Mike McDaniel – October 11, 2023
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Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Head Coach Mike McDaniel
(Is RB De’Von Achane going to require knee surgery, and do you expect him back within a short time after a four-game short-term IR type thing?) – “This is why I accumulate information before I speak. I think it goes to show what type of tough guy we’re dealing with, but confirmed, he will go on IR. It wasn’t like a black and white decision where it was obvious. It’s in lieu of that ‘ish’ timeline. It was something that we, (General Manager) Chris (Grier) and I, knew was the best thing for the team, which always coincides with being the best thing for that particular athlete. That has just commenced and confirmed.”
(Is it a sprain for RB De’Von Achane?) – “As far as – there’s not anything more grave. The level of severity, I’m not going to pretend to be an expert in terms of whatever you’d call it, I’m not going to call it. But yeah, the main thing on his mind was procedural, his ability to make sure that he’s going to the games. So it tells you where his mind is at. That’s why we have a large group of very good running backs, because that’s kind of the nature of the position at times.”
(So what will be next? RB De’Von Achane won’t have surgery? What will his rehab look like?) – “Well, it will be diligent, and I’ll get daily updates. That, to which, you know me, I’m worried about today. He’s in great hands. It’s going to be diligent, like I said. It was not black and white, whether or not to put him on IR, but just knowing all the factors, we thought it was best for the team, for sure.”
(When did RB De’Von Achane sustain the injury?) – “I know it to be in the game. It was in the late portion of the game, and he did take some snaps afterward. But exactly where it was, he was kind of feeling it out, I didn’t really comb it that way. I really don’t like to watch injuries on tape, so I don’t comb through it in that regard. He’ll be diligently moving forward.”
(You said it wasn’t a black and white decision, what were the pros and cons of putting RB De’Von Achane on IR?) – “There’s a finite timeline and the amount of players that you have to consider with the obligations of the whole roster, these are all things that we heavily scrutinize and make sure that we’re doing right by both the player and the team. In this case, it was pretty sound after we worked through it, that that was the best scenario for all parties involved.”
(Will RB Jeff Wilson Jr. practice today and is he on track to be able to be available if needed this weekend?) – “It just so happens that Jeff Wilson Jr.’s window has opened today. He will be practicing professional football with the Miami Dolphins today, preparing for the Carolina Panthers.”
(Just one more on RB De’Von Achane, is it fair to say you expect him back at some point this year?) – “That’s fair. That’s very fair. I’d take those tickets from the fair and go to the fair. And if I’m out in the sun too long, my skin will be no longer fair.”
(With RB Jeff Wilson Jr., is he already at a point where he could be close to being activated off of IR?) – “We shall see. That’s why – get your popcorn ready for today’s practice, again, most important day of our lives. A lot of those things, those answers, whether someone is ready to play, coming from injury or whatever, the great news is I see better than I hear, and my eyes will be wide open today. So he’ll get the opportunity to show his teammates and the coaching staff where he’s at. So I look forward to that, he’s been chomping at the bit.”
(How does RB De’Von Achane’s injury status affect your outlook for the running game in general? Or does it?) – “No, I think that the run game is 11 different players. I know he’s done an outstanding job and I’ve been very pleased with how far he’s come as a professional. I always knew the talent was there, but he just really, really progressed and is one of the guys, among veterans in the locker room, he – what did he have, two carries in the first two games? I never really look at the run game in general as one player. He’s been making a ton of plays and has been obviously doing an outstanding job with every single one of his opportunities. But yeah, this is something that fortunately, we took measures to have a group of running backs that, shoot, you guys can’t stop talking about him and he had to earn his opportunity. We knew just as well as you guys did, what that would look like. We didn’t know. You figure, you hope, you think, but he’s done really everything he can with his opportunities presented to him. There’ll be more opportunities. He’s been playing with Raheem (Mostert) very well. There’ll be more opportunities for the other guys as well. We’re in a fortunate situation in that regard, that I think we have multiple players at the running back position that can start in this league and can do very well within their job parameters here with the Dolphins.”
(On OL Isaiah Wynn, you had mentioned Monday that you weren’t too worried, but he would have more tests over 24 hours. Is he cleared to practice today?) – “Oh yeah, he’s ready to go. He nodded his head to me, in recognition of today and how important it would be. So he’s good to go.”
(How realistic is it to get WR Chase Claypool up to speed with enough of the offense to participate as soon as Sunday?) – “It’ll be interesting to see. You don’t have too many of these scenarios where you get a talented player that’s done a lot in this league, jumping on your team when you’re in a phase of football that’s been able to be productive, for sure. But I’m going to let him tell me. I really don’t know. I’m the wrong person to ask because I’ve been in the same offense for 17 years. I think we’ll see what that looks like because there’s not that – don’t have that many reps in a regular season game of this at the receiver position, specifically. But definitely open-minded and going to allow him to shape our vision and his teammates, because it’s one thing that you have to do on this team is you have to earn the privilege to play with a group of guys on the only place that matters, and that’s grass.”
(There’s been some speculation WR Chase Claypool might get some work at tight end. Is he a wide receiver here?) – “Yeah, he’s a wide receiver. I mean, Mike White might be working as punt returner today – you never know. (laughter) OK, so what you are alluding to is he’s a player with above-average size at his position, and if he’s able to execute certain things, I’m not going to limit a player to what he can or can’t do. Every game we have guys doing multiple roles and fitting within the offense tailored to their skill sets. So it’ll be cool to watch, and I can tell he is definitely attentive. He’s paying attention to everything I can tell you that much.”
(How fast is the fastest you’ve seen a guy kind of digest your offense?) – “Well, it’s the receiver position that’s kind of unique. I’ve been around running backs and quarterbacks in unique structures. Quarterback, you have to kind of minimize what the offense is so they can have a little package. You understand that. Then had running backs the week of – I think the last time was either 2020 or 2021. There was a running back from Cincinnati that we played that week that actually threw a pass. That’s a different job description here. I think the offense that he had been in is similarly structured from a concept background, which is always helpful, as opposed to a digit system. So there’s some West Coast lineage. I don’t know what it was before that, but I think it is a different experience than when you’re a veteran player who has worked with different offensive coordinators on different teams. You can kind of find ways to learn expeditiously, but again, I don’t want to pass judgment either way. The idea is that you’re listening to this foreign language and being able to execute your job responsibilities at a level that there’s no excuses for like, ‘Hey, I’m the new guy.’ So that’s tough. He knows the standard. Our coaches have spent extra time with him trying to do the very best they can, and we’ll see what that looks like out on the field. Either way, as long as it’s intense in the appropriate place, we have a lot of football players on this team that are very capable of making football plays. So we’ll get him out there when he’s ready and able and we’ll start seeing how fast it is today.”
