HEAD COACH DOUG PEDERSON
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2023
(On how the week of preparation went this week) “It went well, we still got another day today and
tomorrow to review, but I feel like the guys have had a good week of preparation. It’s the first time that
the starters have gotten the bulk of the work this week and you practice the guys who you think are
going to be the ones in the game. They’ve had a good week.”
(On if the team seems calm heading into this week) “Well, I’m hoping that’s a reflection of what I’ve
been talking to them about. I think if I’m calm, they’ll be calm. I think that’s where it starts. It doesn’t
surprise me, honestly. It’s a mature group, even though they’re young, they’re mature and have great
leadership. It doesn’t surprise me that they’re relaxed and focused.”
(On if he watched the Detroit vs. Kansas City game last night) “I did watch it until about halfway through
the third and I gave it up. I was too tired. It was a good football game I thought, it was fun to watch and
fun to get football back on.”
(On if he watched the Detroit vs. Kansas City for fun or for work) “Both, but for me, it was that I wanted
to see both teams. We scrimmaged Detroit and played them in preseason obviously, so we got to see
them up close and see how they were going to come out. I thought they did a nice job. Then, Kansas City,
with the fire power they have, especially with Patrick Mahomes and his ability to make plays, it was just
fun to watch.”
(On growth of OLB Travon Walker through training camp) “Travon’s headed into the right direction. He’s
made really steady progress each day and each week. Every time he gets to step on the field, he’s
continuing to work on his craft. He’s done a nice job, he’s really worked on the pass rush and using his
length and his ability to get to the quarterback in different ways.”
(On RB Travis Etienne Jr. getting lost in attention due to receivers) “I think he does. He’s a great player,
he’s in a really good place. What he’s worked on this offseason and training camp has helped him and
helped him to be a good running back. We’re excited as a staff, we’re excited for me to watch him play
and see him pick up from where he left off.”
(On if he’s seen RB Travis Etienne Jr. step up as a leader) “I have. It’s been good for Tank [RB Tank Bigsby].
There really are some veteran guys there, with D’Ernest [RB D’Ernest Johnson] and JaMycal [RB JaMycal
Hasty]. Those are veteran players who have played, and they’ve all been really good for Tank and for TJ
[RB Travis Etienne Jr.]. But TJ is the leader of that room and a lot of confidence in him, I’m looking
forward to him playing.”
(On any concern of WR Calvin Ridley after having two years off) “I think early on when we first got him,
we had to kind of pump the brakes with him a little bit and say, ‘Hey, we’ve got some time here.’ He’s
really settled into his role, I don’t feel like he’s pressing as much as he did maybe back in the offseason when we first got here and maybe early in training camp. I’m excited for him, it’s great to see him back
out on the football field after his suspension and everything. This will be great, I’m excited for Calvin.”
(On if WR Calvin Ridley is better than he imagined) “Yeah, it’s always different when you get a guy in
person versus on tape. The speed is real, the explosion is real, the ability to catch footballs is real, those
are all things that pop out in person. Of course, what he’s put on tape in his career, that’s what gets you
excited about the opportunity here. At the same time too, he understands that you just got to be
patient. You got guys like Christian [WR Christian Kirk] and Evan [TE Evan Engram] and Zay [WR Zay
Jones] and TJ [RB Travis Etienne Jr.], and Trevor [QB Trevor Lawrence] does a nice job of getting everyone
involved.”
(On difference in game preparation with having a team from last year) “Well maybe, but it really doesn’t.
Our biggest thing is that we can’t beat ourselves. I think every head coach probably says the same thing,
just don’t create a mess for yourself. The critical errors, turnovers, things like that. You just got to stay
focused on you and what you’re doing. I think our team has heard that enough now that they’re kind of
speaking that same language in the locker room. Just understanding that it’s a long season, it’s a one-day
and one-game at a time approach.”
(On growth in S Andre Cisco from training camp to now) “Quite a bit actually, he came back this spring
and training camp with a lot of confidence. Second year in Mike’s [Defensive Coordinator Mike Caldwell]
defense, just the terminology, the verbiage, the communication back there with him and Rayshawn [S
Rayshawn Jenkins]. We know he’s going to be around the football, it seems to find him. We just got to
make sure he catches it when it comes his way. He’s a great leader back there, not only for the defense
but for the team as well. He’s just another one of the young players that we’re excited to watch play.”
(On OL Ben Bartch has had enough time to feel comfortable with him) “Yeah, he’s ready to go. Again,
another player that missed quite a bit of time last year unfortunately. But I’m excited for him, it’s a great
opportunity for him to get back in there with the starting five.”
(On having a realistic goal of scoring a touchdown more a game) “You hope to. Again, a long season and
everything, a lot of things factor into that. You just got to play sound football. Everybody and each phase
has got to do their part, and it’s just a process and a journey. There’s going to be some games you score
10 to 14, then other games you’re over 30. It’s just a matter of how you approach each week and stay in
the moment that way.”
(On the football season starting still excites him) “It does. The day that it doesn’t is a bad day. You still get
those nervous feelings; you get those butterflies just like you did as a player. You just go into it with
confidence, but you feel the emotion. We’re on the road, it’s going to be a great crowd there. Excited for
our team, it’s a new team and a new year. Everybody is kicking off the season this weekend and you still
feel all that emotion.”
