JAGUARS INTERIM HEAD COACH DARRELL BEVELL
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2021
(Opening Statement) “Alright, morning everyone! Just wanted to hit a few of these roster moves that we’ve had just to make sure that you have all of the information. So, we’ve put [S] Rayshawn Jenkins as well as [RB] Carlos Hyde on injured reserve. I think you guys saw the report that [TE] Dan Arnold as well as [LB] Dylan Moses were designated for return from IR, so we’re opening up their three-week window, with three weeks remaining in the season. We also signed [RB] Ryquell Armstead, who has been here. I think I met him for 30 seconds the first time I got here. But he’s back with us as a running back on the active roster. And then today, we put [RB] Travis Etienne Jr. on the reserve COVID-19 list. At this time, we don’t think that we have any close contacts, but it’s still early, so we’re still going through the process on all that. I think that’s about it.”
(On Jets QB Zach Wilson’s strengths in performance and challenges in comparison to QB Trevor Lawrence) “Yeah, so I think he’s had some issues with turning the ball over, but [he’s a] very dynamic player in terms of he has those—I think we talked yesterday—but second chance opportunities. He does a great job moving around the pocket and then the big plays come when he’s outside the pocket and throwing the ball down the field. So, [we] really want to do a great job of corralling him and make it tough on him, put him into situations where he has to—compress the pocket and make him do things.”
(On the solidity of the Jets veteran offensive players like RB Michael Carter, RB Tevin Coleman and WR Jamison Crowder) “Yes, it’s great to have veteran players like that with [Jamison] Crowder and [Tevin] Coleman, those two guys stand out right away. They have the new back, [Michael] Carter as well. I had Ty Johnson in Detroit, so I know Ty. Ty’s got really good speed, they kind of use him on third down a little bit. So, yeah, it’s going to be a good test for us.”
(On a timeline for the return of TE Dan Arnold) “It’s potential. Yeah, we’re working on that. We’re opening up the window today, just to see where he’s at. Because there’s only three weeks left in the season anyway. But he’s been doing a great job in rehab, he’s working his tail off, he really wants to get back and help out. He feels like he can help Trevor [Lawrence], so we’re going to open it up and see what he can start doing.”
(On the boost that TE Dan Arnold could provide to the offense) “Yeah, it would be a big boost, it really would. He’s a great talent for us, he’s got a lot of speed. I think it presents a problem to the defense, but we’ll just see how far he can come in the next few days.”
(On how he evaluates the next few games for QB Trevor Lawrence and the boost that a win would provide) “I think it would be a boost for all of us. I mean, all these guys are in here, they’re working hard. I mean, everybody is working toward that common goal – to get a win. We’re trying to limit all the distractions and get focused back onto the football field. So, whether it’s Trevor [Lawrence] or whether it’s anyone else, I think we’re looking forward to getting a win. As far as Trevor goes, we just want him to continue to progress. As we’ve talked many times in here, everything that he’s doing is a new learning experience, so we want him to learn from the last one. We want him to continue to get better and we are hoping to see that in these last three games.”
(On his relationship with QB Trevor Lawrence since delegating play calling responsibilities) “I’ll still make sure that I stay in touch with Trevor [Lawrence]. I think that’s an important relationship to have. I was in the offensive meetings today, I was in the special teams, I was in defense, so I kind of moved around just making sure that [I] touched the whole team.”
(On DE/OLB Josh Allen not starting against the Texans and the plans for him moving forward) “To be honest with you, I’ll have to check on that because from last week I wasn’t all the way up to speed on that, so I don’t know if it was a personnel thing or not, but I’ll get you more answers to that.”
(On how QB Trevor Lawrence has handled all of the distractions this season) “I think Trevor [Lawrence], he’s done an outstanding job. I think he’s really done a good job in terms of it’s been a challenging season, just all the new stuff for him in terms of just playing quarterback, but then he had all this other stuff that’s going on with the team. He’s about as poised as you can find. I think he’s been big in big moments. I think he’s really stood up and done what he’s needed to do. He’s handled it well and I think he’ll only get better because of the things that he’s been through.”
(On QB Trevor Lawrence being in the right offense for his skill set and if he would change the plan for QB Trevor Lawrence if he could go back) “If I could back, I mean I think there’s subtle changes on things that we would do. I think we were doing some things where we’re fighting our identity a little bit. So, as we go forward, we’ll continue to be able to hone on that. I really think where we were last week. I thought we were able to do some good things. I thought you could see him do some things pretty well last week, but yeah, we’ll continue to move forward with that.”
(On being aware of other aspects of the team after giving up play calling responsibilities) “Yeah, for sure. I mean in the middle of the week last week, you’re kind of thrown into the role and I didn’t think it was fair to give [Passing Game Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer] Schotty [that responsibility] in the middle of the week with the preparations that we had been through, just say, ‘Hey, you’re going to take this over this week.’ We kind of tried to handle it as status quo so it really was [Defensive Coordinator] Joe [Cullen] was doing the defense, I was doing the offense. This week, this will enable me to be able to have more information, so [when] you guys ask me a question about their offense, then I’ll be able to answer it and just have a better handle on the team, special teams wise, what mistakes are we making, where can we get better defensive wise as well as knowing the offense.”