(I’m not sure how much you watch QB Bryce Young in the pre-draft process, but what have you seen from him so far in his young career?) – “A baller with a bright future. He one of the few young quarterbacks that you see coming out that see defenders when operating as a quarterback. His vision is uncanny, and his timing and rhythm to the game, you can see that he’s going to be a very good player in this league, in my opinion. There’s nothing more difficult than being a rookie starting quarterback. In that process, you learn live speed. What I’ve seen is a guy that’s showing his talent through the rhythm of plays and learning certain things with regard to – he’s uncanny in the pocket, how he moves, and he’ll continue to get better at extending plays. He throws a very catchable ball that’s built for YAC. You can tell – there’s a reason for why the guys that he played with in college and how much respect they have for him. If you don’t believe me, just ask any ‘Bama player, and then you can tell why he’s earned the respect of not only other rookies, but veterans on that team.”
(Only Bo Jackson has averaged more yards per carry since 1966 than RB Raheem Mostert of the Miami Dolphins. How effective do you think RB Raheem Mostert would be as a Tecmo Bowl player?) – “Whoa. You know, Tecmo Bowl would do him a disservice, because Tecmo Bowl you can literally run backwards and go side to side. One of his greatest strengths is linear yard accumulation. He treats almost every play like a kick return is the way I look at it. He sees a hole, and you can always – there’s not that many runners in the league that you see finish a run where the tacklers are coming to compress and that are falling that way because they’re just a hair off on their angle, because of the way that he approaches the line of scrimmage. Like I’ve always said, you recognize a different breed when you come across. This is a guy that has – he just keeps getting stronger and he’s as hungry as ever. So Tecmo Bowl, I would elicit more like post-2010 technology, because his slashing ability with the ball in his hands wouldn’t have been done justice, which is a shame.”
(When you see a team 0-5, like the Panthers now, on paper, obviously, it looks like a mismatch. But what are some dangers of playing a team that’s in this deep of a hole?) – “Well you guys would have no idea about a franchise losing five in a row, would you? (laughter) Yeah, it’s the most dangerous opponent you can play, because losing – let alone just losing in general in the league, you have to sit on it for a week, and you put a lot of time into it. You can’t do anything about it for one week. Well you go to work every day, and then after five games, your point differential in the first half is one point and you haven’t won a game yet, that is not fun. So you will do anything, anything to change that. I think that is something that we have direct recall on, just very recent, and you know how powerful that is. You know that teams in that process, while they may feel a certain way, that ends up bonding people and making teams that much tighter. The bottom line is that this is the National Football League, so I know one thing, the Carolina Panthers have everything to gain. They’re going to come to Hard Rock (Stadium) and not care about any sort of stat that you guys want to throw out at them. They’re going to try to win together as a team to change that feeling. You have to be aware of that, and not to mention the fact that they’re littered with NFL playmakers. Maybe teams like to look at win-loss, or whatever. We just look at the bottom line – the tape shows a team that’s going to come, not only compete, but they’re going to do it in a physical fashion. They are sick of having that feeling, they’re going to want to change it. So that’s the force that we’re facing this week, which is why I’m just glad that you guys think today is so important, because I do too.”
(I don’t think anyone asked you about LB Jaelan Phillips or RB Salvon Ahmed?) – “Still working through Jaelan Phillips. It’s just making sure that, again, we’re looking at it for the long haul, so we’re daily investigating that. ‘SA’ (Salvon Ahmed) should be practicing today, for sure, in orange shoes probably.”
Christian Wilkins – October 9, 2023
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Monday, October 9, 2023
DT Christian Wilkins
(Between you and DT Zach Sieler, you have pretty good leadership in the defensive line room. Defensive Line Coach Austin Clark probably doesn’t need to tell you guys what you need to do more of. Did you or Zach talk to each other as a group, the five of you in the room, before this game saying what you guys needed to do more of as a defensive line collectively, whether it is more impact plays or whatever?) – “I think to your point, we do a good job of trying to keep the main thing the main thing and having a steady focus and understanding what it is we’re being asked of to do on this team, within the defense, whatever it is. We got a lot of guys who are humble and willing to do whatever it is that we need to do. There was definitely more of an emphasis this week. Obviously we had a bad taste in our mouth after the previous week. We just wanted to clean some things up, just learn from it, and have a better outing yesterday.”
(What do you think has lead to this recent run with LB Andrew Van Ginkel and the way he is playing right now?) – “Me and ‘Gink’ (Andrew Van Ginkel) go way back. That’s my dawg. I always knew, always seen it in him. I’ve seen the things he can do. I’m glad he is able to get some praise and some recognition. He puts a lot of work in. I’m happy for my guy. No one is rooting for him more than me. I’m just happy to see him have some success.”
(This week you all are back at home again. How does it feel knowing that you don’t have to go on the road for a game and are playing in front of the home fans?) – “So far it’s been great playing at home. The fans have been great, the energy in the stadium has been awesome so it’s been a lot of fun. There is just another added element when you don’t have to travel. You’re just in your environment, you have your routine and things like that, so that’s always nice to be able to play at home and to be able to have two weeks back-to-back at home. I’m just excited to put on a show anytime we go into that stadium.”
(What do you think of the game DT Zach Sieler had yesterday?) – “Zach had a great game. It’s good to see, again a guy that works so hard, it’s good to see him have some success like that and have a good game like that.”
(Do you expect to see the Panthers to come out with some desperation as they look for their first win of the season?) – “Honestly this is the NFL. Regardless of record, regardless of what’s going on, it’s always going to be a tough out regardless. I’m sure. I’ve been on teams where you struggle to get that first win and everything like that, so you have that extra sense of motivation. You’re just so hungry for it and I’m sure they might have a little something extra or just motivation.”
