whatever rules are made or whatever decisions are made in that area, we just go with the flow because that’s something that none of us can really control. We’ll find the right way to do what we want to do in that fourth preseason game.”
(Will that rule change affect any group of players like guys on the bubble? Will it allow you to rest veterans more? Can you foresee anything like that right now?) – “Whoever we need to play in that last game, we’re going to play. I don’t think we got too many guys that we’re going to say ‘You’re not going to play in the fourth preseason game.’ We like to go out there and it’s another game of experience. When you’re an eight-plus year veteran, sometimes we hold those guys out; but for the most part, we try to play as many guys as we can.”
(What were your thoughts on chopping five minutes off overtime?) – “Tell me how many 10-minute drives there are. I know I haven’t experienced too many and it’s kind of hard to do.”
(With the secondary, obviously OTAs are very pass-heavy. Do you think this is a good opportunity for you to evaluate some of these cornerbacks like CB Xavien Howard? And what have you seen from them in the first week?) – “Yes, this is one of those – for me – fun parts of the year because all of the skill guys are really getting a lot of action because you want to be smart with what you do up front in the run game, because you don’t want guys on the ground. By leaning a little more on the passing side, it gives you a lot of experiences with your corners and wide outs and safeties and tight ends and running backs to see who can cover, who can play fairly tight coverage and still stay up and play within the rules of what we have for OTAs. I think it’s just, once again, it’s repetition. Just seeing guys do it over and over and over again and see who can cover who.”
(So as an offensive play caller and you see pick-sixes like what happened today, your thought is what?) – “I like that you brought that up. (laughter) No, it’s good. I’m happy for Tony (Lippett) for about one second and then I’m mad at him because he figured out what we were doing and jumped the route, which is good. We’ll figure out a way to scheme up and get him on the next OTA.”
Andre Branch – May 25, 2017
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Thursday, May 25, 2017
Defensive End Andre Branch
(What’s different for you in terms of feel, in terms of mindset coming into your second season with the Dolphins?) – “I’m more comfortable than I was at this point last year. These are my brothers. I had to earn their respect. And now, it’s just … We’re rocking and rolling now. We’re just fine-tuning everything, going against our offensive line and just getting better each and every day.”
(When did you feel that you earned their respect?) – “Probably about after Game 1, I would say, when we played Seattle. I guess they … Because I came from Jacksonville so it was just like I’m going to come in, put my head down and work. After a while, you kind of feel things changing. And they just welcomed me with open arms.”
(Is there a different mindset? Last year at this time you were trying to prove yourself and now you’re basically a starter. Is there a different mindset that goes into that?) – “It’s always work. It’s going to be work regardless of if I’m the starter or backup. No matter what, I’m going to work my tail off. It’s showing the younger players we have in our room, how to work; and then for the older players, we just compete against each other.”
(What do you feel the potential of this year’s defense is? Obviously you guys struggled a little bit at the end of last year. What’s the potential this year for this defense?) – “Our mindset is just to get better each and every day. We added a few pieces – great players; but we also have to just keep getting better each and every day to make that brotherhood on that field and knowing that my brother is going to be in the spot when he needs to be. For us, it’s to start getting that camaraderie and getting things flowing again.”
(What are your first impressions of DE Charles Harris?) – “Explosive. Very explosive. And he’s willing to learn. He doesn’t think he’s bigger than the d-line or bigger than the team. He’s willing to learn.”
(What does this group have to do this year to better stop the run?) – “I think everybody just has to do their job. That’s the most important thing. When we look back on last year and we look back on things, people weren’t just doing their job. When you’re supposed to be in a position, they weren’t there.”
(Now that you have another year with that same defensive system, do you think there will be more reacting and much less thinking?) – “No question. We were a new group last year. We did pretty well. We had our times where we could’ve definitely been better; but it was our first year together. So now, we’re flowing more. It’s not as much teaching as it was last year. You either got it or you don’t; and if you don’t, then you’re not in there.”
(How do you tiptoe around the quarterback? QB Ryan Tannehill is just coming back…) – “We’ve got a fine line between saying, ‘we got the sack,’ and saying, ‘it’s not a sack.’ So we kind let him know, ‘this one was a sack but I won’t come back here this close again.’ But if we get close to the quarterback, (Head Coach Adam) Gase would definitely let us know.”
