Reshad Jones – August 19, 2019
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Monday, August 19, 2019
S Reshad Jones
(How do you see this thing coming together, this defense?) – “I think it’s coming together. We have a lot of moving parts. Guys are playing different positions, different roles and I think it’s coming together.”
(How much does that take getting used to? You’re a veteran and you’ve been here for a little while.) – “It takes a lot to get used to. It’s different positions, like I said. Everybody is playing different positions so it’s a lot you have to learn, a lot you have to pick up. We’ve got to make sure everyone is on the same page. It’s a different defense but I’m excited.”
(Having said that, obviously you want to play in one of these preseason games, right?) – “I’m taking it one day at a time. I would love to be out there with my teammates and help and get this defense down or whatever. But when the time comes, I’ll be ready.”
(How did it feel to be back at practice today?) – “It felt good. It felt good to be back out there with my teammates, just running around a little bit. I haven’t been running around in a while but like I said, it felt pretty good.”
(How do you establish a leader in the locker room? I know you guys haven’t announced team captains or whatnot. How is a leader established?) – “Basically by how you go about your business – how you go about your everyday work program or whatever. I’m one of the guys that really has never been a vocal leader. I just try to lead by example. There are different ways you can establish that role and I try to get it done by going out, playing hard and having guys watch me, the way I play, the way I perform, the way I practice and different things like that. There are some guys that speak up and like to be vocal leaders. I just lead by example by my play and my work ethic.”
(You’ve been doing this for a little while. How tough is it to change, like with the changes they’ve given you?) – “I think this is my fourth time changing but defense is pretty much the same. You just have to take it like it comes and like I said, take it a day at a time and pick up it all and learn it as much as you can with a new system and a new staff, and just putting the work in, I guess.”
(Who are some of the players that you’ve watched so far that you are must excited about on the defense that will make this defense exciting besides yourself?) – “It’s going to take a team. It’s going to take a team effort. Sam (Eguavoen), the linebacker, he’s coming on. He’s been making plays out there and I’ve been seeing him run around, making plays and getting the ball out and things like that. I think that guy will potentially help us a lot.”
(What do you think will surprise people the most about this defense? What might be the most exciting aspect of this defense as we watch the games?) – “I’m not sure. I’m not sure.”
(What might not fans be expecting that you guys know…) – “Just different roles for different guys. Usually you see certain guys play the same position. In this defense, they can expect guys to be in different roles and in different positions, really all over the field.”
(Were you able to do any 11-on-11 team drills today or more individual?) – “I did more individual.”
(Head Coach Brian Flores talked about how you were kind of trying to play through a little bit of soreness and whatnot. How concerned were you at the time and how much better do you feel now?) – “I think I’m pretty much where I need to be. I’m getting there. Like I said, I’m taking it day-by-day and try to do everything I can to get back out there with my teammates.”
(Do you believe you’ll be available against Baltimore?) – “Oh yeah, most definitely.”
(I know last year you talked about having to play some free safety some and you did fine even though obviously strong safety is your strength. Having S Bobby McCain now in the backfield at free, does that help you at all in terms of being able to focus more on strong safety?) – “I think it does; but like I said, I don’t think there are any set positions for anybody. (There are) spots on the field and guys are playing all over the field and asked to do different roles or whatever. (When you have) a veteran guy like Bobby who knows the defense and is more of a vocal leader (back there), I think it definitely will help.”
(Do you have a pretty good feel for what your role is going to be on this defense?) – “A little bit. But whatever I’m asked to do, I’m willing to do it to help this team win football games.”
(You have three quality NFL players now at safety and more, but three play a lot with obviously you, S T.J. McDonald and S Bobby McCain. If it ends up with you all sharing playing time among those two, is that an adjustment? I assume it’s fine with you?) – “Yeah, most definitely. Like I said, whatever it takes to help this team win football games, that’s what I’m willing to do. I’m going to get myself physically and mentally ready to play 16 games, play a long stretch, and like I said, when the time comes, I’ll be ready with whatever that role is.”
(How long do you figure it’ll take you to be regular-season ready?) – “Oh, I’m about ready.”
(On Head Coach Brian Flores, how would you describe his personality and approach?) – “He’s a straightforward guy. He calls it how he sees it. He tells you when you’re not doing so well. He tells you when you’re making good plays. He’s about business. He comes from a winning program, so he knows what it looks like.”
(How has Head Coach Brian Flores attempted to engage with you and connect with you personally?) – “He just checks on me to make sure I’m good and make sure that I’m up to par on my conditioning and different things like that. We’ve had minimal conversations but I know he cares. I know he’s a straightforward guy and like I said, I’m excited about the season.”
