Monday, July 29, 2024
LB David Long Jr.
(For starters, how are you feeling physically now that you’re back and active on the field again with your teammates?) – “I’m feeling good, man. Second day – pads and that heat is a crazy combination, but it’s good for me just to get in that action, test my body. We play in Miami so that sun isn’t going anywhere no time soon.”
(What were you dealing with starting camp on PUP and just talk about coming back.) – “Just taking my time, listening to the trainers. We got along season ahead. They know how I play – very aggressive, throwing my body. Just timing it out, that’s about it.”
(You obviously were very good in the Vic Fangio defense. How does a Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver defense suit your skillset?) – “It’s a lot like Tennessee, I’m at the mike. We play actually a lot of the similar play calls, just different terminology. So it feels a lot like something I’m used to.”
(I saw you yesterday getting some mental reps on the end line in low red zone. I’m just curious your perspective on what that helps you with?) – “I was eager to get back out there. I did like three plays yesterday, so I was really kind of pissed and I was trying to get any type of work I could. Just watching Anthony (Walker Jr.) and Zeke (Ezekiel Vandenburgh) – Zeke is having a hell of a camp. Just watching those guys work and just finding ways to still learn while I’m still out there.”
(Were you dealing with a knee?) – “Something like that, little a sleeve on it. But as far as a season, 18 games just the way I play, it’s not like I got to go out there and show something that I haven’t showed. Just listening to them and taking my time.”
(What have you seen from LB Jordan Brooks? From watching him on tape and being around him for a few months as far as his skillset?) – “He’s like a quiet assassin, that what I’ve been calling him. He doesn’t really say much, but he knows some ball. He’s physical and he fits right in with the play style that we want to play.”
(T Kendall Lamm said that now that the pads are on it’s an equalizer for them on the offensive line. How much does the game change when the pads are on out there?) – “That’s football. Anybody can make plays without the pads, especially it’s easier to get through a block, it’s easier to call a hold. When the pads come on, you just get an idea of how a player is, how aggressive they are, just the play style. I was messing with Kendall Lamm today with a run block he had. Just getting back to the action, just seeing the guys getting after it, especially in this heat. It was a hot one today.”
(What’s it been like working with Linebackers/Run Game Coordinator Joe Barry?) – “I can’t say enough good things about Joe (Barry). He makes the environment fun, but also we learn. We learn so much. It’s great to have a coach like him. I’ve had five – I’ve been in the league for six years. I’ve had about five or six linebacker coaches. I’ve been learning different styles as my years went. Joe just shows it a little different, a new style from what I’m used to in a good way. He fits right in with the culture and what we’re trying to establish here.”
(It took you guys a minute last year to get your footing in the Vic Fangio scheme. I think the first three or four weeks before it took off. Why do you feel like that won’t happen this year with the new change in the system?) – “Because of the chemistry I’d say. It’s easier to learn when you can gel together. Also hanging out outside of the facility was a bigger emphasis this offseason, so we did that rather it was me or Nik Needham or Channing (Tindall), just having the young guys around. That plays a part, it’s the little stuff. If we’re going to get something to eat or whatever that may be. It easier to come out here and hold each other accountable because we know it’s not coming from a bad place.”
(Is this an intuitive defense, or is this something that you really have to be in the book on or is it pretty straightforward?) – “It’s definitely intuitive. It gets straightforward when you learn the simple things because a lot of the plays go off each other. Once you get the basics down its easier and faster to learn once you get the basics of the defense down.”
(You singled out LB Ezekiel Vandenburgh earlier, what is he doing so far in camp that’s caught your eye?) – “Just making plays, man. He’s just like Jordyn (Brooks), he’s not really a talker, for real. He chops wood and seeing Zeke (Ezekiel Vandenburgh) through the offseason, he got hurt last year. Even in camp last year, he was making plays. It was unfortunate he got hurt. I’m just happy to see him back in action because I know how I feel when I am not playing ball. So just to see him out there having another chance to get after it, it’s cool.”
(What’s some of the finer points to pass coverage that you think you can still focus on to improve this training camp?) – “Everything – whether its assignments and just getting back in the gel. Like you said, I haven’t been here for the first four or five days, so getting back into the gel and getting back the chemistry from OTAs that we created, just trying to get back in the feel because they’ve been after it already a couple of days. So just trying to get a feel for it and get back to what I’ve been doing.”
