LIONS HEAD COACH DAN CAMPBELL QUOTE SHEET TRAINING CAMP DAY 12
August 8, 2023
Opening Statement: “Good morning, I’ve got a lot of respect for (Giants President and Chief Executive Officer) Mr. (John) Mara, (Giants Senior Vice President and General Manager) Joe Schoen, and (Giants Head Coach) Brian Daboll. I’ve known Mr. Mara for a lot of years, I was drafted by the Giants. I got a lot of respect for him and the organization, they treated me well. Joe Schoen and I go back to Miami, He’s a stud, he’s unbelievable. They have done a great job, and (Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll) Dabs and I go way back. I’ve got a lot of respect for what he has done. He did a hell of a job last year. I learned a ton under him when he was the offensive coordinator, and I was a position coach under him. This is a good unit out here. We’re looking forward to great work. We’re going to be smart. We’re going to be competitive, but we’re going to be disciplined and keep our composure. That is the message.”
On what he wants to see out of the teams in joint practices: “Competing at a high level. What I told those guys is details. I want to see now that we’re getting new competition, a different kind of competition, some damn good players over there too now, on both sides of the ball. Can you focus in on the little details, or are you going to go rogue on us, or start playing rap ball? Just trying to make plays and now you’re out of position, and it costs us. Those are the things I am looking for.”
On the reports they signed QB Teddy Bridgewater: “I was with him. I mean, when you’re with somebody for two years, you get a really good feel of what they are capable of, and the way they’re wired the way he thinks. I’ve seen him work, I’ve seen him run the offense, I’ve seen him in critical moments. I’ve seen him develop young talent, young receivers. We lost (Saints QB Drew) Brees, he went 5-0. He went in there and he kept the ship afloat. He kept the heading right where we needed it and that means a lot to me. And that is all we need. So, to me that’s one of the reasons I wanted him here. Now, he is not here yet. But yeah, that would be why.”
On what the young players like Lions QB Hendon Hooker could learn from QB Teddy Bridgewater: “I am not even talking about Hendon. I’m talking about the receivers. Hendon can learn, he ought to be watching (QB Teddy Bridgewater) him, he should be watching (Lions QB Jared) Goff, he should be watching (Lions QB Nate) Sudfeld. I mean those receivers, I mean that was something he did really good for us. He would come in day before the game, and he would take those young receivers out, go through the whole game plan, tell them what they’re looking for, here is the coverage, here is what I’m thinking, how are you running this, ‘No I do not like that.’ He ran the scout teams, he was competitive, running cards. It was just awesome man. He’s that type of guy, an unbelievable teammate. He’s a pro. He’s a vet. He handles his business. That is what.”
On if signing QB Teddy Bridgewater is indicative they are investing in this team as a playoff contender: “I mean, certainly we feel pretty good about where we’re at. In a three-year period, this is the best we have felt about this roster. That we have the most – we have the most game-ready I would say, the most competitive-ready. It only made sense to us is, hey let’s bring in a guy that can compete. He and (Lions QB) Nate (Sudfeld) go back and forth, we will figure it out. If something happens, you want to feel like, man, there again you can keep the ship afloat. We play with three phases here, offense, defense, and special teams.”
On coming out with high energy for the press conference ahead of practice: “I can’t wait, man. I’m competitive. I don’t even get to practice, but that’s just me. I love this and if I’m in that locker room, this is the greatest, man. This is the best. You get to go against a different opponent and they bring something different to the table and you get to show what you’re capable of to those guys, to us and to their organization. Honestly, and that’s what they’ve got to remember. There’s some guys on this roster, like you’re being evaluated by them right now. You got all eyes on you, so you really have two clubs looking at you, us and them if you’re a bubble guy. If you have a competitive nature about you, this is as good as it gets. So, that’s just me. I’m pretty fired up right now.”
On which position groups he is hoping to evaluate at practice today: “I don’t know if I could say one group. I’m looking forward to really all groups to be honest with you. There’s a number of guys I’m looking forward to seeing, how they handle some of these things. I’m not going to say who they are right now, but there’s guys I got eyes on that I’m really, really, really keeping a close eye on and I want to see how they perform. I think a lot of this too is what I like about it is there’s a little more pressure. There’s a little more media. There’s a little more fans. You got two units here. There’s somebody else that doesn’t quite know you, and I think you’re going to see a couple of guys rise to the top and you’re going to see some guys just fall away. That’s invaluable with where I sit because you want to know those things now before you get into real games.”
On who is and is not practicing today: “(Lions WR Jameson Williams) Jamo will be out there. I think (Lions WR Denzel) Mims may be down today. (Lions G) Jonah (Jackson) may not go, but they’re nothing serious.”
