HEAD COACH LIAM COEN
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2025
(On CB Tyson Campbell and OL Anton Harrison missing practice today) “Tyson’s just day to
day, and then Anton had an excused personal absence.”
(On Campbell’s injury) “Just day to day.”
(On what he wanted out of practice today) “Alignment assignment, getting our cleats in the
ground when we have a call on both sides of the ball, fundamentals. We did a 40-play
alignment-assignment period of just getting the call, getting our cleats in the ground,
making loud guttural communication, getting the calls in quickly. That was what we were
really kind of focusing on from an emphasis standpoint. Obviously, some of these guys are
going to be a little bit sore that played a lot of snaps in the game. So, we were trying to really
hone in on the mind, got conditioning out of it, kind of as well. So that was kind of the
thought of today.”
(On if he thinks the players are taking penalty issues to heart) “I’d hope so. Ultimately, we’re
not playing the game as coaches. We can only say so much at some point; the players do
need to take the ownership of being out there. So much of what we talked about is until we
kind of don’t beat ourselves, then we’re not going to probably be able to consistently beat
anybody.”
(On his impressions of the film of RB Bhayshul Tuten from Saturday) “I thought he ran it
pretty well, actually. I thought from a physicality standpoint, if you’re going to take the
positive from the other night was on both sides of the ball was physical. We stopped the
run, and we ran it okay, but we ran it when we kind of needed to and became a little bit
more of a throw game. I thought he did some nice things. He was able to make some guys
miss in the hole. He ran hard. He had good ball security. So, I was pleased with Tuten.”
(On the play of QB Trevor Lawrence on Saturday) “It was solid. He went out and did his job.
The one, to BT [WR Brian Thomas Jr.] was something that was kind of a scheme error in a
way. He could maybe see that safety and move on and progress. Don’t force it in there, but
that was also a crappy play call. So, I’ll take some of that one, but I thought he operated
well, and we didn’t ask him to go and do too much, but it was just solid from an operation
standpoint for sure.”
(On the performance of the defense in the game) “It was disappointing to see some of the
communication errors that we did have, but also just alignment-assignment issues. We
have new systems on both sides of the ball. It’s going to probably take a little bit more than
a preseason game to maybe correct some of the things that we wanted to get corrected
and play as sound as we would like to play. I was proud of a couple of moments,
specifically the fourth-down stop when we scored a couple of plays later on, which was a
huge play in the game. Then at the end of the game when you needed to get a stop in four-
minute, they stopped the run three times in a row, forced a punt, and give us a chance to go
win the game. So, when it mattered, there were some nice plays, some good effort all
around, but we need to get some of that stuff fixed.”
(On what he got out of the performance of WR/DB Travis Hunter) “I think a couple of his just
route techniques we’ve got to continue to work on, but I thought he made the right
decisions. His alignment-assignment was all proper and clean. Defensively, just got to
clean up a few things from an alignment standpoint and just staying in the run in the fit a
little bit tighter on that one run that got out, but that’s practice and repetition.”
(On if the starters will play in the preseason game this week) “Too early to tell. We’ve got
pads tomorrow. We’ll have another scrimmage, if you will, on Thursday, I believe, where
we’ll be able to kind of get after a little bit more, see, and maybe, make a decision after
that.”
(On if the scrimmage will be padded) “That’s right.”
(On the performance of WR Brian Thomas Jr.) “He’s pretty hard on himself in ways. So, I try
not to pile on in those moments, and sometimes it’s better to let them be. Sometimes
you’ve got to love them up. I think something that’s kind of been consistent is, when the
lights come on, he does show up, and that’s something that I do enjoy about players, that it
is different in the game. Things we’ve mentioned to him are he’s not going to surprise
anybody this year, he took the league by storm in a lot of ways last year and balled out, but
people are going to have more of a plan, doubles, cloud coverages, different things. So, just
continuing to work on taking your game to the next level.”
(On if he’s seen any past players make mistakes in practice and play well in games)
“Nobody that really sticks out. To answer your question, yes. Like, you’ve definitely seen it. I
think this may be a little bit just my first time with it, at the NFL level, maybe in a in a little
ways, but I still have a lot of confidence in him. I firmly believe that when it’s really rolling
and he’s going, I have a lot of confidence in BT.”
