DT Christian Wilkins
(As the team’s player rep, the NFLPA player rep, what has your reaction been to how your teammate’s been handled over the past week in terms of his return to the game against the Bills and what the process was like throughout the week from there?) – “As the rep obviously, I understand that rules and protocols and things and such are put into place to protect the players. So essentially how things are handled, how things are dealt with; it’s up to the whole process and how everything’s supposed to go. I’m in no place to comment on the rules or how the protocols – those are all voted on by players or those are all talked about amongst the PA (players association) and NFL.”
(I’ll ask you this, are you confident with the level of care that you receive from the Miami Dolphins?) – “Oh, absolutely, yeah. We’ve got a great training staff. We’ve got great coaches, people who care about the players on this team, and our health and safety, our personal lives, all that stuff. This is our home away from home, so we’ve got a lot of people who care and it’s bigger than just football around here and winning games.”
(What was your reaction to seeing QB Tua Tagovailoa go down on Thursday, that moment…?) – “That’s obviously tough to see and tough to deal with, but we all had each other’s back. We all had Tua’s back and just wishing him well. A lot of guys were praying for him and things like that, obviously. He’s better now, so we’re all happy for that and that he’s feeling better and that he’s himself and he’s around here. He’s being himself and Tua and bringing great energy. So that’s obviously the most important thing.”
(Did the players association, I guess reach out to you guys or reach out to you specifically in regards to the neurotrauma consultant they terminated?) – “There’s conversations I had obviously as the rep, but I’m not going to get into exactly what was said on those phone calls or those conversations or anything like that.”
(Do you feel like maybe not just QB Tua Tagovailoa specifically, but do you feel like the players as a whole, maybe feel like something failed here in this situation?) – “Again, like I said earlier, there’s a process to how things need to be handled and need to be done, and there’s protocols in place for a reason – to protect the players.”
(Can you talk a little bit about – I know recently you had a fine with Josh Allen in the groin area. Can you explain your side of the story?) – “I’m not going to necessarily get into what goes on throughout the course of the game, what goes on in piles, this, that and the third. I’m not going to get into that. I don’t necessarily agree with what’s being accused of me and how things went down and how things were handled from that standpoint. So there’s obviously a process that goes there, an appeal process and everything, which I fully wish to take advantage of.”
(You plan to appeal, correct?) – “That’s my plan. Yes.”
(When a quarterback goes down, obviously, how does it change the mood of the team? How is it that next man up mentality, knowing that your QB will be out at least one game?) – “Yeah, obviously, Tua (Tagovailoa) is a heck of a player. He’s a big part of our team and obviously a great leader and a great teammate. But fortunately for us, we have a lot of great players, a lot of good teammates. So just other guys got to step up, other guys got to do their job, and we’ll be just fine from that standpoint. We’re definitely going to have to come together as a team and just do our jobs, do what we do. It’s the next man up mentality and just handle our business.”
(You’re involved obviously with what it takes to bring the quarterback down and how hectic it can be. How did you see the play in which QB Tua Tagovailoa was hurt Thursday night? Was it illegal in your eyes?) – “I mean, there was no flag or anything thrown or anything like that. And again, things happen fast. It’s tough because obviously my quarterback, my teammate got hurt from that. But also as a d-lineman, I understand it’s tough. Things happen fast. You’re trying to make a play, so it’s tough. It’s a tough call either way.”
(I wanted to get your thoughts on the first quarter of the season, roughly a quarter. Defensively the numbers aren’t that great, but you guys have managed to make some plays. What are your thoughts on the defense through four games?) – “I definitely think you’re never satisfied as a defense and we’re always looking to get better each and every day. So even if we had the best defense in the league right now and stopped them on every drive, did everything we were supposed to do, you’re still not satisfied. So we’re always striving to be our best and the best. So that’s really the goal each day, each week, and we’re going to continue to make those strides.”
(I know you’re on the defensive side of the ball but what have maybe seen from QB Teddy Bridgewater when he went into the game and what are you seeing from him like today and…?) – “I’ve seen from Teddy (Bridgewater) what I’ve seen all training camp, all season really, which is just a guy who loves to play. He’s a really good teammate, a competitor. And he was able to do some good things. So yeah, I’m excited for him moving forward and we’ve all got his back as he does what he needs to do.”
(How was College GameDay?) – “Oh, it was a lot of fun. That was cool. It was cool to go back to my alma mater and be a part of that and get my picks in. I really didn’t care about any of the other picks other than the one that mattered most and that was that my Tigers got the win.”
(DE Emmanuel Ogbah was obviously very happy with Oklahoma State pick. Have you talked to CB Xavien Howard about Baylor?) – “Yeah, I talked to both those guys about it. We joked about it. It was funny. (Emmanuel) Ogbah was like, ‘yeah, you’re smart guy. Good pick.’ And you know, ‘X’ (Xavien Howard) just laughed it off.”