On if he is more interested in watching the players on the roster bubble practice this week than the starters: “I think that’s a fair assessment. I mean you want to see some of these guys, potentially depth players, right? Yeah, you could call them fringe, but I think the other is can they be spot starters for you and where can they go with that. Those are the guys you really want to try to find out about. Stuff like this really helps. Now on top of that, being able to get really good, controlled work against this opponent in two days of practice, that to me, this is about your starters, but the game will be more about, hey, let’s see some of these guys play in real games.”
On if QB Teddy Bridgewater will play as early as the preseason game Friday: “I don’t see that. I see Teddy next week. He’ll be here, but that’s the plan. He’ll be here, but I don’t see him doing anything until next week.”
On how Lions QB Jared Goff has displayed progression so far this training camp: “Yeah, I feel like he’s right on track. He’s in his second year in the offense I feel like he’s right where he needs to be. He’s in good place, he’s making big throws, I feel like he’s on top of the protection, and yeah, I feel good, I mean there’s nothing that would tell me he’s not going to have another good year for us.”
On if he thinks Lions QB Jared Goff gets enough respect from the media: “I mean I don’t know, I don’t even know how to answer that, honestly. I don’t know. I know this, I think we have a lot better handle and feel of who he is here than a lot of people do on the outside because we get to see it every day. So, if you’re asking me personally, no I don’t think he gets enough. But at the same token, there’s a lot going on right now about us and him and it’s pretty positive, but no. I’m going to say it again, I’m glad he’s ours, I think he’s doing a good job, I think he’s right on pace, and there we go.”
On QB Teddy Bridgewater’s ability to pick up the offense: “Yeah, I mean it’ll be – the bad news is it’ll be new terminology for him, so it’ll take a minute just to get up to what we’re saying. The good news is, Teddy’s been in every system you could imagine right now. I mean he’s been through probably, I don’t know six different verbiages, offenses. So, he’ll know the concepts, it’s just a matter of, ‘Oh you’re calling it this, you’re calling it this, I’m able to do this,’ so that’ll take a little bit. But listen, Teddy’s a pro, he’s going to study the heck out of it, he’ll pick it up, he’s going to pick it up pretty fast, so I’m not concerned. But yeah, it’ll take a little bit here, it’ll take a little bit.”
On if QB Teddy Bridgewater is viewed as insurance: “I mean I think that’s fair, I think you could argue that’s with (Lions QB) Nate (Sudfeld) too, it’s either one of them who comes out of the fold here. I mean that’s what this is about, the guy that’s going to give you the best chance to win a game if you’re going to need him. You may have to play a little bit different, that’s fine, every game’s different. You have to be a little more conservative or a little more aggressive in different areas of the game and the phases. But yeah, I mean certainly we know that brings a different level of competition in. Teddy’s got skins on the wall, he’s done it, he’s been it, and we just need to see if he’s still got it, that’s all.”
On if he got to spend any time with Giants Head Coach Brian Daboll last night: “No, I mean we’ve talked on the phone, but he may have been eating a steak, I don’t know. But no, so I’ve talked to him, we’re good. This is going to be good, and it’s a good partner to be with, somebody – I’ve said this before, when you’re doing these, you want to trust the partner you’re with or otherwise you never know what can happen and I trust that the organization that we’re going against to do this. I do believe we’re going to get great work, but we’ll be smart about it.”
On if he wants to feed Lions WR Jameson Williams more this preseason: “Yeah, I mean I think that’s what this is all about. Let’s see how much we can give him, see how much he grows. And there again, the more reps he gets, the better he’s going to get, and so he’ll get a nice dose these next two days, we’ll get him in the game and just let him grow.”
LIONS QB JARED GOFF QUOTE SHEET TRAINING CAMP DAY 12
August 8, 2023
On the benefits of joint practices: “Yeah, it’s so fun to go against another team. For the last, whatever, two weeks, three weeks, however long we have been here, it’s offense versus defense. It’s who’s going to win the day. And now it’s like alright, Lions versus Giants and we get to feel like we’re competing together and get a new jersey color out there. It’s fun.”
On the benefit of having fans attend joint practices: “Yeah, it’s fun to have them out here and be a part of the action. And yeah, being able to make big plays against a real NFL defense, that isn’t our own team and it’s fun.”
On the energy felt when the offense and defense get to watch one another during practice: “Yeah, I thought that was a cool drill. I am not sure who came up with that, either (Giants Head Coach Brian) Daboll or (Lions Head Coach) Dan (Campbell), but that was a cool drill to get us all on the same field and get to root for each other and see each other make plays, see each other score touchdowns and I thought it was a good day.”
On how fun it is to run plays in the space and redzone with Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs: “Yeah, he’s pretty good. He was pretty good in space, he is really special and that’s always our goal is to get guys who are special in space and he’s one of them.”
On wearing a knee brace during practice today: “Yeah, I got prefaced with that, that you guys might ask me that. I wear it in the game, every game. I hadn’t worn it in training camp yet and I just wanted to get used to it. That’s all.”