(On LB Dylan Moses overcoming injuries to start practicing) “I think it’s pretty cool for him to be able to make it where he has been this week to get this opportunity where we’re going to open up your window and start getting you on the football field because that’s why these guys do it. Dylan has worked his tail off to be able to get everything right and give himself an opportunity to be on the field. We all love this game so much. All the effort and pain that you go through to get back out there, it’s a huge accomplishment for him and I’m sure he’s raring to go.”
JAGUARS QB TREVOR LAWRENCE
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2021
(On Passing Game Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer taking over play calling responsibilities) “Me and [Passing Game Coordinator Brian Schottenheimer] Schotty have a great relationship really ever since I’ve gotten here. We’ve built great rapport and obviously that’s exciting just going forward. There’s a lot of communication in our room. Throughout the season, every week there’s a ton of communication so I know he has a good feel for things that I like, things that I’m good at. I’m really confident in what he brings to the table, and I’m excited for it. I feel like we got a really good start today. But yeah, I just think that’s a cool [thing] is that we sit in meetings all day and we watch tape, and we watch the practice, go over the install, and we just have constant conversation, which is nice, so that’ll be cool.”
(On what he wants from the next head coach) “Honestly, I don’t really want to get into all that right now. Really, I’m just focused on finishing this season strong like I’ve said the last couple of weeks, building some momentum with the guys here, with the people that we have in place and just going and being our best every week. We’ll see where that puts [us] to the end of year. Obviously, it’s a big offseason so there’s a lot of questions to be answered. But right now, I just want to focus on being my best and helping this team be our best.”
(On potentially getting TE Dan Arnold back from injury) “It’d be great. Obviously, he adds an element to this offense. He’s a great player. Guys like him, whenever you can get them back, that’s always huge. [He’s] just a matchup that we’ve always felt was really good for us since he’s gotten here, and he’s been really productive. So, that’ll be good to get him back whenever that is, not exactly sure. Whenever that is, that’ll be really nice. But yeah, it’ll be good.”
(On his experience playing in cold weather) “I haven’t played in the cold too often. I’ve had a couple games. We played in Boston. My freshman year we played Boston College. It was a night game in like late October, I think. That was probably 30 or 35 degrees. That one was pretty cold. [There’s been] a
couple games like the ACC Championship in Charlotte sometimes would be pretty cold in North Carolina. NC State, that was another one. I remember playing there and it was cold. But [I] haven’t had too many. I’ve always played in the South. I’ve been fortunate on weather but it’s the same game. It doesn’t change. You have to have the same mindset and [there’s] just no excuses. You have to go play even if it’s cold or hot. Teams come here in early September, I’m sure that’s not the most fun thing for teams that are from climates that aren’t as hot and humid as it is here. [It] just doesn’t change the game, but it’ll be a nice changeup for us.”
(On playing in the wind versus the rain) “It depends. I’m trying to think if I’ve played in a really windy game. Obviously, the ball flight changes a little bit when it’s windy, so that’s something it can affect. Rain’s not ideal either. Like I said, either way you just have to know what you’re up against. Especially if it’s in the rain, you have to throw a nice catchable ball because it’s hard to catch for those guys. Then in the wind, you have to throw a tight spiral, help cut through the wind.”
(On his confidence and only have one touchdown pass in the last seven game) “I think my confidence is good. Right now, it’s still intact. I’m still going to out there and play my game. Obviously, I’ve been saying it, we need to be more productive, we need to score more points. You mentioned only the one touchdown in seven games, I look at that and I hate seeing that just because that means we’re not scoring a lot of points. It’d be different if we were scoring points still in the run game or whatever it is. If we’re still able to win games, that’s fine. That’s my job is to try to win games. But when you see that and you’re not scoring points, those kind of goes hand in hand. It’s disappointing and it’s something that we’re definitely trying to work on. We need to be more productive. It’s all the things, like have some more explosive plays, we have to connect more, stay on schedule, stay on the field longer, and be better in the red zone. Last week we had a couple opportunities and didn’t finish. They’re all things that we can control to get better at that. We have to do it and that starts with me. But yeah, I mean you’re right. That’s a direct reflection of how many points we’ve scored the last few weeks.”
(On the impact of the pocket closing fast and facing pressure from opposing defensive line) “I mean that’s just the world we live in. If you look around, every game there’s a lot of pressure on the quarterback. D-lines are so good, pass rush is so good in this league. It’s a tall task for those guys upfront to hold up for three, four, five seconds every play. It’s just not realistic so as a quarterback, that’s just something you live with. For me, it’s getting better at standing in there, working the pocket that I do have. There’s been a few times where there might be an area I can move to, but I might step wide or step back and then the edges close. That’s something that we’re all in it together. I have to work the pocket that’s set and then guys have to hold it. I think our o-line’s done a good job this year actually. You look at our sacks, haven’t given up many. There’s definitely areas we can improve on for sure, but that’s just the life we live as quarterbacks in this league. The pass rush is really good, and you have to be able to make throws under duress. That’s always something I can improve on and that I work every day.”
