Byron Maxwell – May 24, 2017
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Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Cornerback Byron Maxwell
(The second offseason under Head Coach Adam Gase, some players have said things run a little bit more smoothly because you know what to expect. Have you found that to be the case? Are players getting from Point A to Point B more quickly?) – “Yes. Familiarity comes with just being familiar with everything (and it) helps with everything, even the defense. Everything helps. It helps everything runs smooth.”
(How happy were you on draft day when they emphasized on defense, brought in reinforcements and what was that like seeing all of the emphasis they put on the defensive side?) – “Definitely. That was … For my experience personally, I know when you have a deep d-line, that’s the stuff championships are made of. I was very happy. I was very pleased with the draft. We got depth. That’s the most important thing, keeping those guys fresh. If we keep rolling them in then I don’t have to cover too long.”
(What was your reaction when you saw they drafted a cornerback early and you guys already had four that are veteran starters?) – “He’s (Cordrea Tankersley) from Clemson so I was happy. (laughter) Like I said, you always need d-lineman and you always need corners to win in this league. First, rebuilding the defense. If you don’t have those positons, then you really don’t have a chance. So you need depth at those positions too. I was happy. I was happy with the draft. They did a great job.”
(How much did you know about CB Cordrea Tankersley?) – “I watched him a lot. I watched him a lot just watching the (Clemson) games. He showed up. He always popped. He has great ball skills. He always finds the ball. It was great. I watched him a lot, him being from my alma mater.”
(CB Cordrea Tankersley said when he showed you his championship ring, you acted like you had never seen a championship ring. Was he exaggerating?) – “No, he wasn’t exaggerating. I felt like I won when they won. That was one of the best times of my life. I was actually there. Like I said, I felt like I won, like I was part of it. I feel like I’m a part of it too.”
(Are you going to take CB Cordrea Tankersley under your wing and kind of make him a project of yours to show him the way?) – “Yes. Of course. I’ll do anything I can to help, whether it’s just bouncing ideas off of him like, ‘Maybe you should do it this way. Or maybe you should do some things off the field to get better.’ So I definitely will help him. I feel like it’s my job.”
(Is there one or two pieces of advice you gave him so far?) – “I have, but that’s between me and him.”
(When you look back at last season, what stands out as far as your performance goes? How much better do you think you can be in your second season?) – “Like I said, getting comfortable with the defense. That was probably the biggest thing, knowing where the weaknesses and the strengths are at. Just knowing where I fit in on the defense and what I need to do to help this team win. So yes definitely, obviously you get better. I’m just working on the little small things that I see as my weakness last year.”
(When you look at former Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph against Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke, what are the similarities? What are the differences?) – “Well, similarities, they’re going to be running the same defense. The differences, I couldn’t tell you right now. I think it’s going to come with play calling, to be honest with you. They’re varied just because they’re different. Different minds want to do different things.”
(Are you glad the defensive coordinator hire came from within? How much does that help? There’s that continuity there.) – “Yes. (Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke is) familiar with the defense. It’s his defense. He came in with Vance (Joseph) from Cincinnati. So he’s familiar with the defense. It’s his defense. So definitely that helped.”
(What’s Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke like as a person or coach?) – “Matt is very smooth. Very calm, I would say. He’s a very smart guy. Cerebral. Just basically, that’s him. Under those situations where you might panic, I’m expecting him to be very calm and get the calls to us so we can play ball.”
(What ended up changing for you where you played so well after the rough start? Was it a change in technique? What happened that made such a dramatic difference?) – “I think it was just a change in technique and a change in mindset basically. I just realized where I had to go at, what I had to do in order for this team to win or help this team win. That’s really what it was. I was just taking ownership and not looking at everybody else. It was on me.
(How was it not to play late in the year obviously with the injury, including the playoff game? How stressful or difficult was that?) – “Definitely. You put all this work into it and for it to end like that … I’m putting all this work into it. I’m looking forward to this year though, staying healthy and making my impact on this team.”
(Do you feel like that was the best you’ve been playing in your career before you got hurt last year? Was the way you were playing give you extra confidence coming into this year?) – “Yes, I definitely do. I feel like that was the best (I’ve played), playing at that time. The confidence, yes it definitely gives you confidence. You have to get back into the shape where I was at. It’s definitely giving me confidence to just go forward and get better and keep grinding.”
(Having said that, the offseason waiting for these couple of days and practices. How much were you looking forward to it differently from years past because of the way you played before you got hurt?) – “I’m just looking forward to the team, really; me also, but just the team, just getting started and what we can do and what we accomplished last year. It’s a new season but we have a lot of guys coming back. Like you said, a lot of continuity. So it’s just being able to put that into experience and everyone you got. The sky’s the limit. We obviously have to work hard. We’re going to that regardless. So the sky’s the limit, if we stay injury-free. We’ll see.”
Kenny Stills – May 24, 2017
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Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Wide Receiver Kenny Stills
(How does it feel to be back out there running around with 11-on-11. Is the offense better than you left it or in about the same place after that playoff game?) – “We’re trying to move on from last year and just build on what we did. I think we’re in a great place. We’re just going to continue to come to work every day and try to put good practices together.”
(We just talked to TE Julius Thomas. What is the first thing you noticed when he came out?) – “Just a veteran mindset we get from Julius (Thomas). Being that he’s been in this offense before, it’s not like we’re having to teach him anything. We know he can go out there and he’s kind of just catching things in stride.”
(The expectation was that in Year 2 of this offense, most of you guys would take that next step because of comfort and familiarity. Where do you see that translate the most?) – “Just being able to play fast. I think that’s one of the biggest things (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase stresses with us is going out there and flying around. The fact that we know our responsibility, we know our job (and) we’re more comfortable out there, we can fly around and play this game at a high speed, high tempo.”
(Was there one part of your game that you wanted to improve this past offseason?) – “I wouldn’t say there’s one thing. Obviously there’s always things we can improve on and so I’m just trying to continue to be a complete wide receiver and help this team any way I can.”
(How much does it personally mean to you, the financial commitment this organization has made to you?) – “I don’t know how to answer that.”