(Have the responsibilities for you and DT Zach Sieler in this defense changed much at all from Josh Boyer’s defense, or is it pretty much the same thing you’re asked to do in this system?) – “Well at the end of the day, regardless, we got to play with good technique and do our jobs at a high level. No matter what scheme you’re in, no matter what it is, if you want to be a good d-lineman, you got to play with good technique and do your job at a high level.”
(When the offense scores, you’re always down there so quickly. What goes into that? Are you just ready to sprint? I know you’re on the extra point team. How are you getting down there so fast?) – “I have to show off my speed a little bit. (laughter) No, I enjoy that stuff. It’s a lot of fun for me. It’s a fun time in the game. I’m just having fun out there. It’s nice to see a lot of guys who work hard, have success, get in the end zone and do things like that. So I like to join the fun. I’m pretty geared up and ready to go and get out there quick. I’m probably faster than most out there. It’s fun.”
(Are you more ready when they are in the red zone than if it’s a long touchdown?) – “The long touchdowns a lot of the time you don’t see me out there because I got to save some energy or whatever. (laughter) On that ‘Cheetah’ (Tyreek Hill) long ball, I sprinted straight to the field goal. I wasn’t going over there to celebrate. That was a long one, but I had to save some energy there.”
(If there was one missing element with this team, it would be forcing turnovers. What’s going into that? What’s the issue?) – “We just definitely got to make it happen. It’s something we emphasize and practice and try and focus on. I feel like we have the right mindset when it comes to that. You get what you emphasize. As we continue to emphasize and practice it, and try to make that happen, I’m sure they’ll come eventually.”
(What does it say about this team that you’re -3 in turnover differential on the season and you’re 4-1 with a big point differential?) – “I feel like the biggest thing is just having each other’s back. Like there might be times here when the defense whatever and the offense picks it up, or the offense whatever or special teams or someone picks it up. I feel like we have each other’s backs but we’re still fighting hard, working hard, to have more consistent or complete games from everybody. We’re getting closer to that. We’re trying to be better each week and it will eventually happen.”
(What are your thoughts on the evolution of the ‘Waddle?’) – “That was the best one I’ve seen yesterday. That was really good with the whole wind up and everything. That was official. No one told me about that. That was a true surprise to me. That was well done. But I love it. Jaylen (Waddle) has definitely taken that thing and run with it and having more fun with it. It’s his deal, so it’s always cool and always fun.”
(It was a very collective effort there with a lot of people doing their own rendition of the ‘Waddle.’ Who had the best one? Who had the worst one?) – “I don’t know. I really didn’t look into it that much. It was just fun. It was good to see everybody join in on the fun.”
(Can you believe how far these celebrations have gone from the no fun league?) – “Yeah. Definitely. I think it’s cool. I think it’s nice that now you can do things like that and make it more fun. It’s good when your teammates get involved and everything like that. It’s just cool. It’s just fun and guys can have their moment to do their thing.”
(What does a 4-1 start mean to you? Coming from last year to this point with the team’s trajectory?) – “Honestly, it’s obviously good to be 4-1. Obviously you’d want to be 5-0. At this point in the season, it really doesn’t mean much realistically. There is so much ball to be played. I feel like we haven’t fully hit our stride or are playing our best ball yet as a team. That doesn’t mean we won’t get there, but I think we’ve got the right guys, the right leadership, the right mindset, coaches and everybody where eventually we’ll get to the point where we’re playing our best ball. It’s just a good start for now, but we want to keep improving each week.”
(I know how the season ends will be probably what you guys will remember many years from now. But as you sit and watch this offense, whether it’s watching highlight from home or if you’re on the sideline, do you ever watch and say ‘boy I’m witnessing something special with the speed and execution with what we put together on offense?’) – “Kind of you’re just in the moment for the most part. You’re not thinking historic or anything like that. I’m just enjoying it. It’s a little added motivation for me to get off the field and watch our offense go, and get the ball back into those guys’ hands. It’s just fun to watch. I enjoy watching our guys and competing against them in training camp and practices. You want to see how guys do and I know they feel the same for us. A lot of times you don’t even realize guys are watching. They are like good game or I saw this, or I saw that. We all enjoy watching each other play and being a part of each other’s journey and being there for each other.”
(You’ve certainly been a part of teams where you don’t have that margin for error or like the defense feels that the team relied on you. How much different is that this year?) – “At the end of the day, whenever you have to be out there, no matter how many snaps you have to play, you want to be playing good ball regardless of if you’re out there every play or out there a few snaps or whatever. That’s more of the focus is just it doesn’t matter how many snaps you have to be out there, just make sure you’re playing good ball and playing at a high level.”
(Did you see Dexter Lawrence’s celebration? Was that intentional?) – “Of course. That’s my fat little brother. (laughter) I had to rub it in a little bit. I got to do his sack celebration, which was a lot of fun for me. I had to do that. I was planning that probably since I knew we were playing the Giants, honestly. It was good to be able to do that.”
Alec Ingold – October 9, 2023
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Monday, October 9, 2023
FB Alec Ingold
(People have asked if you’re okay physically because you didn’t see a ton of action in the second half. No issues?) – “No, it’s just little nick-nacks, week-to-week. You kind of just deal with it. I’m excited to practice this week with the boys and get back up for the Panthers.”
(The first possession was high theater at its best in terms of it capitalized everything brilliant about Head Coach Mike McDaniel and Offensive Coordinator Frank Smith and how their minds worked. Was that first drive in particular something you were looking forward to knowing how much razzle dazzle there would be?) – “A hundred percent. And there were so many times the first time you get to take the field, especially when you win the coin toss, your defense gets to set the tone, you don’t know if you’re getting the ball at the 25, the 10, the 5, the 50. No matter what happens, where you’re starting the game, you know you’re able to set the tone as the offense and really take advantage. So the amount of explosive plays that we got there right off the bat was exciting and it’s validating to know your week of work and you’re able to do so many new things, so many new wrinkles, and then to go be able to execute when everyone’s fresh, everyone’s brand new, you don’t know what you’re going to get, what defense they’re going to be in. You just trust your eyes, you play fast as a unit, 1/11th of everything, everyone stays attached. The offensive line was rolling off the ball all game. So it was really cool to be part of that.”