(What growth have you seen from G/T Laremy Tunsil’s game from his rookie season until now?) – “He’s playing tackle now. But athletically, I’d put him up against any left tackle that’s in this league. He’s willing to learn. Every time we get a rep together, he’s always asking questions. So he’s a student of the game. He’s played guard. He’s played tackle. So he knows exactly the ins and outs of everything. I don’t look at him as a second-year player. He’s a vet in my eyes. That’s how we treat each other.”
(You said when you signed a contract it was for your mother. What did you do for her?) – “I can’t tell you that yet.”
(It’s not done yet?) – “No. You will know when it’s done. (laughter) For sure.”
(Did you buy her a house in Jacksonville?)- “Don’t even put that in there because she has no clue. (laughter)”
(When you were talking about QB Ryan Tannehill out there on the field this week, what’s the actual instruction for you guys? What have they actually told you?) – “Stay as far away from Ryan Tannehill as possible. (laughter)”
(So you guys have imaginary sacks like ‘I would have gotten him?’) – “No, we know. We know. We didn’t pay that much attention to him when he said it, and then yesterday we kind of got too close. So we won’t be getting close any more.”
(QB Ryan Tannehill is radioactive?) – “We touched him a little bit. But it won’t happen again. (laughter)”
(What happened yesterday? What was the edict from above?) – “It was pass rush day. So we start rushing and we felt good and then we kind of got too close to the quarterback. But that’s our quarterback so we can’t get close.”
(We as in you?) – “We as in the defensive line.”
(But you?) – “I was there too. (laughter)”
(Did he go down to the ground?) – “No, no, no. He didn’t go to the ground.”
(How do you feel about the NFL relaxing their celebration penalties?) – “Best thing I’ve heard in years and there are team celebrations too. We can use props. We just can’t delay the game so there should be some good ones out there this year. We’ll be competing against everybody.”
(Impressions of the two veterans you added to boost your front seven? DE William Hayes and LB Lawrence Timmons as well.) – “Wisdom. Will was in the room with me, so I get to really hear his wisdom. He’s been playing for a long, long time. And it’s just the little things. You can never learn to have it all. So I listen to him just as much as I listen to Cam (Wake) and (Ndamukong) Suh. And Timmons is … He’s been in this league for a ton of years and he’s been playing at a very high level for a long time. So for me, it’s just to keep listening to those guys and keep becoming a better student.”
(What makes you certain that everybody will just do their job as opposed to what’s been happening the past couple of years where people break script and then you’ve got broken plays?) – “That’s not my job to make sure that they do their job. It’s just my job to make sure that I do mine. And I count on them just as much as they count on me. So once we get that camaraderie with each other, when you feel like you let your brother down, that hurts way more than the coach telling you that you didn’t do your job. So once that starts happening, that’s when we know we’ve got it. But at the end of the day, there’s going to be mistakes. No game is perfect; but we have to work towards that.”
(And what is your impression of Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke? I know you guys have been working with him going back to last year, but how confident are you that you’ll pick up where you left off with him as the defensive coordinator?) – “Great. I don’t feel like there’s even a new coach in there. We’ve run the same scheme and he knows this defense just as well as ‘V.J.’ (Vance Joseph) did. So for us, we’re listening to him, just like we did with ‘V.J.’”
Ryan Tannehill – May 25, 2017
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Thursday, May 25, 2017
Quarterback Ryan Tannehill
(How’s the knee?) – “Feel good. I’m feeling good. I’m feeling back to 100 percent. Everything feels totally normal and I’m excited to keep pushing to get better next year.”
(Is it good to wear the brace? Does it keep it stable? Is that something you’ll be wearing throughout the year?) – “The brace doesn’t really do anything for stability. It’s more just protection and getting used to it, getting comfortable. I am going to be wearing it during the season, so I just want to wear it now so that I’m comfortable throughout the year and it’s just second nature at that point.”
(Does the brace limit at all your mobility?) – “No.”
(So you feel you can move the same way with the brace as without?) – “Yes. That was one of the concerns when I first started wearing the brace back in January, just moving with it. I’d worn one previously in college, and I kind of thought that. So, that was kind of my hesitation: ‘Aw, man. This thing is going to really limit me a little bit.’ But it doesn’t at all. That’s one thing that I’m excited about. I guess the brace technology, the fitting is a little better. There’s an extra strap on there that I think that wasn’t on there on my previous brace and that kind of holds it in place and allows you to keep the mobility.”