(Can you put into words how you embrace that?) – “Obviously I’m happy to be back here. This is where I wanted to be and this organization has done a good job of keeping all of our players here this offseason, for the most part. So that’s important to us and like I said, I wanted to be here and so I’m happy that we’ve moved on from that.”
(How does QB Ryan Tannehill look both in throwing sessions before OTAs and I guess these two practices?) – “He looks great. You guys saw the stuff he was doing last year before he got hurt. He’s one of the hardest-working guys on our team and so he continues to build on everything that he’s doing at the quarterback position and leading this offense and this team.”
(RB Jay Ajayi said with the running back group that they’re working on being more complete and being more complete without the football. Is that a point of emphasis with the wide receiver room as well?) – “Yes. You’ve seen the receiver group down the field blocking in those games where we weren’t really throwing the ball as much. (Wide Receivers) Coach (Shawn) Jefferson really stresses us being complete wide receivers and tells us all the time, ‘No block, no rock.’ That’s something we’re always focusing on and we’re trying to help this team any way we can.”
(Many of the combined numbers obviously for you and WR DeVante Parker and WR Jarvis Landry were very good last year. Can those numbers rise even more do you think as a group of three?) – “I’m not here to predict anything, but we’re here working and trying to build on what we had last year. If we can stay healthy, we know we can do something big.”
(When you made your public stance last season, did it impact your decision at all that the organization supported you from the top to do that? Or would you have done it either way?) – “It was a relief that we knew that (Owner) Mr. (Stephen) Ross was going to be standing behind us; but no, it was something that the decision that we made it was going to be something we were doing regardless. And that’s no disrespect to the organization or Mr. Ross, but it’s something that we felt strongly about and so we stood by that decision.”
(And where do you stand on that going forward now for the upcoming season?) – “I guess we’ll see when the time comes. I’m doing my best to continue to work and make an impact in the community, and I feel like that’s the most important part about what I’m doing right now.”
(Do you think things have gotten at all better in last 12 months?) – “As far as what?”
(Obviously the issue that is very important to you.) – “I think here locally we’ve done everything that we can and we’re going to continue to do that. The ride-along that we did last year with law enforcement is something that we’re going to try to do again this year and something that we’re trying to expand on throughout the league, and so I just try to focus on the positive things that we’ve done here and try and spread the message to other guys and other teams.”
(As long as we’re on this topic very briefly, I believe you protested a trip to Israel. Is that correct?) – “I just backed out of a trip to Israel.”
(Do you feel it’s important to make social statements or be socially aware or conscience? Or how do you view situations such as that?) – “I mean I try to do my best to just do the right thing in all situations and that’s how I handle it. I’ve gotten more involved this past year and that’s something that I just … I can’t hold back on because it’s something that is true to my heart and so that’s kind of how I handle every situation I come across.”
Julius Thomas – May 24, 2017
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Wednseday, May 24, 2017
Tight End Julius Thomas
(A lot of people talk about your football IQ. In fact, TE Anthony Fasano just mentioned it. QB Peyton Manning apparently talked about that with Offensive Coordinator Clyde Christensen. Where does that come from and how does that help you on the field?) – “It comes from getting to play with some great players and having some great influences on my career when I was younger, just really to instill that high-level IQ and how to make the game a little bit easier and do things at the right time. So I think it helps me a lot on the field. Mostly … Every play, there’s going to be something that you don’t expect. Early on in this league, I was taught when you get to the line (of scrimmage), prepare for the worst situation, and that’s probably helped me out more than anything else as far as pre-snap. I think that’s one of the most underrated parts of the game is seeing what’s happening before the snap. It’s great for quarterbacks but it’s great for every other position too. I just try to apply the things that I’m able to get from other people and pay attention the best I can in the meetings, and then try to go utilize that on the field.”
(How excited are you to be reunited with Head Coach Adam Gase?) – “It’s exciting. Not only is he a guy that I think is one of the best football minds – he’s really good at teaching and instructing – but he’s also somebody that I consider a friend and somebody that I trust in this game. To have that marriage is pretty good.”
(Do you expect to pick up where you and Head Coach Adam Gase left off your last two years in Denver?) – “Our offense is always going to have the same standard and that’s to go score points. If we’re coming out here to do anything else, we’re not doing our service to the team. How many points we score a game, how many yards, that’ll be determined; but it’s definitely going to be our goal to go out there and put points on the board.”
(Did you put a little extra work in today? It seems like you just came from the practice field.) – “Yes, I just came from the weight room. I was like, ‘I might as well handle this before I go get ready, eat, shower and everything.’”
(What’s going to be the best way for you to develop chemistry with QB Ryan Tannehill?) – “Time. There’s no other way. Sometimes we have some of the smartest football people in the world in the NFL, but there’s no way to get around hard work and time. It’s not going to happen this week. It’s not going to happen by the end of OTAs. It’s going to take rep after rep after rep and we’ll get there.”
(You’ve been around for a while but you are only 28 years old. Do you feel like you still have some prime years left in your body physically?) – “Yes. I think this is the best I’ve ever felt. When I was younger, somebody told me that the hardest part about playing when you get older is getting your body right and the game slows down. I’m kind of in that sweet spot where the body still feels good and the game is slowing down. So I’m really looking forward to this year – Year 7 – so that’s going to be an exciting time for me.”
(If you look at the roster that Head Coach Adam Gase has to work with now and the offensive weapons that are with you on the field. What’s your impressions of them thus far?) – “Looking at the guys and seeing a lot of the film from last year – seeing the explosiveness, the speed, the swagger that they play with – it’s really exciting. I see myself fitting in really well with the guys. Then, also, just trying to be a stable presence. We have a pretty young offense so even guys like Laremy (Tunsil) and Ja’Wuan (James), having somebody (like me) that can line up next to them, has seen a lot of stuff (and) looking to build that communication and help throughout the offense, not just the receivers.”