(On the fullback position, it’s like the last of its dying breed. How much pride do you have playing that position?) – “I love playing fullback here for sure, especially just watching across the league. Obviously there were a couple of really good fullbacks last night on Sunday Night Football, so just to be a fan of fullbacks everywhere, and all the different offenses that you’re able to run. You know, here, it’s funny. My parents are like, ‘Man, we watch on Fox or CBS or whatever and we can’t tell where you are on the field.’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, that’s kind of the point.’ It is not a standard I-formation anymore. So it is cool to be able to move around and be able to show defenses so many different looks from all of our different personnel packages. So the ability to blend everything that we’re doing right now has been fun and challenging as a fullback. So it’s a mental load, but it’s something that you take a lot of pride in.”
(This year especially and going back through QB Tua Tagovailoa’s career, it seems like every time he turns it over, he kind of has his best football after that. I’m curious to kind of get your guys’ perspective after you turn the ball over those conversations going into the next drive play out?) – “I would just say as a team the ability to respond and play complementary football, all three phases. So whether it’s offense, defense or special teams; whenever there’s a play made, how does the team respond? And normally guys have been able to this year, be able to stop the bleeding one phase or another, be able to answer that bell and then personally you see so many guys when it’s a little mishap, a little hiccup here, guys with their chins up. And the next time they’re touching a play, the next opportunity they have, they’re able to execute. So I think it gives a lot of confidence with everybody in the room to know ‘okay, you can see Tua do that, you can see the defense do it, you can see special teams do that; I can do that, too.’ And I think that’s just how the brand of football is being played right now, which is fun to be a part of.”
(Did you get a chance to watch that that game last night, the Sunday night game at all?) – “Yeah, I did.”
(Was it kind of like looking in the mirror a little bit when you watch what they do on offense?) – “Yeah, it’s like an alternate universe for sure. You definitely know a lot of the formations and you can see the way that they’re manipulating defenses over there. So it’s fun to see and learn and grow, right, because whenever you’re at a different organization or things get installed different ways, you can always pick up little nuances to the game when you kind of really kind of go through a game with a fine-tooth comb. You can see what other people are doing, how they’re able to set up blocks, how they’re able to execute, bring the ball to the box in different ways. So it’s always fun to watch good offenses play.”
(The walking boot is not anything to be concerned about?) – “No, no. You’ll see me out there this week working all week so we’ll be good.”
(I was going to ask you sort of following up what we were talking yesterday. How did your meeting go after the game?) – “Yes, we did a Lululemon Mindset panel. It was called the ‘ABCs of Mindset’ and this is our second panel that we’ve done now and man, it was really empowering. It was a really cool space to create with a lot of people. There were about 70 people there from across the country, really. We had people from Wisconsin, California, northern Florida, wherever coming down to be able to support with just the Mental Health Initiative, Mental Health Awareness Week that was going on last week and just being vulnerable, being real. I think the goal of Mindset is to really take the helmet off, to take the shoulder pads off and to relate and to open up a space where people feel comfortable to talk about what’s going on mentally. We work so hard every single day to train your bodies to get in the best physical possible shape you can be in. Mentally it’s the same thing, so being able to connect with people to build a community, that was something that was really special and to have so many teammates come out and support and show their support with their significant others. It was a really cool event and it was exciting to be able to do that after football game, especially after a win when you’re able to kind of share like, ‘Man, this is a results-based business.’ This could have gone a great way or a bad way or whatever, right? But at the same time, you’re able to be willing to share that raw emotion after a game with some people and to see how alike we really all are.”
(When we talk about just your experience this past summer, you had the chance to be a commencement speaker. How was that experience for you?) – “That was really cool. Miami-Dade College really did it outstanding at LoanDepot Park. To be able to go out there and to have 15-20 minutes with a group, the future leaders of the area, and to be able to give your heart, your testimony, your story and hopefully inspire other people to go out and write their own stories and empower them to be able to go through whatever they need to go through to see on the other side. It was a really cool space. It was different than anything – I’m a lot more used to that intimate speaking engagement, whether it’s a business, a school that I’m talking to. When you’re up on a big stage, I didn’t have that earpiece, you know what I’m saying. It was a lot different human connection. But to be able to go through that to be able to get the feedback after that was a great experience and something I’m really grateful for.”
(This week you all play Carolina, a team that’s looking for their first win. How do you all keep the mentality, focus to avoid the trap game in a sense?) – “I think it really comes down to staying locked in on your process and your standards. I talk about that every time I’m up here, I swear, and it’s the truth. I think to be able to focus in on how you can improve week to week and never let off on the gas, to find all of the mistakes that we went through this week, not taking anything in victory that you wouldn’t in defeat, right, and to be able to kind of keep flipping over every single stone that you can. The goal every single week is to improve and get better so we have another opportunity at Hard Rock Stadium in front of our fans, like the opportunity of a lifetime every single Sunday to go out and represent this organization. You can never take that lightly. So I think that responsibility to a man needs to be a part of our standard, our process. And that’s how we’re going to go to work this week and continue to improve.”
(Another 100-yard day for RB De’Von Achane. At this point is there anything he does that surprises you?) – “Yeah, I blocked for another No. 28 when he was a rookie that was pretty good (Josh Jacobs). So De’Von (Achane) is blowing this thing out of the water right now. It’s fun to see him grow week after week, different plays, different packages, different formations that he’s in. To take it mentally and physically, to be able to produce over and over again. So I know a lot of guys like blocking for that dude because once you get him in space and find him some grass, he’ll get going.”