On how he feels the offense has progressed throughout camp: “Yeah, good, still room to grow, I think. Certainly, we’ve done some good things. We’ve had some days we would like to have back, probably, but yeah, I think we’re trying to challenge ourselves to the highest degree right now and really push our tempo and push our computing ability, in some ways, at every position and I think it’s a good thing. Once we get to game week, it won’t quite be the same way, but right now, it’s good to be stressed a little bit and to work through those things.”
On the Giants defense bringing in more competition in joint practices: “Yeah, they forced us to try different things and to find different ways to attack them and I think that they’ve done a hell of a job.”
On if he is going to play Friday night against the Giants: “I don’t know.”
On his early impressions of Lions WR Dylan Drummond: “Yeah, he’s a good player, man. He does everything right, continually shows up. I know he’s good on special teams, from what I’ve heard. But yeah, for me, he’s a guy that continually is exactly where he’s supposed to be, on time, he’s fast, he’s sudden, he’s smart, he’s got good hands. How many more adjectives can I say? He’s a good player.”
On how Lions TE Sam LaPorta has impressed him so far: “Yeah, he’s a great player. He was a second-round pick for a reason and understands the game at a pretty high level and has a good feel for space, I feel like, and plays without thinking and reacting and of course, the rookie mistakes are going to happen. He’s going to run the wrong thing or do the wrong stuff, but he’s been eliminating those and the same ones haven’t been happening twice, which is the goal. But him with the ball in his hands and getting him in space is also a goal of ours.”
On if it helps to play with a chip on his shoulder: “I think it always helps, yeah. I think you always want to find that edge someway, somehow. That’s a smaller edge for me. I think I’ve gotten more personal ones that internally fire me up, but yeah, it’s always good to have the little chip on your shoulder that you want to prove people wrong.”
On if he feels he gets enough respect: “I don’t care. Don’t care. Don’t even know if I do or not. Try to win games for this team. That’s all.”
On how he feels the offense compares to this time last year: “Yeah, much further along. Certainly, much further along, much – if last year was 101, we’re in 201 now. It’s our ability to kind of do things at the next level and it’s challenging for me as well, just making sure every day that I know what my roles are and my checks and all that stuff, but I know everyone else is doing the same thing, and it’s taking the next step these last few weeks and feeling like we’re in a good place.”
On if he knows QB Teddy Bridgewater well: “I’ve crossed paths with him just playing against him. Outside of football, no, but I’ve heard great things and excited to get him here.”
On if he is looking forward to working alongside QB Teddy Bridgewater: “I’ve heard nothing but great things and how supportive he is, and how much of a good dude he is to have in the locker room.”
On how important the backup quarterback role is, especially doing game week: “Yeah, it’s good to have I guess an unbiased point of view that can be honest with you and also be helpful in certain things that they’ve done. I’ll pick Teddy’s brain. He’s had a lot of ball under his belt of things he’s done in the past and ways that he’s done Mondays and Tuesdays and different things like that. And likewise, with (Lions QB) Nate (Sudfeld). He’s been very helpful and game week with Nate’s been awesome. His demeanor on the sideline with me has been awesome. He’s been extremely helpful, and I know he’s been ready to play if his number is called.”
On his chemistry with Lions WR Jameson Williams: “Yeah, it’s been good. We unfortunately didn’t have him out there at practice the other day, but getting him back today, it’s been good. We’re always working on it, I said this just a minute ago, but it’s always a work in progress, not only with him, but with (Lions WR Amon-Ra) St. Brown, and (Lions WR) Kalif (Raymond), and (Lions WR) Josh (Reynolds) and (Lions TE Sam) LaPorta. It’s always a work in progress and so we’ll never stop working and getting better at things, but yeah, we’re continuing to get better.”
On if the chip on his shoulder would soften if the media wrote too many nice things: “You guys say or write whatever we deserve. Just as long as the shoe fits, we’re good. You guys – it’s your job, so keep doing your thing. If it fits, you’re good, no complaints. You guys have a job to do. I get it.”
On what details he would like to work on going into tomorrow’s joint practice: “Good question. I’d have to watch the film to give you a better answer, but I think we had the little procedure thing – we might’ve had two procedures, pre-snap penalties we’d like to eliminate. And then potentially getting some stuff down the field a little bit. I think they do a good job on defense of keeping it tough diagnosed wise, but being able to push it a little bit down the field and make some plays further down the field.”
On if he feels there are more opportunities to make plays after the catch this year: “Yeah, I mean getting (Lions WR) Jameson (Williams), I know he has his games he has to wait but getting him back this year will be one of them. (Lions TE Sam) LaPorta we’ve added, (Lions RB Jahmyr) Gibbs we’ve added, (Lions RB David) Montgomery we’ve added, and then the same guys you’ve seen, (Lions WR) Marvin (Jones) we’ve added. But yeah, we’ve got some guys that can make some plays after they catch it certainly.” |