(On the connection between Thomas Jr. and Lawrence) “I think he doesn’t stop throwing to
him, and they continue to work at it, and there’s no angst or ill feelings. It’s just like, man,
play the next play, move on, and keep rolling.”
(On the opportunity for CB Christian Braswell) “I mean, Bras [Braswell] has done everything
we’ve asked him from the beginning. He works his tail off. He’s quick twitch. He’s strong.
He filled the run nicely the other night. I think he has an opportunity to continue to take
advantage of those ops, and he’s a smart player. He understands maybe where his
strengths and weaknesses are and needs to continue to do good things on special teams
as well to continue to try to make this team.”
(On LB Dennis Gardeck being back in practice) “It’s great. He’s got a great energy. Like I’ve
said before, I really have always respected his game and the way that he approaches
things. So, hopefully, he can continue to get more and more comfortable to get to a position
where we can get him out on the grass.”
(On if the injuries to Campbell and CB Montaric Brown affect the plan for WR/DB Travis
Hunter) “No. We’ll continue to do kind of what we’ve been doing out here, where it’s
offense, defense, offense, defense, getting reps on both sides of the ball throughout the
course of practice. Maybe, I think he’s going to be primarily more on defense tomorrow and
subbing in a little bit on offense. Then Thursday in the scrimmage, he’ll do both as well
again.”
(On K Cam Little making a 70-yard field goal in Saturday’s game) “I mean, it’s hard not to. I
think Trevor kind of summed it up well, where it’s like, I don’t know if we’re going to be going
for 70 yarders in the first and second quarter of the game, but maybe the kick line to gain is
maybe a little bit, moved back for us in some ways. It was such a cool moment, obviously,
as we’ve talked about, and to have the ability to do it, whether it’s end of half, end of game,
critical moments, we need points. You feel like you’ve got a weapon to go and give
yourselves a chance.”
(On if a kicker like Little affects his play calling) “It’s an interesting study because we’ve
talked about the analytics behind, obviously, the fourth downs and being aggressive while
also having a guy that can make kicks from that range and then also having a punter who
can put the ball in multiple spots. So those are some decisions that we’re going to have to
make as a staff and to work through those some of those dynamics because you’d love to
be aggressive, especially on the plus side of the 50 to go for it and continue to keep your
offense on the grass. Then you’ve got a guy that can kick it from 70, and you’ve got a punter
that can pin it. So we’ll have to make some decisions when the time comes.”
(On his evaluation of the interior defensive line) “No update right now on Arik [DT Arik
Armstead]. The interior D line, I thought, played fairly well the other night, especially
against the run. From a pass-rush standpoint, we weren’t doing much schematically. We
were just a four-man rush, I would say, 85 percent of the time. So, you’re not going to
probably see a ton when there are no stunts. There’s really no pressures. There’s not a lot of
movement going on to help them get moving. I thought they played the run nicely at times.
There are definitely some things to clean up, but I was pleased with their run defense.”
(On the evaluation of the potential 53-man roster) “I think the games always help you a little
bit just to see, okay, if there are guys that really stand out and shine in the game
atmosphere that don’t maybe get a ton of ops in practice. I don’t necessarily feel like
anything changed from the game from last week to now, but we still have two more
opportunities to do so. I think you feel pretty confident about maybe 50 or so. Then there
are a couple of spots here and there that you feel like are going to probably go a couple
more weeks.”
(On OL Wyatt Milum and his versatility) “He definitely showed that to be able to go from
tackle to tackle, going to guard. He had the one jailbreak screen where he took the guy to
the sidelines, which was cool to see. He’s displayed some of that physicality, toughness,
finish throughout the course of training camp. Really pleased with his maturation and his
style of play. So definitely somebody that’s going to continue to earn more reps.”
SPECIAL TEAMS COORDINATOR HEATH FARWELL
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2025
(On K Cam Little’s 70-yard field goal on Saturday) “That was a special moment. I think the
group, not only the specialists, realized how cool that was, but you saw the team just get
behind Cam and they realize how talented he is and the type of person he is, so they love
him to death. You could just see the excitement not only for the team, but for him and our
group, so a pretty cool moment. Obviously, it’s preseason. We understand that, but it was
so cool to be a part of that. And again, because he’s so talented, because the operation is
so great, you feel comfortable sending him out there in those kind of unique positions like
that.”