(One thing we keep hearing about this defense is the level of energy you guys have felt on the field for the past month. How much of that is due to, like you said, the chemistry you built in the offseason versus what Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver has instilled in you guys?) – “I think it goes hand-in-hand. I think we all felt the energy, the change and how he installed it and how he incorporated the learning aspect of it. Whether it’s just the meetings, the environment, it’s easier to learn in good environments. Whether it’s football, whatever your workspace, it’s easy to come in and learn and retain once you get a good vibe.”
(What specifically? Or does an example come to mind of something that Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver has done where it’s like, “OK, this is going to be a fun environment. This is going to be a more relaxed environment?”) – “I wouldn’t say it’s something specific. Just gradually, every day, whether it’s something funny from the meetings or just being able to joke while learning. It just fits, the players on the team.”
(With LB Jerome Baker gone, how much will your role change on the field, if anything – calls and stuff? And also, how much will you miss him?) – “I miss Jerome (Baker) a lot. We hung together, especially off the field. As far as on the field, I think we gelled together just like me and ‘JB’ (Jordyn Brooks). As far as role, I’m the Mike, so back to having the play calls but also there’s different assignments for me as well than last year, but that’s something I’ve been doing since I’ve been in the league. So it feels good to be back doing that same thing.”
(How many snaps did you get in 11-on-11 today?) – “Probably like five, six each little – it’s revving up. As much as I want to hop back in there, that’s not healthy. Just trying to gradually, eventually get to playing fast.”
(So three yesterday, and five or six…) – “Yeah, you know – trying to rev it up, man. (laughter)”
Monday, July 29, 2024
TE Durham Smythe
(So who took a cooler trip in the offseason, you or WR Braxton Berrios?) – “Definitely Braxton (Berrios). Braxton is always going to win that battle. I feel like people around the world know him now. So maybe one of these times I’ll jump on one with him and then I’ll be the winner in that situation but definitely him.”
(Did you get an international trip in?) – “I did. One of my good buddies, Jesse Bongiovi, a roommate of mine in college, Jon’s son, got married in London. So I was over there for a little while, great time.”
(Did Jon Bon Jovi sing at the wedding?) – “No. It’s funny, he’s not really that type of outward guy if he’s at something like that. He wants to kind of lay low, enjoy it, put the spotlight on his son, so that’s kind of how it was.”
(How do you see your role on this team at this point in your career?) – “Yeah, I say this every year – it changes every single year and I’m kind of a good example of that. Over my seven years here, I’ve had a vastly different role every season and that’s kind of what’s happening this time of year. Over the next couple of weeks with pads on, everyone kind of finds their role within this team and that’s something that happens naturally. So we’re still building that and it’ll be fun to finally come across what it is for me, because like I said, it changes every single year.”
(There’s at least three younger guys in the room, what do you see in the younger guys? You’ve got TE Tanner Conner, TE Jody Fortson Jr. and TE Julian Hill – they’re all younger than you, so is there a mentorship thing going on?) – “A little bit. Those are all mature guys, it’s funny, for their age. I feel like at their stages when I was that age, I was not like that. So that’s a testament to them, but as a guy being in this offense for the third year, I have learned things through experience so I’m trying to help them come along with that. This is something that kind of takes time, being comfortable in this offense, so if I can help in any regard there I will. But like I said, those guys are all very mature, go about their business the right way and they’ve all gotten a lot better since I first came across them to this point right now.”
(You’re downplaying yourself because you were one of the most mature rookies that I’ve covered. What have you seen in TE Tanner Conner’s game that has helped him get to where it is right now?) – “Yeah, he’s improved so much over the last two years. But from where he came from, being a wide receiver at a small school in college to now being a full-time tight end in the NFL, that takes time, and he’s made great strides. He’s still an athletic freak. He was when he got here, he still is that. Now he’s way more used to contact, doesn’t shy away from contact. He’s transformed his body a little bit. He’s a lot bigger, so he’s done a lot of things over the last two years to improve while still remaining that physical freak he was when he got here.”
(With TE Julian Hill, what’s the next step for him in his development?) – “I would venture to say that Julian (Hill) might be the most physical tight end in the NFL, across the entire board. I don’t care what year you are, he’s the most physical player I’ve ever played with and he’s a professional. From Day 1, the main thing is the main thing for him, and this is what he cares about. That really sets apart rookies, especially undrafted free agents – some guys who care as much as he does and the sky is the limit for him. Like I said, he’s the most physical guy I’ve ever played with. He’s got talent outside of that, too, that he’s building on as a young player. Really, the sky is the limit for Julian.”
