Alec Ingold – November 2, 2023
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Thursday, November 2, 2023
FB Alec Ingold
(What have your experiences been like in Germany? I saw in the team video you got some sightseeing in, sat at a nice restaurant that had some blankets to throw over your lap? What was that like?) – “We went to downtown Frankfurt, a handful of guys. I felt right at home, ordered some beer and some brats and had a great time. It was really cool to get around town, sightsee with the guys on that Tuesday. Coach (McDaniel) obviously got us down here early, just to experience Germany, right? And just getting in new uncomfortable situations with your teammates; I think that kind of brings everyone a little closer together. You get to learn together and I think that this is going to week that I think all of us are going to remember for a long time so doing our best to make it special.”
(WR Tyreek Hill says you’re the team MVP.) – “I don’t know, the MVP of what… (laughter)”
(Tyreek Hill: “At speeches”) – “At speeches? At morale? All right. That’s all I got, though. I don’t know about the catches or results or anything. (laughter)”
(So we know that Tyreek is fast and we know that he practices really hard.) – “Yes.”
(What about that element of his vibe, his self-confidence – can you fill me in some on how you have seen that affect the group?) – “I would say personally, I think Tyreek impacts me as a human being and as a football player because when I mess up on the field, I take that extremely personal. I am really upset. I can’t wait to watch it in film. I want a coach to yell at me and tell me to get better and I can’t wait to go out and do it again. And Tyreek is one of those guys where he is always so present that you kind of understand whatever happens, the result of the play; he’s going to let that roll off because he’s going to step up the next time and he’s going to be at the best version of himself that next time. So the way that you say his confidence, his vibes, his charisma; I think it’s just that ability to be mentally tough. I think that’s a skill in itself, too, and that’s something that I take from Tyreek now and I’m trying to learn and implement in my game because the speed and everything like that, he’s got that. I can’t add that to the game.”
(How do you handle the pressures and expectations that come with being a part of the top offenses in football?) – “When you talk about pressure or expectations, I think that’s all external. And internally, I feel like we’ve been working so hard before the spotlight was on us to create this positive momentum, to train ourselves to be ready and prepared for all of those high-pressure moments. But at the end of the day, pressure is that privilege and if you put yourself in that preparation phase for so long, for months from OTAs to camp till now; when you are getting the results, you’re so trained and you’re so disciplined that whatever the circumstance is – across the country, across the world – the circumstances really don’t impact you as much as you’d think. I think the momentum and the intentionality of everything we’re doing really has paid off and now it’s like, all right, how can we trust this process? How can we trust each other regardless of outcome? How can we continue to grow within our formula and continue to be the best versions of yourselves? So those internal expectations are so much different than external expectations and pressure really disperses amongst a lot of guys when you’re all kind of collective like that.”
(One question about the jet lag. I think you have a five-hour time difference to Miami. Do you think it’s better for you that the Kansas City Chiefs arrive tomorrow so you have better time of preparation here? How did you feel with it?) – “I’m still tired, man. So we’ve got the meetings over here. You got practice. I know personally I need my sleep so I’m taking as much time and effort into being the best sleeper I can be right now. So I’m sure those guys have their plan whatever that is and really don’t want to take too much energy or brainpower worrying about what other people are doing. I think it’s really diving into this time zone and being where my feet are at and giving myself the best version to my teammates so we’ve got the best chance we have of finding success this weekend.”
(I know that you guys often talk about how you’re process-oriented over results-oriented. Every game, it means the same, but is there any acknowledgement of the magnitude of this game against the Chiefs and what it means for your future ambitions? The fact that you guys are tied for the best record in the AFC, tiebreakers often play a big role. Is there an acknowledgement and understanding of what the ramifications can be of this game?) – “I think there’s some sort of understanding. We’re human beings, right? You can’t be robots that just only focus on the task at hand, but at the same time, the reason why. The goals and the mission are so big for this team and that’s so long-term. This is another really good measuring stick to prove to each other how bought in we are to the process and so I think whenever you talk about results or that it’s such a big game, I think it’s just an amazing opportunity to go against the best in the league. And I think that’s what we’re all here for. We’re all chasing to be in those games and to play meaningful snaps and make an impact. So to see guys succeed this Sunday, to have the plays that you go out and you practice, you go across the world and you travel together, I think it just brings everybody closer to really understand those circumstances and buy in for one another so that you’re sacrificing a little piece of yourself for the greater good of the team so that down the road we can continue to improve and be in these meaningful games week after week after week, December, January, February.”
Vic Fangio – November 2, 2023
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio
(First your thoughts on finally potentially having CB Jalen Ramsey and CB Xavien Howard opposite each other?) – “If we can get that done that would be good. That’s what we’ve been shooting for. We knew it was going to take a while with Jalen’s injury, but through Jalen’s fast recovery and beating the odds, it’s happening earlier.”
(You’ve had your share of matchups against the Chiefs, being in the division with them with the Broncos. How do you stop a tight end like Travis Kelce and could CB Jalen Ramsey potentially factor into that matchup?) – “He lines up all over the place so occasionally that could happen with him and Jalen. He’s tough, he’s a great tight end. He runs really good routes. Him and the quarterback have great karma together, especially as plays extend. He’s tough to stop totally there. He’s caught over 100 balls, how many years in a row? So really nobody’s figured that out.”