(Can you talk a little bit about maybe the Jets and what do you see from them and your plan to attack Jets QB Zach Wilson) – “The Jets, they do some really good things. They made some improvements on their offensive line. They did a couple of things there. They’ve got really good skills. They present a good challenge for us. They beat Pittsburgh. They came back. They’re battle-tested. They came back against the Browns. So they’re a good team. We’re going to have to be ready for whatever they throw at us and the things they got on offense.”
Monday, October 3, 2022
LB Jaelan Phillips
(So as a person who has had concussions, I know it’s hard to deal with. I guess one change that looks like is going to happen from what happened the last couple of weeks is that the union and the league, reportedly, according to the league’s website, are going to agree that if a player exhibits motor instability, as QB Tua Tagovailoa did, that player won’t be allowed back in the game. Just in general – not talking about Tua’s case – in general, do you think that that’s a good thing, that even if a doctor doesn’t know that it’s a head injury, if a player looks unstable, don’t let him back in the game? That seems to be the big change that’s going to happen from all this?) – “Yeah. I mean, I think that that’s fair. I think it’s always better to be overcautious when it comes to especially head injuries. But I also think that you got to take the players and training staff and doctors’ words for it. So it’s obviously a complicated situation. But I think that the league and the PA doing everything they can to keep us safe is is probably in the best interest, for sure.”
(These past seven or 10 days, have they kind of brought back unpleasant memories?) – “No, not really. To be honest, I mean that seems like a lifetime ago for me when I had those issues. But I definitely sympathize with Tua and just hope the best for him. You never want to see your teammate, your brother. hurting like that.”
(What’s the road back from a concussion? I’ve never had one. What is it like to come back?) – “It varies for everybody. Some people I’ve seen – there’s different types of symptoms that people get. Some people are sensitive to light and sound. Some people get really nauseous and dizzy. So for me personally, I always recovered like really fast – maybe like a week tops, or two weeks tops. But yeah, everybody – that really goes with every injury, not just concussions. It really just depends on each person and how they recover from certain things.”
(How do you balance – this is a broader question, but obviously you had to deal with this in the past. Knowing that this is a violent game and this unfortunately could be part of the game. Then also what you just said that there are things in place trying to make the game safer. As a player, how do you kind of balance that, knowing the risk involved?) – “I mean it’s an assumed risk. It’s obviously something that is prevalent in the game, not just with head injuries, but just injuries all around. I think that’s kind of what we sign up for. Obviously you never wish that upon anybody and you surely don’t wish it upon yourself, so we try to do everything we can from a preparation standpoint, from how we take care of our bodies, how we play the game, rules that are in place in the game to try to protect everybody. But ultimately, it happens. And so at that point, you just pray for a speedy recovery. But I feel like that’s what we signed up for playing this game. It’s a violent game. We all know that. We wouldn’t play it if we didn’t know that. We’re compensated well for it. Ultimately, health is the most important thing, and longevity. So I think that especially with head injuries, you’ve got to be cautious with that. But at the same time, people do recover from those types of things.”
(Do you think players are more willing? Or do they more frequently push through a head injury, as opposed to like maybe a knee injury? Like getting your bell rung, are you more likely to go back into the game or try to go back into the game as opposed to a knee?) – “It really all depends. We’re competitors and we love this game and we want to be out there for our teammates, for our families, for the fans, for everybody. So it’s a sliding scale. It’s not black and white when it comes to injuries at all. Sometimes you might try to play through something, you might get your bell rung, you might get a stinger or you might get a knee injury or something like that. And if you’re able to perform, you always want to perform. I mean that’s just the nature of the game that we play. And so I don’t know if – it just depends. Like if you get hit in the head and you’re extremely dizzy and out of it, obviously you’re not going to get back in the game, whether you want to or not. I think sometimes with like a lower extremity injury or something like that, where it’s painful but you can play through it and not have any severe consequences if you have to have a reoccurring injury, then you might be more likely to try to play through it. But ultimately, it just depends on the severity of the injury and depends on the person, the situation and all of that.”
(What happened on Thursday I think was really scary for anyone who watched the game. Obviously you guys were right there on the sideline. That’s your teammate, your brother. Do you guys as a group kind of band together in times like these when it’s scary for anyone?) – “Yeah, 100 percent. I think you saw us being on the field and all surrounding Tua after he was down. I mean that just kind of goes to show the type of guys that we have on this team. But I think it’s important to band together and be able to recover after that because there was still a game to play after that situation. We had a whole other half to play. So that’s always tough. But at the end of the day, you have to have a short-term memory and just focus on the task at hand. And then, after the game, obviously we were checking to see if Tua (Tagovailoa) was alright. I think that we did a good job as a team banding together and sticking together, obviously, when one of our brothers is down.”