(How close were you to having surgery? Was it ever a real consideration? Was it 50-50? Were you close to having it done?) – “It was always a possibility. There was a period there where we didn’t really know what was going to happen. It was kind of my body … Just seeing how my body responded and was healing and thankfully we didn’t have to go that route.”
(We thought we might see you in the playoffs. If the team advanced in the playoffs, do you think you might have had a chance to get back out there?) – “I don’t know. It’s tough to say sitting here. It doesn’t really matter at this point; but I’m glad to be healthy now.”
(Doctors can tell you that you’re well and 100 percent. Other people can say it. When did your body say “I’m 100 percent”and that you knew that you were 100 percent?) – “It started feeling good probably at the end of January. I was rehabbing it hard every day – a few hours every day. I really got comfortable with my rehab and kept pushing and pushing and pushing. It finally got to the point where I’m comfortable with it, I feel like I can make any cut, and I trust it. That’s the biggest thing is do you trust it? Are you able to move without thinking about, ‘Is something going to happen?’ Once it got to that point, I really felt great about it.”
(You obviously haven’t been hit there or anywhere really (since the injury). Is that something you want to happen at some point?) – “I never want to be hit. (laughter) I think that’s something in the game where it settles you down a little bit sometimes. The first hit of the year is always like … Because we don’t get hit. Everyone else gets hit during camp, so it’s usually that first or second preseason game when you finally do go to the ground, and it’s like, ‘Alright, everything is fine.’ But as far as the knee goes, that plays no factor into the knee. That’s just a normal process every year, to get that first hit under your belt.”
(Head Coach Adam Gase said you weren’t real happy, obviously, with how the season ended for you last year. Can you talk about how that’s carried over to now and your motivation for this season?) – “Yes, it’s obviously tough. You feel like you’re getting things going, you’re getting on the right track, you’re starting to play well and then you have things shut down for you. I was excited to see our team finish the season strong and get into the playoffs. Obviously, we didn’t finish the way we wanted to, but we made big strides last year. I think everyone in the building got a taste of that success and what we want to accomplish. Obviously, it’s not getting to the playoffs; it’s winning a Super Bowl. I feel like that taste makes everyone a little more hungry around this building. That little success that we tasted is something that’s going to push us. It’s been pushing us since January to go at it even harder and get back in the dance and hopefully win the whole thing.”
(How important was it for you to come into camp with that ‘no restrictions’ label and that you’re 100 percent and there are no restrictions in what you can do coming off the injury?) – “It’s big, because this is such a growth period for everyone – quarterbacks, everyone who steps foot on the field. This is a big period that you can work on the little things that go into playing the position. Year 2 in this offense, everyone on offense is really detailing things I think more than ever. Especially last year, grasping big concepts, understanding schemes and what we’re trying to do this time of the year. Since we have a year under our belt now, we’re able to understand the concepts as our foundation and now we’re fine-tuning things (and) getting details a lot more exact where maybe we missed a few plays a game last year because of details. Hopefully we can clean those up and make those (plays) this year.”
(But you personally do not have any restrictions on what you can and cannot do moving forward?) – “That kind of falls in line with exactly what I said – being able to use this time to improve and get better each and every day. It wasn’t ever really a question for me, like I said, back in January, whenever I felt good and knew I wasn’t going to have surgery. To be here is just kind of normal at this point.”
(TE Julius Thomas had his best two seasons in the NFL with Adam Gase as his coach. What kind of weapon can you utilize him as?) – “He’s a talented guy. I’m excited to have Julius on our team. Obviously, we’ve seen what he can do in his career so far. He’s such a talented guy. He’s big, he’s athletic, he’s strong. He can really create mismatch problems on the outside. We’re really just trying to build that relationship right now, build that comfort zone and be able to utilize him and create those mismatches that get talked about, and really be a weapon for us all over the field and especially the red zone.”
(Earlier this offseason, RB Jay Ajayi was talking about you and he made an interesting comment. He said “It feels like Tannehill has something to prove this offseason.” Do you agree with that statement? And what do you have to prove, if you do agree?) – “This is a ‘prove it’ league. You always have something to prove. It’s that hunger that’s always there. I don’t think anything has really changed. It’s just a constant desire to win and to do anything it takes to improve and put my team in a position to win.”