(I know you practice against the No. 1 offense on a day in and day out basis, but what does it mean facing the number four offense this week, especially in this historic game here in Germany?) – “Yeah, and we had the No. 2 in Philly a couple of weeks ago. Two vastly different offenses comparing ours to Kansas City so there’s not a lot of carryover in there. They’re obviously a very tough assignment. They’ve been great on offense the last five, six years, whenever (Patrick) Mahomes took over. It’s a tough assignment, but we’ve got some good players and hopefully we’ll be able to slow them down some.”
(How have you been able to keep the unit focused? I know this is an international game so I guess it’s a lot different from a normal game in the States, but how have you been able to keep the unit focused?) – “It really hasn’t been a problem. There’s not a whole lot to do over here otherwise so the guys are here focused to play a game and really nothing else.”
(I wanted to ask about defending Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes. He’s one of those guys that kind of similar to like Eagles QB Jalen Hurts, you said doesn’t have a weakness. So what is the key to limiting Patrick Mahomes?) – “Just trying to keep him from having an unbelievable game. He’s always played well. And try and hopefully limit the improvised plays, where he starts scrambling around, making great throws on the run, guys getting open. Him pulling the ball down and running it himself for critical first downs. He’s really tough. You’ve got to defend the play they call in the huddle, which is hard enough, and then you have to defend the play that he creates after the first one breaks down a little bit.”
(What were your impressions of CB Jalen Ramsey’s debut? I mean, he said that he played more than what was the expectation, but could you even imagine the impact that he made in game one?) – “I thought he played good, obviously. He’s not back to where he wants to be or where he will be. But for that, for him to play in the game and luckily the game worked out in that there was a bunch of short series, three plays, four plays, five plays, which allowed him to play most of the game. He never totally got taxed with a long drive or having to cover a bunch of deep routes so that’s why we were able to leave him in there as long as we did.”
(I want to go back to defending Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes. Especially when those plays start to break down, how much control does a defense have in that situation? It almost feels like the longer he runs, the more likely it is he finds somebody.) – “True. We’ve got to try and keep him from running and hopefully we have a good pass rush and keep him hemmed in and not let him get out. That’s where he hurts you. Their line does a good job of pass protecting. He does a good job of finding seams in the rush to step up through or step up around, or to retreat and get around. He has the total package when it comes to scrambling and it’s tough.”
(Obviously Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes didn’t have the best game of his career last week against the Broncos. Watching that film back, did they do anything in particular to help contain him or is it just the rare occasion where he doesn’t play well?) – “It was a little bit of everything. They turned the ball over four times, a fifth time by fumbling a punt. So you’re never going to win many games turning it over five times. They had a couple dropped passes, he missed a throw. Denver ran the ball 40 times, before you know it, you’re in to the fourth quarter, you haven’t had it much.”
(To follow up on CB Jalen Ramsey, could you envision yourself moving him around or just having him stay on his side and whoever lines up in front of him is who he’s covering?) – “Yeah, I think at some point, possibly this game, but at some point we’ll start moving him around. I think it’s important that he gets his legs underneath him and feels comfortable out there.”
(And sticking in the secondary, what’s the impact of having S Jevon Holland back?) – “Big. Jevon is the quarterback of the secondary, besides being a great player himself, so it’s big to have him back.”
(What do you think about playing in Germany and think about playing in Frankfurt?) – “It’s just another game for us. We flew in here, got on a bus, went to the hotel and I’ve been at the hotel or here practicing. So it’s just a normal week for us.”
(You mentioned that it’s hard to sack Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes. The Dolphins are among the league leaders in hurries, pressures, hits, sacks. So what are some things that you would like LB Jaelan Phillips and LB Bradley Chubb and the other pressure guys to keep in mind, specifically on Sunday?) – “It’s important when you play a quarterback like this that you rush as a unit and not as individuals. Whether you’re rushing four or rushing five or rushing three, you all have to fit together and not create big seams.”
(Last week you mentioned that LB David Long Jr. has been playing a lot better on the defense, inside linebacker. What are some of the specific things he’s doing?) – “I think he’s just doing a better job of being where he’s supposed to be more consistently, and that’s allowing him, as you’ve noticed, to make more plays. He’s done a good job of improving incrementally week by week and hopefully that will continue.”
Frank Smith – November 2, 2023
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Offensive Coordinator Frank Smith
(I know a couple weeks ago we spoke about your German ancestry and whatnot. What’s your experience been like being in Frankfurt this week?) – “It’s been great. Unfortunately we haven’t had much time outside of the hotel, but my great grandma was born here. She moved to America from Stuttgart so my first trip internationally with my dad was to Germany to Düsseldorf. So it’s awesome. Can’t wait until Friday afternoon and actually get out of the hotel area, but the whole week here has been awesome. Really looking forward to the game.”
(Not a lot of schnitzel or anything like that for you yet?) – “Not until Friday. Friday is business as usual.”
(I wanted to ask about the Chiefs defense. It seems like under Chiefs Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, they’ve always been a pretty good defense. Maybe they’ve turned it up this year. What has stuck out to you about that unit?) – “It seems they’re playing very well together. Ultimately, the last couple years there they’ve had a lot of success. The players they got, they seem to have a very good understanding of the system, communicating together, working together well. It will be a tough challenge for us this Sunday and we’re really looking forward to it.”