(How has Head Coach Mike McDaniel helped you guys do that the last few days or going into the start of this week?) – “Yeah, I mean, he just reminds us of the mission. Ultimately, we take this thing day-by-day and we try to be as present as possible. We’re not worried about the future and not worried about the past. Obviously it was a frustrating loss, but we’ve already moved on from that. So we take the coaching points, take the adjustments and we gear forward to next week.”
(The weekend off for you, you were able to kind of disconnect from everything like the QB Tua Tagovailoa injury and the loss. How do you feel now going into this week?) – “I feel fresh and prepared. Yeah, it was nice to have a little mini-bye definitely for our bodies, especially after a short turnaround like that. It was definitely good to kind of just get away from it but we’re definitely back in it now.”
Monday, October 3, 2022
WR Tyreek Hill
(Have you had a chance to talk to QB Tua Tagovailoa in the last couple of days? Just your read on how he’s doing.) – “Yeah, Tua has been in. Tua’s fine. I’ve had a chance to talk to him on our off days. There’s really nothing to talk about further. Tua is fine. He’s in good hands.”
(Did you get a chance to talk to that Bengals coach that talked to you on Thursday night?) – “Nah, I have no comments on that. I really don’t want to jump into anything crazy. The only thing I know is I’m going to take care of business next time, whenever I face him or whoever. The Cheetah doesn’t want no smoke. All I ask for is when players are playing and talking trash, that’s all fun and games. It makes the game fun. A lot of people think that I’ve got smoke with Eli Apple but it’s all love, man. I’m not a rapper. I don’t have beef with anyone. But I feel like when a coach comes at me in a certain way and I feel like it’s something deeper then obviously I want smoke. I’m just focused on the next game right now.”
(Can you talk about the comfort level you have with a guy like QB Teddy Bridgewater coming in, who is a veteran in this league and kind of learning the offense like you are?) – “The offense is in great hands with Teddy. Obviously it’s going to be a different change of pace because every quarterback has a different playing style. But for me, I’m just going to go out there and do what I’ve been doing and on every team I’ve been on, which is playing hard, giving 110 (percent) effort and doing what I’ve got to do to help this team win games.”
(What have you though about the offense through four games? Obviously you have been a huge part of it. What have you liked and what would you like to see improve?) – “I think so far – this is a new offense and this is a new scheme for everybody. So far, I think there are improvements every game for everyone. Moving forward, I just want us to keep the mindset of just wanting to get better. I feel like if we begin to get comfortable with who we are as an offense, then that’s when bad things begin to happen and teams begin to figure us out. If we are a unit that continues to want to get better and continues to want to work on the fundamentals and techniques at practice, that’s going to help us moving forward.”
(You lead the league in receiving yards and are on pace for career highs. Is this the best you’ve ever been playing?) – “Nah. Truth be told, I’m just blessed to be in this scheme. Coach (Mike) McDaniel really believes in me and believes in who I am as a person, as a player. I’m just thankful for the opportunity. I could have been leading the league all seven of my years but I guess that’s not the case. So here I am here today leading the league. I’m thankful for the opportunity.”
(What did you think of QB Patrick Mahomes and your former team looked last night? Did you watch the game?) – “I did watch the game. I was actually watching it with my dad. Me and my dad had a bet. My dad was actually going for the Bucs and I told him, ‘That boy, Pat. He’s just special.’ It’s just something about that team. Patrick is just on another level. He’s playing a different game than everybody. When you watch him play and you watch just the energy that he brings out of that whole entire time, it’s just crazy. I’m just glad to see my boys out there balling.”
(You talked about wanting to be a leader on this team. In the past week or so, have you found yourself trying to rally guys or give encouraging words here and there with everything going on with QB Tua Tagovailoa?) – “For real, I’ve just been chasing my kids around this whole entire time. I’m just trying to manage that. (laughter) As far as the team, just being back in the building, it’s my whole message just to the receiver room that we just have to be better. In order for us to be a dominant team, in order for us to take off how we want to take off, receivers have to be able to block down the field. I feel like we’ve got to be better. Obviously there are some areas that we can improve on. But to open up more lanes and more gaps, and to help out the offensive line, our receivers have to block down the field. That will help us break longer runs.”