(DE Andre Branch said that they got a little too close in pass drills yesterday and that they were told, “Alright, back off.” With you coming back from this injury, was it natural having guys running at you? Or mentally where are you with guys coming at you like that?) – “I feel totally normal. Like I said, I felt good back in January, so my offseason has been pretty normal up until this point as far as throwing with the guys before we started up as a team and then going through the team activities before we started practicing against the defense. So, it has been pretty normal. I’ve been doing all of the drills and everything. It feels pretty standard as far as that stuff goes.”
(When you have guys coming at you like that, are you able to get past that … You’ve got bullets flying. You’ve got guys coming at you like that.) – “Yes. That’s playing the position. It’s second nature at this point. Like I said, I’m fully confident in the knee, and it’s not even in the back of my mind at all.”
(What have the doctors said about … because this would be a question I would ask, I would say, “Is this knee any more susceptible to injury than the knee I played with a year ago?” I’m assuming you asked that question. What did they say?) – “Everyone is confident in the knee and what it can do and that it’s ready to go. You wear the brace just to try to prevent another freak thing like I had happen the first time. I’ve been hit a lot in my career and never had anything like that where my cleats are in the ground and it just hit me at the right angle and I couldn’t get them out and just put that stress on the knee. That’s kind of the reason for the brace, just to prevent that type of thing from happening again. To answer your question, everything is good and strong, and I shouldn’t have any issues.”
(You consider that kind of a freak thing?) – “It’s rare. It happens occasionally to quarterbacks and that’s why you see a lot of quarterbacks wear the brace. I won’t be the only quarterback wearing a brace on my left leg. It’s never happened to me before. So yes, I would consider it a freak thing. Is it a hazard. I’ve seen it happen before, but it had never happened to me.”
(Does it help that it’s not your plant leg?) – “I don’t know. I’ve never really had a major injury before, so I don’t really have anything to compare it to. I don’t know.”
(You would just think that your plant leg is stronger and that you would have less problems going forward.) – “Right. That seems to make sense. It’s logical, but I don’t know.”
(If you started feeling better in January and now here we are in May, I assume you’re past whatever personal tests you need to make sure everything is good. Or do you still need to get back into a game and all of that stuff?) – “No. Like I said, I’m back in 100 percent and feel totally normal. There’s really no more checkpoints that I have to hit at this point. It’s, ‘Everything looks good and go play.’”
(You’re one of the more higher-profile athletes to do a stem cell transplant procedure. What made you go that route and what does it entail?) – “A lot of research and finding options that were available to me and specifically to my injury and what fit. I spent a lot of time researching, talking to people who are familiar with all of the different types of treatment, and that seemed to be the best fit for the injury I had.”
(Does it speed up the recovery? Or speed up the healing?) – “Yes, that’s the basic concept. Your blood stream is carrying stem cells to any injury you have all over your body. The ACL typically doesn’t heal because of a lack of blood flow. So they’re just artificially becoming the blood stream to carry the stem cells to the location.”
(So you feel like your ACL has healed?) – “Yes, it’s really strong and ready to go.”
(Can you share your thoughts on having the high school kids at practice this week and whatever interaction you’ve had with them?) – “It’s fun. I can put myself in those guys’ shoes of being a high school player. I never made it to an NFL game or around NFL players, but would go to the college … Texas Tech. I lived close to Texas Tech and my dad played there, so I would go to games there and just any interactions I would have with the guys, I can remember that being a pretty cool experience for me. So being able to take a little time and talk with those guys, sign a few autographs and wish them well for the upcoming year. Hopefully it goes a long way with those guys.”
(You recently came out at Texas A&M and spoke against animal testing. What is the thought process behind that and what motivated it?) – “Well, it was brought to me. Someone brought the video to me and kind of the background of what was going on there. Seeing those images just didn’t sit right with me or my wife. I just feel like we’re animal lovers – we’re dog lovers – and to see that going on was hard to see. I feel like there just has to be a better way there.”
Laremy Tunsil – May 25, 2017
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Thursday, May 25, 2017
Tackle Laremy Tunsil
(Lining up at your old spot, what does that feel like?) – “It feels good to be at the natural spot I was drafted here for. Playing left guard, I learned a lot. It was a different position, different everything. I’m glad I got the opportunity to play (guard) so I could learn the game inside and out.”
(Did playing there help you out at all now that you are back to left tackle?) – “Yes. I think the offensive line is the offensive line. Right tackle, left tackle, I think they are all the same. Playing left guard really helped me play left tackle. It helped me play any position on the line, just to know the offensive line in and out.”