(Obviously this is WR Tyreek Hill’s first game against the Chiefs since he was traded. He’s done a lot over the course of his career, but just the stuff that he’s done since he’s been in Miami has been even more impressive. What has stood out to you most about Tyreek and his time here?) – “Just his work ethic and how competitive he is. Every day his commitment towards maximizing his time and just being the best player, the best he can be. Seeing him all those years in the division and just hoping he wasn’t going to have a day, it’s just awesome to be on the same side of the ball for the last two years.”
(I know you are the offensive coordinator for the No. 1 offense in the league, but how do you approach player development and getting the best out of your offensive players?) – “I think the process begins at the beginning of the offseason. Just as far as how we implement things, how we train the team, how we go about just our day-to-day. So when you lay the foundation back in April when it starts, it allows for this time of year, guys really understand the expectations, understand what is necessary. It really always begins with like everything, whenever you’re teaching a class, teaching anything, you’re trying to build something. It’s all about a foundation. If you have a weak foundation to a structure, it will crumble. Same thing if you have a weak foundation to your education, you’re not really mastering the subject matter. So I think the one thing we pride ourselves on here is our process and how we began and how we teach and its growth all the way through as we’re going along.”
(Between this year and last year, at what point do you think the game slowed down for QB Tua Tagovailoa so he can excel at this high rate that he’s been doing so far?) – “The way he sees the game is really one of his gifts. So ultimately, he’s grown within the system and within what we’re trying to do here with everyone. You just see him really taking things and his understanding, his communication, and everything and it just keeps growing and growing and growing. Ultimately, the challenge is each week is trying to improve on what you did last week. Between whether it’s Tua or the whole composite of the whole offense, it’s just the approach everyone has. It’s great when you’re quarterback has the mindset of everyday to attack and make the best of it.”
(What do you expect from the atmosphere on Sunday here in Frankfurt?) – “I don’t know. Doing two London games, the atmosphere was fantastic. So here with it being the first game in Frankfurt, I imagine it will be very much similar to a playoff game in America. Looking forward to the energy and seeing what it’s going to be like. Playing these games have really been an awesome experience for all of us being able to be apart of it. So we’re really looking forward to it and enjoying it.”
(Given your family history, how important is it for you to be a part of history here this weekend? First game in Frankfurt. Also the importance to you the league is expanding in the way that is has?) – “I think it’s fantastic. I think when the schedule got announced, I think my dad bought tickets – or I shouldn’t say he bought tickets, he requested me to get him tickets to the game probably immediately. I just think it’s great. I’ve been traveling to Germany since I was 11 or 12, and my dad has done business over here for the last 20 years or probably more than that, but I think it’s great. It’s a fantastic country. Everyone loves sports. American football has obviously been a sport that everyone’s enjoyed. To be apart of the first game, for me, I couldn’t be happier for us to play here.”
(On the o-line, a lot of moving parts. How are you managing all that this week? Whether to activate T Terron Armstead? You have OL Robert Hunt in question, his status and OL Connor Williams too?) – “A lot of variables, but I think it ultimately goes back to when we talk about in the offseason how we train the group and try to have versatility and have guys who will flex between positions. As we bring guys back or work between variables, those are all contingency things that we work on through the whole offseason. We’ll see how the week plays out and we’ll play the guys that can best help us win.”
(I wanted to ask about the running backs real quick. Does RB Raheem Mostert look comparable at this point to where he was last weekend? Do you envision yourself continuing to get RB Jeff Wilson Jr. a few more touches?) – “Yeah, just like all the guys this week with the travel, it’s just a little different week for us. Ultimately, as we get ready for the game, our processes will get going. The guys who are ready to play and ready to contribute are the ones who you’ll see on the field.”
(Are you getting used to the time change?) – “Forcibly, yes.”
(WR Chase Claypool’s snap count continues to rise since he’s been active on game day. How much have you noticed him grasping not just the playbooks, but the blocking. I don’t want to be subtle. We heard WR Jaylen Waddle say yesterday in order to play for this team you’re going to have to bock. It was a popular criticism against Chase coming into this trade. How have you noticed him embarrassing the nuances of playing offense for the Dolphins?) – “Chase is just like many guys that I’ve been fortunate enough to coach throughout the years. We’ve really enjoyed his want to know why. Why are we doing this? How can he help be the teammate he wants to be here. How can he contribute to the offense? And like Jaylen said, we block. That’s the one thing at the wide receiver position, your willingness to block and help your teammates get the ball on the perimeter, and I think ultimately with Chase since he’s gotten here, he’s finding his growth within the offense and understanding it. That piece of understanding how our system works and where he can fit is one thing he’s really taken a strong control of. Just how he approaches himself everyday at practice, questions he asks are very specific and you can tell he’s dialed in on everything. So far, it’s been awesome and we’re looking forward to continue the growth the rest of the year.”
(The thing you said at the beginning, the wanting to know why. When a player wants to know the why and not just the what, what does that tell you when a player wants to understand the why and just the assignment itself?) – “When you’re reading a book and you just read it, it’s like anything. When you do a task and you just do it to accomplish it, maybe you can execute it or not, but the more comprehensive knowledge you have on the subject, it makes you know all the variables that could occur. So you’re really investing into that one moment and all the things that can occur. So you’re knowing the why. Why am I doing this? And then when you can paint the picture so they get, okay you’re this piece of an 11-person puzzle that’s going against another 11 people, that allows you to be able to say okay, if this, this, and this – you’re going through your checklist of things that can occur. It just shows a guy who has a real understanding of the complexity of every offensive play and he wants to know so he can help and contribute to help us win.”