(I know you said the QB doesn’t necessarily matter to your production. I think you said you put up numbers with QB Alex Smith, you put up numbers with…) – “I’d put up numbers with you. (laughter)”
(But you spent a lot of time building your relationship this offseason with QB Tua Tagovailoa. What has your relationship been with QB Teddy Bridgewater?) – “If you go back and watch the clips, me and Teddy have some little highlights in there on Dolphins Twitter. I feel like he’s just a veteran guy – having that connection and being able to have some conversations about ball. Teddy understands my play style and I understand where he wants me to be at on the field. That’s how we connected deep down the field against the Bengals. Just me and him on the same page. Him telling me, ‘Hey ‘Reek, if we get a certain coverage, I need you on this side of the hash. I need you here.’ And stuff like that. So just us being able to recognize things together and being on the same page. I try to have a good relationship with all of my quarterbacks.”
(The Jets were the other team that was vying to trade for you. How close was that to happening this past offseason?) – “It was very close to happening but it was just those state taxes, man. (laughter) I realized I had to make a grown-up decision and here I am in a great city in Miami. It’s great weather. Great people. Beautiful people. Here I am.”
(With how well QB Tua Tagovailoa has played and how great his offseason was and the belief in him and just how great he was playing, is there an element of let’s do this for him? Let’s rally around him while he’s down?) – “For real, I don’t think there’s ever a moment when Tua is down. I just saw him in the locker room a moment ago and he’s smiling from ear to ear. As far as winning football games, we’re going to do everything we can in our power to win games. We want Tua on the field but we also understand the magnitude of this situation. His health moving forward is very important to all of us because life is so precious. You never want to take something like this for granted. We’re going to do everything we can to continue to win games. It would be the same mentality if I went down or if anybody went down. It’s the NFL for you. It’s the next man up. It’s sad.”
(Have you had a chance to look at the Jets defensively yet and what do you see?) – “I’ve had a chance to look at those guys. They have a terrific secondary. Two great corners. They’ve got two great safeties – Lamarcus Joyner and (Jordan) Whitehead. The front seven, those guys really fly around the ball. The mindset of the defensive coordinator, you never know what you’re going to get. It’s going to be a great game. I’m looking forward to it. I’m looking forward to the challenge and I can’t wait.”
Monday, October 3, 2022
TE Mike Gesicki
(How have the last few days been for you? Have you been able to get away from the QB Tua Tagovailoa stuff and relax? Or have you been around it on social media?) – “No, for me, I was away from it. Obviously, I was making sure that he was alright and all that kind of stuff, but I’ve been away from it. It’s been good.”
(What have your conversations with him been like? I know that each player has concern over him and has checked in on him, but what does that been like for you with QB Tua Tagovailoa the last few days?) – “Just like if anybody else went down like that, obviously it was a scary situation, seeing that on Thursday. But just talking with him, making sure he’s good and happy he’s alright.”
(What was your reaction when it initially happened because that’s your quarterback?) – “Yes, like I said, (it was a) scary situation. It’s not something you want to see.”
(Can you talk a little bit about with QB Teddy Bridgewater stepping in? He’s a veteran in this league. Just what you’ve seen with him and connecting with him?) – “Yes, I like Teddy (Bridgewater) a lot, man. He’s an experienced guy and has been at a couple of different stops throughout this league. To just kind of be thrown in there is something that I think his career has kind of prepared him for. He’s got a lot of experience, and I trust him back there a lot. I think he’s got everything it takes to continue to keep this thing rolling for us.”
(The events of last week have kind of sparked a look into the concussion protocols. Things are already maybe going to be changed. What are your thoughts on how the league handles concussions? And are you comfortable with what happened last week?) – “I don’t really know all the details of how they handle it specifically, so I can’t really talk about that, but I do feel comfortable with the league and what they do and how they handle things. Obviously, safety and player safety should be No. 1, and I think that, for the most part, they handle that.”
(What’s the difference in catching QB Tua Tagovailoa’s ball versus QB Teddy Bridgewater’s ball?) – “I’ve played with Ryan Tannehill, Brock Osweiler, Josh Rosen, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jacoby (Brissett), Tua (Tagovailoa), add Teddy (Bridgewater) to the list. Skylar (Thompson) in the preseason, David Fales in the preseason my rookie year. I mean, I’ve caught Reid Sinnett. I’ve caught footballs from anybody and everybody. So just got to go out and make a play on the ball when it comes to you.”
(Just put it in the radius, that’s all you need to do?) – “That’s all it is, man.”
(I was not expecting a QB Brock Osweiler reference there.) – “I hope I didn’t miss any, but I think that covers it.”
(What did you think about the video of Ryan Fitzpatrick singing to QB Tua Tagovailoa before the game? Did you see that?) – “Yes, hilarious. I don’t know what Amazon is paying ‘Fitz’ (Ryan Fitzpatrick), but they should double it. (laughter) That guy is one of a kind. I’m happy for him. He’s obviously doing great things and is going to continue to make a lot of people laugh.”