(On looking back at this time last year when the Jaguars clinched the first overall pick and the talk that the Jaguars would select him) “That feels like a long time ago now. I honestly don’t even remember. What’s today? It’s Dec. 22? I guess we [Clemson] were about to play in the what, ACC Championship? I can’t remember which game that was. You kind of feel that stuff. Last year I know there was a lot of talk the whole year about the Jets and Jags and whatever. On Sundays, when I’m watching football, you kind of hear that but I never really paid too much attention to it. I was trying to just win games in college. Then obviously now you fast forward a year [you see] how things worked. It’s been a long year. A lot of stuff’s been packed into this year of my life. I’m grateful to be here, but yeah I don’t even honestly remember what all happened [during] that time.”
(On watching fellow rookie quarterbacks like Jets QB Zach Wilson and Patriots QB Mac Jones) “I wouldn’t say track as much as you always see what guys are doing. I’m always up to date on who’s playing and who’s playing that day and the scores. I always look at all that stuff, so you see it. Then also when you’re watching tape like last week, or I guess it was two weeks ago when we played the Titans. You see [Patriots QB] Mac Jones and the Patriots playing those guys. You watch that tape and you see their offense go. Then even last week, the Houston game, you see Mac and [Jets QB] Zach [Wilson] and all those guys playing against them. So, it’s cool seeing that film during the week too and you get to see the other offenses and what they’re doing and how it looks. That’s always something that I enjoy.”
JAGUARS DEFENSIVE END/OUTSIDE LINEBACKER JOSH ALLEN
MEDIA AVAILABILITY
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2021
(On what goes through his mind when playing against a rookie quarterback like Jets QB Zach Wilson) “Disguises, a lot of teams that played him recently did great on disguising what they’re doing on the back end and that allowed the rush to get home a lot. Just have to continue that track and continue to get after the passer and confuse him.”
(On how impressed he has been with QB Trevor Lawrence’s leadership and how he handled everything) “Real well man. When we are in the locker room man, I just talk to him and just be like I really appreciate you for just the type of person that you are, not just focusing on yourself but focusing on the team and what’s best for the team and getting that out there and being vocal about it and not being afraid. Definitely thank him and I am definitely really appreciative to have a guy like that in the locker room and also to be so young and take control and take lead is great to see. I know Trevor has a bright future and he is going to have a bright future in Jacksonville and I can see that coming.”
(On it being hard to not want to look forward to the future) “We got a three-game season and we got the Jets this week. That’s all you hear, so I am not going to sit up here and lie and tell you that I don’t here it or I don’t think about it but for me and what’s best for me and best for this team is to really focus on this week and then focus on next week and then focus on finishing the season strong and finishing the season healthy. Pray that everything works out and everything falls because we need something great here. We have the players and we just need a great environment and I feel like we’re going to get there one day, but for right now we have to focus on this week and finish strong.”
(On the reason for not starting against the Texans this past Sunday) “My injury, I didn’t get to really practice last week.”
(On enhanced covid protocols) “You’re asking the wrong person. For me, it’s every day for me.”
(On playing against former teammates on the Jets such as Keelan Cole and what overall the Jets offense brings) “First and foremost, I am definitely excited to play against this team for multiple reasons. Going back home up north is one reason. I get to play against some of my old teammates, me and Keelan got real close, Quincy [Williams] and I got close, Brandin Echols, who went to Kentucky plays for the Jets. It’s going to be exciting in all phases and I’m going to have a great time and be talking to crap and we’re going to be locked in. They do a good job running the ball. They’re real physical up front and a big group up front and they do a good job of moving guys out the way, so we have to be stout in the run and stop the run. We have to earn the right to rush the passer. We know that and we know what they are capable of and I know their starting running back is out, the rookie. They have another [running back], Tevin Coleman is coming right back in who is toting the ball real well. We’re are excited about this matchup. They run the ball pretty well and they have a good offensive line and we’re looking forward to a good battle up front and a physical game in the cold.”
(On how it has been having a “normal” week) “It’s great to just be focused on one thing. Outside noises are really gone for right now. Last week was the start of it and more of a surreal moment and now we know what we need to do. We don’t need to focus on nothing else, we don’t need to focus on this and that. We just need to focus on the Jets, focus on the person in front of you and focus on yourself. We have that focus and today was a good practice. We’re going to watch film and get better and come back tomorrow and do the same thing and practice well enough so we can come back Sunday and play a great physical game on both sides of the ball.”
(On being proud of himself for not missing a game) “[Even]If I was vaccinated, I will [still] always take care of myself. I have a young family at home, so I try to not only protect myself but protect them as well. [We have a] Newborn at the house and we had a scary situation at my house so definitely put me on extra precaution. For me, I come to work and wear my mask and made the decision for myself and my family so now I have to stick with it. Thankfully, didn’t have to miss a game due to that and just continue to stay safe and continue to do my job and do my part. A lot of my teammates also know so they are all aware what’s good to do and what’s not good to do so thankful for those guys.”