(I know before you got to Miami, you coached several seasons with other AFC West teams. Even though you didn’t coach against him, what are your impressions, what do you think of Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes?) – “He’s one of the best at his position. You’re flashing me back to a lot of bad moments. But also, at the same time, when you’re a competitor, you always want to face the best. That’s one thing that he’s been able to do. He plays at a high level and they’ve done a great job with their program and we’re really looking forward to the opportunity to do it here in Frankfurt against them.”
(I wanted to ask about the left guard position. I think last game, OL Lester Cotton started and then you started rotating OL Rob Jones before Rob Hunt went down. I was curious, what was the thought process behind that? If Rob Hunt is able to play, is that still something that is on the table for this weekend?) – “As we evaluate each game and all the options that are going to help us win, there’s maybe different variables, different things that would occur that we’re working through for various reasons. When we put guys out, when we don’t, the consistency of positions, we kind of have thought about that during the week and what’s best for each guy. When it comes to all positions, whether it’s the o-line, wide receiver, running back, we’re always trying to make sure that we’re putting ourselves in the best position to get the result we want. We weigh all things during the week to make sure we have the right options on Sunday.”
Danny Crossman – November 2, 2023
Thursday, November 2, 2023
Special Teams Coordinator Danny Crossman
(You spent some time in your career in London. How does Frankfurt compare with what you’ve seen?) – “Well, it’s funny. The very first game in World League history was the London Monarchs at the Frankfurt Galaxy. It’s been many, many moons, but yeah, I have played a game here in Frankfurt.
(Small sample, but CB Nik Needham did get a couple of plays in. What were your thoughts on his performance in the punt coverage and punt return units?) – “Yeah, punt return specifically. Happy with Nik. He’s been a very good player for us for a long time and happy to have him back and looking forward to his participation growing I’m sure both defensively and in the kicking game.”
(When we visited in London, you spoke to me about how the people in Europe, many of them seem to appreciate the kicking game. Can you tell us, when I say that, what comes to my mind?) – “I think that foot meeting ball, as we get ready to practice here at the Frankfurt soccer stadium, something they’re familiar with. I think that’s the common ground that they share. But as you’ve seen this game grow over the last 30 years here in Europe, obviously they’re very knowledgeable, very passionate about what the National Football League and what football is and I’m sure they’re excited for this weekend.”
(WR Braxton Berrios seems to have been making much more of an impact as a returner over the past few weeks. What are your thoughts on his performance and are you comfortable with how he’s grown in your unit?) – “Yeah, very happy with Braxton. We were excited when we were able to add him to our roster last spring. He’s been a very good player, very good returner in his career. So we were happy to add that. It was something that we felt that we were lacking, and I think the more opportunities he gets, I think the more you’ll see the highly productive player that we believe he is and was before and will be again. Very happy with where he is and anxious to watch him continue to grow.”
(I know you guys do a lot of research about the stadiums you’re about to play in. Which way does the wind go, and all those sorts of things. How much research can you obtain or have you obtained for this stadium?) – “We’ve done as much as we can from afar. There’s limited things that we can look at to correlate to how it’s going to pertain to us. We’ll go look at the stadium Saturday morning and get a better feel from it, but we can’t control it. It’s going to be what it’s going to be, and we’ll have to adapt as the game progresses when we realize what it does if there are any certain patterns that we have to work around or play to.”
(What do you remember about that first game in Frankfurt? The atmosphere?) – “It was very different from what I was accustomed to. It wasn’t college football, the pageantry of college football. It wasn’t the National Football League. It was a party. There were fireworks and all kinds of stuff going into pregame. Then once the game started, I remember the first two points in World League history, we gave up a safety. We ran a trap from the 2-yard line. So first points in World League history were a safety. Hopefully we don’t have one of those tomorrow. My whole time in Europe playing, especially in the European stadiums, it was fabulous. The fans are just so passionate. The passion you see in Rugby and football and everything else, they brought it to American football and it was very fun.”
(Can I ask you more about the World League and your first impressions during your first game and then moving on from that a couple of decades later and how your impressions of how the NFL has grown internationally here in Germany and London?) – “I think it’s fabulous. It’s well-earned by these other countries that the NFL is reaching out to and traveling to and hopefully there’s more to come. From what we understand, there will be more to come. I think it’s just going to be a continually vomming process of spreading this game throughout the world. Fans when they see it in person, and that’s what you see, there’s going to be some guys and girls at the game this weekend that are going to find a player that they think is the greatest thing and follow them for who knows, the next five, 10 years and hopefully the Dolphins become somebody’s favorite team after this weekend.”
Jevon Holland – November 1, 2023
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Wednesday, November 1, 2023
S Jevon Holland
(First, how are you feeling coming back from concussion protocol? You’re a guy that’s been durable, been on the field. Did it kind of itch at you to not be able to be on the field last Sunday?) – “Yeah, I feel good. It was irritating to not be on the field. There were a lot of plays out there, guys were flying around, and I was that missing the fun. I definitely was having a little FOMO on the sideline.”
(With this defense getting the reinforcements back week by week, where do you see this team going as far as the season progresses?) – “That’s a great question and I’d love to give you a detailed answer. But really, we’re a week-by-week, day-by-day team, and we’re real process oriented. It’s hard to look past today, because we really want to focus on the details. That is a good question, and I’m sure with the talent on our team on paper, you can say that we’ve got a hell of a team, which we do, but we’re not really focused on that. We’re focused on how to improve ourselves, day-in and day-out, focused on technique, fundamentals, things like that.”