(Can you talk a little bit about the season that you’re having, what you want to see better from yourself and the offense?) – “I just have to keep doing what I’m doing, make the most of my opportunities when they present themselves and control the controllables. It’s really all I can do. I’ve been doing this for five years now. I’ve had big games; I’ve had games where (there’s) not a lot of impact on the stat sheet – it is what it is. I’ve just got to continue to do what I do and be ready when my number is called.”
(Did you see QB Zach Wilson’s griddy?) – “Yes, I did, and I’m happy for him. I’m happy that he kind of let loose out there.”
(He was better than you.) – “(laughter) Listen, it depends on who’s grading it. It also depends on what you’re looking for. I really let loose out there, and I think that I opened the door for a lot of other people to kind of feel comfortable out there. So I’m happy that I could do that.”
(Have the practices been happening, going back to the griddy in front of the mirror?) – “As I’ve thought about it, naturally, will it probably happen if I score again? Yeah, probably. But like – I don’t know, man. A lot of people are doing it. I mean, I obviously piggybacked off a lot of other people. So I’d still like to be unique. When I did it, I thought it was absolutely hilarious, so that’s why I did it. So I don’t know if it’ll still have the same effect the second time around.”
(Did you get any reviews from your wife on your dance?) – “Oh, yes – she was not proud. She told me not to embarrass her like that ever again, so she’s had me practicing several times a day since then. (laughter)”
(Any birthday plans?) – “Birthday plans. So I took Durham (Smythe) out to dinner when we were in Tampa for his birthday. So (my wife) Halle asked me yesterday, she said, ‘Hey, what do you want to do for your birthday?’ And not to her liking, my response was, ‘I want Durham to take me out to dinner so I can run the tab up on him because I paid for his dinner, so I want to make sure that I’m taking money out of his bank account now.’ Halle, obviously, wanted to do some romantic date, but I was like, ‘Halle, there’s always next year.’ (laughter) So I’m hoping that she caves, and I can go out to dinner with Durham. Halle can come too, but like… (laughter)”
(Do you have a place in mind to eat?) – “No, not off the top my head. Maybe – I have no idea. Somewhere expensive. Maybe, what is it – Nobu or whatever the sushi spot is? Yeah, I’ll just order a bunch of spicy tuna rolls that are probably way overpriced that you could probably get it like Phat Boy Sushi in Fort Lauderdale.”
(You’re getting to go back to Jersey this weekend, that’s always an exciting time.) – “Oh, I was just back up in Jersey yesterday. So yes, heading back up there again. It’s always cool to get back up there and play in front of home, family, all that kind of stuff. Looking forward to another opportunity.”
Monday, October 3, 2022
DE Emmanuel Ogbah
(Just a follow up with QB Tua Tagovailoa. Where’s the mindset of this team?) – “Tua is our starting quarterback. We hate to see a player go down but we’re rooting for him and we’re praying for him. Hopefully he gets better quick. We got Teddy (Bridgewater) to step in and take his place.”
(Can you speak to your confidence in QB Teddy Bridgewater at quarterback?) – “Yeah, we are confident in Teddy. He was brought in for a reason in case something like this were to happen. We support him and we’re ready to have his back too just like we have Tua’s.”
(How confident are you in the way the NFL handles protocols, concussions, potential injuries to the head and things like that? As a player, how do you think the NFL deals with it? What can improve, if anything?) – “Me personally, I’ve never experienced it, but I will say that we have hired a good medical staff to handle those. That’s above me. I don’t really know how to handle it based on my experience.”
(Were you able to get away from the QB Tua Tagovailoa situation over the weekend? I mean, even watching games yesterday it came up.) – “Oh yeah, during this weekend I just took the time off just to relax and rest of my body. I didn’t really watch a lot of football games this weekend. Just getting my mind right for this week.”
(Have you guys, as teammates, had discussions about concussions and protocols come up in the past few weeks?) – “No. We kind of just met today since the game, so we haven’t really talked amongst teammates about it.”
(What’s Head Coach Mike McDaniel’s message throughout this? Obviously it’s kind of been a tough week for you all?) – “Adversity is opportunity. Just go out there and handle our business and control what we can. Just let the rest fall in place.”
(How was the mood among the players in the building today?) – “I mean obviously seeing a player get hurt is never a good sign. But we had a good practice today, I will say. Everybody was upbeat, uptempo. Yeah, we’re rooting for our brother, but everybody still has that in back of their mind. It was sad but it’s the next man up. We got to game to place this Sunday.”
(You’re at the quarter mark of the season. What’s your assessment of how it’s gone for you guys so far?) – “I mean, I would like to be 4-0, but it didn’t go as planned. We’re still fighting. We’re still in this thing. It’s still early in the season to measure where we are. We’ve got to keep fighting and just keep making plays out there.”