(Can you talk about your early impressions of QB Ryan Tannehill and also how you think RB Jay Ajayi and the running game will complement your play as well?) – “I think that Ryan is probably going to make his mark just by how smart he is. You can see from talking to him – working with him – that he’s very cerebral. He puts so much time in and he really wants to make this his offense and to own it. I’ve been extremely pleased and excited just to see his work ethic, outside of his physical ability. Just the quarterback that he’s becoming, I expect him to continue to grow as a player. Jay is a dynamic back and if we do what we need to do on offense, we’ll be able to keep teams off-balanced, mixing up the run, mixing up the pass (and) putting ourselves in the best position on each play. I think it will all complement well.”
(You’ve been away from it for three months now. How would you assess what happened in Jacksonville and maybe why you didn’t have production there when you thought you might?) – “Sometimes things just don’t work out. I don’t have any ill-will towards anybody in Jacksonville. I like everybody there. We all got along great. But not everything always fits. It just wasn’t a fit for me. It’s definitely appreciated, the opportunity they gave me, and the people that I met and the things that I learned in Jacksonville, and I’ll take that on to still become a better player every year.”
(I’m sure you went to Jacksonville with very high expectations and then the injuries and the way the team struggled, how much did that test you those few years?) – “I became a much better person the last two years. To have some struggles on the field really helped me grow as a person, mentally and in my own personal life. I’m not upset by the way things happened. Sometimes the best way to learn is when you’re going through things and I definitely took advantage of that in my own life.”
(How so exactly? How did that change you?) – “I think that sometimes you get the impression that your success on the field defines who you are as a person and how well you’re living your life. That’s really not the case. As you get older, you start to realize that when you’re 25, 26 (years old and) having amazing stats and you’re playing in Super Bowls and stuff, it’s really easy to just be focused on your game and not the kind of person you’re being (and) the relationships with your friends and family. It was a good opportunity. God showed me some things I needed in my life and I’m definitely going to continue that moving forward.”
(How much has the playbook and Head Coach Adam Gase’s game plan evolved since your first stint with him?) – “It’s definitely changed. (There are) certain things that I have to unlearn (and there are) certain things I have to now learn. I think the skeleton of it is pretty similar, but he’s grown as a coordinator. He’s grown as a coach and it reflects in the offense. I think that him having complete control over what we do offensively and really getting to have his vision and put it out there to attack a defense the way he’s known and learned, it’s been fun to make some adjustments.”
(When you were in Denver, how tough was it to go to a legend like QB Peyton Manning – I don’t know if you viewed him that way – and ask him how to watch video? Can you take us through one of those video sessions with him?) – “It’s not really tough to go to somebody that loves and enjoys getting better and asks them ‘Hey, can we watch some film?’ What more would he rather have you ask him than to sit down and say let’s get better? So that wasn’t the tough part. The tough part was trying to catch up to the way that he noticed and he recognized the game. There were a lot of times where I made some mistakes and he wasn’t exactly the happiest with me, but that’s part of growing. That’s part of getting better. I definitely took all of the things that I learned from him and keep on trying to apply them to the game and use it to make myself a better player.”
(You said it takes a long time but with QB Peyton Manning, you made some pretty nice catches for him. How long did it take you to get his trust?) – “I think catching is the easy part. I think getting there and understanding what the defense is doing and understanding how our scheme affects that was the toughest part. Trust is developed every day by being in the right place at the right time. That’s what we all have to have offensively. We’ve got to work together. We’ve got to be able to count on each other. That’s how the best offenses perform at a high level.”
(Can you recall the moment where you felt you really had gained QB Peyton Manning’s trust?) – “Even before I was playing … My second year, I had an injury. I was coming back and felt pretty healthy and I remember one time in the elevator – I wasn’t playing then, Joel Dreesen and Jacob Tamme had it – and (Manning) told me ‘Just keep working. Everybody sees the player you’re becoming, sees the things you’re doing. Just keep working and it’ll pay off.’ That’s probably the first time I really understood that he recognized my ability and then it was turning that into translating on the field.”
(When it was determined that you and Jacksonville would be parting ways, how much say did you and your agent have in where you ended up? Were there other teams that reached out to you with Jacksonville’s permission besides Miami?) – “All of that is between me and my agent. We’ll just leave that one alone.”
Anthony Fasano – May 24, 2017
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Wednesday, May 24, 2017
Tight End Anthony Fasano
(How does it feel to be back?) – “It’s great. A lot of similar things and people in the building, but a lot has changed at the same time. A lot of change for the better, so I’m happy to be part of it.”
(What is the biggest difference you noticed with the last time you were here? You were part of two coaching staffs and what you see here now.) – “I just think that the competitiveness and pretty much the day-to-day atmosphere has really increased – the tempo of practice, the speed, the willingness to work. Not that it was lacking in the past, but it’s exceptionally high right now.”
(Does that have to do with expectations of where this team was last year, knowing they could’ve gone further, as opposed to the past when maybe things were a little rocky?) – “Yes, I think that helps. But it comes from the top down. It starts with (Head) Coach (Adam) Gase and what he brings and the culture he brings to our meetings every day. It kind of permeates through our team. I wasn’t here last year, but I can see from some of the film I watched early last year to now, a lot has changed for the better.”
(When did the idea of coming back to South Florida get on your radar?) – “Not until free agency started really – the day of. It came together pretty quickly. I was actually traveling that day and landed to a bunch of missed calls and messages that I had to field pretty quickly while I was in an Uber on the way home. It materialized pretty quickly, but I’m extremely happy how it worked out.”
(When you were thinking before free agency of possible teams you could end up with, did Miami enter your mind at all? Or were you thinking, ‘Well, they traded for TE Julius Thomas, they’ve got TE Dion Sims, this likely wouldn’t be a fit.’?) – “I think more so when Dion went to Chicago, I think it became more of a realistic opportunity. But I have always kept a home here. I was going to live here after playing or wherever I ended up anyway. So it was kind of a natural process and made sense for me and my family.”
(What more have you learned about what your role could be since we last talked to you right after you signed?) – “I don’t think much has been determined since then. I think right now we’re really working that out and seeing where people fit into the offense and where their skills lie. Hopefully I can bring something to the table; but I’m encouraged the way we’re working so far.”