(What do you think of the potential of the secondary as a whole now that you have CB Jalen Ramsey in the fold, CB Xavien Howard looks like he’s coming back, and now you’re back too?) – “We can do a lot more. ‘Rams’ (Jalen Ramsey) adds a huge veteran aspect to the defense for me, myself, for other younger guys that want to learn. ‘X’ (Xavien Howard) as well, having him back. Having two veterans back playing with us is huge. It really helps us out, and it just makes the game a lot more fun, definitely.”
(What stands out about the Chiefs offense?) – “They just make it happen. They really do. (Travis) Kelce, Pat Mahomes, Skyy Moore, Mecole (Hardman), (Marquez Valdez-) Scantling, they’ve got a whole bunch of weapons. (Isiah) Pacheco, like they’ve got weapons left and right. They just get the ball to their primary guys when they need to, and they make it happen. I mean, that’s basically the bottom line. Then of course, Pat Mahomes is special. He can scramble, extend plays, use his feet, use his mind, eyes downfield. It definitely adds a unique dynamic to their offense, and we’re not even talking about the pre-snap stuff that they do, like the ‘Ring Around The Rosie,’ things like that. It’s exciting game planning for them, because it’s something that you kind of don’t see a lot. It’s a unique challenge, so we’re definitely real focused on them.”
(What was the experience like on the off day? I know the defensive backs went out, but from your perspective, what was it like being out in Frankfurt?) – “It was cool. Yeah, it was cool, man, trying different foods and whatnot, seeing the people, how they interact. I tried to just like be a ghost amongst the people and just try to see how the culture is. I don’t really like much attention or anything like that. But it’s cool. It’s cool. I see a lot of the same vegetation as I do in California, like North in Portland and Seattle, I’m from Vancouver so like in Vancouver and stuff, but it’s cool. I’ve enjoyed it, I really have. I want to go to like an antique shop though and get an old watch. That’s kind of my souvenir that I’ve been doing.”
(Any food in particular that was hitting for you?) – “Yeah, I head to get a frank, man. (laughter) I had to get a – what’s it called? Bratwurst? So that was cool. That was good. I enjoyed that.”
(Glizzys?) – “Yeah, glizzys, for sure. I had to. But it was good, man. It was cool. I enjoyed it for sure.”
(What do you think about playing in Germany?) – “I think we should do more. I think it’s dope. I mean, the flight wasn’t that long. It was just a hop, skip and a jump over the water. I was enjoying it, honestly, the whole process being in a new country. It’s like a free vacation and we get to play. So I’m always down for that, especially if we leave on Monday.”
(We’ve been told that you players shouldn’t go through the city alone but always with a buddy. Is that true? And how do you handle going out to the city looking out for Frankfurt?) – “I mean, I just keep my head on a swivel, man. I’m not trying to get blindsided by nothing crazy. (laughter) We usually go out in groups anyway. So I just keep a homie with me. I’m not really going to be out and about by myself, that’s kind of just low street IQ. So yeah, I’m just not going to catch myself at the train station, I think they said, by myself. That was the dangerous part? I’m not sure.”
(What do you think about the atmosphere here in the stadium?) – “I think it’s cool. Like I said, I love being out here. It’s a foreign country, it’s new, it’s different. So little nuances that you kind of pick up on that’s different from back home, but I’m definitely enjoying myself for sure.”
Tua Tagovailoa – November 1, 2023
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Wednesday, November 1, 2023
QB Tua Tagovailoa
(I know you’ve faced the Chiefs defense but it’s QB Patrick Mahomes on the other side. What’s it like when you know he’s manning the opposing offense and that means you probably have to put up a lot of points?) – “Yeah, it’s never easy going against Pat. But I would say and Pat would say the same: It’s not me playing against Pat, Pat playing against me. It’s our offense having to go against their defense, their offense having to go against our defense. We prepare for their defense just like any other defense, just trying to see how many times we can score, get the ball into the endzone. At the end of the day what we’re trying to do is try to score one more point than the other team and try to get a win.”
(The last time you faced QB Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, you were a rookie. Is there a way to quantify how much you’ve grown in your four years in the NFL?) – “Yeah, I think there’s a lot of things that are different, one being the offensive system that I’m playing in now compared to the offensive system that I had then. Then the supporting cast that I have and really there’s just a lot of things that are different. We’ll see what goes down this Sunday.”
(Have you been able to catch up on sleep?) – “No.”
(How’s the experience been in Frankfurt so far for you?) – “It’s been pretty cool. We’ve been able to go check the city out, been able to go to maybe two places to get some drinks and then also try some food. But for the most part it’s been pretty cool. I got to go golf with a couple guys as well.”
(How would you describe the opportunity that comes with playing a team like the Chiefs that, like the Dolphins, is 6-2?) – “Any opportunity for us to play a team that has been to the Super Bowl within the last couple years or the last year and has won it, I think that’s always a great challenge. For our team to have this opportunity to go against a Pat Mahomes team, it’ll be fun and it’ll give us a chance to see where we’re at going to this bye week as a team.”
(Hosting NFL games is a big deal for the city of Frankfurt. Do you remember the moment when you first heard you were going to play in Frankfurt and did you know anything before about the city?) – “While I can’t really remember when I found out we were coming to play in Germany, it was definitely in training camp when I figured out what our schedule was going to be. Prior to that, I didn’t know much. I had a massage lady, I was asking her for a couple of words and so she gave me, ‘how are you doing.’ So I think I can say that pretty good, but I don’t think so.”