(Are you pleased overall? I mean 3-1, are you pleased overall?) – “Like I said, I’m a hard critic of myself. I’d rather be 4-0. But I’m ok with 3-1. Just more football games to be played.”
(What are your thoughts on the pass rush as a group through four games. Is it where you want it? Your thoughts on that.) – “No. We definitely have to improve as pass rush unit. We have to get better at affecting the quarterbacks. I know Joe Burrow got rid of ball pretty quick during our game. We just have to do a better job of getting back there as fast as I can and give those guys in the back end a chance to compete and make picks.”
(What do you see from the New York offense? I know QB Zach Wilson’s back now but what do you think maybe from the offensive line, and how you’re going to attack them?) – “I haven’t really watched a lot of their film yet. Like I said, I took the weekend off and just kind of relaxed my mind and my body. Zach is back and they obviously beat a good Steelers team, so we’re going to go in there watch film, see what they’re good at and see what we can capitalize on.”
(I know you guys saw QB Tua Tagovailoa on the plane Thursday night. Did he have a chance to talk to you guys today. Mike McDaniel said he’s in the building.) – “We spoke to Tua on the plane. We were rooting for him. We asked him how he was doing. He seemed fine. He seemed great. Just happy to be with his brothers.”
(No conversations today? QB Tua Tagovailoa didn’t talk to the group?) – “Oh, no. He didn’t he didn’t talk to the group.”
(You said earlier that you have not experienced concussion protocol. Even going back to like your high school and college days you never had any of that at all?) – “No, I’ve had a concussion. I meant in the NFL. I don’t know how that’s all handled in the NFL because I haven’t had one. But that’s why we hire good medical personnel just to handle that. Like I said, that’s above me. I don’t really know how that works.”
(How many do you estimate you had?) – “Concussions? I only had one I’d say in college. I would say that’s about it.”
(Did you see DT Christian Wilkins pick Oklahoma State over Baylor in the game? What were your thoughts on his reasoning behind that?) – “Somebody sent that to me and I was like good choice. (laughter) He better had picked my team. And he was the only one that picked our team so he did a good job of picking us. It’s a d-line brotherhood so we got each other’s back, even though ‘X’ (Xavien Howard) is still part of the team too. But the d-line comes first.”
(Some say that a win or against divisional opponent on the road is worth two. How do you guys feel about that?) – “Like I said, we are going to play a good Jets team. We’ve got to go out there and handle a good team. They’re a good team even though their record isn’t really. We’ve just got to go out there and handle business like we did the past two opponents.”
(What does QB Zach Wilson being back with the Jets do to that offense compared to maybe when QB Joe Flacco was under center?) – “That’s their QB1 so he brings the energy to the group. As long as we do a good job affecting him, it’s going to be a good play for the defense.”
Monday, October 3, 2022
Head Coach Mike McDaniel
(So, even though obvious that QB Tua Tagovailoa is going through protocol, can we say with certainty that he’s out Sunday? And also have you and General Manager Chris Grier decided whether to put him on IR and put him out for four weeks? Or are you going to go week to week with this?) – “Yeah, this is something that it’s too early to give a definite timeline. I can comfortably say that he’ll be out for this game against the Jets, but anything beyond that, we’re just focused on making sure he’s at optimal health and then crossing that bridge. So it’s a little early for definitive timelines beyond that.”
(Right now, for example, is QB Tua Tagovailoa not supposed to look at anything too bright, motion, all of those kinds of things?) – “Those are all symptomatic instructions, like if you’re having something, avoid something else. Right now, he’s in the building. He’s had a couple of good days. But he’s just trying to go through with the proper procedure and protocols so that he’s feeling 100 percent. I know he’s going to be diligent with it. And if there’s obviously any things that are giving him issues in terms of light and those things, then we will shut that down.”
(The firing of the neurological doctor and the closing of the loophole in the concussion protocol with gross motor instability, are guys still comfortable with the initial … in the Bills game?) – “I see those as separate entities. Personally, I can’t speak on what the league and specifically the (players) union decided to do with that particular specialist. I think in terms of the new adjusted rule – if moving forward, if it’s safer for one extra player, then I’m all for it. As far as the Bills game, specifically our process and really everything involved with how we approach the medical situation, I’m still very confident in how we did that. But for the rest of it and how procedures need to be employed, I think that’s not something – when you’re talking about matters of the brain, I’m not going to ever pretend to be a foremost expert on it. But I think that as long as the protocols are derived with the proper spirit, if it helps players and keeps them safe, the Miami Dolphins will be all for it.”