(On if he considers Little’s kick the NFL record) “It’s preseason. It’s really cool, but the
regular season would be even better. So, that’s the goal. Regular season is a little bit
different, but it was a really cool moment for us.”
(On the if special teams success provides comfort to the offense and defense) “Hopefully,
it does. I think that’s part of it. Three phases of the game, how can we kind of work hand-in-
hand to help each other? Hopefully, we can pin them deep in our coverage groups, whether
it’s kickoff or punt, and make teams go 80-plus, 90 yards against our defense. And then
offensively, I hope we can shorten some fields. Get in that fringe area where it’s the 40-yard
line, is it a go for it? Is it a punt situation? You can kick some of those longer kicks,
obviously, with our kicker, but our punter’s really good as well. He’s the best in the NFL
inside-the-10. He’s as talented as anybody. We’re very fortunate.”
(On his kickers giving the head coach options when it comes to decision making) “They’re
the best in the game. And then throw Ross [LS Ross Matiscik] in there as a two-time pro
bowler. So, we’re among some really good players, they work every day and that’s the cool
thing is you see them every day, the way they work, the way they prepare. They want to be
great every single day, and it shows up come game days in the stadium.”
(On depth at gunner alongside S Daniel Thomas) “Well, [S] Antonio Johnson’s obviously
been a core guy for us. Antonio has been fantastic in all phases really, not just gunner. He’s
a stud. We have some young players that have done really well. I think I was a good display,
what Rayuan Lane [DB Rayuan Lane III] did in the game. That’s something we’ve seen all
training camp, and it didn’t surprise me. He was going to show up as a gunner outside. We
have such good competition outside. [WR] Chandler Brayboy has done a good job as well.
So, there’s a bunch of good players mixed between our veteran core guys that have been
really studs for us to these young players that are super competitive that are looking for a
job. It’s going to come down to we got two more preseason games of evals (evaluations) as
well as out here at practice that’s going to be so important.”
(On if K Cam Little is mature for his age) “Well said, he’s not a rookie, and he wasn’t even
last year. There were times when I had to kind of remind myself don’t forget this guy is a
rookie. I kind of took it for granted at times. All those little things that he had never seen or
never done, but I think it’s a big part of those two guys, those two leaders that are next to
him. Those guys just lead him, big time. They’re his big brothers. They just look after him.
They pick on him like a little brother, but they also take him under their wing, and they just
been great leadership for him. But yeah, he’s so mature.”
(On areas of improvement for Little) “Yeah, there’s always room for growth. I think start with
kickoffs, we we’re trying to hang up some kicks in the game, and sometimes he puts them
too deep. He’s kicking long field goals. He’s kicking long kickoffs. Those are some of the
things we work on. There’s always room for how can we be more efficient. We got to get the
operation time down. Stuff like that. All those things, we’re always working. There’s never a
time when – I know we’re celebrating, that field goal, but we have to get better.”
(On if the new kicker ball rule can affect the length of field goals) “
I think it’s good to give the equipment guys more time on game day. Our equipment guy,
Collin [Assistant Equipment Manager Collin Peterson], he’s working his butt off every day
the past few years of making sure that ball in that allowed time to get ready. Well, now he
has time to do it. As far as the ball, it’s the exact same ball. They’re having prepared just like
it was before. There’s no difference in that. That’s not why he made 70. He’s been making
seventies in practice last season. So, that’s not why.”
(On CB Christian Braswell and DL Danny Striggow and their contributions on coverage
Saturday) “Yeah, both these guys played really well. Braswell, I thought did a good job at
corner. He had some gunner reps. He’s done a good job, obviously with the opportunities
and taking advantage of them, but he’s done that since he’s been here. He’s done a good
job. I saw him this morning and told him how well he played. So, he’s done well, but there’s
a bunch of guys. Danny did really well. [LB] Jack Kiser’s done a good job. So, we’ve got good
young players that are mixing with our veteran players that are all competing for a tough
roster to make.”
(On LB Dennis Gardeck and what he can bring on special teams) “I’ve been watching
Dennis for a ton of years. He shows up every time you turn his tape on. He can take over
games. I don’t know if I’ve had more special teams coaches text me after we signed him
than any other time. He’s a guy that’s been a marquee player and I see why he’s so good.
The way he prepares, just communicating with him, he’s very smart and detailed. We’re
kind of bringing him in slowly, but he’s in the meeting rooms. He does everything you ask
and comes for extra meetings and all the extra stuff. So, you see why he’s been a talented
player, a force in all phases.”