(You want to try?) – “Yeah. ‘Hallo, Wie geht es dir‘. I think that’s how you say it. (laughter) That was good? Does it sound good? Perfect, thanks.”
(I believe two years ago when you guys when to the UK, was that your first time in Europe?) – “Yeah, that was my first time in Europe.”
(Got it. So obviously, you’re back in the area. Head Coach Mike McDaniel spoke a lot about being a history a major and the appreciation he has for the sport of football taking him overseas and all the things it’s done for him. Can you kind of speak to that as well, just the opportunity to be on this international stage and the experiences that have come along with being a football player?) – “I would say for me, football has opened up a lot of avenues for me. Obviously in America, the status that it gives you and that it allows you to do things that others aren’t fortunate to do. The money that we make, it puts into perspective a lot of things that maybe normal, hardworking people don’t necessarily make. For us to be able to come out here and travel as a team, it gives you that opportunity as well, not just in the States of traveling, but coming outside the States, going to other countries and really expressing what Americans love with American football and trying to share that with the world and things like that. Football has done a really great job in helping not just me, but a lot of our guys have an experience like this.”
(I know a couple weeks ago the Baltimore Ravens were in the UK, QB Lamar Jackson said he was surprised that he was noticed by people out. By any chance did anybody notice you and maybe say ‘Tua’?) – “No, no, no. I’m going to say no to that every time. I think we’re able to go out and – yeah, no.”
(So you weren’t noticed? Or were you noticed?) – “No. We’re just going to leave it at that. (laughter)”
(WR Tyreek Hill obviously playing his former team. What has he been like over these past 15 months or so compared to what you were expecting? What you knew about him during his first six, seven years in the league?) – “I would say I didn’t know what to expect. I think as we all look at Tyreek’s film, we know one thing is for sure, is that he might be the fastest man alive as far as stepping foot on a football field and playing in pads. Outside of that, I think what really surprised me was who he was as a leader, his work ethic, and then how he takes ownership of what is asked of him. Whether it’s in the run game, in the pass game, or things like that. Then it’s almost like a trickle down effect for a lot of the guys in his room. They respect him as a player, as a person, to take advice from him and follow his lead.”
(What do you think about traveling to Frankfurt and playing in Frankfurt?) – “I think this is cool. It was a long flight. It was a really long flight and I think we just need one more day to get adjusted to the sleep schedule and after that I think it’ll be fun. Coming here and playing on Sunday, I think one of the things that I’m excited for is the fans. I don’t know how many people from Germany watch American football, or doesn’t, so that’s what I would say I’m excited about, for the fans. I’d like to know what they would be cheering for; if it’s a field goal they cheer for, things like that and if they have chants, we’d love to hear them.”
(How is it for you to play with super fast guys like WR Tyreek Hill, WR Jaylen Waddle, RB Raheem Mostert?) – “It feels good. I think any quarterback around the league would marvel at being in the position that I’m in now, having those guys in the backfield with me. They definitely help one another in getting each other open. If one guy gets doubled, the other guys are open. If two guys get doubled, then you still have three guys running routes that could possibly get the ball. So I mean, it’s fun. Those guys make this offense fun.”
(You already talked about adjusting to the time over here, but you have to adjust twice because the kickoff is very early, especially for the U.S. How do you do that?) – “I think that adds to the reason why we came so early to Germany. I don’t know too much on the science. It’s one of those things where we trust our head coach and conversations that he’s had with our PR department and people like that to be able to know that we’ve got to come here to get adjusted so that hopefully by the end of the week we’re adjusted and regardless of the time that we are playing it won’t change how we’re feeling. I think none of that should play a factor towards the end of the week.”
(Just to follow up on the question about Tyreek, what’s he been like this week has he prepares to face his former team?) – “I think Tyreek has been the same. I haven’t seen him try to do anything more or anything less. He’s just been the same Tyreek. Just wants to go out there and play football. He loves ball. He’s a competitor and he just wants to do good. He has competitive greatness.”
(One last Tyreek question for you. He’s obviously been very vocal in support of you from the very jump since he was traded to this team. I was curious if you could speak on what that has meant to you over the past year? You kind of remember the first time you met him and spoke to him and the nature it seemed like from the jump, he said ‘this is your team and I want you to assert that leadership role’?) – “Yeah, I’ve heard people say it and the guys have been joking about it the last week, but the ‘Cheetah effect,’ that’s what I would say. Just because ‘Reek’ (Tyreek Hill) exerts so much confidence in everything he does that it’s almost ideal for you to do the same for yourself. The Cheetah effect could mean many things with Tyreek. But I will say that’s all it is. Like I said, he’s been a great teammate. Not just to me, but to everyone on the team with his leadership the way he carries himself. I think he’s excited, and this team is excited to play the Chiefs on Sunday.”
(I’ve talked to some colleagues in the morning, and we learned how to pronounce “Tagovailoa” over the last years in the NFL, but we struggled with the long version of your first name. Can you tell us how you pronounce that?) – “Can I hear you say it?”
(I have no idea, it’s way too long to remember.) – “Does anyone know how to say it? We can get Mike White up here and say it. Mike White knows how to say it. ‘Tuanigamanuolepola’ and then Tagovailoa.”