(Moving forward, who will determine when QB Tua Tagovailoa gets the green light? Will it be the neurological people? Or will it be your own doctors?) – “Well, all of that – it’s not one person. It’s a collection of contributing factors, that, again, however, the league mandates their influence and the union’s representative, we’ll obviously abide by but we’ll always have our medical opinions from our in house guys. It’s not just one doctor. It’s a collection of people advising. And that is something that we’ll always hold ourselves accountable to.”
(I know that you’ve repeatedly said that an independent neurologist cleared him. What role in that entire process did you take day in and day out with QB Tua Tagovailoa being evaluated every day and being evaluated at halftime? How involved in the process were you?) – “In terms of what?”
(In terms of him being cleared and being tested and evaluated.) – “I mean, I’m very much involved in terms of they’re answering and giving me information. I don’t think unless I need to adjust my summer schedule, I don’t think I should be involved in determining concussion symptoms outside of the obvious. I think the biggest thing that I serve, and one thing that we operate with within this organization, is they know first and foremost that the players’ health and safety is above all else. The coaches know that in how we address things and the players know that as well. So mandating and making sure and being that extra voice of reason that says, ‘Hey, we’re not trying to ever push through something with unintended consequences being pushed to the player,’ I’ll always stay involved in that way, from an enforcer standpoint, from how we do business. But in terms of me interjecting an opinion that we have people schooled in years and years of expertise, I think that would be a little irresponsible if I tried to kick the door in and say my peace as a layman who is not an expert.”
(There was a report today – I think it was Pro Football Talk – that the players’ union may also have questions about the procedure to clear QB Tua Tagovailoa even with just a back injury. What was your level of confidence at the time, the instability he showed, which obviously you guys say is from his back, wasn’t something that was going to hurt him more by playing?) – “Like I’ve said before, I’m very, very confident, and the only reason I’m confident is because of everything that I’ve been around since I’ve been here with regard to our medical staff and how they go and do their business. As far as the inquiry that is going on from the league and from the PA (players association), we’re very happy to comply with all of those things and would much rather be as transparent as possible. So we’re happy that all of this is taking place because we do not have anything to hide from that standpoint at all.”
(I wanted to make sure we confirm with you, because this is the last thing that was pending when you last spoke on Friday. QB Tua Tagovaiola’s MRI, did it come back clean as well?) – “It did. It did. So that can be confirmed.”
(And I know there was a report that QB Tua Tagovailoa is getting three additional medical opinions. I think that is from ESPN. Do you know that to be true?) – “I haven’t chased down that to verify that. No, I haven’t. But like we do with all players, we’re not the type of organization that bats an eye at second or third opinions. When it comes to adding information for a player to understand where they’re at from a health perspective, that’s actually encouraged.”
(I get the part of the independent neurologist referring to the team doctor, and then the team doctor ultimately tells you a guy can go or can’t go. But, in the case of concussions, in your opinion, shouldn’t it be the neurologist who has final say, rather than a team doctor, who in this case, is an orthopedic surgeon?) – “I don’t think that’s necessarily an easy answer that’s just completely flatline, just because there’s different working relationships that I can’t really attest to. I know that in this particular case, there were aligns of agreement, really. I really don’t have an opinion on whether or not that’s the best or worst case for every team. I know that from a procedural standpoint, with the rules being as such, that I have no cause for concern of how its streamlined through our process. But if some addendum comes forth that adjusts that, I’m totally fine with adjusting our procedure. If it is helps player health, that’s not anything but rejoiced from the Miami Dolphins.”
(What have you told the team about getting involved in the situation, like on social media or anything like that, and commenting on it? And has it been a distraction – I know it’s only Monday, but has it been a distraction in preparation for the Jets?) – “Like everything else, I’ve been very transparent with the team with all of it. I think they can come in many different shapes and forms. Sometimes they can be good, sometimes they can be bad. But the nature of the NFL season are distractions from what your team’s objective is. Narrative that has to do with anything else but playing the next opponent who’s trying to beat you is a relative distraction for them. This is something for none of our players to bear, so I make sure that they understand that. I also make sure they know where we were coming from and how things kind of can happen out of your control. So the biggest thing for the team is to understand that regardless of what’s going on, from last Thursday, or the Bills game, or any of that stuff, the New York Jets do not care one lick about any of it, and they’re getting ready, starting today, to play us and try to win a football game. So to understand that and understand that we need to worry about what we can control and for each individual player and coach really to go along that process in that direction.
(Is CB Byron Jones ready to practice? And is he coming off PUP this week?) – “Yes, so (we’re) going to find those things out probably mid-week. A little too early for me to tell with various things going on.”