(Have you talked to T Branden Albert since the trade?) – “I actually have. I’ve been keeping up with him. We’ve been (talking) back and forth, texting back and forth”
(T Branden Albert hasn’t shown up in Jacksonville yet.) – “I don’t know anything about that.”
(How did T Branden Albert handle the trade?) – “I think he handled it pretty good. That was somebody I looked up to. As soon as I came in, he took me in as a big brother. Seeing somebody gone like that is kind of sad, but it’s part of the business.”
(What kind of message did T Branden Albert leave you with as you moved to left tackle?) – “He really didn’t tell me a message. It’s the same thing as playing left guard. The only thing he told me is ‘Hey man, be yourself. Be you.”
(I know it’s early and no pads. What are your quick impressions of DE Charles Harris?) – “Nice, nice. He’s nice.”
(What’s the best aspect about DE Charles Harris’ game do you think?) – “I think he’s got an overall game. He knows how to turn his hips. He’s good with his hands and he’s quick off the ball. He’s a good pass rusher now. He’s nice.”
(Who was the person that called you with the news that you would be left tackle? Was it Head Coach Adam Gase? Run Game Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach Chris Foerster? And what was your first reaction knowing that T Brandon Albert wouldn’t be here, but knowing that you would be going to your natural positon?) – “When I first seen the trade, I was like ‘Oh man, what’s going to happen?’ Then I got a text from the offensive line coach, Coach Foerster, and he was like ‘Man, you’re the new left tackle.’ I was like, ‘Let’s get it man. Let’s do it.’”
(Playing left guard last year, how does that help you now with your communication being at left tackle with whoever may line up next to you this year?) – “I pretty much know what’s going on at left guard. Like I said, I know the whole offensive line inside out.”
(What kind of growth do you expect from yourself from Year 1, when you were just figuring it out, to now, that you have a little bit of experience?) – “I’m always getting better. That’s my main knowledge, always getting better (and) always finding something new about my game, something that I can always perfect.”
(Did you ever get rid of that lizard in your backyard?) – “I still have that lizard in my backyard. (laughter)”
(Head Coach Adam Gase said that there are no restrictions on Ryan Tannehill. Do you get a sense that Tannehill wants to show everyone that he is as good as he was or he’s good to go? What do you see out there?) – “I thought Ryan has been doing that. Ryan’s a good guy. A lot of people don’t know that. He’s a great leader. A lot of people don’t see that unless they’re inside of the locker room. Ryan’s a great leader and good to be around.”
(Physically, what he went through, when he’s out there now, he’s moving around?) – “I think he’s looked good. He didn’t lose a step.”
(Just before you came out here, DE Andre Branch said that the defensive line got scolded yesterday for getting after QB Ryan Tannehill a little bit. Do you guys take that personally?) – “Always. What is Branch talking about? (laughter)”
(He said that he was in the backfield yesterday.) – “Man, here we go. Here we go with this. (laughter)”
(Do you feel any added pressure to protect him coming off that injury?) – “I always kind of put pressure on myself to get better and always find something new to perfect. I put a lot of pressure on myself just to be that guy, just to help everybody. I want to help everybody. I want to have that knowledge just to help everybody and help the rookies out.”
(What would be one specific thing that T Branden Albert told you during last year that you would definitely keep in mind while playing left tackle this year?) – “The only thing I took from Branden was to be yourself. That was the main thing. Just be yourself, play your game and you will be fine.”
(This team hadn’t been in the playoffs for a while and your first year, you guys go to the playoffs.) – “I’m lucky.”
(Do you understand? Do the veterans say that this doesn’t happen all the time?) – “To go to the playoffs my rookie season was tremendous. That’s something I want to keep up – keep the tradition going and going and going.”
(Cleveland DE Myles Garrett said that…) – “I’ve seen that. That’s my guy.”
(You’ve played DE Myles Garrett many times. He said that he hopes to face you in the NFL. What do you think of all of that?) – “That would be nice. That would be a good battle right there.”
(Who got the best of those college battles with DE Myles Garrett?) – “I’m going to leave that alone until the next time we play.”
(You felt obviously very responsible for taking care of the guard position last year. You were professional. With that said, do you feel even more of a responsibility now that you’re this team’s left tackle?) – “I am playing the blind side, so it does mean a lot. I can’t let that get to me. I’m always hard on myself because I’m always trying to perfect every craft that I have.”