(How about another rookie? Did you like what you saw from RB Chris Brooks when he was in there?) – “Loved it. I loved it. Watching Chris get out there with his package and to be able to go out and execute, it’s fun to see the work that he’s put in as an undrafted guy and go step by step throughout the entire year to make the roster – it’s not like he was expecting his first touches from the Denver game to go out for big explosive runs, but when he gets out on the field, he does something with it and it’s cool to see that as a room, to see guys own their different roles, to expand upon that, to be able to coach one another, to be able to impact everything we can so you get another guy in the fold that’s making plays, that’s on the field, that’s impacting the game. It’s blocking right now, it was running, for him it was special teams the past few weeks. So I think it’s really cool to see him step up and grow into a new role, another thing that we can put on tape.”
(It’s kind of comical to me watching the game back seeing how many offensive linemen are squaring up blocks outside the numbers, like 10 yards down the field. Obviously being athletic is a good thing, but I want to hear in your description of how the athleticism of that group benefits you guys?) – “I think the athleticism is one thing, right? They can run, but they’re also being decisive. They’re trusting their eyes, they’re trusting what they’re seeing and they’re just going, they’re cutting it loose. And when you can get a lot of guys, 11 guys in phase together playing that way – decisive, convicted – I think that’s when you get the Rob Hunt blow up shots, 15 yards down the field that everyone wants to roll back and kind of watch in slow motion 15 times over again.”
(Did you happen to see after RB De’Von Achane’s long run, him and OL Robert Hunt like celebrating at the middle of the field together? What was that?) – “I don’t know. So I turned around, I was giving Tua (Tagovailoa) some love. I gave him some high fives and stuff and that was exciting and then you turn around and you see these two grown men like hugging each other out in the middle of the field, kind of fell down. So as one coach always said, ‘execution breeds excitement.’ So when guys execute, they get emotional about it and it’s fun to see guys celebrate the success of all the teammates and I think they did it their own way. I’m not probably going to join that one, (laughter) but we had a lot of good celebrations yesterday.”
(You’ve been on good teams, you’ve been on bad teams. The camaraderie of this team to me seems different than we’ve experienced here. What does that come from? What’s the genesis of that?) – “I think it’s different than every other team that anyone’s been a part of and that’s not to say you’re reinventing the wheel in any aspect. You’re just being yourselves. The group and collection of guys in this locker room is different than last year. It’s going to be different than next year. Everyone came together under this organization with this logo and you’re able to be yourselves vulnerably, authentically, yourself in that locker room. And this is the only opportunity that we have for the 2023 season. So I think guys recognizing that, not shying away from it and being willing to be themselves around each other and celebrate like little kids after a big play. That’s what it’s all about and I think that’s the joy and happiness and all of the confidence that comes from the work that we do together. And one feeds off of the other and I think that’s kind of where we’re going to continue to grow and evolve and it’s going to be different every single week and the more we get to know each other, the closer that we get, the only better that camaraderie is going to get.”
(Did someone get on the camera crew for making sure they get all the celebrations because watching that tape back, they show every celebration that you guys have?) – “Yeah, I think there needs to be specific like, ‘hey, camera four, camera six, camera eight – make sure you’re watching some of these big guys on the big runs.’ Man, everyone gets excited and it’s cool to be a part of an offense like that, a defense like that, where there are so many celebrations and there are so many ways that you get to express yourself and have fun doing it. It’s a game. We’re playing a game and when you execute and you do well, you’re so locked in and you’re so focused on all these details; when you see the fruits of that labor, to be able to have fun with it is something special.”
Bradley Chubb – October 9, 2023
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Monday, October 9, 2023
LB Bradley Chubb
(As the player who has the longest history with Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio and who knows him the best, has there been anything that he’s asked you to sort of emphasize or convey to teammates about what he wants and expects philosophically, defensively, execution wise, beyond what he tells the players as a group?) – “I feel like, in general defensive meetings, he kind of gives a general idea of what he wants us to do. And then when you get to talk to him and kind of ask him those questions, like ‘Hey coach, I know we had this in this call, but what if I see this?’ Then that’s when him saying that starts that back and forth. I feel like when he requires a lot out of you, he’s going to be detailed in exactly what he wants from that person in that situation and that stuff. But for the most part, the message he gives the defense is the same that he gives each and every day. So we just got to, like I said, go out there and just continue to execute and do that at a high level.”
(You guys are up to 17 sacks now on the season, 40 quarterback hits. What does that say about the pass rush and how it’s coming along?) – “It’s coming along well. We’re getting after it, rushing as one. We got to continue to do that, rush as one. We play a lot of good quarterbacks coming up on our schedule, so we got to make sure we continue to get after them and make sure we don’t let these guys don’t hurt us with their legs because they’re all talented throwing the ball, so we don’t need another added element to that. That’s on us to eliminate it.”
(What can you say about LB Andrew Van Ginkel’s play when he’s been in there?) – “He’s been phenomenal. Just the energy he brings, he’s finding a way to make a play every game and multiple plays every game. It’s been dope to see him come along. I know he’s going to continue with it throughout the rest of the season, and I’m excited to see when we look at the end and see where we are at with him. I know he’s been diligent in his preparedness for the week and stuff like that. It’s been coming to life, so it’s been dope.”
(It’s important for obviously all defenses to get pressure with four-man rushes. How important is it do that in Vic Fangio’s defense just because he doesn’t call as many blitzes as some coordinators?) – “Yeah I feel like you said, it’s important regardless no matter who the coordinator is. But I feel like it’s important in this defense because the way our DB’s play sometime, when we see teams we get a lot of quick throws, quick passes. I’m not saying it’s on the DB’s. I’m saying that their leverage, the quarterback is hitching and getting it right there or whatever it may be, so it’s important that when he does take that hitch, when a guy is on him pretty well and takes that hitch, that we’re hitting him and affecting him. I don’t feel like that’s against Vic’s defense. I think it’s like a team thing. They see the playmakers we have and just try to get the ball out quick and try to take the pressure off themselves as an offense and try to find little things in order to have success.”
(How’s it been playing at home? The first homestand of the season, back-to-back games. Can you touch on the energy that you get from the fans?) – “It’s amazing playing at home in terms of how the fans bring the energy for sure, packed out every time. You know they’re going to be yelling. It’s honestly one of those things you get used to the fans screaming because we make so many big plays on offense and as a defense, we try to make those big plays and the fans are always into it. So having that energy is always fun and it’s always amazing. And then the heat element too. I feel like throughout the game, like we feel the heat and start feeling it on us as the fourth quarter comes on. But we practice in it. We’re accustomed to it. You see teams when they start to come down here and we kind of use that as our advantage. I’m excited that in the back-half (of the season) when places start to get cold, we still have that heat to our advantage. Those two things have been really helping us out.”