(We’ve heard a lot of the defensive guys talk about how you have to be able to play for every position and they can send different pressures at different times. From y’all’s perspective, how does that challenge the offense?) – “It does. It keeps everyone on their toes and it’s different looks. I think it really expands the offense too. When you have different things that you don’t see on a regular basis, really from every position, and then the offense expands and players’ roles expand.”
(You and TE Jonnu Smith seem like you’re going to be a tandem this year, how do you think your skills complement each other?) – “Right now, roles are still being worked out like I mentioned a second ago. I think really our entire tight end room is an impressive combination of people who complement everyone well. It’s tough to say a tandem or a duo right now, because there’s so many different players in the room right now that are trying to find a role. But I think we have a great combination of guys in the room who are very athletic, guys who are very physical, guys who do a little bit of both. And this coaching staff is great at finding ways of combining guys and their strengths on the field at the same time, so it’ll be fun. It’ll be fun to see who plays off each other, where we play off each other and really, I’m excited for all six guys in the room right now.”
(There was a long game last year of WR Tyreek Hill and WR Jaylen Waddle having a ton of targets and maybe more balance, do you think tight end may be a bigger role in the offense this year?) – “There’s always a chance. It’s funny when you have guys like that on the outside. If they’re open, you want to get them the ball. And obviously, we’ll take a bigger share of the volume if we need to – that’s kind of been my mentality through the last two years with this system. If we’re called upon, we’re going to make the most of the opportunity. But if we’re going to throw a 70-yard bomb to one of those guys, I’ll be happy to protect for them. So it’s really just in this offense, do what you’re asked and then it kind of pays off for itself.”
(What are practices like at this point in camp when pads start coming on?) – “Much better. I am not a big fan of playing football without pads, it doesn’t suit my strengths very well. If I was as fast as Jaylen (Waddle) and Tyreek (Hill), I would love it, but I prefer having pads on. It’s real football. There’s real contact. It’s more what we all know very well. Practices are longer, they are a little tougher with pads on in this heat, but it’s real football and that’s what I like to play.”
(Going back to your comments on TE Julian Hill, how have you seen him kind of harness that physicality where he was Day 1 as a rookie to where he is today?) – “I think one of the things is just tempo, control. He’s always been not one to shy away from contact. He’s always been a very physical person, but there were times early in camp last year, maybe early in the season where he was just out there trying to crush somebody every single time. Maybe half the time he is, maybe half the time he’s missing. Now it’s a tempo thing where he understands when to pull the trigger and he’s not missing a lot, and when he doesn’t miss, he’s making himself felt. So I think it’s something that takes time to get used to with the speed of the game, players’ speed and then he’s definitely understanding that now.
(How do you feel about QB Tua Tagovailoa’s contract?) – “I loved it. I loved it, long time coming obviously. The kid deserves it. I’ve watched him over his entire tenure here go from point A to point B and there was a lot of stuff in between, a lot of steps along the way. I’m proud of him. He’s the right guy to lead this offense and this organization, and he got what he deserved.”
Monday, July 29, 2024
WR Jaylen Waddle
(I actually want to talk wide receiver draft. Did you have the first pick?) – “No, I did not. I didn’t have the first pick. Me and ‘Reek’ (Tyreek Hill) like paper-rock-scissors or something for it. I didn’t have the first pick, but I had the second pick. I’m pretty happy with my second. My first-round pick, he’s been producing. My later draft picks, we’ve got to step it up some. I think we’re down – ‘Reek’ had a bomb today. So we might be down, but it was a tied ballgame going into today.”
(Can you please explain to me why WR River Cracraft is a first-round pick every year?) – “Him and ‘Reek’ (Tyreek Hill) like got some crazy duo or something like that, but ‘Reek’ always goes with ‘Riv’ (River Cracraft) first overall. ‘Brax’ (Braxton Berrios) was my first overall pick. ‘Brax’ has been producing, man.”
(But your bench players have to step up.) – “My bench players have got to step it up. They’ve got to, they’ve got to. (laughter)”
(So who gets WR Odell Beckham Jr. when he comes back?) – “We’re arguing right there now. Me and ‘Reek’ (Tyreek Hill), we’ve got our GM hats on right now, so we’re battling for who’s going to get ‘O’ (Odell Beckham Jr.) when he comes back.”
(Speaking of GM hats, your thoughts on the QB Tua Tagovailoa deal getting done?) – “Oh yeah, it’s great. It’s great. I look at him a little different now after seeing his contract, but man, I’m just happy for him especially the type of relationship that we have outside of the field. Happy for him, his family and it’s just great.”
(You guys go back to what, like 2018?) – “2018, 2018.”