(On being actively involved in offensive and defensive drills during practice and if it’s
something he is asked to do or by choice) “I think it’s a little both. The new staff came in
and Liam [Head Coach Liam Coen] asked if I’d run the whistle for him, so it’s a little bit of
that. In the past, I’ve helped Rich Angulo with tight ends. Rich was a teammate of mine
back with the Minnesota Vikings, 15-20 years ago. So, a longtime friend of mine. I’ve always
enjoyed it and I can’t sit around the sidelines and just watch practice. I get too much
energy, so I just run around as best I can. So, a lot of it’s just voluntary.”
DEFENSIVE END TRAVON WALKER
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2025
(On how it felt to get back out there on Saturday vs. Pittsburgh) “It felt great. Felt great.”
(On whether he felt that he got enough work in) “I definitely didn’t feel like I got enough in.
We only had, like, seven plays. Kind of got warmed up a little bit, but like I said, it felt good
to be back out there.”
(On how important the preseason is for his preparation) “Me personally, I take the
preseason seriously, just like going into any other game. Obviously, I don’t want to come
into the season slow-stepping, so I’m going to treat it as if it’s a regular-season game
regardless.”
(On what he’s seen from the younger defensive linemen) “A lot of those guys, they come in
and work hard every day. They’re extremely high-energy players, and I feel like just being in
the NFL with high energy is going to take you a long way, especially when it comes to
rushing and stopping the run as well.”
(On how he and the defense have grown in training camp) “Me personally, I still feel like I’m
the same person, but as far as being able to dissect the playbook, all the plays and things
of that nature, I feel like now I’ve got a real good feel on the plays and I’m playing a lot faster
just going out there and playing free. When guys come up to me asking questions about
certain plays, I have an answer for them.”
(On establishing a defensive identity) “It takes us just coming in and being ourselves every
day. Being true to ourselves, as far as we obviously know, it’s a physical sport. We all want
to come out here and be physical, but at the end of the day, either you’re going to win or
you’re going to lose. Nobody wants to lose, so coming in with that mindset, I feel like as far
as what our defensive perspective is, we want to be physical, we want to stop the run.
That’s our main focus first.”
(On K Cam Little’s 70-yard field goal) “Man, that was something special. It would have been
a record in the NFL in the regular season, but obviously, we all knew Cam had it in him. Just
to see it in person, it was great to see.”
(On how he would evaluate the first-team defense’s execution on Saturday) “Speaking on
that first drive specifically, they definitely caught us with some tempo. I feel like that’s
where that came into play at practice today. I feel like we did a great job at practice today
and we watched the film earlier. I feel like now we just have to continuously get on the ball,
be ready and be set. That way, we won’t get caught off guard like that.”
(On how the depth at defensive end can help him) “It really helps us out. That way, there’s
no drop-off. I feel like both of those guys [DL Emmanuel Ogbah and DE Dawuane Smoot]
are great players, great run-stoppers, great pass-rushers, and I feel like they’ll take a lot off
once we do maybe need to come out for a play or two just for us to catch our breath and
then be able to get back in, or we’re all in at the same time.”
(On how Ogbah has been a resource to him) “He’s like an Arik [DT Arik Armstead] as well.
He’s been in the league 10, 11 years; he has a lot of experience playing in a couple of
different defenses. Obviously, he’s played under Camp [Defensive Coordinator Anthony
Campanile] before, so he knows the mindset that Camp is bringing and helps instill it into
me and all the younger guys as well.”
(On Little’s 70-yard field goal) “That was something special to see, man. It’s really once in a
lifetime. You really don’t get to see that much. Hats off to Cam. He’s a great kicker, he’s
doing a great job just keeping his head down and keep going.”
(On if he pays attention to Little in practice) “Most definitely. We don’t see him a lot, but
when we go to field goal, we know he can kick 50-yarders easy. We see that every now and
then. But he’s a great kicker. He works his ass off.”
(On how many more reps he’d like in the preseason) “Me personally, it’s not about the reps I
want to say. I’d just want to say whatever the coach wants us to do, that’s type of player I
am. If the coach wants me out there in this many plays, that’s how many plays I’m going to
be out there. If he doesn’t want me out there playing a game, then so what?”