(You mentioned a competitiveness. Can you give us one example where you just thought, ‘Wow, that’s surprising.’?) – “Yes. Just coming in March – the end March – when Ryan (Tannehill) would just organize a couple voluntary throwing (sessions) over at Nova. Everyone – most everyone – came. The willingness to work, encouragement and the quick pace and everyone was on the same page pretty quickly. (From) where I’ve been, that really doesn’t happen in March, so that was encouraging.”
(You’ve been here with QB Ryan Tannehill at the very beginning and to look at him now, what changes have you seen from him?) – “Well, even as a rookie, I thought he was very poised and had great leadership qualities. (He’s a) smart, athletic player but that’s just grown. I think he’s vocal. He’s definitely the team leader. Everyone knows it. He commands it in the meeting rooms and in the huddle. I think it’s just the natural progression for him. It’s turned out well.”
(You talked about the culture that Head Coach Adam Gase brings. Can you expand on that? It’s early in the game, but what are your impressions right now in your exposure to him?) – “Being a professional. He stresses that a lot. Caring for your profession and your job and working on your craft. I don’t think there’s a coach that outworks him and I think that comes … The team feels that. I think it not only puts the pressure, but it makes people want to work and get better at their job. He demands a lot. He’s very focused on the details and for especially a pretty young team, it’s encouraging to see that people adapt to that.”
(Five years is a lot in NFL seasons. Where are you now as a player at 33 versus when you left here at 28 years old?) – “I still treat every OTA and camp like I’m somewhat of a rookie. I try to learn something. I’ve been in … This is my 12th year and I think it’s my 10th offensive coordinator. I almost do have to treat it like a rookie every time I come in and learn not only the Xs and Os, but how they want things done. Being exposed to different offensive coordinators and philosophies I think helps learn how they want it done.”
(What are your feelings towards the blocking aspect of your position?) – “I welcome it with open arms. I think that’s part of how I’ve changed as a player. Recently (I’ve) been on teams that have kind of a more pass-dominant tight end and I’ve been the in-between motion, run-blocking guy, and I’ve embraced that. I try to work on that while also not neglecting the pass game and third down and key catches at certain times. So that’s kind of how my game is molded.”
(What do you know about TE Julius Thomas and his game and what he can potentially bring to this team?) – “I didn’t know much besides watching him on television as a fan; but I’m super impressed by his football IQ and how he comes to work every day. He works first-in, last-out type of guy. He really knows the playbook in and out and he asks all the right questions. He’s super engaged and I have a feeling we’re going to work really well together.”
(Same question for RB Jay Ajayi. How well did you know him before you signed here?) – “Not much besides being a fan and just watching and keeping tabs on what’s going on down here. I’m pretty focused on what I had to do on prior teams, but gain, (he’s a) super talented guy that comes to work every day. I’m excited to see what he’s going to do this season.”
(What do you think makes up a good head coach? What are the elements as far as Xs and Os, knowing the team, knowing what buttons to push? What makes a good NFL head coach?) – “If he’s calling the plays, he has to call good plays and come up with a good game plan; but I think coordinators do a lot of that as well. A head coach is really a motivator and takes the temperature of the team and where we’re at and where to push buttons and where to lay off and how to motivate certain guys. So far I think I’ve seen all of that.”
(Have you kept in touch with any of the folks from the Dolphins regime that brought you in? Bill Parcells? Jeff Ireland? Tony Sparano? Did you hear from any of them when you signed here?) – “Not that much. I try to keep in touch maybe once a year through text, just hello and see how everyone’s doing. I heard from Dan Campbell a little bit after I came, so I definitely value those relationships; but everyone’s busy with their own things.”
Jermon Bushrod – May 23, 2017
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Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Guard/Tackle Jermon Bushrod
(When you left last January after the playoff game, was your gut telling you that you would be back? Wouldn’t be back? Did you have a feel one way or the other?) – “I just knew going into this offseason, I felt a lot better than I did the last two or three (offseasons). So physically I was in a better place, mentally I was in a better place, and I wasn’t ready to hang it up. I was inspired. I was excited about some of the things we did last year. So let’s give it another ride. When you get older, in your 30s, and after your 10th year, you start evaluating yourself year by year, and I felt good. I felt like it was the right thing to do. My family felt like it was the right thing to do. So we’re here now.”
(How much excitement was there coming into today since you said you were inspired?) – “A lot of excitement because there are a lot of things that we felt like we left on the table last year, a lot of situations that we put ourselves in last year; but we feel like we can start out better, have a better understanding as an offense and just be better as a team. We’re going to fight to start faster this year and finish strong.”
(If I remember correctly, this time last year you were still dealing with a shoulder. Is that correct?) – “Yes.”
(Can you talk about the difference obviously with your physical well-being and going into the second year as a right guard, having the entire offseason?) – “Last year, I had to get surgery on the right shoulder so my focus was getting that back; but this year compared to last year, I can focus on my strength and getting my conditioning. I came in last year with a bad shoulder and I had to learn a new position. That’s not easy physically or mentally, but everything kind of got sped up last year. So this year, it’s like ‘Okay, I can focus on my strength, focus on my conditioning,’ and focus on some of the things that I can get better from last year and just focus on going ahead, focus on this right guard spot or wherever I’m needed.”
(It sounds like C Mike Pouncey, with his hip issues, is going to be on a bit of a maintenance plan. Are you as well? You don’t need the reps at age 30, whatever you are, that you may have in the past.) – “If I can go, we’re going to go. If coaches say otherwise, then I’m going to listen to them; but I do have to listen to my body and I want to be fresh come game day – Sunday or whatever day they have us slated to play.”
(Some of the things you mentioned that you were feeling at the end of the season, is there still kind of an argument inside your head of trying to convince yourself to go through all of this physically for however many months it’s going to be?) – “Well you know what you get yourself into. When you’re at my age and you play the position you play, you’re always going to fight through something. My first year starting – God knows how long ago that was, eight, nine years ago, my first year starting – there’s things you’re going to have to deal with. When you get older, I have a better understanding of how to take care of my body. My health is better. The way I eat is better. The way I take care of my body is, it’s a routine every single day. It’s not like when I was younger I could just hop up and go hit the weight room or go to practice and get there 20-30 minutes before practice and go do that. I can’t do that anymore. I’ve got to be here an hour and a half, two hours before, warming the car up I guess you could say.”