(There’s a real chance you guys might play a decade-plus together…) – “I know, right? Like that’s a lot of ball. He’s got a crazy journey. I’m just going back to at least when I first got into the league, all the stuff that was going around until now; him getting a big deal done. So his journey has been crazy and I’m just happy to be a part of it.”
(You mentioned WR Tyreek Hill earlier. I’m just curious, I’m writing about him. In 2022 when you heard he was coming here compared to now and what you’ve learned under him, how has your opinion maybe changed of him when you first heard he was coming here and to getting to know him over the last couple years?) – “Honestly when I first heard that he was coming here, I thought it was great. It’s always good to play with a lot of playmakers. He’s one that I knew in high school, I grew up watching – him and really Odell (Beckham Jr.), too – so it’s crazy just going and playing with them now. I used to watch their highlights before my high school games. It makes them sound old, but they’re not really old, man.”
(What do you think is the biggest thing that you have taken from WR Tyreek Hill that you’ve incorporated into your game or you think has made you a better player?) – “The big thing, I think his work ethic. He goes at it and he’s got all these accolades, all these different Pro Bowls and All-Pros, and he goes at it with the same approach every day – that no one can guard him, no one is better than him and he just stays hungry. He practices like he’s always got something to prove. So when a guy of that status goes and approach it, you have no choice but to learn and kind of feed off that.”
(You’ve kind of talked about, I think, in the past so I know your teammates have, but when you came as a rookie, you were the guy. You were the No. 1 target. Was there an adjustment when WR Tyreek Hill came? You’d be the No. 1 on a lot of teams in the league. Was it tough for you from a personal standpoint? Like “My targets aren’t going to be the same if I was the clear-cut No. 1 on the team”?) – “No, honestly, man. I come from Alabama. We’ve got a lot of different playmakers out there and we’ve got to feed everyone the ball. Obviously when you grab a guy like Tyreek Hill, you know they’re going to feature him a lot, so it’s all about making the most of the opportunities that you have. The same approach that I had in college got me to where I wanted to go. The same approach that I had when adding a guy like Tyreek and all these different playmakers that we’ve got to have – get the ball.”
(WR Tyreek Hill last year talked about the speed of CB Ethan Bonner, the young corner. Besides his speed, what skills stand out to you with him as he tries to find his way in the league?) – “Man, (Ethan) Bonner probably has had like the craziest jump from I think any player from last year, in my opinion. He just seems like a totally different player out there. He’s more patient at the line. Maybe it’s just a year under his belt. His patience, he’s using his long arms. He obviously knows he can run, so he can stay hip-to-hip with anyone and he’s playing with a lot of confidence out there. I tell ‘EB’ (Ethan Bonner) every day, ‘You’re getting us better.’”
(What does patience mean for a cornerback? When you say “patient” what does that mean?) – “Patient at the line of scrimmage. They run a lot of Cover 1. It’s best-on-best and just staying patient at the line, waiting until the receiver does his move and being confident, shooting his hands. He’s playing great ball.”
(How is he consistently posting one of the fastest mile per hour times last season?) – “I ain’t going to lie. Like he was on special teams, I was telling Mike (McDaniel), the special teams guys, they’re going to always get the highest mile per hour, so it’s different. (laughter) But Bonner is running though. Bonner – besides the point – but Bonner is one of the fastest guys on the team. I think people be thinking we be joking, but Bonner is probably top three.”
(Speaking of special teams, the new kickoff rule. Have you lobbied to be a kickoff returner for this team?) – “Me and Mike (McDaniel) and ‘Reek’ (Tyreek Hill) had talked about it a little bit before the first or second practice. We talked about it a little bit. Yeah, it’d be something, but I mean ‘Brax’ (Braxton Berrios) is a dangerous returner, so he’s going to handle business back there.”
(Now that the contract stuff has died and you can get to the football part of it, what does this team need to do – both sides of the football – to get over the hump and be where you want to be at the end of the season?) – “Stay consistent. The later games, we’ve just got to stay consistent, buying in with Mike (McDaniel) and all the guys are preaching and just play together, I think is going to get us over the hump. You look at our roster, I think you can stack us up against anyone in the league and be confident that we can play, but just staying consistent. Obviously being healthy is going to always be key, but honestly just staying consistent.”
(The success you had in Alabama, can you impart some of that on these guys in the locker room?) – “I ain’t going to lie, our locker room is pretty solid. We’ve got a lot of OGs that have done a lot of great stuff in this league and done a lot of winning. We’ve got Super Bowl champions on this team, so I think just adding on that into the locker room is always great and they kind of bring that championship mindset to the team and out there at practice.”