(Can you talk a little bit about the comfort level you might have with QB Teddy Bridgewater being the No. 2 guy going to play against the Jets and how he fits into your offense and what you want to see from him this week?) – “I think myself, I can speak for the team, offense and defense and special teams, we’re very, very confident in Teddy Bridgewater. It’s one of the reasons you decide to go that direction in an offseason and prioritize your backup quarterback is for these moments. We went out and signed him, and it’s been one of the better things that could have happened to us for the team’s dynamic, for his contribution in how Tua (Tagovailoa) is playing and his ability to play, as well as his part in the development of Skylar (Thompson). So he’s had a big role. Everyone’s super confident in him. He’s done it before. It’s a different deal coming off the bench than starting. Teddy knows that and he’ll be fully prepared and ready to go. I don’t think that the team will bat an eye when we lace them up on Sunday.”
(Do you need to add another quarterback?) – “Just because of the unknown timeline … Do you guys know a quarterback by the name of Reid (Sinnett)? He’s back! Yes, we signed him to the practice squad this afternoon. So that was something that we prioritized over the weekend.”
(How comfortable are your players and the rest of the team with the current concussion protocols that are in place after seeing what QB Tua Tagovailoa has been through?) – “It’d be tough for me to speak on behalf of every individual. I think that – my best guess from all the feedback that I’ve gotten was that our particular team wasn’t concerned about those protocols within that game and are not concerned with it moving forward. But for me to speak on every single individual, that’s probably pretty impossible. But from all the feedback that I’ve gotten, I think they’re fairly comfortable with everything.”
(Without divulging secrets, how much, if at all, does the offense change with QB Teddy Bridgewater in there as opposed to QB Tua Tagovailoa?) – “You can tell (Jets Head Coach) Robert Saleh that the entire offense is way different but the exact same. (laughter) No, I think that there are certain times where you will have a large disparity between the type of offense you run from your starter to your backup. I don’t see this being one of them. I think Teddy (Bridgewater) does a lot of very good things at the quarterback position that are similar to Tua’s strengths, and he’s done a great job within the offense. So we’ll obviously cater to certain things specifically that Teddy prefers or is comfortable with, but for the most part, the aesthetic presentation should look very similar to what it looks like now.”
(How is RB Raheem Mostert looking finally healthy again changed your running offense? It seems like the past couple weeks, he’s taken a pretty firm grip on, I don’t want to say lead back but…) – “I think we’re getting – specifically our two backs, have done some really good things that have highlighted some of their skillsets. I think one of the things that their strengths are is they are very versatile in both phases. However, I have seen some real cool things for Raheem (Mostert) in the last couple of weeks that has really given our offense a little confidence in the run game, much needed. And Chase (Edmonds) has done a great job too. So we’ll continue to utilize those players all season in different modes and different ways. But to answer your question, yes, I think he has. I think our team has felt it too. He’s done some good stuff carrying the ball the last two weeks specifically.”
(You and Jets Head Coach Robert Saleh go back a ways, right?) – “2006.”
(Tell us about him. Any good stories?) – “Well, he was a squatter when he first got the job in Houston, which was hilarious. So I came with Gary Kubiak and Troy Calhoun, really, from the Broncos. In Houston, what was then Reliant Stadium, we had an office that there was one guy in there when I got there, and it was Robert Saleh, and he hadn’t been terminated. He was, I think, working with Dom Capers before. He hadn’t been terminated, I think he had like two more weeks of pay or something. So he did an excellent job of just forcing his hand and getting face time with the head coach. He sat in there all week. I think I got there on a Tuesday, and he just sat across from me in this awkward room like, ‘Hey, dude, do you got a job?’ ‘No, not really. I’m trying to see Gary Kubiak,’ and he just waited there until I think like Friday, barged in and told him, ‘Hey, I’d really want to work for you.’ There were a lot of those stopgaps at the beginning of Robert Saleh’s career. Always a sponge. Always unbelievably smart. He would always blow my mind because we’d have a problem with our printer, we’re trying to print Visio or Excel or something, and he wouldn’t call IT. He would just open up this manual and figure out how to figure this stuff out. So he’s always (been) super smart, but had some hiccups in his career, which I really, really respect because he just really stayed true to himself (and) kept pressing. Finally, (he) was a little more fortunate when he was with Seattle as an assistant there. But he’s never been given anything, just like he wasn’t given the job with Gary Kubiak in 2006. I think when he went to San Francisco in 2017, it was under the impression he would be the linebackers coach, and then he asked to interview for the defensive coordinator spot. Long story short, he hasn’t been given anything, and every time he has been given an (opportunity), he’s taken advantage of it. I’m very, very close with him as a human being. I really respect him as a man. But from a professional standpoint, he’s lived the whole mantra of, ‘You don’t define me, I define me.’ He’s pushed through and really (is) one of the better defensive coaches and head coaches I’ve ever been around.”