(Some of the things you mentioned about last year as far as transitioning to a new position and things like that. If you put that aside, just the actual production from last year for you, is that … how did you feel about that as far as meeting your standards?) – “I think it was tough, in the beginning, just learning how to get my body to play that position because I’ve been – since college, you’re looking at somebody who played left tackle for 14 years – and you want me to switch, go to the other side. So my muscle memory was different. Sometimes I’d pop out of my right-hand stance and my feet would be staggered like I’m on the left side because that’s just what I was used to doing. But the more reps I took, the more reps I took, I felt better. I could see a drastic change in how I played from the first game, second game, to the end of the season into the playoffs.”
(Do you feel like it’s instinctive for you now? Do you think like a right guard thinks or are you still…?) – “I’m strictly … my whole mindset is inside. I think you have to change your mindset when you play inside because there are different type of players that you’re going to play. When you’re playing guys on the end, you’re getting … they’re strong but they’re faster. They’re quicker twitch. Inside, everything happens like that [snaps fingers] and these guys are tough. You have to change your mindset. That’s for sure.”
(What’s the significance of the shirt you’re wearing and what does it mean for you guys?) – “All five of us working together. If one gear is not working right, then we’re not going where we need to go. That’s just what it is. All of us working in sync.”
(Did you have a chance to keep up with C Mike Pouncey over the offseason as far as how his injury goes and how is he looking?) – “He looks good. He’s very positive right now. Everything’s going … headed in the right direction. He’s doing whatever he has to do to make sure that he can go for us when needed. That’s what we want. I want to see him out there. I know he’s dying to get out there with us right now because that’s just the type of competitor he is. That’s how I am. He has to take the necessary steps for him to make sure that we’re good to go when it’s the time, when it’s really time to go.”
(LB Lawrence Timmons said you guys haven’t given him any crap about throwing up in the end zone against you guys.) – “No. No. He got the best of … They got the best of us come that playoff game. So if you crack on him about that, he’d throw that in your face and you don’t want to be feeling worse about the whole situation. (Laughter)”
(How’s QB Ryan Tannehill been to just be around lately?) – “Good. He’s good. He has a better understanding of the offense. I think we’re going to … Each individual, I think we’re going to make the correct strides in going forward and we’re all ready to just work, work, work and get to that next level where we need to go. Just understand the offense, understand how all of us need to play to get to where we need to be.”
(When you say that about QB Ryan Tannehill as far as a better understanding of the offense. How does that…?) – “I’m talking everybody. Just everybody knowing … because last year we put in so much stuff. We put in everything, so it’s like we’re all trying to better. We’re all trying to figure out our way to help out, to be in the right place at the right time.”
(How is that materializing on the field right now?) – “It’s the first day. We haven’t even watched the film (of today’s OTA) together yet. So every day we’re going to build on that. The coaches are doing a great job of emphasizing the things that we need to do as an individual and as a unit, so that this team can go to where they’re visualizing.”
(In the moment, you obviously don’t want to focus too much on QB Ryan Tannehill being hurt because you have a goal to make the playoffs and go deep in the playoffs. But now thinking back on it, how tough was that on him and was there kind of a poignant moment that you had, an interaction with him, that kind of sticks with you?) – “You don’t have to say anything to a competitor. You know how they feel. When I wasn’t able to be out there my last year in Chicago, it kills you inside. When you see us on TV on the sideline when the camera is on us, everything looks like it’s all great, but it’s not; because inside we’re struggling. We’re struggling hard. As hard as practice is, as tough as it is – some days you’re dying in this heat and you’d rather just be in the shade or in that cool tent they have all the way at the other end – I’d rather be out there sweating and getting it in. As long as I’m signed up to play, that’s where I want to be.”
(How is the offensive line going to be different you think with G/T Laremy Tunsil at left tackle and T Branden Albert not here any more?) – “I just think we just have to have a better understanding in what we’re trying to do. We have some different guys, so we’re going to have a new identity this year. We have to find out what that is. We have to tap into it and we have to make the best of it.”
(Do you feel like G/T Laremy Tunsil is ready to be a leader on that side of the line?) – “I think so. I think so. I know the kid is strong. He’s tough. He wants to learn. He loves to be successful. I’m excited about his future. I’m excited to see him grow at that position. Last year he was definitely playing out of position, but he did a great job. So if he can get better at a position that he’s not used to playing, and you go back and you stick him in his natural position every single day, every single week, every rep, he’s going to get a little bit better – find a way to get better. I’m excited to see Laremy at left tackle.”
(RB Jay Ajayi says he wants to take the next step for himself this year. Running behind you guys, what do you think that can be?) – “Like I said earlier, everyone having an understanding of the offense. It’s him playing off of us and us playing off of him. We have to know … we kind of have to know where each other is going to be without telling each other. On certain plays, we have to do things a different way so we know our running back will make the correct cut. So we all have to be on the same page and if we’re on the same page, then we have a better understanding of each other – of each other as a whole – then he’s going to get better, we’re going to get better and hopefully we can win some games out here.”
Lawrence Timmons – May 23, 2017
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Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Linebacker Lawrence Timmons
(Going back to your free agent visit here, what was said to you by either Head Coach Adam Gase, Executive Vice President of Football Operations Mike Tannenbaum or Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke that made you want to sign here. And was it a no-brainer as far as you wanting to sign here or were there other options that were very tempting?) – “It was pretty easy. This is my offseason home anyways. I come down here and train with Pete Bommarito anyway, for the past 10 years, so I’ve always come down here.”
(What was said to you on your free agent visit that made this place appealing to you? Anything stand out about Head Coach Adam Gase or Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke or anybody?) – “I mean, the energy here. I played against them in the playoffs and seen the energy here. They are a new team, young, so I know it’s going to be pretty easy for me.”