Jaelan Phillips – November 1, 2023
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
LB Jaelan Phillips
(I see you already have some German in you. Did you do some preparation ahead of this trip? How much have you been able to interact with people around here.) – “Yeah, I actually came out to Germany. My aunt was stationed out here. She is in the military. So my sister and I flew out here when I was probably 12 years old or something like that for two weeks. We were up in Heidelberg and Cologne, just drove around the country. We looked for castles when we were driving through the countryside. That’s kind of what I remember. And I learned how to count to about 20. That’s basically the extent of my knowledge, and good morning, good afternoon.”
(But you know your way a little bit. Did you impart any of that knowledge off on your teammates? I saw you had the adaptor ready to go.) – “Yeah, I love traveling. I love adventuring. When we went out and about yesterday, I guess you could say I was the tour guide. I don’t know this city of Frankfurt too well myself, but I just like to roam around and see as much as I can.”
(Big week this week for you all. This game has a lot of implications. How are you able to stay focused and not let the outside noise trickle in?) – “That’s something that you have to practice is staying present. That’s something that Mike (McDaniel) preaches to us every day. That’s one of the first things he always puts up in his presentations, is a little picture of a present and he says your presence is a present. I think just treating this like any other game, obviously there’s extenuating circumstances – we’re out here in Germany. Like you said, it’s a big game, a 6-2 matchup, obviously big implications, but we just prepare for it like we do any other week. Take it day by day. We had a good practice out there today and we’re going to get in the film room, correct what we need to correct and just keep moving and going forward.”
(I thought it was interesting that the Dolphins are first in the NFL in quarterback hits, and also first in fewest quarterback hits allowed. So QB Tua Tagovailoa doesn’t get hit and you hit the other guy. What do you think is the correlation, what’s the team aspect that would allow that, or foster that, to happen?) – “I guess it would just be all the preparation we did during camp especially. Iron sharpening iron every day in camp. Our best against their best. I think you could see throughout camp there were times when we were dominant and there were times when the offensive line was dominant. I think that we just made each other better throughout that whole process. Really, it’s not just camp. It’s through OTA’s. It’s really been a whole year preparing for this. It’s just a testament to obviously the offensive line and Tua obviously for being able to get the ball out quick, have great pocket presence and move around. Defensively, we just try to be tenacious in our rush and get after it, and really team rush, and rush together, have a rush plan. I think it’s just all the work that we’ve put in so far.”
(Rushing Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, I’ve never done it, but it seems like something that could be frustrating with his ability to make plays off script. What kind of challenge does he present for you guys with his ability to just kind of make throws out of nowhere and escape tackles?) – “Yeah, obviously sometimes he looks like a magician with some of the things he does. But at the end of the day, you just have to be disciplined in your rush. I think that’s the biggest thing when it comes to edges at least, is keeping him contained, not letting him roll out of the pocket. On the inside, not getting too wide so he can step up through the middle. Then obviously when he does start to get off schedule and scramble around and look to throw, you just have to keep going after him. So like you said, it can definitely be very frustrating because you can rush, win, do everything perfectly and he gets the ball off. Or you could be running around, he’s running around for five, six seconds and he makes some crazy throw to Travis Kelce down the field. I think we have to expect that to happen and know that’s going to happen a few times during the game, but not let it discourage us. We just have to keep rushing no matter what happens.”
(You guys do play two games a year against another guy who does that in Bills QB Josh Allen. You played Eagles QB Jalen Hurts earlier this year. Does that experience help you guys come Sunday?) – “Yeah, I’d say so. It’s not just them either. Pretty much all quarterbacks in this league can move around a little bit, even if they don’t seem like the most athletic guys. They have presence and are able to make things happen off schedule. Really its something that we’re constantly working on during practice, during games. But going up against a guy like Josh Allen twice a year for three years now for me, it definitely puts you in that mindset where you know you have to be disciplined in your rush. So yeah, we’ll try to take those principles and apply them to this game.”
(I know it’s only been one day, but you obviously were a rookie when you guys made the trip to the UK two years ago. Does your body feel any different having an extra day? Obviously you’re spending the entire week, but do you feel a little more energetic compared to getting here Friday?) – “Yeah, we’ll have to see obviously how we all feel on Sunday before the game and after the game, but I think so far I definitely enjoyed being out here this whole week. One, just because like Jevon (Holland) said, it’s almost like a free vacation. I love traveling and I haven’t been to Frankfurt before, so I was super excited to come out regardless. I would’ve been disappointed if we came out on Friday morning and only had a day to go see the city and then we’re playing a game and leaving. And then preparation-wise, I think if you handle everything correctly, then you are more energized and adapt quicker. But that’s also on us to actually prepare accordingly. So it’s when you’re going to bed, types of things you’re doing, the way you’re fueling, different things like that, so it’s important to stay on top of it.”
(You said that your aunt was stationed over here in the military and you came over. The NFL’s relationship with the military goes back over 50 years. How important is that to you as an NFL player who has a family member who served in the military? How important is that connection between the NFL and the armed forces?) – “Oh, I think it’s super important. Obviously, giving credit to where credit is due, the people who risk their lives protecting our countries, I think it’s important to give them the respect they deserve. I think there’s actually about 35 active military personnel coming to the game that my aunt’s friends with. To be able to see them after the game and just acknowledge them, like I said, is going to be really important.”