(How would you assess your own play?) – “It’s been decent. I feel like decent is not where I want to be though. I want to be an elite player, a great player, and that comes with doing my job at an elite level. I feel like I’ve been doing a pretty good job at it, but I’m not here to be pretty good. I’m here to be like I said, the words I use. We’ve got to find ways throughout the week and just capitalize on those big plays and finding out the intricacies of when the offense does this and where I could take my shots and do that and have that calculated risk and stuff like that. I feel like I’ve been pretty good, but I’m working on making it great.”
(How do you get past decent then?) – “Putting a complete game together with the rushes and playing the run and like I said, not taking shots off my own free will. Doing it within the defense and doing it within the guys next to me. I feel like that’s what’s going to take me from good to great.”
(The amount of guys you’re getting blocking you, has the volume changed compared to your Denver days in the terms of the amount of attention you’re getting from offensive players who are blocking you?) – “I wouldn’t say so. I think it’s about the same I feel like with chips. Receiver chips, tight end chips, running back chips, seeing all that as well. I wouldn’t say anything changes. Got to go out there and execute.”
(What are some ways that you find playing rookie quarterbacks, as far as them coming into the league, some things that you all use to your advantage, or just some things that they just don’t know?) – “I feel like at this level, everybody is an elite athlete, elite talent, elite mentally. Those rookies come in – I’m not saying anything negative, but they come in without that notion that everybody is at that level. Bryce Young has been playing good ball. He’s going to be great in this league, but he’s still young right now. Rookie mistakes. Everybody always says rookie mistakes and stuff like that. It’s hard to put your finger on what actually a rookie mistake is, but you see a veteran wouldn’t do that. But that just comes with it. Everybody has been through that rookie phase and has made rookie mistakes. I feel he’s just another one of them, just finding his way along in this league. I know it’s going to click for him sometime, but we just have to make our goal this week to rattle him and do whatever we can for him to get uncomfortable. And that starts with us up front.”
(I know in the years before you got here, I think a lot of people would have been happy to just make the playoffs as Dolphins players or fans. Do you think expectations are such that you all feel strongly about winning the division and not nearly making it as a wild card? Is that important to players?) – “I think it’s very important. Taking care of the division, that’s how you achieve – that’s a step closer to how you achieve the ultimate goal. Everybody knows what the ultimate goal is. You have to take steps. You have to hit mini goals in order to get to the big goal, and that’s one of the mini goals is winning the division. Like you said, people aren’t happy with just making the playoffs. We made the playoffs last year, but we felt like we could do so much more last year. We have a completely different team now, not completely different, but with a different mindset and expect them to be there and expect them to do all the things that we know we can do. Now it’s just about honing it all in and make sure we take week-by-week the focus of what we actually want to do as a team and I feel like if we take that path, things are going to start going well for us for sure.”
(Have you had the chance to speak with Browns RB Nick Chubb since his injury? And what are some things you said to him?) – “I mean I just reached out to him and told him I’m praying for him and keeping him in my prayers. You never want to see somebody go down as bad as that was. With the news, it seemed like it wasn’t as bad as people thought, or I’m not sure the whole context of it, but just praying for his recovery. The league is a lot better with him in it.”
Connor Williams – October 9, 2023
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Monday, October 9, 2023
OL Connor Williams
(You were obviously a really good blocker in Dallas at guard. You’re blocking at center here in a year and four games has been extraordinary. Do you feel you’re an even better blocker at center than guard? Do you think it’s comparable?) – “I’ve definitely enjoyed the transition to center and definitely, under this offense with Mike (McDaniel) and Frank (Smith), I think they use people’s strengths really well. It’s as simple as that.”
(What do you think was your biggest impact in your return to the lineup?) – “I think we all just were ready to put that behind us and be able to take the next step up to the next week. I think we were able to get back into who we were and being able to move the ball how we like to move the ball. It’s a day-by-day grind, week-by-week grind of just getting better and picking up things here and there and just continuing to grind.”
(Has there been an added emphasis this year or as the season has gone on – we’re seeing it seems like an awful lot of offensive linemen getting to the second level, especially on running plays to help spring running backs. Is that happening more this year?) – “I mean obviously, year two of an offense is going to take time to transition into a new style, a new approach. It’s definitely been a strength of emphasis for us this year of just being able to get on linebackers. Everybody’s connected and we’ve got enough speed to make people miss.”
(Do you want this team to be known as a team that can dominate the trenches and run the ball more than passing?) – “I think this team has a lot of weapons. I think it has many strengths. As much as the receivers and the running backs are what they are, which they are amazing, I want us to be able to step up and say, ‘we’re the same as the o-line.’ So just putting responsibility on each and every one of our shoulders to be able to step up and everyone be strong.”
(There was some talk yesterday about the touchdown to WR Tyreek Hill and how QB Tua Tagovailoa kind of went off script and Head Coach Mike McDaniel was wondering what was going on. Can you take us inside the huddle? What was that like when he was calling that play?) – “I mean, it sounded like Mike called it. He came in and he was just affirmative with it. It just seemed like every other play. So to hear that after, it was a little wild. But just call it and we block it.”
(What have your conversations been like with OL Liam Eichenberg? I know he probably wasn’t proud of the performance he had in Buffalo. But just picking up your teammate, things like that.) – “Liam’s taken – he is who he is. He’s an amazing person, amazing man. He grinds his ass off. So for him to be able to step into center like that, like I said last week, I think he did a great job. That’s a hard transition to make and I think he did a great job, definitely, from practicing guard and from all the positions he’s been at. Obviously, you’re going to naturally feel some type of way. But I mean, just to keep his head up, I feel like he played a great game. I think he was very productive and put us in a good situation. Every day, every Sunday, you’ve got to give the best you can.”