(What’s the first day like of OTAs with a new team?) – “It’s pretty good. Like I said, it was pretty new for me. I like the energy. It was new for me. I’ve been somewhere for 10 years. It’s crazy being somewhere for 10 years then coming here – different colors. It was an experience for me.”
(What’s the most difficult part about starting over?) – “I mean, it’s the league pretty much. It’s a business; it’s a job. So you don’t really look … It’s a business, that’s the way I look at it – professional.”
(In Pittsburgh, how many different positions of linebacker did you play? Did you play both the inside positions?) – “I played every position in Pittsburgh so I’m used to being interchangeable. I’m like a fixer.”
(You might guess what I’m asking next. It sounds like that’s how they are planning on using you here.) – “We still don’t know. (We’re) taking it day to day. (It was) the same in Pittsburgh. I could be outside, I could be inside, try to be like the utility guy.”
(What are your early impressions of Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke?) – “I like his energy. (He’s a) humble guy, very nice. It makes me feel good, very welcoming. We’re just getting to know each other. It’s just OTAs right now so we’re taking it day by day.”
(Today was the first day on the field. Did you start in the middle? On Day 1, did you start in the middle?) – “Like I said, we don’t know. I’m being interchangeable and just trying to get to know everything and get adjusted, taking it day by day.”
(What’s the No. 1 thing you want to bring to this defense?) – “Just what I always do, have a physical presence. I feel like I can cover, stop the run. I can blitz the passer. So, just go from there.”
(DT Ndamukong Suh said that you brought an attitude and that he could sense the attitude already. Can you describe the attitude you bring to the football field?) – “I just like to have fun out there. I’m a linebacker. I do what linebackers do. I socialize with the first level and the third level. I just keep it real simple out there.”
(You’ve obviously started a ton of games. You’ve played ton of snaps. Do you think it’s taken any toll physically? You’re very durable but do you think the quality of your play has maintained itself at the same level it had been four years ago, five years ago?) – “I mean they signed me. I’m here. So I’m just happy to be here. I don’t feel like there’s no drop off there.”
(This is a run defense that finished 30th in the league last year. How do you repair a run defense? Is it scheme, coaching, attitude, talent?) – “That’s a difficult … It’s a combination of both. You have to put (all of) those together. It’s like … I don’t really know how to answer that question, sorry.”
(Did anybody have any jokes about you shutting down their season last year?) – “No, no I never heard that. (laughter) They are a funny group, but I haven’t heard nothing like that. We are pretty humble. I threw up the first time (we played the Dolphins), so they got me too. (laughter) I threw up in the end zone, so I’m going to just keep it humble.”
(Are you worried about the heat?) – “I’m from Florida State. I’m getting adjusted to it now. I started cramping before this (press conference), that’s why I had to leave. It’s something you get adjusted to.”
(How much did people give you crap about throwing up on the field? I remember it was online, on social media and everything.) – “It’s the story of my life. I get it everywhere. ‘Aren’t you that guy that was throwing up in the end zone?’ (laughter) It just comes with the territory. In football, you win some, you lose some. You just make fun of it and enjoy it.”
(Just your thoughts on this linebacker group overall? What you know about LB Kiko Alonso, LB Koa Misi, the Ohio State player in LB Raekwon McMillan.) – “(McMillan’s) a nice young player. He looks pretty good. (He has) nice size on him (and) moves well. He seems very smart too, so I know our coaches are going to do a good job with him so I’m looking forward to seeing his growth.”
(And LB Koa Misi and LB Kiko Alonso, you’ve obviously competed against. You’ve seen them from the other sideline.) – “I’ve known Koa for a long time. (He’s) a great player, a very physical player (and) a great blitzer. So I’m just looking forward to this year.”
(You guys shut down RB Jay Ajayi in the playoffs – 16 carries, 33 yards. Obviously in the first game, it was different. It kind of surprised everybody what he … The Dolphins changed their offense for that game. Was that a surprise for you guys? Can you just talk of the evolution to the last game when you guys played them again?) – “I mean, you see the guy. He’s a great one-cut runner. He gets his pads downhill and he can go. He’s very fast. He’s a bigger running back. When he gets his pads north and south, he’s a problem. That’s the thing about him. We stopped him the second game we played him, but the first game, I mean you saw he went for 204 yards. The guy is a special back. He catches the ball well. I’m just looking forward to see him do that same thing this year.
Ndamukong Suh – May 23, 2017
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Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Defensive Tackle Ndamukong Suh
(You obviously played well your first two years here. That being said, that fact that you guys have been at the bottom three or four [teams] against the run, how much of that do you put on yourself? How puzzling has that been to see? And what reasons as you look back at the last two years, might you point as to why that has been the case?) – “I put a lot of it on myself, in regards to your question about the run defense. I’m supposed to be the anchor and plan to be the anchor and continue to be that way. One, I think it starts with us upfront, without question, especially with how the defense is set up. From the first year, obviously there was a learning adjustment and time and plays and figuring out how we all wanted to fit in. And then last year, I think we understood where we needed to be; but it just came down to execution. So I think as we move forward, especially coming into these OTAs in particular, and obviously having the same, similar defense under (Defensive Coordinator) Matt Burke. (He is) somebody that this will be my sixth year with him – four years in Detroit and obviously, last year (in Miami). I think there’s going to be consistency there. So I think it’ll be easier for guys to understand where they need to be, where they need to fit, the techniques need to become obviously a lot more sound, and then execution.”
(Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke, you’re quite familiar with him going back to Detroit, what makes him ready to become the defensive coordinator?) – “I think he’s a smart guy. He’s been very, very smart since I’ve known him. Obviously my first year, we were both, in essence, rookies together. We’ve learned a lot together; but at the same time, knowing his history, being in Tennessee, being around this type of defense for many more years prior to that, he’s without question prepared. I think he had a heavy hand into what our defense was last year. You saw a lot of success in some areas; but I think he’s going to put his own particular twist on it.”
(When you did your self-scout of your 2016 overall performance, what are some things you’re targeting to actually do even better in 2017?) – “I think there are a lot of things. I haven’t finished my self-scout. I’ve looked at it from my perspective. The coaches have looked at it as well. But it’s time now to really just get an opportunity to watch it together and look at some different pieces. The self-scout continues to go on, as well as finding ways to improve. So it’s tough to answer that question because it’s not fully done yet.”