(You said your aunt stayed here in Germany. Do you know any German words, or what is it about the language?) – “Eins, zwei, drei, vier, fünf, sechs, sieben, acht, neun, zehn, elf, zwölf, dreizehn, vierzehn, fünfzehn, sechzehn, siebzehn, achtzehn, neunzehn, zwanzig is 20 right? I mean, I don’t know a ton. My sister actually learned more German then me because she did a Full Bright Scholarship up in the Netherlands and so obviously she spoke Dutch up there, but she also learned German. She was super fascinated with the language and super fascinated with the country. She’s a little better than I am for sure.”
(When you were here as a child, what did you like most about Germany?) – “The castles. I think just the history to me is the coolest thing. In the United States, the oldest buildings we have are from maybe the late 1700’s, early 1800’s. But here in Europe in general, you have buildings from the 1500’s. The history is just something that’s really cool to me. I think the food is great. Yesterday we were wandering around the city and got some sausage, had some beer. Obviously there’s more to it then sausage and beer. I had some schnitzel too, that was really good. I just think the culture and everything is amazing. The people have been super friendly and welcoming. We actually had a tour guide yesterday, just a lady we met on the street, a German lady, and she just showed us around. Obviously you saw we were foreigners because we stick out like a sore thumb, but yeah it’s been an incredible experience so far.”
Jaylen Waddle – November 1, 2023
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Wednesday, November 1, 2023
WR Jaylen Waddle
(What has the early part of the Germany trip been like for you? Did you catch up on sleep or enjoy the city a little bit?) – “Hit the city a little bit, that was about it. Got some sleep – tried to get some sleep at least. Schedule is getting kind of normal coming into today.”
(You seem to shine your brightest on the international stage. Coming back from your experience back in the London game, what are some things that you took from that game leading up to preparation that you bring with you here to Germany as well?) – “Honestly, about nothing. It’s two different games, two different years against two different opponents, so really didn’t bring anything. These international games are a little different as far as schedule wise and the way we got to go about the game. I feel like it’s going to help that we played in it two years ago, but ultimately, it’s going to be about going out there and handling business.”
(What did you get WR River Cracraft for his birthday? Did you get him anything for his birthday today?) – “Huh?” (laughter)
(It’s WR River Cracraft’s birthday.) – “I know it’s ‘Riv’s’ (River Cracraft) birthday. Happy Birthday ‘Riv’. (laughter) He was with us a little bit in the town, got to spend some time together – nothing like time. (laughter)”
(I don’t know if Taylor Swift is coming. Are there any reports on Taylor? According to Twitter, Taylor Swift is coming. Your thoughts?) – “It’s going to be fun, I guess. I’m a Swiftie. (laughter)”
(When you’re QB Tua Tagovailoa, it probably feels like the whole world is watching you. On Sunday, literally the world will be watching. We’re in a different part of the world. How do you think he’s built for this moment?) – “I think he’s built for it. He’s played on big stages before, been playing on big stages his entire career. I feel like the highlights and spotlight’s always been on him going back to college and going into the NFL so I think he’s built for it.”
(How did the team prepare you for the Frankfurt experience? Did they tell you something in advance something Frankfurt-specific or things to know?) – “Yeah, they gave us a little history and background of Frankfurt, how historic it is, and they kind of gave us a rundown of where we’re going to be staying, where to go, how things are, what to do out here, the historic museums and stuff like that. They gave us a little rundown of that. That’s about it.”
(I wanted to ask about WR Tyreek Hill again. It seems like in the year-plus since he’s been here, you two specifically, really created a strong friendship, relationship. I was curious what WR Tyreek Hill has kind of meant to you as an older receiver in the room and just being his teammate over the last year?) – “Tyreek (Hill) really just made me really up my game. You think you’re a baller and a good player, then you meet someone like Tyreek who comes in. He’s legendary, historic – y’all see that throughout the week. He just brings the team along, got high energy, brings it each and every week, and that’s what we expect from him. He just makes everybody up their game.”
(I know everyone talks about how competitive he is, but is there like a story or kind of a memory that comes to mind of him just being crazy competitive?) – “It’s a lot. It’s really weekly. He goes out there, he’s got a dog mentality. I just go into the way he practiced in the offseason back to OTAs and you think a guy of that caliber wouldn’t go out there and give it all he’s got on a weekly (basis), he comes in weekly and just be a dog.”
(You have some uber fast guys in the offense obviously being very productive this year, is that the secret? Adding speed and dominating the NFL?) – “No, it’s not. I think every team has a lot of fast guys and throughout the league, it’s a lot of speed. I think we get a lot of praise for our speed, but we do a lot more than just run fast. The splash and highlights are always going to be someone running 22 or 23 miles per hour, but we do a lot more than just run fast.”
(What do you do more? What’s the secret of the offense this year?) – “Well, I can tell you one thing. If you’re going to be in this offense, you’re going to block. Mike (McDaniel) praised that and how you get a lot of your passes by going in and digging out safeties, occasionally linebackers sometimes (defensive) ends, we’re an extension of the run game.”
(One more question about Head Coach Mike McDaniel. He has a special history as a coach, also in his personal life. He talked very openly about his former alcohol addiction. Does he talk to you guys about that specific topic?) – “Yeah, he kind of, when he first came in, gave us the history of how he came up in the coaching ranks and what he had to overcome when he first came in. But going into it, it’s not something that we really ask about or comes out and just openly say, but he definitely gave us a history of everything he’s been through.”