(Did you have a chance to catch the Red River Rivalry and if so, did the outcome of the game impact your performance this past Sunday?) – “No, I watched the beginning or the starting quarter or whatnot and ended up taking a nap or whatever. I know it was a great game and I watched the highlights. It was tough and it was tight. That’s always the biggest game of the year for the Longhorns until we make it any further, so it was a good game. It’s tough to see them lose that way but I think they’ll be able to use that as an advantage in the end.”
(In the first play of the game on offense you have you, OL Austin Jackson, T Kendall Lamm, like we talked about earlier, downfield blocking about eight yards up the field as RB De’Von Achane is just getting to the line of scrimmage. Take me through that play and what went into that.) – “I think we ran it against the Chargers too. It’s just the same approach. I mean, just being able to get on the second level, being able to be aggressive. Just getting on the second level, running and being able to try to match our speed on the outside.”
(And how much is just athleticism from this o-line really highlighted?) – “I think it highlights very well. I think that’s our niche is that that we’re strong, we’re sturdy, that we can pass protect. At the same time, we can get into space and run and we can maul people when need be. Just tell me when, tell me where.”
(This is the first homestand of the season. How has it been adjusting to not having to prepare to go on the road, but being able to stay home and prepare for another game at home?) – “I mean, every week I’d say is the same approach. Being in this for six years now, that’s what you learn is the professionalism of it of just every week and every day is the same approach. Obviously it is nice Saturday being able to sit at home and take a nap in my own bed or whatnot. Then being able to have a homefield advantage with our fans and the crowd, I mean, it’s a different environment, it’s a different pace and I think it matches our offense and who we are and who we are as a team very well. So, I’m excited.”
(The quality of play that OL Robert Hunt is giving your group, how would you describe the level he’s at?) – “I mean, he’s obviously playing the best football he has. He’s a great player. He’s a great teammate. He’s a great leader and he’s day-by-day bringing it and just getting better and climbing.”
Mike McDaniel – October 9, 2023
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Monday, October 9, 2023
Head Coach Mike McDaniel
(Our readers have expressed concern about RB De’Von Achane’s ankle. Did he emerge yesterday with any sort of ankle issue?) – “Oh no. He’s kind of dealing with – it’s more his knee. And we’re evaluating it, but more information as it goes.”
(Do you think he’ll be questionable for Sunday?) – “I’m not really thinking anything so much right now. He’s still in the process of getting evaluated, so it’s to be determined.”
(Is RB Jeff Wilson Jr. getting designated to return?) – “That’s something that we were planning on visiting once we got the entirety of the medical evaluations that come through in the latter half of today and some tomorrow. Our plan is to revisit that regardless, which was our plan going into it. We’ll talk about it probably tomorrow.”
(You’re 4-1 for the first time since 2003. How do you prepare for a team that’s seeking their first win of the season?) – “Well, I think it’s pretty obvious. You just said it, maybe accidentally. But teams that that have been losing for a while, have a lot to play for if nothing else. Having gone through a losing streak ourselves just last year on a couple occasions, you know how hungry you are for a win. And it’s a talented team. The objective that we’re really as a locker room starting to identify, starting to understand, is it’s about our game and nothing else. So if you’re the type of team you want to be, it doesn’t go up or down depending on whatever the record of anybody is. That team is coming to play. And we’re worried about our game and making sure that we continually improve. So if we’re trying to be that type of team, that’s the way you approach it. And that’s why there’s no such thing as a trap game. It’s 1/17th of the season and that definitely factors into the equation at the end of the year. So they’ll be geeked up like most teams are in the National Football League, and we’ll have to bring forth our best game not only to try and win the game, like you do every week, but for our bigger picture goals of trying to get better week in and week out. We can’t afford to take a step back. So I know that guys look forward to any time we get to play in front of the Hard Rock (Stadium) fans. It’s awesome. I think we’ll have plenty of things to play for because the season has just begun and really records are semi-irrelevant at this point.”
(I wanted to ask one more about RB De’Von Achane. Did you know what happened when he got hurt? He was out for a bit but then he came back.) – “No. There was, like I said, something that we’re treating that we’ll get more information on. But he was in and out of the game, standard rotation at the end of it like normal. He thought that he might have something but he’s such a tough kid that it was kind of tough to read. So we need to evaluate more, and that’s what we’re doing today.”
(One last thing on that. But to just to allay fans concerns, do you at least know that it’s not something that would sideline RB De’Von Achane for the season? Or is that still unknown?) – “When I don’t know, I literally don’t spend anytime forecasting either way. That’s all this is just because we’re getting more information. But I find it trivial to even forecast until you get all the information. So I really don’t know.”
(Is RB De’Von Achane undergoing a MRI today or anything like that?) – “Yeah, I mean there’s various things that he is undergoing. Handshakes as well. High fives. I think from all accounts, had a good breakfast and lunch. But we’re just evaluating it. That is part of the process.”
(There’s a formation that I noticed you guys used the past couple games with RB De’Von Achane, RB Raheem Mostert, WR Tyreek Hill and WR Jaylen Waddle on the field at the same time. I’m curious, do you have a name for that formation?) – “It’s slow guys. Slow guys personnel. All the slowest guys on our team are in that personnel group. (laughter) But yeah, we have a lot of personnel groups depending on who is playing Y or playing F. Generally, when you have a fullback, running back, two receivers and a tight end, you call that 21. And when you exchange a fullback for another half back, you call it Fast 21. So it’s called Fast 21.”
(I was calling it 4×4 and didn’t know.) – “It’s always been named Fast 21. It just so happens that there’s some fast people in Fast 21 now.”
(With that specific, super-fast 21 personnel group, what kind of strain does that put on a defense having all those guys on the field at the same time?) – “I think the way they’re playing football and have really taken to various assignments being able to multi-train and get some receiver responsibilities from running backs and some running back responsibilities for the receivers, because of their football acumen, it does present a problem that there’s always some sort of solution defensively, and so they have to be – especially if you have a tell, in terms of what you’d like to do in it. So I think it’s a testament to all those guys’ commitment to the whole offense because we’re able to run various different types of schemes, runs, passes, drop-backs, play-actions and all sorts of things out of that, because they like being out on the field together.”