(What do you think LB Lawrence Timmons adds to this defense?) – “I think Lawrence Timmons can add a great attitude. (He’s) a guy that has a lot of experience, especially playoff experience and where we want to be. He’s a very vocal person from my understanding. Knowing guys that have played with him, they enjoy playing with him. I think his stats and the way he’s been for his 10-plus years in the league speaks for itself. So I’m definitely excited to see him out there. It was nice to hear his voice and see some dominance from the linebacker position. I think from a guy like that, you see he’s played through seasons, many seasons. (His) health should hopefully be a good factor, which we struggled in that position with health last year.”
(How big of a factor – you mentioned attitude – how big of a factor is attitude with this defense and getting it back on track? I know it’s mostly performance based, but does attitude play a major role in that?) – “I think it does in some aspects, especially from a linebacker’s position, in my personal opinion. I think a defensive lineman obviously can have attitude or will always be more of a person that’s going to play with their emotions and really do it with their play, where a guy like a linebacker has to do it both ways because they have to bark out calls, they have to get people lined up and different things of that nature. We didn’t always have the best communication between all three positions, being the front, obviously the linebackers and the DBs; so I think (Lawrence Timmons will) add to that particular piece.”
(You talked to some of the rookies here and Head Coach Adam Gase has this culture going on here. Can you describe what the culture is with the Dolphins right now and do you feel responsibility to bring that on upon the rookies when they come in here?) – “Yes, without question. I think the rookies, I’ve had some good interaction with them, especially today. Obviously when they were drafted, (it was) a little tougher but the great thing about this world, technology allows us to communicate all over the world, wherever we’re at. So I’ve obviously been able to be in contact with them, even though I’m not physically here, so I think it’s a good start. The culture in my opinion, is growing. It’s something that is always going to continue to evolve. It’s always based off of your head coach, and I think we’ve got a great head coach, so being able to take his lessons and the things that he’s learned in his career and what he wants to affect on us and be our particular focus, is what we’re going to go with. And every year it’s going to be a little bit different, because your team changes, no matter what.”
(The coaches have pretty clear that they expect more of DT Jordan Phillips in Year 3 – more snaps, more production. You’ve worked with him closely away from the building, in the building, what are your expectations?) – “I think without question, no matter who the person is, your third year is a year that definitely you either show what you can do from a consistency standpoint, and I think that’s something they want from Jordan. I think they see a lot of great things from Jordan and Jordan has made great plays – made big plays – and other times he’s struggled in some aspects. But I think we’ve all gone through those growing pains. I’ve gone through them myself, per se. People say I had a down year in my second year and in my third year I picked it up. So I expect the same thing from Jordan and I think he has an opportunity to showcase his full talent.”
(Both rookie defensive tackles have stated that you were one of the people that they have always looked up to. Do you look upon that as a challenge to embrace how they feel and use it as a way to work with them? Do you look at that as part of your responsibility when young defensive tackles come in?) – “I think honestly, it’s flattering, and it says that I’m old, being 30 now. (laughter) I think that it plays a little piece into it. And I think where they say, obviously they’ve watched me play and them coming up from high school and being in college and whatnot; but without question, embracing them. I think regardless if they said that or not, they could say older players are guys that are more consistent – I mean not consistent – but more in other guys … For instance, Gerald McCoy, or whoever it may be. They can say guys like that. At the same time, I still embrace them because they’re on my team. We want to be able to have the best out of them. I feel that at any point in time, they’re going to be a part of this team and they’re going to be in a place where they can help affect in a positive way. So it’s a matter of them coming in, understanding their roles and then being able to see how they fit in.”
(What have you done to work on becoming a better leader for this team?) – “I think actions are always going to speak louder than words. Obviously there’s communication at the first stage, but being able to work with them. I think these OTAs are going to be the biggest piece to being a part of that growth spurt for those guys, as well as myself, and for us all to get comfortable with each other.”
(You mentioned turning 30. I remember when I turned 30 and it was a big deal. For an athlete, it’s a real marker. When you think about your career arc, what does 30 mean to you?) – “Many more years to come – hopefully, god-willing, from a health standpoint and all those different things. But talking to (Assistant Defensive Line Coach) Andre (Carter) earlier today, I think he said it best to me, it’s being able to be that much more sharp, finding that much more creative ways to be successful. He noticed something in my game. I definitely know I’m more of a brute-strength type of pass rusher, but I still have the ability to be very quick and I have the opportunities to be, for lack of better words, have a finesse-type game. It’s being able to mix and match those and have those come together. It’s great to have guy like Andre, who can point those things out to me, but it’s something I did in my self-scout, to your earlier question.”
(How does the way the season ended last year, everybody talks about that drives you, but getting to that point in the playoffs and knowing that you guys could’ve continued it, how does that drive you guys?) – “For me personally, I’m definitely sick and tired of making it to the playoffs and not going further. And I think everybody feels that particular way. Having a good conversation with the head man, with my time away and my time here, it’s a good feeling to feel that guys weren’t satisfied with where we were at. It’s exciting, for my vantage point, to see hunger still, because that was not okay the way we finished, especially the last two games of our season.”
(I’m sure you don’t pay attention to the Vegas odds makers, but the over/under for you guys have you at seven wins, seven and a half wins. Are you offended by that?) – “I didn’t know that. Vegas is wrong lots of the time so let’s hope in this instance that they stay wrong.”
Jay Ajayi – May 23, 2017
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Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Running Back Jay Ajayi
(Offensive Coordinator Clyde Christensen said you’ve been working on your pass receiving. Can you just elaborate on that specifically and what you’ve been working on this offseason?) – “One of the focuses for the running back room – specifically myself – is being better without the ball this year. That comes along with the fakes, running routes, knowing the details, catching the ball and so that’s what we’ve been working on – I’ve been working on – this offseason and it’s been really good.”