(How’s OL Isaiah Wynn?) – “He’s doing good. He’s a tough dude. I don’t expect anything holding him back, but we will get some more information in about 24 hours and he should be good. But we’ll see with that information.”
(Have you had a chance to evaluate the celebrations this week? WR Tyreek Hill’s celebration and the first ‘Waddle’ of the season, what were your thoughts?) – “I thought (Jaylen) Waddle stepped his game up. He got kind of a cross-brand there with like a toy figurine and his known ‘Waddle’ dance. All things equal, I think as a team, we all agree that the best celebrations don’t include 15-yard penalties. But the gesture was fantastic.”
(We always hear how coverage and rush marry together on defense. The pass rush got home a lot yesterday. What role do you think the coverage played in getting all that pressure on the quarterback?) – “They go hand in hand for sure. It was really exciting. I thought the defense had the best week of practice they’ve had all year and I think it definitely translated. I think the players saw it. Quarterback hits were the most since a certain amount of time that was a while ago. I think that’s a testament to team defense for sure. You can’t have one without the other. You have explosive plays when the coverage isn’t tied to the pass rush, even if you’re getting home pretty quick. The idea of our defense really, in general, is that when we’re tied together, you force teams to have to execute at the highest level or you make them pay by being a little too aggressive or being too conservative. So I thought that there were the most examples of the vision of what we want to be as a defense last game, which is what you want to see.”
(Is yesterday’s win the type where, despite coming away victorious, there’s still so much you can harp on as a coach with the three turnovers and whatever else you may have found?) – “My hope for our team and where I really think we’re at, is I think that the coaching staff is ready to be extra particular and I don’t think the players would have it any other way. I think the players, they understand that if we continue to improve, we have a lot of good things ahead of us. But any positive result that we’ve had thus far in the season can be directly attributed to handling business that day. So if we take things one Monday at a time, game review and be critical of ourselves there, then once Wednesday hits, hit each step of our process and our approach to the opponent, then we are our best selves. So I’m hoping, expecting really, internal motivation from both sides, both players and coaches at the highest level starting Wednesday, for sure.”
(I think yesterday was the first day WR Cedrick Wilson Jr. played the most snaps at receiver beyond the starters, obviously. Was that game plan specific or has Cedrick done something in practice that impressed you, Wide Receivers Coach Wes Welker and Offensive Coordinator Frank Smith the last couple of weeks?) – “We were planning on him having more opportunities. He has been playing very, very well in practice. Really, in the game, he made a ton of plays in the pass game and there’s even more in the run game he did. We asked him to do some heavy lifting with some point of attack blocks on the perimeter and he executed it. Not only was he willing, but he executed some tough blocks, some tough downs that really opened some stuff up in the run game. His imprint on the game was very positively felt by all of his teammates and really helped in a lot of results.”
(How did CB Nik Needham and OL Robert Jones get through the week of practice?) – “No setbacks. We’re feeling good about it. I’m excited about continuing to push the envelope Wednesday. At any moment, that could happen there. We’re just making sure that it’s a healthy return to ball, which is what they both have signed up for.”
(It’s been a while since we asked you about CB Jalen Ramsey and his progress. Are you getting closer to maybe nailing down a timeline for him to first return to practice?) – “Well, he hasn’t sprinted yet except past you guys. I got intel that you guys noticed that. (laughter) He’s doing a great job. He’s a special breed and he is on the positive side of returning for sure.”
(You guys had so many blocks yesterday with offensive lineman outside the numbers, getting in space, squaring up some big blocks. What kind of value does that add to your team when you have such athleticism on the offensive line?) – “It’s the strain, three, four seconds into a play and those blocks that are occurring closer to the numbers or outside the numbers. If you’re a successful offense running the ball, that’s pretty much a staple. I think it’s consistent with any good running team that you’re having 100 percent commitment to executing your assignments. The second you start having success, guys start understanding how important each and every block is. As we do find success, we’re finding more and more plays where guys are engaged with the appropriate leverage relative to the back. You’re seeing a lot of our ball-handlers make some plays and you’re even seeing linemen doing some pretty cool stuff on receiver screens as well. I think that is a picture that if you’re wanting to be successful in those phases, it will always kind of have those marks. Glad that it’s showing up now.”
Andrew Van Ginkel – October 8, 2023 (Postgame)
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Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023
Postgame – NY Giants
Miami Dolphins LB Andrew Van Ginkel
(How much were you ready for a game like this?) – “We talked about it all week. We had to bounce back, obviously when you give up 48 points, it leaves a sour taste in your mouth, so we came together as a defense and we told each other that we had to play as one. Play as a team and everybody do your job so when you can come out and put pressure on the quarterback and get DBs playing aggressive, we were really shutting down receivers, that’s what it is all about. I think Coach Fangio did a wonderful job putting us in positions to succeed today.”
(How much of this team is a team like you said, like offense and defense?) – “We play off each other and I think there’s just a love between each and every single one of us. We just go out there and play for each other, have fun. That’s the ultimate goal, and to bring home a dub.”
Xavien Howard – October 8, 2023 (Postgame)
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Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023
Postgame – NY Giants
Miami Dolphins CB Xavien Howard
(How great was it to see the defense go out there and put it on them today?) – “It was great. (Inaudible), making plays, getting off the field. We just got to keep it going, keep striving and get ready for next week.”
(When you practice against this offense on a regular basis, how much does that prepare you for games like this and other games throughout the season?) – “It prepares us a lot. Especially upfront in the trenches. I feel like I don’t really see people guarding Tyreek (Hill) outside. Kind of bigger guys, but no guys really with that speed though. Going against that offense, they bring their game and they also make us up our game.”
(As a defense, what worked most the most bouncing back from last week?) – “We just have to stick together, keep chopping wood, keep getting better, learning from mistakes we made last week. The head coach, he was at Buffalo, so we expected more plays that Buffalo ran on us that they were successful with so we were prepared for it.”
(What’s it like to watch Tyreek Hill? You never know what he’s going to do. He’s in the stands giving the ball to his mom, what’re you thinking when you’re watching that?) – “That’s exciting, man. That guy makes plays. Like you said, you never know what he’s going to do. He keeps us on our toes on defense playing the way he does.”