(How much different is this route tree for running backs compared to what you did in college?) – “It’s different. It’s a little bit more detailed, knowing where to break off the routes, being more precise. So it’s just about knowing what to do and executing.”
(Head Coach Adam Gase talked about possibly trying to get you 350 carries this year, which would be an increase of I think 90 carries. How would you feel about an increased workload?) – “I’m ready for it. I prepare myself every season to take a huge workload and be able to carry the team, and I think I’m ready for that. If that’s what he wants to do then that’s what we’ll do; but every time I step out on that field, it’s to put my all out there on the line. So whatever we do, that’s what we’ll do.”
(With adding TE Julius Thomas and bringing WR Kenny Stills back, how excited are you overall for the offense this year?) – “It’s really exciting. Just going out on the field today for the first OTA, looking out on our offense and not really seeing too many new faces – guys that have been in this program since last year – and we kind of know what to expect from each other. We have the new faces, of course, to bring them up to speed; but it’s really exciting. We’re excited about what we’ve got on our offense and it’s just about going out there each day during these OTAs and this summer, put in all these good practices together and preparing for a great year.”
(You’re a 1,000-yard running back and you’ve been to a Pro Bowl. How different is the offseason for you now?) – “It was a great offseason for me. I think that I was able to do some good things last year to set myself up for a good offseason, and now it’s just about consistency – raising the level, as well. I was able to kind of reach those goals last year and now it’s just about taking another step and really just pushing myself this year.”
(Personally, are you busier? I know you had the Sky Sports thing and all that stuff last year. Have the requests … or have you been recognized more? Is your profile raised? Do you feel anything like that?) – “Definitely some more recognition. I’m pleased about that. That means I’m doing well in the sport. Being able to do a lot more things off the field in the offseason is fun; but at the end of the day, it all comes down to what you do on the field. That’s where you earn that recognition and so it’s just putting in that work during this offseason to have a great year.”
(What’s an example of a time or a place where you were really caught off guard at how many people knew who you were?) – “Airport. I get stopped a few times in the airport. That’s always funny. Going out some times as well you catch some fans saying, ‘Thank you for a great year.’ And that’s always good that you’re affecting the fans and that they’re appreciative of what you’re doing.”
(Did any peer or anybody say something to you that meant something to you about your season, about where you’ve come in a year?) – “I think the most things that I heard that was at the Pro Bowl. Getting to be around a lot of other great players in the league and some past greats as well, they even were telling me that they watched the season, watched how I did. They were pleased with how I played. They were just excited about what I can do for the future. So that was really pleasing to me that people are taking notice and then, just like the (NFL Network’s) Top 100, that’s cool too. You just want to always push yourself to be the best.”
(What do you think of being ranked No. 69 in the NFL Network’s Top 100 players?) – “It’s cool. It’s a good accomplishment and (I’m) striving to be No. 1.”
(Have you made any additions or changes to your offseason plan?) – “Not really any changes. I still do some traveling. I’m probably going to go back to London next month. That’ll be fun. But yes, I’m just continuing to focus on this. This is an exciting time right now. We’re all here, all in the building. Just getting better each day, stay healthy, staying on my grind so I can hit the season running.”
(Head Coach Adam Gase said that he noticed QB Ryan Tannehill is a little more fiery because he was kind of upset about how last year ended for him. Have you sensed a little of that in the offseason workouts?) – “Yes. He’s determined. For him, personally knowing that he’s a competitor and him not being able to be out there to finish the season for us, it feels like he has something to prove this offseason and he’s really working hard out there. It’s been really great to be out there throwing and catching the ball with him. So I think he’s going to have a great year for us.”
(How does he look moving around?) – “He’s looked great. He’s got his brace on and everything; but there’s no difference for me. I haven’t seen any difference.”
(Your reaction to the events in Manchester, England last night?) – “Yes. That’s a real troubling thing to see. It’s almost like reoccurring in today’s world where we’re seeing these events like these. And it’s sad because you have kids and people that just want to go watch a concert and they’ve lost their lives because of it. So prayers out to the families and everyone affected by what happened in Manchester and you just hope they find a way to stop these kind of things from happening.”
(A lot of your success last year was the consistency on the offensive line. Now that T Branden Albert is gone, what’s your thought process going in and seeing a new offensive line?) – “It’s exciting. We’ve got some young guys in there. We’ve got some of the old faces still there, so it’s a little shuffle on the line; but that’s what these practices, these OTAs, these days are for. It’s just everyone getting comfortable out there, us getting accustomed to how each other works out there on the field and just be able to create a rhythm on offense so that when we’re out there running our plays or throwing the ball, we’re keeping ‘Tanny’ (Ryan Tannehill) protected and we’re blocking everyone, having great leverage and having great games out there.”
(I think there were six games with 100 rushing yards or more. What would be an offseason point of emphasis as the running group tries to develop more consistency throughout this season?) – “I mean, just going off of those stats for last year, we had a lot of change on the o-line – injuries, all of those things – so I think the first thing for us really is just we want everyone to be out there. Everyone that’s playing, we want them to be healthy so we can have consistency. And with that consistency, it’s just about execution. Knowing what the plays are and just going out there and executing. If all 11 of us are executing at the same level, we’ll be really good and that’s what it’s about – everyone putting in their work every day, doing their job and we’ll be fine on offense.”
(Has it changed for you, when you look back a year ago at this time and what you were doing? Has it changed what you’re…?) – “A little bit. I think I’m a little bit more comfortable; but at the same time, a lot more determined. I know what I can do in this league; but at the same time, it’s about just pushing that box, pushing to reach even higher. I know that I can do a lot more and that’s kind of what this offseason is about – just working on the little things, the details to kind of take my game to the next level and really have a great year. So that’s what I’ve been doing and I’m excited about it.”
(What have your impressions been of TE Julius Thomas so far and how you think he can help this offense?) – “Great teammate. He’s been a really cool guy to talk to just in the couple weeks being around him and just seeing him on the field. It’s been exciting – a guy who can stretch the field and definitely create mismatches for us. That’ll be really good on offense. He’s a guy that’s done it at a very high level in the past and so we just hope when he comes out here for us, he’ll raise the bar even more.”
